I love my job. I headed out last week, just down the street, to shoot a session with the Everson's. Mama Lee and I rollerderby together, so I was looking forward to getting to know her tribe. What a unique, down to earth family who obviously puts their energy towards what matters. I was really taken by the mural we photographed against. It as something they let their children paint - and I love that! They are considering painting over it now that the children are older, so although we photographed with different backgrounds this is definitely my fave as it is so personal and will mean so much years from now.

Thanks for welcoming me, laughing with me and letting me capture you.

Jen and John called to book their wedding a while back, but I was scheduled to be on a holiday, they seemed so fabulous and I was disappointed . Jen told me to give her a call if my plans changed, as they weren't planning on hiring anyone else (blush;)). So when I realized I wouldn't be away I crossed my fingers and called Jen to make sure they still wanted me!

I get goosebumps still thinking their wedding, I am so fortunate that I was able to work with them.  . Jen is full of spunk, and the fabulousness that I suspected. John is a super cool cat, calm, quick, dry and funny. John is also a photographer and it always gets me a little extra excited when a photographer hires you - it is a huge compliment and a bit nerve racking.

Jen and John opted for a first look, so we met before the ceremony, which if you read my last wedding post, you will learn is a fantastic idea for so many reasons.

We tripped around to a few quirky locations and then headed off for a beautiful ceremony in at Jen's parents stunning property. The reception had all the elements that make a party memorable - great music thanks to Jen's brother, tasty food courtesy of all the Aunts, and lots and lots of oysters, which in my mind takes any event to the next level. The whole reception was filled with laughter, including that of Jen and John's.

Jen and John, I am so glad to have photographed your wedding and to have you as new friends.

Enjoy and thank you!

As usual to see the slide show larger and with music, click HERE - It's totally worth it.

Ryan and Trish, if you know them, that's really all I have to write. Because they are kind of indescribable. I'll give it a try. They are mellow but ambitious, funny but serious, graceful but bold, fun but serious.
They are, and have, so much.
These two are so loved and have so much to offer to each other and the world - I can't wait to see where they go together.

Their wedding was, like them, contradictory and beautiful. It was so classy, yet, so warm. Everyone felt right at home.

Trish and Ryan opted for a first look. We met beforehand for them to have some time together. We have a few clients taking this route and I can't recommend this enough. Often people make this choice as it allows them to have less time between the ceremony and reception, so they can spend more time with guests. Very true. However, what I have found to be the real advantage is that it is grounding. Seeing each other before, contrary to belief, is filled with romance.
He sees the bride for the first time and at his pace can take her beauty in, and then he can hug her, talk to her, love her. The bride and groom connect and then, feeling the togetherness they can head off to say I do.

After their first look, and bride walked down the aisle at The Filberg Park and Lodge and the ceremony was  followed by a reception at Ryan's mom's stunning property.

Local songstress Pamela Tessman (Keld)  played at the ceremony and reception and I can't recommend her, and the addition of live music, enough.

Ryan and Trish, I could photograph your wedding over, and over and over again. Thank you.

To see their slide show large and with music click HERE






 

Selah, who has taken a huge interest in my work, noticed how busy we have been in the office  and overheard us talking about how at this time of year we have both 2010 and 2011 on the brain so she took the initiative to help us out.  So just in case the clipboards, two dedicated computer programs and binder's aren't enough, we now have a custom made booklet.



 

Christine had been talking with me for sometime about having a session and it was worth the wait as we got to shoot on her birthday and if you know anything about me you know I love birthdays.
I have had the chance to chat with Christine many times before, but as if often the case, the man, is a mystery to me. I was so pleased to meet Andy and see his smile and laugh could match pace with Christine.  They are such a lovely couple. As part of their session we popped by to visit someone special, their new puppy, Laboo, which they get to take home in a few weeks.

Thank you Christine, Andy and Laboo for making me part of your birthday day, I hope it was just the kick start it needed!

Scroll to the bottom of this post if just hearing the word puppy makes you melt.