Happy to share a few of my winning images from the Professional Wedding Photographers of Canada Summer 2015 Contest. Honoured to have my images chosen among the many submissions from incredible photographers all over Canada. Have a look here to see other exiting Canadian photographers (and some talented fellow Vancouver Island Photographers as well)
Chesterman Beach Dreams
Something small, something sweet, intimate. 9 years together and they chose June 22 2015 to be the day that they got married. 16 of their people. One of the most beautiful beaches on Vancouver Island. Not much more necessary. A recipe for a relaxed, memorable day along Tofino's magical Chesterman beach. A peek at Emma and Ians Monday wedding.
Rebekah and Tim: A Quadra Island wedding
A Quadra Island wedding in March on one of the most magical pieces of property? What is not to love? A groom who takes his bride on a quick tour in a helicopter after their emotional and heart felt vows? Dreamy.
Venue: Camp Homewood Quadra Island.
Maui Family-Moon
Our chosen honey moon was a "family-moon" in Maui, with grandparents.
If you've travelled at all with kids, you know it's very possible that you will be "those parents" on the plane with the wild kids. Maisie was a dream, Elliot... Elliot turned us into "those people" on a few occasions. He was WILD. (in his defence also only 1.5 years old and fully supposed to be nuts) The most wild. Hilarious, wild, running, yelling, WILD baby. I'm pretty sure the title of this post could very well be "Chasing Elliot" because that is all any of us really did... however, it was awesome. Maisie was in her swimming pool loving glory, convincing someone to always go to the pool with her. We had mini adventures and even a couple nights with just Bryce and I. All in all pretty freaking great. Without my parents, impossible! (or possible but FAR less enjoyable) Thank you mom and dad for joining us on our family-moon!!! The thing about Maui that I'm addicted to is the sunsets. The sunsets alone are worth everything to me. That light, is just something so magical. To walk out after dinner, into a serious warm and magical paradise? What is not to love??? To feel that warm breeze, be swallowed up in those orangey, reddy, purplish, golden sunsets.... I'm in. All day long. My dear friend Lucy used to always say "lets sit somewhere with good food, company... fresh air and a fabulous view" and, our family vacation in Maui was all of those things. Sweet memories with our kids and my parents. Doesn't get much better. Lucky. xo
Elliot is 2.
Oh Elliot. I don't know where to start, but today I just can't stop my heart from welling up with emotion. Tears fill my eyes every time I even start to think about where we were 2 years ago. It is Valentines day, you weren't here yet... but you were coming... soon. I was anxious to meet you, yet somehow calm about it all. Your birth was much like you are now. Kind of laid back, insanely intense at the same time. You and I were a team. You were a bit lazy, a bit fierce, a bit chill, a bit wild. You still are. You are the youngest "old" man I know. You kick back, feet up. Chuckle like a 70 year old man who knows the secrets of the universe. You laugh at old hockey cards, as if you know that mullets from the 80's actually are hilarious. You are cool. A bit shy. You are a bit obsessive, about hockey... trains. You know your ABC's, will sit for ages with a giant pile of books and are the best snuggler around. You love your sister and other kids. You have a curious little spirit, but also a laid back energy about you that make people want to know what you're up to. You are strong, cautious, loving and fiercely determined. You are particular with putting things back in their place, after you play hockey for hours will stack your sticks up nicely on top of the nets and put the balls and pucks back in their place. You've got things figured out.
Last week was not our finest around here. You had the bad tummy bug (it was pretty unkind) but I kept thinking that even in changing more diapers and situations than I knew possible... that I was so lucky. Lucky to be able to wash you in warm clean water. Care for you while you weren't well. I had amazing grandparents whisking your sister away to help me focus on you getting better (ok and keep her away from the bad bug) and you have the best dad who was keeping it all together with his calm and loving ways and presence. I felt lucky to have a warm, safe house with running water. I can't imagine what it must be like for mothers with sick babies.... and nowhere safe and clean for them to care for them. I am blessed. In our darkest moments, I feel the light. I know there is always something to be grateful for. Always. I am thankful you are feeling better, that in itself is a gift. You are such a beautiful soul Elliot Patrick, and I'm forever changed and grateful that you chose me to carry you in my belly, grow you.... and bring you into this world. You chose us and we're so glad you're here. 2 years goes by in the blink of an eye. You are precious.
Happy Birthday my sweet, tough, wild boy.
You have my heart. ox Love your mom.
(photos... first a flashback to growing you... then, you now. xo)
