Last post of 2012...

With an amazing 2012 behind me... I can't even imagine what's in store for 2013. So fortunate to have experienced such a full, exciting and wild ride this past year. Everything from small intimate family weddings in the remote beauty of Nootka Sound, to elaborate firework displays in Drumheller. Every single wedding unique, beautiful, touching and divine. Every single person encountered changed me in their own small and large ways. Leaving imprints on my heart. xo

To my 2012 clients I'm so honoured you chose me. I'm so grateful for your trust, your faith in me and your pure and amazing hearts. To my 2013 clients... what great things lie ahead?! The anticipation is so inspiring! To my perfectly imperfect little family, you are... my heart. I am welling up with tears thinking about everything we've gone through together this past year. So much love. Looking forward to new additions and new adventures. To my family and friends, thank you for your understanding, for 'getting' me and for choosing to see the good in me. I'm a work in progress. I love you all so much. To EVERY single. visitor. passing friend... who clicks on my links, who reads my weird ramblings, who sends love and support and who 'likes' my posts and photos. Thank you for making my heart soar when I see that 200 people 'like' a photo of mine. There are 3,948 people who like my facebook page, so many of you I've never met... will likely never meet, but have deep gratitude for you all the same. Thank you for joining me on this journey. On this ever beautiful, wild and amazing ride we call life. Thank you for being a part of mine.

I have so much to share in 2013. But for tonight, New Years Eve 2012... as we enter into 2013... all I want to share... is love and fireworks. ox

Endless gratitude.

Crown Isle Resort Wedding

I love this family. I loved her the very first moment she stepped into my studio in 2008 pregnant with her first babe. She looked around the studio at photos on the walls, and the first words out of her mouth were "I love. every. single. thing you do." I instantly fell in love with her. Since then, I've been able to photograph Graysen as a newborn, and Linsey pregnant with their second babe Sofia, then more family photos and engagement photos and now, I get to share their wedding photos. I'm behind in all of my posts. Being that I'm pregnant... I hope you'll forgive me. But, I have so much to share, and I best start here. With one of my favorite little families to grace the planet. I have been so lucky to photograph so many beautiful moments in their lives. Blessed. Happy. Grateful. Linsey and Chase, your family is beautiful, your kids are spirited, wild and glorious. I'm so glad our paths have crossed. May you have the most amazing Christmas just bursting with love and most importantly magic. oxxo

Photography: Erin Wallis Photography (http://www.erinwallis.com) Venue: Crown Isle Resort Decor: Krylea Creative Flowers: Purely Flower Dress: Lazaro tulle princess ball gown from Bisou Bridal in Vancouver Shoes: Vera Wang from Saks 5th Ave in LA Mens Tux: Jims Clothes Closet Comox Linens and rentals: All in One Party Shop Makeup: Ali Crowhurst of Indria Esthetics Hair: Megan from Hairpins in Courtenay

Award winning photo

I was standing upstairs about to crawl into bed. It was almost past my 7 months pregnant bed time of about 10pm. I got a notification from twitter... that went a little something like this... "‏@VIWeddingRing @erinwallis just won award at @bcweddingawards!! Yay Vancouver Island!" I had entered a few images but was unable to get myself to the awards gala hosted in Vancouver. I thought... "what?" then...."oh. my".. then... "what did I win?" I messaged last years winner of BC Wedding Awards-Best Wedding Group Photograph the talented Michael Wachniak of Vancouver (who also used to work for Princess Cruises and worked along side many of my favourite colleges although we never worked together directly) and our conversation went a little like.....

"9:51pm Erin Wallis Someone just tweeted that I won something??? at the awards??? Did I win something???

9:53pm Michael Wachniak Yes!!!! That group shot was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!"

I won. I had entered a shot that got more attention than any ever has on my facebook page and it won, I won?! WOW. So incredibly excited. Honoured. To be recognized among such talented, dedicated professionals is truly something I will be forever grateful for.

Have a peek at the other winners and finalists. Here at PROFESSIONAL BC WEDDING AWARDS I'm still kinda in shock, that my image is there. Shocked and happy. Grateful. Thank you to Laura from the Wedding Ring from picking up my award for me and brining it back to Vancouver Island. Just full of thanks. ox

Tofino wedding featured

Fall behind in time change...equals a little less sleep, and I didn't even notice because I was so happy to have a wedding chosen for a feature on the ever popular "Ruffled" wedding blog. So honoured to have been Steph and Scott's chosen photographer, and so thrilled to have been a part of this truly dreamy west coast wedding. You can check out the full feature HERE. ox

Sean and Julie

I have been the worst blogger ever lately. I realize it. I have reasons. I swear. I'm almost ready to announce why... But until I have the perfect image to go with the post.... I'll hold off for a few more days. (Whats a few more days) For those of you that have been checking in and seeing the same images, my apologies! I'll do better.

Sean and Julie just ooze sweetness. He was a little nervous, but looked put together. Handsome. She was lovely. Calm, smiling and hugging all of her nieces and nephews. Taking it all in. Their ceremony was lovely, full of personal touches and "them". My favourite part of the entire wedding may have been the story. Their story, being told to all of their guests. Best. Part. Beautiful. So personal, so sweet.

Tigh-na-mara has been on my list of favourite Vancouver Island wedding destinations, and once again Suzanne and Tigh-na-mara was amazing, and don't even get me started on how much I loved the flowers by the ever awesome Petal and Kettle in Parksville. Total dream team. If you want your wedding to be relaxed and beautiful... you may be in luck with Tigh-na-mara.

Hope your Monday is full of beautiful, and if it's not... I betcha you just need to close your eyes, count your blessings and have another look. ox