Sole and Dan

She stepped out of the limo and literally took my breath away. Surrounded by her warm and loving bridesmaids, she just glowed. Her beautiful mom walking towards us, with tears of love gleaming in her eyes. Sole still seemingly unsure of herself and insisting she wasn't photogenic. Me... beyond thrilled to be a part of the magic.

When you've known a family for as long as I've known this one... you completely "get" it. You know to not pay too much attention to little Juvio at first, because he gets overwhelmed and a bit shy. You know that all it takes for Sole to loosen up and be more comfortable in front of the camera is to tell her to shake those little Chilean hips. You know that it will be incredibly important to the amazing Auntie (Tia) Sole to have images with her beautiful nieces and nephews. You know that it will be your main job to ensure that her father doesn't hijack the photo session. It was all incredible. I had many silent tears drip down my cheeks seeing Sole so happy, seeing Dan full of anticipation. Seeing them both in love, so young, so vibrant, so full of life... getting married, in front of Hatley Castle. It's the sort of thing, dreams are made of.

May your lives be full of joy, adventure and endless blessings. So much love to you both. ox

Jacquie and Pat

Jacquies father spoke about having moments in his life "flashes" that he would always remember. Rocking his baby girl, sun streaming in at a 45 degree angle, walking her down the isle, blue skies set above the people who love them dearly. I believe that those moments are treasures. This wedding was full of treasures. Not only the perfect Jimmy Choo sparkly shoes, or the Tiffany's necklaces, but treasures that have true and profound value. Their August 6 wedding was incredibly meant to be. Everything was beautiful, memorable and infused with love.

They waited 12 years to get married, and they arrived at their wedding full of stories, full of life and swimming with love. There is so much you could say about Jacquie and Pat, but I feel the looks on the faces of those they love and cherish most... say it best. They are loved.

Jacquie is described as being an amazing healer, working as a nurse with children who need her. Pat can make even the most stern face... burst into laughter. I think everyone who was a part of their wedding, and is a part of their lives, know how valuable and emotional their wedding memories are, and will be forever. A true testament to living life presently, in each moment and savoring every delicate, fleeting instant as it happens. When you live with intention and love, your moments will all be treasures.

May you both be surrounded by life's blessings always, and may the universe wrap it's expansive and warm arms around you always, but especially right now. I am forever humbled and honored to have been a part of something so beautiful. In loving memory of June Hole. In Jacquie's words... "She was an incredible woman. She would do anything and give anything to anyone. Her spirit is unmatched. " Savor each fleeting moment.

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!