A Cortes Island Experience

I have a ton of images and posts lined up, but will start with this gorgeous little family. Natalie and Mike along with their beautiful twins, celebrate their love with a beautiful ceremony on Cortes Island. I love exploring new places, seeing new faces and seeing a mother and fathers love spilling out with emotion for their little creations. Its a magical thing. Stay tuned for more. His sweetness breaks my heart, in his little suit, with his perfect face.

A Quadra Story

At times, you are just full of inspiration. Other times, you need a little help. For me, inspiration comes in many different forms. An email, a conversation, a little rain, old books, the wind, the sky, a look of compassion or love passing between two people. Children making art, a nickname, a life story, someone inspired, a wedding created exploding with details. A couple in love. A bride inspired by the property on Quadra Island that she grew up on, full of whimsy, history, an apple orchard, old vehicles and signs, not to mention quirky awesomeness. Take a journey with us, on Crystal and Evan's amazing wedding. May you be as swept away in it, as we were. Rings custom made for the bride and groom, with their fingerprints etched on the inside of each ring. A book full of history, their wedding fell on Crystals great grandparents wedding anniversary and her grandma's birthday. They got ready together, which I love. A speech tucked inside a bridesmaids shoe. Rain= inspiration. Brother sister love A sweet ceremony under the weeping willow. Grandpa Bill and his disposable camera, winding and clicking through the whole ceremony. Priceless. Detail. Details. Details. A fabulous and fun polariod station.

Cape Mudge Wedding

What seems like a hundred years ago, I worked at the adorably fun outdoor pool at Cape Mudge, on Quadra Island. I was harassed by all of the local kids, fed fresh salmon by their parents, and made to feel like one of the community members by all. The kids were so much fun, and tested every ounce of patience I possessed. Daily. It was a wonderful way to spend a few summers. Every time any of the kids would see me, even years later... they would still yell, "Hey lifeguard", and make some wild face, or make me laugh. You all know who you are! Amanda! Kassandra! Dayton! Crystal! Thomas! Amber! The list goes on. Two girls that were immeasurably sweet (and still are) were Alisia and her little sister Krystal.

When Alisia contacted me last year regarding her Cape Mudge wedding I was so thrilled to be a part of it! Love those kids, these girls, that place. Something so special about Cape Mudge, and the people that call it home. Here are a few from Alisia and Marks Quadra Island wedding!

This weekend I have a wedding on Cortes, one in Campbell River and two on Quadra again next week! What a life!

A Stanley Park affair

When Ana contacted me last year regarding her wedding in Stanley Park for 2010, I was drawn in by her warm engaging energy. I instantly knew, we were a perfect match. A lot happens in the course of a year. On my end, I was busy planning baby rooms. In Vancouver, Ana was busy planning her dream wedding.

I arrived at L'Hermitage Hotel, along with my little family, with a distinct small town girl in a big city feeling. Would I be able to shoot here? Would the city swallow me up whole. I don't shoot a whole lot off the island, besides destination weddings. It is even more challenging now with a 3 and a half month old baby girl. However, I knew I had to be a part of Ana and Aarons wedding. I just knew.

Bryce and Maisie were all set up in our room, I was busy getting ready... Maisie having a small meltdown, me having never shot in the hotel or Stanley Park, or downtown Vancouver before, admittedly nervous. Would my images stand up. Would they be enough. Would I be able to remain composed in a new venue, new locations. Would I be inspired.

I entered Ana's room. Everything began to melt away. I was immediately submerged into a sea of exquisite details, beautiful energy, and was truly in awe of Ana's beauty. It's true that I see beauty everywhere. Even when it doesn't appear pretty right away. I was attacked by pretty on Saturday.

Ana and Aaron, thank you for having faith in my photography. For inviting me into your worlds, into the most intimate details of an extraordinary day. Your wedding was straight out of a magazine. Infused with all sorts of amazing. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of it. Ana... seriously? SERIOUSLY? STUNNING.

On a side note, it could have been easier, shooting here in Campbell River last weekend. But, challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zone this weekend... reminds me of something that I learned while traveling all over the world. I am a small town girl and photographer, but I can be anywhere in the world, and eventually feel right at home. I love this image of Ana touching up her moms makeup. I know this next spot in the rose garden is likely hugely overshot for weddings, but... I still like it.

Wedding Update

I have 3 amazing, and I mean amazing weddings to share with you. But, for now... in order to maintain some sort of state of sanity, I need to sleep. Lets hope Maisie feels the same. Any requests on which wedding to blog first?

Here is a very small taste of what is to come! Jeremy and Bridget, a seaside ceremony and a Campbell River back yard affair. Alisia and Marc, a sweet ceremony at the little church at Cape Mudge on Quadra Island. Ana and Aaron, an exquisite (like... are you kidding me) Vancouver wedding, at Stanley Park.