Andrew and Sam have been together eight years and will marry next Fall at the gorgeous Fraser River Lodge. And after our time together at their engagement session this week, I can’t wait! These two were so much fun as we explored the beautiful and scenic Pitt Lake area and documented this exciting time in their lives. Andrew recounted his proposal, word for word, which had him on bended knee in a boat while they drifted upon on lake, totally catching Sam off guard. To Andrew’s relief, Sam said yes and he kept the boat afloat while kneeling to pop the question ;) Sam and Andrew, hope you two enjoy these photos even half as much as I enjoyed taking them…
Read MoreNewborn Twins Lifestyle Session: Sailor & Moses
Our friends have welcomed identical twin boys into their family! Meet Sailor Knox and Moses Bear…they are the tiniest, sweetest things, and are so very loved by so many. They were born into a home already bursting with energy and love, as these little ones make a total of five children for Derrick and Andie! What an adventure. I don’t think I could think of anyone else more capable, though. We are just oh so happy for them…
Read MoreNewborn Lifestyle Session: Cohen Grey
Handsome Cohen Grey was born to Marcus and Stephanie, a past couple of mine, and he couldn’t be any sweeter or more loved. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing these two on several occasions, including their wedding and recent maternity session at Larrabee State Park. This particular session with the newest member of their family, however, was pretty special. Every minute of it. And just wait until you see Stephanie’s decor style…it made photographing Cohen at home all the more dreamy… So happy for you, Ortner family! Many congratulations and much appreciation.
Read MoreThe Beachhouse Wedding: Atilla & Fay
Atilla and Fay were married in an intimate celebration by the water in West Vancouver. Surrounded by Fay’s close friends and family, 40 guests in total, they said I do…for the second time. Fay had moved to London in hopes of something new, and it was there that she met Atilla, who was from Cyprus. Last year the two wed in his hometown in the Mediterranean, and then earlier this year they had a beautiful baby girl! Their journey brought them back to Fay’s hometown to celebrate their wedding with her loved ones at The Beachhouse last weekend. There’s something pretty special about such a small wedding, and a ceremony performed by the bride’s best friend. It was a real privilege to share in their day. Many thanks, Fay and Atilla, for having me as your photographer! All the best to you and your life in London as a family of three.
Read MoreLighthouse Park Engagement: Brad & Camille
I had a feeling we were in for a great engagement session together simply based off Camille’s emails. I loved how her warmth and excitement came through her typed words, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed upon meeting her. In fact, I immediately recognized her friendly – and gorgeous – face from a couple coffee shops she’s worked at over the years. (And not only that, but Camille happens to be the cousin of my past bride, Courtney!) I met up with Brad and Camille at the scenic Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, where Brad popped the question this past Spring. We explored the area, they recounted their love story, and I got to document two people incredibly in love with each other and excited to begin a life together as husband and wife…it was perfect evening…
Read MoreRowena’s Inn On The River Wedding: Nigel & Jessica
The wind and the rain and the power outage couldn’t stop Jessica and Nigel from celebrating their love and their marriage to the fullest last Saturday. After getting to know them at their engagement session (which I adored!), it hardly surprised me. They are the kind of couple who embrace life and adventure and each other, taking none of it for granted, so of course they would treat their wedding day, and all that it held, in the same manner. They’re calling it the BC storm of the year, with winds that knocked down trees and knocked out power across the lower mainland. But still, Jessica and Nigel’s wedding day unfolded beautifully, even if a few adjustments had to be made. They were wed at Rowena’s Inn on the River, and I’m just so grateful we had a small break in the storm so we could take advantage of the property for bride and groom photos. The day itself was a labor of diy love, from the girls’ floral crowns, to the bride’s shoes, and all the pretty reception details, with countless gorgeous dahlias to top it all off. To Nigel and Jessica, thank you so much for sharing your day with me…crazy weather and all! You two are wonderful and I’m thankful I could be there to document your first day as husband and wife. Enjoy a sneak peek of your wedding photos… I couldn’t get over these gorgeous florals, arranaged by Posie Floral Creations… Venue: Rowena’s Inn on the River Florals: Posie Floral Creations Bride’s Shoes: Toms Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal Makeup: Makeup by Kyla Hair: Vicki Hall
Read MoreSandy Point Vacation
