Chantelle and Ryan

Often times in my life, a word, phrase, saying or theme will be swimming around in my head. Sometimes for a few days, other times for weeks. This one has been dancing with me for a few weeks now. Authenticity. Or being Authentic.

As a photographer it is my job to be professionally prepared. The gear checked, contracts signed, insurance in place, the planning the timing all organized, and then... on the day, being open enough to let the inspiration and magic of a wedding day seep into the images.

Chantelle and Ryan's wedding was at the Maritime Heritage Center in Campbell River and we didn't have a lot of time for images. As it usually happens during a wedding, things were running a bit behind, and I wasn't sure if we'd have enough time for Elk Falls, like we'd talked about. The amazing pale yellow Buick Skylark that they had to drive them around, stopped running. We were staying put. I was secretly excited as I had found an amazing tree on the property just before the wedding. We ventured down to the pier, and then the beach. To my delight, an unplanned and perfect low tide had left us the most stunning tidal pool with an amazing reflection. Unplanned, and awesome.

While I was shooting Chantelle and Ryan, I said "I can't believe we almost left here. This is amazing. I have the most perfect reflection of you guys in the pool. Perfect!" I was freaking out and jumping around and getting all caught up in everything and Chantelle said "That is so weird. My parents have a photo of them with their reflection in a puddle from their wedding day." Unplanned perfection equalling truly authentic images. We proceeded to let the magic of their wedding day, and our planned but unplanned perfection sweep us away.

I have photographed many weddings at the Maritime Heritage Center. I will hopefully photograph many more, but the most amazing part to me, is that still... the photos can be different. Unique. Theirs. As with any location, I'll likely not be the first photographer to find it. Or to create images there... but those images, those settings in those moments. Were ours. I didn't find the location anywhere, but from my own inspired moments. I promise, images are always best this way.

Their energy, their love. Their family, friends, locations. All an amazing opportunity to create art, that is authentic. I am so blessed. Thank you both for sharing your moments with me, and allowing me to create images that I truly love.

A very special day...

Forever ago I met an incredible little girl.That little girl turned into an astoundingly beautiful, warm, determined, unique, radiant, compassionate and AMAZING woman. She got married on August 23, and I was honored to be a part of it all. Kim and her entire family are some of my favorite people on the planet. They all ooze wonderful things. Happiness, joy, deep strong bonds, and connections, they are honest, kind and so totally giving and loving.

I grew up beside them in Campbell River, and was so deeply moved when Kim based her entire wedding day around my availability!!! There were so many moments when I could barely see through the lens, as tears welled up in my eyes... The most moving? Maybe when Kim held up her heirloom necklace worn by generations of women in her family on each of their wedding day, maybe when Kims mom burst into tears, while telling Kim of a charm she was about to sew into her dress, that was given by Kims grandfather to her late grandmother Win on their 50th wedding anniversary (not a dry eye in the house).

Perhaps my favorite was when Kims dad took a deep breath and walked his daughter down the isle, you could almost see him become incredibly present, as he looked over at her, and put his hand on top of hers.... maybe the vows, the song, the fixed up family volvo that Kims parents drove on their wedding day, the weather that was 90 percent chance of RAIN... with nothing more than a few drops as the ceremony ended. Maybe James face when he saw Kim walking down the isle... maybe it was James' simple and moving vows. It could have been the amazing bagpipes courtesy of Cameron Stewart...Or possibly how when Kim spoke during the reception, she thanked people... not like it was a list to get through... but with every ounce of her heart. What a gorgeous day.

I spent many of my childhood days laughing with all of the fabulous Black family and was just so deeply honored to have been a part of Kim and James' wedding day. Just look at how radiant Kim is in every single photo. Look how calm James appears, and then check out what the magic created when we were left alone for their intimate images after the ceremony. Goosebumps, romance, laughter, tears, and a whole vast array of emotions made this day something incredibly special.

I wish you both many many years of love and continued joy. May you two continue to make music together. Always.

My wonderful assistant Shannon caught this moment during the ceremony!!!

An overwhelmed flower girl...

Our local celebrity and amazing hockey legend Rod Brind'Amour gives Kim a hug after the ceremony.

Love this image of Kim delivering her soulful speech.

Natalie and John

Blue skies. Ocean views. Loving parents. Supportive, amusing, helpful, friends. Big hearts and a LOT of energy. Natalie and John were married in a friends backyard, overlooking the sea. My fabulous assistant Shannon and I arrived at Natalie's Dads house Sunday August 3, eager to create some amazing images with them. We were greeted with a giant ray of sunshine (Nat) on the patio waving wildly and yelling, 'I'm so excited you are here!!! Come up, come up!!!' (MOST CERTAINLY NOT BRIDEZILLA)

The dress, unique. The hair, perfect. The bride... full of life. Just how we like them!! The ceremony was small, simple and beautiful. The groom was collected, handsome and ready for anything. The bridal party was awesome (until the cooler was empty... then photo time came to a gradual ending). We headed back to the Maritime Heritage Center where Natalie had really outdone herself with the decorations. The chocolate browns and lime green, with splashes of white, screamed PERFECT. The speeches... I laughed, I cried, I laughed and then laughed more. Natalie and John I couldn't be happier for you both, and loved every moment of your incredible wedding. Thank you for having me there with you!