Christina and Allan's Wedding

For a September wedding, I don't think Christina and Allan could have had better weather.  It was hot, beautiful and there wasn’t a cloud in sight!

We started off the day a little "unconventionally" by shooting some fun bridal party photos at Westminster Pier Park.  This was the first time the bride and groom saw each other in all of their stunning glory.  
They both looked incredible.

This group of guys and gals were full of energy and they were so much fun to work with.  We were able to capture some stunning shots and had a ton of laughs while in the process.  After having some fun in the sun, we decided to escape the heat by cooling off at a local lounge, drink.  Here, we had a chance freshen up and the group shared some cocktails and nachos.

As much fun as we were having at the lounge, it was time to make our way to Glenbrook Park & Amenities for the ceremony and reception.  This beautiful "Vintage" style wedding had so many cute and personal touches of both Christina and Allan.
The ceremony was filled with both tears and laugher.  Both the Bride and Groom recited their own vows which were witty, funny and heartfelt.  After an exchange of rings and a kiss, Christina & Allan now shared the same last name!
 
Following the ceremony was the reception.  
There were some absolutely hilarious speeches that had the crowd in an uproar.  A perfect belly warm-up before dinner was served.  
This was my kind of wedding... a southern style BBQ complete with pulled pork, Cajun chicken, cornbread, corn on the cob, coleslaw and much more.  Absolutely delicious!  Once dinner finished, we had a chance to digest over a few more speeches and then the "Pie Table" was set.  This was something I had never seen before and I thought it was a fantastic idea!  A variety of beautifully crafted, locally made pies, covered the table.  Accompanied with real vanilla and strawberry ice cream of course!
 
With full bellies and smiling faces it was time for some music.  Christina's sister Lisa, got the night started by preforming a beautiful rendition of "a thousand years" (by Christina Perri).  A hard act to follow but the dj's pumped up the tunes as the couple had their first dance.  They were then joined by the majority of the room and continued to dance the night away.
 
I had an incredible time laughing and capturing the Muir wedding.  
I wish both Christina and Allan a happy and beautiful life together.
 
Here is to "a thousand years" together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtOvBOTyX00
 
Below are my favorite photos from the Muir's beautiful wedding...

click on any photo to view entire album

Beauty Mark

I recently had a photoshoot with the incredibly charming and suave Mark Ratzlaff.  He is a talented writer, editor, film maker, producer and the owner of Miles Mook Productions. 

We thought of stepping "outside of the box" when we collaborated ideas for this artistic photoshoot.
The two of us put our heads together and came up with some fun ideas, which we then brought to life on camera.  It was a great project to share some creativity and have fun.  I enjoyed working with Mark, exploring a different side of photography and the imagination. 

We ended our shoot at Finn Slough which is a historical location in Richmond, B.C.  This hidden shanty town has amazing character and is an incredible place to take in the sunset.  The view here is just like one out of a fairytale.

If you have never had the pleasure of seeing Finn Slough, then I suggest you put it on your bucket list.  Just be forewarned...those boards that go across the bridge are very old and some aren't even nailed down.  I found this out while just about going ass over tea-kettle trying to snag a shot.  Needless to say, I was much more careful about where I placed my footing after that.

Check out two of the films Mark is a part of and join the Facebook pages below:
http://www.facebook.com/beautymarkthefilm (director/co-writer)
http://www.facebook.com/bloodrelativefilm (cinematographer/editor/co-producer)

This is the song that I chose for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TTPGAy5H_E&feature=relmfu

Here are my favorite shots from our photo-shooting adventure...

click on any photo to view entire album

Chris & Gemma's Wedding

Firstly let me start off by saying, wow!

I had an incredible time in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island.  It was absolutely blissful.  If I ever get married, this is the kind of wedding that I would want...

I was thrilled when Gemma asked me to be the photographer for her get-away wedding.

Overlooking a kiwi orchard and incredible landscape, Kiwi Cove Lodge is a perfect place to wander around with a glass of wine in hand and take it all in.  The acres of lush green land are filled with apple trees, kiwi orchards and even a community garden.  It was easy to fall in love with this place. 

I arrived on a sunny Saturday morning at the lodge.  I was able to have a bit of down time after being up bright and early to catch the ferry over.  While taking in the overwhelming beauty of the scenery, I scouted a few choice locations that would be perfect for some wedding photos. 

After a short while, I realized that it was time to start getting ready for the ceremony.

The ceremony was flawless. 

Gemma looked stunning in her simple, yet sexy wedding dress, while Chris mirrored Prince Charming in is jacket-less suit.  Sun beams poured through the orchard creating a misty hue.  After the "I do's"  we rushed into the lush to create some wedding party, photo magic.

That evening at the reception, there was an uproar of laughs from incredible speeches, amazing dance moves (some of which were my own) and conversations around the campfire. 

I loved how small and intimate this wedding was.  It gave everyone the opportunity to meet one another and even make some new friends.

I had an incredible time at the Evan's wedding.  I met some wonderful people, made some new friends, all while taking in an incredible setting. 

I wish both Gemma & Chris a very happy and healthy life together!

Here is a song that I hand picked to accompany this picturesque shoot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvD7a2fRV7A&feature=relmfu

Please enjoy my favorite photos from our shoot...

click on any photo to view entire album