Sarah and Blake

There is so much to say about Sarah and Blake. I fell in love with her instantly. So caring and sweet and just oozed warmth. When we met, I saw how amazing her and Blake were together. Just so natural together, and so much fun. A few things were clear to me immediately. These families knew the real value of life, and are experiencing some really challenging circumstances, but were determined to make their event special for everyone involved. Knowing the sensitivity of their situation, I don't think I've ever cried harder during a father daughter dance. Completely unprofessional tears, huge ones, rolling down my cheeks. Just knowing how much all of these images mean to this beautiful family makes me so grateful for a profession that allows me to creatively and passionately capture moments that can never be replaced. I am so humbly grateful to have been invited into your beautiful wedding at Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay, BC.

On the morning of their wedding, there was sunshine clear skies and a half an hour before the ceremony it started to rain. Many couples would have freaked out, had fits... been upset. Sarah and Blake may have been a little disappointed to not have the ceremony outside, but you'd never know. I am a west coast girl. Have photographed likely over half of my fabulous wedding couples in the POURING rain (I will do a post eventually with my rainy day favorites just to prove it) Of course it is easier to photograph in the sunshine, or clear skies... but a little rain (or a lot) guarantees you get some unique moments! I'm not afraid to shoot in the rain. Rain is beautiful, reserved for the most intimate and lovely moments. Promise.

Sarah and Blake you guys rocked it. xoxo

A peaceful heart.

Dear Maisie, I hope you always know that it's all about the split seconds. It's not about the years from now, it's not the days from now. Even when it seems like you are moving towards something, you're not. You're in a moment. There is always stillness. Always. You may have to seek it out, you may have to change your view, but it's always there. There is always grace. There is always softness. Quiet. Peace. Even amidst chaos I hope you always know peace. A peaceful heart. Nothing is more beautiful. I hope you reach the point in your life when you can look back on your days before, the moments before, and know that they've all lead you to this very moment... and that they were all, in fact... perfect. Even when they didn't appear to be. I love you sweet girl. Your little face breaks my heart. You are... spectacular. oxoxxo love mom.

Hiatus

Holy. Wow. It's been a packed few weeks. I'm literally all over the island. Shooting my heart out. I'll share more when I can.... but for now... here is a re-cap of a few beautiful moments I've been a part of in the past 4 weeks. Crazy. Awesome. And a few amazing weddings..... Sarah and Blake at Crown Isle in Courtenay... and Shannon and Ryan in Nootka Sound....

My story. A film.

I've been behind cameras since forever. I've loved creating images since forever. I'd been wanting to create a video about my business for a long time. But, what do I say, who am I really, how do I share that, will I show that I wear socks with flip flops, what would people think. Obsessing about it.... for months, in fact a year. Finally, I took a deep breath and just went for it. I needed the right person to create it for me... I met with Paul Christopher Films and had a great meeting about what I wanted my video to be like, I got excited. Then I gave him the deposit, and he left and I thought.... OMG. Now I HAVE TO BE ON A VIDEO. What have I done! Then I had a series of small heart attacks. After planning and co-ordinating, and filming and creating... it was over, and I waited for the editing. (Being a "client" is not something I'm very good at I'm afraid.) It's done. It's here. I'm so excited, but also completely terrified. So... with nerves of steel pudding, I bring a little bit of me... to you. I really hope you like it.... or... me. xoxo

Thank you to Paul for all of your creativity and direction and for allowing me to be me. Thank you to Linsey, Chase, Graysen and Sofia for graciously allowing me to show off your beautiful family in this video. You are amazing. THANK YOU. Thank you to my family and friends who all screened it like protective parents, making sure it really was "me" and... for all of your beautiful feedback. I'm just better because of you all. Love you guys. (Above is the video created. The song is Amy Seeley's Surprisingly So, courtesy of With Etiquette a great resource for using music in your work) (Below are the images created during this video with Linsey and family.)

The Wright Family.

Family. Get together. Be together. Celebrate.

I really didn't understand why my dad would get a weird dreamy satisfied look on his face when we would all be sitting around the dinner table together. He would end up taking a deep breath and saying how nice it is to have all his kids together again. We would all kinda roll our eyes, and "ok dad" him. I really understand now. Things just don't feel right until Maisie, Frank, Bryce and I are all together in the same house. It feels best to have all your love in one spot. I always come back to this, but her words just echo in me all the time "I am sure you will catch that in the eyes of all the parents you photograph. We all wish for a little more time."

Put aside weirdness, clear your schedule and hold onto your loved ones. It's a beautiful thing to celebrate life.

Love this family, love their love, and I love that I was able to spend a bit of time with them, when they were all finally able to be all together. Family. Get together.