We cross paths online all the time, - isn't that a strange thing to say? However, you know what I mean those people you see on facebook, and on forums. We also have tons of friends in common, yet, we have never met. Well Robyn, it was about time.

Thank you Robyn, Luke and the very cute Kylie for a session just how I like them. Playful, fun and full of beauty. You are a stunning, loving family, with an obvious dose of smarts sprinkled on top. Kylie is an absolute doll!

Enjoy your sneak peek.

I have the best crew working with me. Ya'll know about how my office manager Christine brings the fabulousness, but do you know about Jen and Michael?

Jen is  my work wife. We came to each other when I photographed her and Kevin's wedding five years ago, then her maternity session, her daughter Avari and so on... Somewhere in there Jen started working for me, our friendship deepened and the next thing you know - she knew all my deepest secrets.

A photographer and their assistant is an intimate relationship. There's very little verbal filtering, lots of over-sharing, and baring of insecurities and quirks. There is also the many shared experiences, all beautiful ones (ok, except the time we ran over a new piece of equipment, that kind of sucked.)

My wedding assistants job is to have my back, while I work on having my clients back. Somewhere along the way you develop a relationship of trust and being able to finish each other's sentences and being able to laugh at each other, and ourselves.

Over the years, Jen has built on her photography experience, which she had tucked away, now she is busy running her own business in Powell River. Lucky for me, she still comes over and stays with us for a few days and works with me. You can check her out online here.

New to me this year is Mike. Mike is a North Island student who charmed his way into the McKinnon Photography fold. Now, we are so used to him, and he is so good at putting up with us and having our back that he has become a memorable part of this summer, and I gather, a professional peer and friend for life.

Unbeknown to me, Jen and Mike took the above photo of themselves at the Photobooth we set up at Ian and Justine's wedding. I just saw it and laughed, and laughed, and laughed. It means the world to me. 

When it comes to work, fun, trust and friendship is a big part of what makes us tick.

YESTERDAY

How many jobs allow you to laugh at your clients while telling them how cute they are! Can you imagine?

Mine does.

Gavin's one year session was pretty darn spectacular and bubbling over with personality - just how I like it.

Echo walked down the aisle at Painter's Lodge to a man who really couldn't be smiling any harder. Collen, the look on your face brought goosebumps and tears to those who watched - I can still feel it. After a meaningful ceremony which included a beautiful song  by bridesmaid and singer-songwriter, Heidi, the couple moved on to a light lunch and reception.
We then headed out for photos, just beating the rain. Afterwards they gathered again with friends and family for a barbecue.

I loved that Echo and Collen were creative with their itinerary. Future bride and grooms, hear this "you don't have to follow the standard schedule for weddings, thing about what works best for you, for your guests, and make the day your own!"

Echo and Collen, you know you surprised me. After our meetings and engagement session, I knew you both to be so relaxed, and I had NO idea that the wedding would include all the beautiful details and personal touches that it did. It was a stunning affair, for a stunning, creative couple. You were both so fabulous to work with, and your relaxed attitudes were sure fabulous to have with us when the biggest downpour of my career appeared just as were finishing up.

Enjoy your photos and we are thinking of you as you make the move to a new community and embark on your future as husband and wife.

To see the slideshow larger and with music click HERE - it might take a minute to load, but it's worth it!

Leave the couple some love with a comment below.

A big thank you to Gina Harvie, a past McKinnon Photography bride and fantastic photographer in Calgary for assisting me.