Baby 'R'

I love our weather forecasts. This session in breathtaking Parksville, called for 90% chance of rain. I would have likely re-scheduled if they lived on the island. But they don't. Kristina and I were determined to make it happen, and our mutually amazing friend Shannon told me she knew it would be perfect weather.

We'd never met, but I felt as though we'd been friends for a long time. From the moment I saw her, I knew we were kindred spirits. Shannon told me, "You'll love her, I already know. I can't wait to see what you create together". I might have stayed there on the beautiful Parksville beach chatting away to my new/old friend for hours, had my new little 'buddy' not wanted ice cream so bad! But alas, our time together was short and sweet and the images that we created are full of peace, power and beauty. I love them. Just love everything about them. May our paths cross again.

Wishing your beautiful family all of the very best with the upcoming addition of baby "R".

Olivia is one.

A first birthday is special. I'm not sure exactly what it is that makes it so special. Maybe it's that it is the first, or that it will never happen again. Or that you had no idea what to expect, but all of your expectations were exceeded and then some. Maybe it's a celebration of the most pure year of a life. Whatever it is...

Celebrating the first birthday of your first baby is one of the sweetest moments in life.

Sarah and Chris asked me to be a part of Olivia's first birthday by documenting her first cake, on her first birthday outside in beautiful Campbell River. They left the location up to me, and I immediately had a vision of an old quirky tree. I spent a few hours with my girl Maisie scouting out the perfect location for such a sweet session. I saw it, and immediately knew we would make beautiful memories there. I was so honored to be chosen to be part of such special, sweet moments in their lives. Happy First Birthday Olivia. May your life be filled with sweetness, always.

The Gordon family {aka Gordashians}

I've always been an admirer of beauty. Of great beauty. Of beautiful things. But, most importantly beautiful hearts. You may see these photos and think. "Ugh... look at them. They are all perfect. Beautiful. I hate beautiful people. They are probably mean to waitresses." You'd be totally wrong. They are wonderful. Gentle. Lovely. You'd want to be friends with them instantly. I first met Dorian and Corey 3 years ago, while photographing their beautiful Tofino wedding. I've loved getting to know them over the years, and am always honored to be chosen to document and capture more amazing moments in their lives. Thank you for choosing me, for trusting me with your family images, your moments and your lives. I am so honored. Always. Wishing you all of the joys this life can offer. We headed to the studio to capture a bit of little Arianna's sweet face, and baby blues.

In between

It's in between the big moments, that all of the sweetness surfaces.

It's the things that aren't necessarily big things that I find the most heart melting, soul dancing beauty. It's tonight, her in her jammies, wet hair from her warm bath. Sitting on my lap. Us rocking back and forth. Her humming along to me singing the "Baby Beluga" book we read every night. It's me staring into her eyes, her looking up at me. Trusting me. Searching me. In that moment, I have a flash of one year before. Being home for the first night. Without nurses, doctors, machines. Without backup. Yes... Bryce is back up. But, he has to work in the morning, and it's all me. You think you'll be a pro instantly... maybe.

You think, how hard can it be? She's a baby. I'm an adult, a super auntie, I'm great with babies... Newborns and newly born first time mommies... it's different. You fumble. You are scrambling. You try and appear composed. You are not. You have absolutely NO idea what you are doing. What you are supposed to be doing, and you have no idea why no one told you that you wouldn't have any idea what to do. Does the baby (the brand new baby) sleep in the bed? In the bassinet? In the crib? Does she sleep in jammies? In a blanket? Swaddled? Not swaddled? Should I wake her after 3 hours to eat, or let that sleeping baby sleep. They tell you to feed them every three hours. Will she starve? Is that noise she made normal. Is she fine. Am I fine. Is she gassy, is she hungry, shouldn't she be sleeping. Maybe I'll change her, she's probably too hot.. too cold. Maybe she's hungry again, did I hurt her, is she ok. What time is it? Where am I? Is this baby crying again? Where are the nurses. Why is no one helping me. Who is this baby? Who am I? I'm tired? Shouldn't everyone be asleep? Am I asleep, is she? How long has this been going on? Then, it's morning. We're both in the bed. Bryce long gone to work. This perfect faced baby finally asleep beside me. After the longest night of my life. I am so tired. I've been awake for days. But all I can do is stare at her beautiful face. Tracing over each delicate line on every little neck roll. (Okay, delicate isn't the right word) I'm just staring at her. Drinking in her sweet baby smell. I can barely imagine life without her, yet she's only been in the world for 4 days. Our first morning in our bed. Soaking in the morning sunlight. I'm so tired I should be sleeping, but all I can do is marvel at her miraculous face.

One year later, reading her book to her, and feeling the weight of her 27 pound body against mine. I soak up her smell, our sweetness. Her room. The smell of her breath, the sound of her humming along.

In between the big moments, are all the most glorious moments along the way. I'm doing my best to breathe deep and absorb. She is my first baby. The only first baby I will ever know, ever have. I'm so in love with all of our firsts.

One year later. Our daily everythings are different than that first night at home. I've learned so much, and nothing at all. I know one thing for sure, in between all of the minutes of the day are still, sweet moments just waiting to be savored.

Special thanks to my amazing sister Kaylee, for turning the camera on my girl and I. I cherish these images. (ps. Don't you think she should be working with me!!! She's an absolute natural.)

Selena and Trevor

Every year when the cherry blossoms start appearing around town, I'm sure that my heart will explode. I've had my eye on two lonely trees in a local park for a few weeks now, waiting for a sign of blossoming.

Thursday night I emailed Selena to see if she was up for cherry blossoms and to let me run wild with a few ideas, for our session Friday morning. I love when everything just melts together seamlessly. Our session, the light, the beautiful spring morning and the colors. I bring to you beautiful Selena and her handsome fella Trevor. Trevor was fabulous and I have to admit... one of my favorite images was a result of Trevor giving me some artistic direction during the shoot. We made fun of him at the time... but, I dare say... he was right!

I am ecstatic for your wedding in September!