Dave and Joanna’s wedding at The Vancouver Club was my first time at this venue, and it quickly rose to the top of my favourite Vancouver wedding venues. It was the perfect backdrop for their I do’s and their reception in the club’s stunning ballroom. I had first met Dave and Joanna when I was nearly nine months pregnant this past Spring, at their Granville Island engagement session. Our time together indicated great things were ahead for their wedding day, Dave and Joanna being such a warm, kind, and fun-loving couple. From their first look in front of The Vancouver Club, to photos around the city (and they left lots of time for photos – love that!), to their beautiful exchange of vows and memorable reception, the day was perfect and I was so grateful to have a part in it. Joanna and her bridal party got ready at Faye Smith’s makeup and hair studio… …while Dave and his guys got ready at The Vancouver Club… This is why I love first looks… It was busy day at Stanley Park, but we found a couple quiet corners around the Lighthouse for a few photos of the bride and groom… …and didn’t Joanna make such a beautiful bride?! The Roundhouse Community Centre gave us just the right space and backdrop for wedding party photos… I seriously loved Joanna’s bouquet by Garden Party Flowers! How beautiful is this ceremony space… More pretty details… A warm congratulations and many, many thanks to Dave and Joanna! Venue: The Vancouver Club Wedding Planner: Amanda at Dream Group Florals & Decor: Garden Party Flowers Hair & Makeup: Faye Smith Bride’s Dress: Kleinfeld’s Bride’s Shoes: Nine West Ceremony Music: Rosanna Chiu Photo Booth: Small Fry Media Photographer: Mikaela Ruth Photography
Read MoreUBC Botanical Garden Wedding: Brent & Jaime
There was so much to love about Brent and Jaime’s wedding day. There was so much to love about them! Brent and Jaime were wed under a canopy of greenery at the UBC Botanical Garden, and immediately following the ceremony stole away for a few moments together, bottle of champagne in hand. They wanted to take in the fact that they were now married, toasting in excitement for their life together as husband and wife. Their happiness with one another is something that is evident, is felt and is shared with their loved ones. And they did that throughout the rest of their day, from their relaxed garden party reception, complete with a popsicle cart and food truck, to their more intimate dinner celebration at L’Abattoir in Gastown. From start to finish, Jaime and Brent thought of everything to make their wedding day perfect, celebrating their marriage and those who stand by their side. Jaime and Brent, your wedding day has a piece of my heart…I’m so grateful I was able to be your photographer! Jaime was made extra stunning by the lovely Jasmine Hoffman… Jaime and Brent found out about my work through their dear friends Tim and Stacy (on the left), whose wedding I photographed and they attended almost two years ago. Coincidentally, Jaime got ready in the same suite as Stacy did! Two beautiful – inside and out – girls I’ve been fortunate enough to know and photograph. Brent and Jaime had their brother and sister, respectively, stand up with them. There’s something to be said for small wedding parties… A few more portraits before joining the dinner party in Gastown… Venue: UBC Botanical Garden Bride’s Dress: The Bridal Gallery Makeup: Jasmine Hoffman and Sarah Killen Hair: Cara Christensen Reception Dinner: L’Abattoir Food Truck: Beastro, The Rolling Feast Popsicle Cart: Johnny’s Pops
Read MoreNewborn Lifestyle Session: DeAndre
There’s nothing like newborn sweetness, especially with an adorable sibling who dotes and loves on the little babe. It wasn’t long ago that I photographed just Jon, Nikki, and Xseniya last Fall. Nikki mentioned that they were hoping to have another, and before long, there was the announcement on Facebook that they were expecting again! In fact, Nikki had been pregnant at our shoot and just hadn’t known it yet :) I was all too happy to document them as a family of four recently, after welcoming sweet DeAndre Jovenal to their hearts and home. Many thanks and much love to the Loewen family!
Read MoreUBC Golf Course Wedding: Brad & Camille
I had been looking forward to this day since Brad and Camille’s Lighthouse Park engagement session last year. Actually, I had been looking forward to it since even before I met them, while emailing back and forth with Camille about their wedding plans and such. It just so happens that Camille’s middle name is Joy, and joy is exactly what you sense when you talk to her, whether it be in person or by email. But no one gives Camille as much joy as Brad does, and it was evident the whole day through. They shared handwritten vows, tears and laughter, and love for those who came to celebrate their marriage. Brad and Camille, thank you so much for the honour of being your wedding photographer! I truly enjoyed getting to document the start of your life together as husband and wife. Wishing you nothing but the best! Sweet, bubbly, and oh so pretty…Camille was a delight to work with and photograph…made extra glam by the talented Felicia Bromba. The threat of rain moved the ceremony indoors, but it made it all the more intimate… Gratefully, the rain held off and the sun shone. We took photos at the UBC Botanical Gardens… I only wish we had had more time to take advantage of all its beauty! Kari of Confetti Floral Designs worked her magic once again…I’ve loved her work since she did my own wedding flowers :) Congrats, Mr & Mrs! Venue: UBC Golf Course Hair & Makeup: Felicia Bromba Flowers: Confetti Floral Design Bride’s Dress: Stella York from Lisa’s Bridal Bride’s Shoes: Toms Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulus Photography: Mikaela Ruth
Read MoreEngagement: Kyle & Danielle
Recently, my cousin Kyle and his bride to be, Danielle, drove down from their home in Kamloops, BC to our home in Washington for their engagement session. They drove 2+ hours each way just for their shoot! Gratefully, the sun was shining and we had some fun exploring and documenting this exciting season of wedding prep and anticipation. It was hot, so we were all too happy to shoot by the river and dip our toes in the water. This September, Kyle and Dee will be saying their I do’s and becoming husband and wife in an orchard wedding in Summerland, BC. We can’t wait to be there to capture it and celebrate alongside as we welcome Dee into the family!