Vacation during the summer – aka wedding season – is hard to come by. But, fortunately we were able to sneak away with my family for an extended weekend to a pretty little place called Sandy Point, here in Washington. We rented a cottage on the water and enjoyed the fresh, salty air and time away together immensely. It was our first vacation since having Isaiah, and with Luka in the mix now, too, it wasn’t quite as quiet as the vacations we had been used to…and some may not have gotten the same amount of sleep they are used to…but I’m fairly certain we’d all agree, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our days were filled with bicycle rides, ocean kayaking, morning walks, baby snuggles, toddler chases, and dreaming of owning a place like this one day… We also visited the Northwest Washington Fair, something I had been so excited to share with Zaya… My parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in August so we took the opportunity to celebrate as a family and take some pictures, too…
Read MoreBrock House Wedding: Noah and Elise
After spending time with Noah and Elise at their engagement shoot in June, I was giddy at the thought of photographing their wedding. And after spending time with them throughout their wedding day, I walked away with a full and happy heart. Noah (who is also a photographer!) and Elise are some of the kindest, warmest, most genuine people you’ll meet, who make their faith and appreciation for others known. Judging by their wedding day and those who celebrated alongside them, you can tell they attract the same kind…which altogether, made their day all the more beautiful and a joy to document. The day began beautifully at Elise’s aunt and uncle’s home near UBC with the prettiest details… Maria of Niche Event Stylists arranged the florals and they were stunning… Make up was done by Min-jee Mowat. She did an impeccable job making the already beautiful Elise extra glam… Meanwhile, my lovely second shooter, Julie, hung out with the guys at Kevin Clark Studios while they got ready… Noah and Elise surprised each other with new iPhone 6’s! Their first look was pretty sweet…and it set the tone for some gorgeous photos of the two of them… And then it was off to the Brock House to become Mr & Mrs! Soon after the ceremony, we snuck down to the beach for sunset photos… Niche Event Stylists did an amazing job on the decor! To the new Mr and Mrs Asanias, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your day with me. I count it as such a privilege to have gotten to know the two of you and photograph your first day as husband and wife! Venue: Brock House Decorator/Florals: Niche Event Stylists Hair: Sabrina from Supernova Salon Makeup: Min-jee Mowat Videographer: Life Studios Cake: Aeyra Cakes DJ: Man About Town
Read MoreUBC Wedding: Peter and Christina
It was whimsical; rain drops fell over the secluded garden decorated in white and strings of lights, and the celebration of Christina and Peter’s wedding carried on with hardly a care toward the weather. Family and friends spoke the kindest, truest words of the couple…they spoke of their unshakable commitment to one another that had started long before they said I do. One described Christina as effervescent, and another described Peter as her rock. But you don’t need to hear the words spoken to know that they are true, for Christina and Peter love in a way that is evident and such a joy to witness. Their love story has not been without challenges. Early last year, Christina was diagnosed with Central Sensitivity Syndrome, a debilitating illness that includes diseases such as Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. Christina had to leave her dream job, put goals on hold, and spend much of her time in bed and often in pain. Through it all, though, they have each other. Christina has remained an incredibly caring, thoughtful soul, and Peter her steadfast guardian angel. And so I was entirely grateful to be their wedding photographer! Christina and Peter, thank you for opening your hearts and sharing your beautiful day with me. You two have such a bright future together as husband and wife. Enjoy a sneak peek of your photos… The day began at the UBC West Coast Suites with details and prep… Many thanks are owed to Christina’s sister and maid of honor, Teresa, for being such a cheerleader throughout the day! Christina and Peter shared a sweet, emotional first look. It was planned for the UBC rose garden, but upon arrival we learned it was closed for another wedding. It didn’t faze Christina one bit. She would have met Peter in a parking lot, it didn’t matter. Luckily we were able to find a corner of the garden just for them. They said their I do’s and became husband and wife at St Mark’s Parish… Then it was off to Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre for photos and the party! That stunning head table backdrop was Peter’s brilliant idea. The dry summer weather had started drying out the branches, so friends and family rallied together to create this artistic fix. I adored the coral and navy colors of the wedding party…and the groom’s details? So fun and so perfect. It may be cliche, but it’s…
Read MoreA Spruce Collective Baby Shower
The birth of my little nephew sent us into party planning mode to celebrate his arrival and his beautiful mama. Whitney worked at Spruce Collective up until her maternity leave, so it was fitting that we hosted the party at their brand new loft rental space! It’s spacious, bright and white, includes all sorts of lovely items, plus their rental pieces are within reach should you want to really dress things up. With the help of family, we really had a lot of fun throwing this together… Thank you to all who came and showered Whitney and Luka with love and generosity!
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