She's been skiing since the beginning of time. She may have skied before walking even. He's always been an outdoorsy guy. It made absolute sense that they were married outside, at a ski resort, in Kimberley B.C.
Highlights for me, reminiscing with the nervous bride before she got into her dress. (I used to sing her Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid and a number of other Disney songs, to sleep at night when we were young and wild(er)). Don't get me wrong, I can't sing. But apparently in Grade 8, I thought I could. I loved watching her dad, calm cool and collected waiting to walk his little girl down the isle. I loved that Darren's sister gave birth to a healthy baby boy during the rehearsal dinner (in hospital in Cranbrook) and still came to the wedding the next day. If this isn't super human, I have no idea what is. I loved that it snowed, lightly for a few choice family photos. I love that the cake was chocolate, amazing and made by Melanie's sister Kristi IN the hotel room. I love that I got to try out some new dance moves with a few old friends and that I got to photograph a wedding in Kimberley, BC.
Darren and Mel, may you continue to build your fabulous life together in your wild mountain town, surrounded by everything that makes you truly happy. I was honored to be a part of your amazing day. Much love. xo
It didn't happen like I thought it would. But it was exactly as it was supposed to be. In my mind, the timeline was different. It was controlled, with everything just in the right spot. With Bryce and I watching, waiting. In my mind, Maisie would take her first steps in a cute outfit, while I was taking photos, or better yet... with my arms outstretched to her. From Bryce, to me... she would wobble and then walk to us. It wasn't like that. I was surrounded by people I didn't know, in an unfamiliar place, the teacher said "a lot of kids take their first steps here at strong start". I was thinking, I hope Maisie doesn't. Then, as if answering and defying my thoughts... she took three steps. My jaw dropped. Literally. I sat staring in disbelief. The teacher "oh my gosh, oh my gosh". Me, a blank look on my face, and eyes wet. In shock. It didn't happen like I had planned it, like I wished it to be, but it was exactly as it was supposed to be. (Yes, still in disbelief that apparently my not yet 11 month old is walking)
(Images Above... Kate and Sean. Gracefully easing me back into shooting a wedding not even three months after giving birth to Maisie Lu. No one's wedding would have been a more perfect beginning to 2010)
Jeremy and Bridget.
Ultimate confession time!!! Their wedding wasn't blogged. Yes, I know... amazing friends, beautiful wedding... no blog??? Urg! I HAD A NEWBORN BABY!!! Please, go easy on me! I wasn't sleeping!!! There are so many images from their incredible day that I am so in love with. Being the amazing friends that they are, I was hoping they'd understand my trying to balance a baby and a wedding season. They did. I love them for it. But, I am thrilled to now, share a few of my favorites from their day.
Alicia and Mark.
Cape Mudge on Quadra Island was a perfect venue for these truly sweet souls. I loved being a part of your moments, and feeling all of the emotions right along with you all. Such an exquisite day.
Ana and Aaron
A wedding out of my Vancouver Island element, in Stanley Park, Vancouver... proved to be one of the most beautiful steps out of my comfort zone. Thank you both, for trusting and believing in me.
Leah and Mike
A wild crew, a fast tide, and a whole lot of fun. The highlight for me was Leah, without question leading her bridesmaids into the sea for me.
Natalie and Mike
A gorgeous Cortes Island wedding full of favorite images. But, Natalie and Mike's twins were truly the highlight for me. Their spirits light, sweet and brilliant. I am always honored to watch children witness their parents be married.
Jeanine and Bryce
I also didn't get a chance to blog this beautiful wedding at Dolphins Resort in Campbell River this year. The venue stunning, the wedding party perfect and the babies adorable! I loved watching Jeanine's mom and dad (who I've known forever) gaze lovingly and proudly at their baby girl getting married.
Shevaun and Rod
I would never pass up an opportunity to re-visit the Bird residence on Quadra Island. A perfect setting for another love infused day. My favorite part of their day was seeing the connection between them, and seeing them smile all day long.
Crystal and Evan
A rainy Quadra morning was the perfect day for Crystal and Evan to get married. Crystals grandpa might just be the best guy you've ever run across. He and I engaged in a ceremony 'shoot off' was definitely a favorite moment of mine. Full of meaning and thought, and inspiration, this wedding... was a highlight of my entire summer.
Michelle and Jeff
Seeing a new mom and dad with their little baby... heaven. I loved watching the love spiral between this gorgeous bunch.
Cathy and David.
It was just them. It was another highlight for me. Quiet. Serene and oozing with magic, I was honored to be a witness.
Mel and Larry.
So much can be said. I LOVE YOU MEL. As if you aren't the most wild, caring, thoughtful, WILD, awesome gal ever. I showed up to photograph her wedding and she had a gift for my baby... "um... HI.. I'm about to spoil you rotten with wedding photos". Now that's a way to make your photographer step it up a notch! All joking aside, she has contagious enthusiasm and just makes you want to give her anything, and more!
Meg and Troy
My baby cousin and her wonderful fella. The light was perfect, the couple blindingly in love, and everyone there was GORGEOUS. An amazing Victoria wedding. Love you guys.
Heather and Andy
Their Mayan Riviera wedding couldn't have been an ounce more perfect, or more them. It was exactly as they wanted it to be, and I am always honored to share such intimate moments with such important people in my life.
Cherie and Jamie
I always love weddings at The Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, but this one was incredible. I instantly fell in love with Cherie, and her boundless spirit and ability to light up an entire room with her smile and laugh. It was full of awesome (and my sidekick Thelma, and our dogs came for a mini getaway to the resort, always a bonus).
Stacey and Eddie
The perfect ending to an amazing 2010 wedding season. For me, it wasn't just a wedding season though. It was all intertwined with my memories of being a first time momma. All of it was challenging, but all of you, my cherished wedding couples and clients and friends, made it all extraordinary. A perfect end to it all, of course is in Maui, with Stacey my pregnancy buddy, and Eddie.
I can only hope that 2011 will be as amazing.
Thank you all for joining me on the ride.
When you are in the delivery room with a family, while their new baby boy is being brought into the world. Something profound happens. 
and Rock Star Hairdresser Dan Sanchez - 
Beautiful Flowers by Bella Grace Flowers - 
After scaling the cliff on the road between Lahaina and Kihei, we were back for the babies and the ceremony.
Recognize anyone? Oh haaay Maisie!
I know, right. Cute.
I love this one of Landon watching his mom and dad saying their vows.
A sunset first dance, not a dry eye for miles.
I am in love with this next photo.
And I love that everyone else was feeling the love.
Mounds of love friends.
I instantly loved Cherie. Instantly. There was no warming up, no gradually getting to know each other. I saw her, and was instantly like "Oh, Hi!" Like we'd known each other for a long time. She has the kind of smile and energy that makes you want to know her, want to be around her. Jamie is equally warm and you also want to know him. They are awesome. You'll see. 
See... you love her already.
See, you love them. Don't you.