Read MoreVanDusen Garden Wedding: Ryan & Megan
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Ryan and Megan’s wedding day was a dream. The predicted rain stayed away, the sun came out as the reception began, giving a beautiful sunset, and there was so much joy, from start to finish. Ryan and Megan surrounded themselves with both a really wonderful group of friends and family in their wedding party, and an amazing vendor team. Jordan and Devon of Smitten Events ensured everything came together perfectly and were such a delight to work with. And then there were the bride and groom. Their warmth, appreciation and love for each other and those who came to celebrate their marriage did not go unnoticed. It’s couples like these who make my job so enjoyable, and Megan and Ryan, I’m incredibly thankful I was able to document your wedding day! The day began at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, where both Megan and Ryan got ready… Danielle, principal stylist at All Dolled Up Studio, did such a beautiful job and was so great to work with… Megan was such a lovely bride! Megan and Ryan’s first look was the sweetest, first reading letters from one another before the reveal… The gardens at VanDusen provided the perfect backdrop for photos… Celsia Florist is a bride’s (and photographer’s) floral dream come true… Mr & Mrs! I was pretty excited when I heard Bespoke Decor Rental was in charge of pretty-ing up the place… My favorite…sneaking off with the bride and groom for sunset photos… Venue: VanDusen Botanical Garden Event Planner: Smitten Events Decor: Bespoke Decor Rentals Florist: Celsia Florist Hair & Makeup: All Dolled Up Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka Catering: Truffles Fine Foods Music: Man About Town Officiant: Young, Hip and Married Photo Booth: Butter Photobooth Photography: Mikaela Ruth Photography
Read MorePacific Spirit Park Engagement: Ryan & Megan
Champagne in the forest…cupcakes and a bow tie…the prettiest blush dress…and the sweetest couple, who is getting married this weekend! I couldn’t ask for better and can hardly call this work. Meg and Ryan met at UBC but have been calling Toronto home while Meg finished her schooling (graduated med school last week!). Lucky for me, they’re back in Vancouver to tie the knot this Saturday at VanDusen Garden, coordinated by the talented team at Smitten Events. Meg and Ryan wanted to be sure to inject some personality into their engagement photos, so they chose a much loved hang out spot of theirs while on the west coast – Pacific Spirit Park. They packed along a champagne picnic to celebrate and Meg chose her favorite dress for the occasion. She also had her wedding hair and makeup trial done that day, by All Dolled Up Studio, and it perfectly completed her look. How gorgeous is she? Meg and Ryan, I so enjoyed this session and hope you enjoy this sneak peek of your engagement photos. I can’t wait for Saturday!
Read MoreAt Home Engagement: Brent & Jaime
I walked away from Brent and Jaime’s engagement shoot feeling completely grateful. I love when couples put thought and creativity into their shoot, as it makes their photos more personal and, I realized, helps me get to know them that much more. Which is why I love engagement shoots in the first place! Getting to know my clients and know how to best document them together. Shooting Brent and Jaime at their home in Port Coquitlam, coffee brewing and music playing, was so much fun. It was important to them to capture them doing something they love – soaking up time together, cozy at home on the weekends, indulging in a little laziness and quality time. Included in this is taking their pup Huxon to the park across their street, so that’s where we wrapped things up. Brent and Jaime, I can’t thank you two enough. If your engagement shoot is any indication, your wedding day is going to be perfect! And I can’t wait.
Read MoreIntroducing Ava Ruth
Mother’s Day marked four weeks since we met our newest little one – a girl! Ava Ruth, born on April 10 in the wee hours of the morning, weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces. Meeting her will always be one of my favourite moments. The labor itself was an experience I already enjoy thinking back on…I felt so in tune with this baby who was making their way out into the world. When she was born, I immediately took her all in with my eyes and with my hands, and was over the moon to learn we now had a daughter! These past few weeks have been fuller than I can describe…full of diapers, of kisses, of wakeful nights…full of snuggles, of rocking, of nursing…full of messes, of juggling and full of love. Overall, Ava makes our home feel fuller in the best of ways. It’s like she’s a piece to our family that had been missing. And it’s incredibly sweet to see the love that Zaya has for her, and that protective big brother instinct as he watches out for her and dotes upon her. We’re just so thankful for this perfect little gift, and can’t wait to see the girl she becomes…though we’ll take all the newborn snuggles and kisses we can before she does too much growing up! Love you so much, Ava baby…
Read MoreVanDusen Garden Engagement: Arvi & Doris
Arvi and Doris’ engagement session marked the end of a busy month wrapping up shoots before baby comes. I couldn’t think of a better way to do this, than on a beautiful, sunny morning, walking through the blossoms at VanDusen Garden, documenting an engagement. And I might have swooned just a little upon meeting these two, when I laid eyes on Doris’ pretty tulle skirt and heels. They’ll be saying I do this Fall at the Stanley Park Tea House in an intimate wedding, and I couldn’t be more excited or grateful to be their photographer. Thank you so much, Arvi and Doris, for a wonderful time taking these photos…here are a few of my favorites…
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