Warmth. That's what most of my sessions this summer have had. Not heat, well, yes, there has been that. But warmth, in that the sessions seem to start with big hugs. The Lucas family was no exception. Set against a backdrop of a setting sun, the Lucas's and I had a fantastic time, laughing, sharing tv guilty pleasures and ideal holiday locations.

Despite looking totally goofy as I photographed and held my reflector in the blowing wind and managed to drop a lens cap in the ocean, they were incredibly nice to me.

Thanks amazing, funny, beautiful Lucas Family. I hope you love your images.

This year I seem to attract clients who have a joie de vie, a special spark, a zest, a little extra electricity.
When I first met Colin and Echo I sensed it immediately. The way she sat at the edge of her seat as she told me about them, their wedding, their photography. Colin, although definitely very chilled has that same spark.
So, it made sense that they did the mad dash from the ferry to reach Comox Valley where we chased the last bit of light for their session.

I am still riding a wedding high from yesterdays absolutely amazing wedding (more on that soon,) and looking at these has me counting down the days to Echo and Colin`s wedding - I am sure it is going to be a memorable one!

When I walked into the Old House Village Suites where Kelsey was getting ready, my jaw hit the floor. Kelsey looked stunning and was beyond well styled, from hair, to accessories and of course dress and makeup her look came together flawlessly. Add to that her giggly smile and stunning blue eyes and she looked drop-dead gorgeous.

Although Mike and Kelsey knew of each other in high school, the love connection didn't  happen until  a Halloween party years later. Mike was dressed as a crazy doctor and Kelsey was wearing a children's horse outfit that had to be cut partly down the middle in order to fit,  It was a last minute get-up that her and some friends grabbed at the store. Little did Kelsey know, that this would be the outfit she would be wearing on the day her future husband fell for her.

That's just the kind of gal Kelsey is,she is even irresistible in a children's horse outfit.
I asked Mike what he first noticed about Kelsey that Halloween night, - "How gorgeous she was," he said, "and then I got to know how kind she is."

As for Mike, Kelsey still can't get over his stunning warm smile. I would have to agree. At one point I was setting up an edgy portrait of Mike, and I just couldn't make it work, because his smile was so sweet and kind.

When I did engagement portraits with Mike and Kelsey in the spring, I got a good sense of who they are and what matters to them.Their wedding day was a perfect reflection of that. It was classy but very warm and laid back. It was personal, it was thoughtful and more than anything it was fun.

With a ceremony held at the Filberg Park and Lodge followed by a reception at a family home, I would have to say, everything about this day brought smiles.

Thank you Kelsey and Mike, you know I adore you, and now my assistant Krystal has a friend crush on you was well.

To see a version of their slide show large and with music click HERE


 

I adore it when an individual celebrate who they are with a session just for themselves. Linda and Casey met me at the Spit along with the beautiful evening light. It was a lovely evening, and an honor to create these images of Linda, who has such a beautiful smile and peaceful way.

When I am photographing I am in the moment, but afterwards, my thought is always about what these images will mean years from now. I am sure they will be both a treasure to her and the ones who love her.

I have been avoiding this post, even though I knew it was coming. Am I really going to blog about makeup?
A post about makeup from the gal that is lucky if she has her lipstick on straight and puts on her makeup while, brushing her teeth, talking to the kids and drinking coffee?

You betcha. This is a post about makeup and I am writing it loud and proud.

I know more about hair and makeup and styling then I ever thought I would. It comes with the job. Yet, I clearly hadn't used my knowledge for my own good. A look at my pitiful makeup container would give me away. My mascara is so old it probably isn't even healthy to use. And as for that eyeshadow I have that is sparkly and ends up on all parts of my faces it shouldn't - what was I thinking?

So, Christine and I made an appointment with Crystal at Roots and told her to set us up. Crystal has been working with us doing make-up for all the Bella Sessions you have seen on the blog. She also does the makeup for many of the brides we photograph. We are always blown away by her work and professionalism.

She went through some make-up steps with us, yes, make-up lessons, and sent us packing with a bag of Jane Iredale Mineral makeup.

It was such a nice thing to do for ourselves, I can't recommend it highly enough. Crystal will put you right at ease and leave you feeling like a million bucks. I wish I had done it a long time ago.

The best part of this new makeup is how good it feels on your skin, and that it seems to stay in place for longer than four hours.

Now, when I run into you please be kind. Don't scrutinize my appearance expecting my face to be a canvas of  makeup artistry . However, chances are I won't have mascara running under my eyes by mid-day and sparkles where they shouldn't be.

You can contact Crystal at Roots, let her know we sent you, for a complimentary consultation.