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Tuesday 31 December 2013

Nicole & Nick's Wonderful Wedding

I have been to a LOT of weddings, due to my line of work.  Each one has been beautiful and special in its own way.  Though, it's not often that I find myself getting "misty eye'd" behind the lens.  The incredibly emotional ceremony and nature of this couple had everyone reaching for a Kleenex.  Their personal vows were incredibly heart felt and passionate.  You could easily see how much these two truly love each other.  I have known Nicole for quite a few years and it was very heartwarming to watch her marry the man of her dreams.  I have also had the pleasure of getting to know Nick and he too, is a beautiful soul.  I couldn't be more happy for them both.

Here are a few of my favourite photos from their special day and a song that I have chosen to go along with this post...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRAF9DxT1Os

Enjoy!

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Wednesday 4 December 2013

The Aarts Family

You can tell a true Vancouverite by their disregard for the rain.  Living here we become so used to the drizzly days that we don't let it impact our everyday routine.

It was no different for my photoshoot with the Aarts family this weekend.  Regardless of the rain, we set out for our photo adventure.  Their little boy Emry was full of energy and exploration and was the one to set the tone for our shoot.  We ran around, got a little wet and dirty, but none the less had a great time.  I really enjoyed capturing the dynamic of the Aarts family!

Here's a song for rainy days when you'd like to be on a plane heading somewhere sunny and warm...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTvbcNhEgc

Enjoy!

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Monday 25 November 2013

Family Fun

My sister came to visit me for the weekend and the two of us decided to have a little photo shoot fun!

Unfortunately we were unable to complete the shoot that we had initially set out to do, due to the lack of day light and weather.  However, that's something we will just have to save for the springtime! Here are a few of the fun shots we did just playing around.  We also ended up dragging her boyfriend into the mix as well and finally their dog Cici.

It was so great having them hang out for the weekend.  nothing better than family love!!

Here's a great song to be the ice cream to your photo pie... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfihYWRWRTQ

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Wednesday 30 October 2013

Changing Colours

With the seasons changing colours to shades of orange, yellow, red and brown, it reminds me that another year is coming to a close.

I was doing some reflecting while I was going through these photos of my amazing niece and nephew.  They have grown up so fast over the years and even seeing how much they change in just one year is unreal.  It makes me wish that life had a pause button at times.  However, days keep coming and seasons keep changing.  This is why sometimes you just have to stop what you're doing and make time to play!  

This is how I spent my afternoon...


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Monday 28 October 2013

James & Michelle's Victorian Wedding

It was a very foggy weekend in Victoria where I captured the beautiful wedding of James and Michelle.

I couldn't have been more excited to shoot a wedding at one of my most favourite places, in all of BC.  The incredible and charming Fairmont Empress Hotel located in Victoria, BC has such stunning architecture and classic Victorian Decor.  The Library was reserved for a small wedding party of twelve.  It was the perfect setting for an intimate wedding.

Michelle and James looked fabulous.  We had a wonderful time using the fog and parliament buildings to create a spectacular backdrop for our photo shoot.  The eery yet magical mist, gave a fairytale effect to complement Michelle's reflection of a princess and James' of a prince.

I had a great time shooting this gorgeous wedding and want to wish both James and Michelle a wonderful life together.

Decor by: Sweet Beginnings


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Saturday 12 October 2013

Hiking the Joffre Lakes

Wow!  I don't think that there is any other word that I could use to start off this post other than, "wow"!

For years I have always wanted to hike to see the Joffre lakes, but for some reason I have never committed myself to doing it.  That was the case until yesterday...

My friend Kim and I decided to make our way up to Pemberton the week prior.  We wanted to be able to do the hike before the winter weather fully set it.  I was nervous and was feeling a bit under the weather when I got up in the morning.  However, without hesitation, I went and met up with Kim and we started on our drive.  About two hours later we arrived at the base of Joffre.  We packed up all of our gear and headed towards the first lake.  It was beautiful!  Simply stunning.  The lush yellow reeds popping out from the crystal blue water...  Gorgeous!  Then it was on to the second lake.  The hike between the first and second lake was pretty intense.  I was worried that for the next 2-3 hours I wouldn't be able to make it if it continued at such a challenging incline.  Nonetheless, we made it! Over rocks, boulders, waterfalls, streams, mud, trees and stumps we finally came to the second lake.  It was even more beautiful than the first!  Not only was it beautiful but it also held an amazing little surprise!  We whistled and as we turned, little Whiskey Jacks flew from the trees and onto our hands.  We laid out pieces of bread for them and shortly after two birds turned had turned into twenty!  They came from all different angles and proceeded to feast from our hands and heads.  It was quite an experience.  One for the books.  Once we arrived at the second lake we started to cool down quite quickly.  After having some fun with the birds we decided to carry on towards the third and final lake.  Now, the first two lakes were incredible, though I must say that my eyes filled with tears when I saw the third and final lake.  It was one of the most stunning views that I had ever laid my eyes on.  Being so blessed to live in such a beautiful country and even more so, an incredible province, the view took my breath away.  The calm lake was the colour of a jewel that has yet to be seen.  The mountains surrounding the lake made up some type of amphitheater for the waterfalls.  Then at the very top to the right I could finally see in clear view the glacier.  It was spectacular.  I felt like I was watching a National Geographic documentary, though it was through my own eyes.  We finally sat down to enjoy our sandwiches and celebrate our victory hike with a delicious oatmeal stout.  Well deserved if I do say so myself.  As much as I would have loved to have stayed and enjoyed the scenery for longer, it was very cold.  We had to keep moving.  So, we started our descent back to the bottom.  Though it was steep in some areas and we really had to watch our footing, it was much faster going down than it was going up.

