Karla and Doug

She works in the logging industry as a log scaler, and said she'd never marry a faller. Doug works in the logging industry as a faller. They say you should never say never.

She looked impossibly stunning when I arrived and not to mention calm. Her bridesmaids buzzing around the house, her dad looking on lovingly. Doug was smiling and ready, surrounded by his handsome fellas and gorgeous flower girls. It was a beautiful day in Campbell River and they were ready to finally "tie the knot".

They had a vision of big trees for her wedding images. So, where else should we venture, but Elk Falls just moments outside of Campbell River. Although I've shot there many times before, I'd never shot a wedding there. I LOVE that it was so well suited for Karla and Doug, and I love the results. Wishing you both, nothing but love.

The flowers were all by the infamous "Amy" at the Willows Market in Campbell River. She's the best! The decor rentals were by The All in One Party Shop. And decorating services by Krylea Creative Solutions.

Haida Gwaii.

I took a vacation in the midst of my busiest season, and that... has made all the difference. It wouldn't have been possible without the fierce grandmotherly dedication of my amazing mom and sister, who moved into our home and watched our girl for an entire week. I have no words for my gratitude. Thank you. We also did this trip with two of our favorite people, ever. A truly indefinable time.

Fresh air. New sights. Familiar, but different landscapes. Lush green forests. Ravens instead of crows. Eagles instead of Seagulls. Smiles instead of frowns. They call it Haida Gwaii, or otherwise known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. It's a place full of wonder.

It's not uncommon to have 10pm tenderloin on the barbeque on the deck of your amazing cabin overlooking the sea. It's also easy to enjoy fresh halibut, salmon or crab... all caught in the same day. You might be barefoot one minute... and in gumboots in a downpour moments later. It's likely you will encounter the same faces around the island, or go for miles without even seeing one face. Your taxi driver, may also work in the art gallery, be a fishing guide or run the B&B down the road. You may stay in the same B&B as the photographer opening an art exhibit at the amazing Haida Gwaii Heritage Center. You'll bump into Barb in Masset and then be in her basement marveling at her beautiful pottery. She'll tease you with her mermaid mugs that are no longer available. You may be fortunate enough to enjoy fresh warm cinnamon buns in the middle of the Naikoon Park with no electricity for miles around. You may even get a chance to visit amazing natural hotsprings in the protected Gwaii Haanas National Park. Your blood pressure may drop immediately.

You may fall in love with Haida Gwaii. You may, be on the plane leaving... planning your next trip back. Something tells me, I'm not the all inclusive type.

Where were our favorite stays???

* in Masset (or about 2 minutes outside of Masset) Alaska View Lodge Beautiful views, private cabins and incredibly friendly and accommodating staff! Cynthia and Sarah are the best! Thank you girls for an incredible stay and a memorable vacation!!! * in Queen Charlotte City Echo Bay Lodge. Terry was the best and he made (and shared) amazing champagne!!! There were other places we stayed as well, but none of them I would be dying to tell you about. The above two however, were GREAT!

Laurie and Kiel

Wedding couple on the dock at Dolphins Resort, Campbell RiverThere are not many venues I LOVE quite as much as Dolphins Resort, in Campbell River. I just really love it there. Love the people. The setting, the atmosphere, ambiance and most importantly the energy of the resort. It's quiet, but fun. Serene, but exciting. Like I said, my favorite. So, any chance I have to create wedding images there... I am thrilled.

Laurie said "Dolphins" and I said "Absolutely". She was doing ok, composed and calm... but also pacing a bit. Nervously looking at the clock, but still breathing and looking impossibly beautiful. She was doing ok, until her mom came in with glistening tears in her eyes. Then no one was doing ok, including me. So touching, so quiet, so peaceful and so sweet. Kiel was quirky from the moment I saw him, and I knew our time together would be full of fun, laughter and "did I just say that" moments.

It poured rain during the ceremony so it was indoors. No problem. Rain doesn't scare me, so we set out for the beach under umbrellas. No problem. The rain stopped the moment we set foot on the beach and held off for us until I released the shutter for Laurie and Kiels last image together on the dock at Dolphins. I'm not going to go on about luck, but.... that was lucky.

May you both share a beautiful and blessed life together. I'm grateful to be a part of your story. xo No more words... only images.

Cara and Murray

She oozes sweetness. He is caring and kind. They gently moved with their day and soaked in all of their moments. Together. They met 9 years ago to the day. They were married at one of my favorite venues. Anna's Vancouver Island Beach House. The sun was shining, the sea was calm. The beach house buzzing with anticipation of a beautiful wedding. Everyone involved, emotional, happy, excited and exactly as they should be on the wedding day of two people they cherish.

Cara and Murray invited me into their moments and shared such genuine moments with me. My favorite part of their wedding? Photographing Cara and Murray getting ready, and hearing Cara's brother signing so beautifully in the sunshine, with the cool breeze carrying his voice through open windows and hearts...

"It's a little bit funny this feeling inside I'm not one of those who can easily hide I don't have much money but boy if I did I'd buy a big house where we both could live

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show I know it's not much but it's the best I can do My gift is my song and this one's for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song It may be quite simple but now that it's done I hope you don't mind I hope you don't mind that I put down in words How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song It's for people like you that keep it turned on

So excuse me forgetting but these things I do You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue Anyway the thing is what I really mean Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen." -Elton John

A memory that I will cherish always. Thank you all for being so warm and wonderful and for sharing so much of you, with me. (as a side note... the morning before photographing Cara and Murray's beautiful wedding I came across THIS and therefore couldn't help but smile when the song was being lovingly sung for Cara and Murray. Life.Is.Beautiful.)