All in all we had an incredible hike and saw so much beauty.  But, boy were we happy to be back in the car with the heat blasting!  An amazing experience!  If you live in BC you must do this hike.  I know that I'll be back again.

This is the best track for this blog post:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXDZA9y1flg

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Monday 7 October 2013

Jenn & Derek's Engagement

I had a wonderful time yesterday afternoon capturing the love and humour that both Jenn and Derek brought to our shoot.

We strolled through a beautiful, lush path which led us to a private beach where we were able to enjoy the incredible view without another soul in sight.  Jenn and Derek are an absolute hoot to be around. They were both game for anything so I took full advantage of their willingness.  Whether it was climbing up a huge hill and posing at the top for me, or walking the plank on a slippery log with nothing but mud and water to cushion their fall, they were always up for it.

I have know both Jenn and Derek for many years.  I absolutely adore them both.  They are great friends of mine and I can't wait to celebrate their marriage in 2014!

Here's wishing Jenn & Derek a wonderful engagement!  Love you guys!

This song is for Jenn & Derek track:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0SyUgw98tE

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Monday 30 September 2013

Houseboating and Forest Adventures

I was so excited to return back to the Shushwap after two long years.  It reminded me why this is and will probably always be my favourite holiday.  I always enjoy being on the water, and what's better than having a new beach to check out every day and new hiking trails?

I spent most of the time away from my camera so I would be forced to relax and enjoy my time away.  From the few times that I did decide to pick it up, here are some photos that I took...

Enjoy!

One of my favourite albums this year and my summer music track:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2zWfxW60z0

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Wednesday 18 September 2013

Pulse Dance Studio

I was asked by the owners of Pulse Dance Studio to shoot a studio session for their companies year end photos.  I had a great time with these kids as they completed costume change after costume change and held their poses for me.  Sometime in very difficult positions.  The sheer athleticism that these kids and young adults pose is incredible.  For 5 hours straight we had one group after another come through and show us their stuff!
I had so much fun watching everyone bring their A-Game and energy to each group while holding their poses so I could get the perfect shot.  Here are just a few of my favourites...

Great work Pulse Dance Students!!!

Here is a song to get you pumped up...  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EcjWd-O4jI


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Saturday 14 September 2013

Amelia & Quoc's Wedding Reception

It was a beautiful September evening where friends and family gathered in the Nguyen's backyard to celebrate the marriage of two special souls who have committed to sharing a life together.

Quoc and I have been friends for over 8 years, 5 of which were spent being roommates and band members.  I was elated to see my friend with a woman who truly makes him happy, challenges him and has also become my friend.  Amelia looked incredible.  There is not really any other word to use to describe her.  Her cheeks were glowing from smiling and her dress was absolutely gorgeous.  Quoc also cleaned up quite nicely in his handsome pinstriped suit.  It was a great day to share laughs, eat amazing Vietnamese cuisine and clink glasses of tasty wine and spirits.

The backyard decor was simply stunning with strung globe lights, bird cages and lace upon lace.  Everything looked elegant and beautiful.  The cake table was probably my favourite.  It was an array of incredible homemade cakes, cookies, cupcakes and decadent delights.  I'm not usually one for desserts but I really have a hard time saying no to cheesecake...

All in all it was a beautiful evening.  I was able to catch up with many old friends and some extended family members whom I hadn't seen in far too long.  I love these two and I can't wait to watch their family blossom and grow.

Best wishes to my dear friends Amelia and Quoc.  xo

Post Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfNVfiqKBeM

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Monday 29 July 2013

Spaghetti and a Meat Ball

I don't usually do posts of this nature but these photos were just too good to not share!

I was invited over to my friends Jaclyn & Chris' place for a barbecue last Friday.  I spent a majority of the evening playing around with their two adorable kids Audrey & Liam.  I had brought my camera along incase there was an opportunity to snap some fun photos of the kids.  Little did I know that Audrey eating spaghetti would provide me with gut splitting laughter and these awesome photos...

Please enjoy!!


Song post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0jLgf8rK4c

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Monday 22 July 2013

The Suzick Family Part II

I was asked by the Suzick family to capture some fun photos of them all together again.  This time it was with their newest family member, their pug/chihuahua cross, Ricky.  I had a great time shooting with these guys the first time around,  and was looking forward to doing another shoot!

We met at Gary Point Park in Steveston, B.C.  It was a very bright, hot and sunny day.  A perfect day to play on the beach with the boys.  Their two boys came out looking very sharp with their matching mohawks and plaid shirts.  Jackson (the youngest) held my hand as we made our way to the first location.  This happened multiple times through the shoot and it made my heart melt.  

I absolutely adore this family and had a wonderful time capturing their love and incredible family dynamic.  

Thanks Suzick family for a wonderful day at the beach!

Enjoy some of the photos from our shoot...


Post song choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1dFjloBZYo

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Wednesday 10 July 2013

Horse Vaulting

It might sound a little unusual to some of you.  It sure did to me, when my Mom told me her horse Maddie was going to be involved in it.  What exactly is "Vaulting" you might ask?  Well here is my interpretation of it...

Basically, you have a horse that goes from a walk, to a trot, perhaps even to a canter (for those who are seasoned vets), while the "vaulter" does incredibly difficult gymnastic style movements on the moving horse.  The vaulters have such incredible upper body strength to be able to lift themselves up onto the horse while running along side it, then put their bodies into incredible poses and hold them.  Meanwhile I can't even do a pull-up!

I've had the opportunity to get to know some pretty incredible horses in my time.  The relationship a rider/ vaulter/ jockey has with their horse is very special.  A deep level of trust have to be instilled in both parties to have a great working relationship.  It's pretty cool to see first hand.  Now you guys have the opportunity to check out my view from the side lines!

Enjoy!

Throw back song post:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt0_oPPK6eA

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