There's some families around town that will always be a little extra special.  When I first moved to the valley these families where my cheerleaders. They were excited about what I was doing, they inspired, they encouraged, they told their friends. I connected easily with them and care deeply about them.

The Patrick Family is part of this crew.

About seven and half years ago I was shooting a bride getting ready and in the corner sat a stunning and very large bridesmaid, eating a subway sandwich, like it was the first time she had ever had white bread goodness. We looked at each other and smiled, then compared our very pregnant bellies. Right then, I knew I adored her.

We next saw each other in the elevator around the maternity ward, then again when they brought their lovely son Braydon in for photos. She later joined me on a Chicks who Click class.

It was around this time that I started my crusade for her to become my neighbour. Of course, there are logistical problems, like their jobs in Campbell River, and loving their house. So, I have moved on to another way to snag them permanently.

Arranged marriage. I figure with all the gals in this house Brayden is sure to steal one of their hearts. It won't be hard. He has already overcome numerous obstacles that will give him a rare strength, at seven years old Braiden is working on getting close to walking without aid, and this is just the tip of what he has had to overcome.
However, the magic is, that none of it seems to phase him. He told me the kids at school call him the King.  He is confident, he is charismatic, whip smart and adorable.

Now Jenna has told me that Braiden already has plans to use E-Harmony to find a wife, but I am pretty sure we can work around that, there is lots of time.

Kevin, Jenna, Brayden - you are awesome.

and kind of fierce....

At the 2010 YANA auction I got lucky. Something really awesome happened.  A bunch of my friends chipped in and bid on me for a Bella Party.

Bella Sessions are our own spin on what is typically known as boudoir. Our sessions can go in any direction depending on what you want - they can be pretty, flirty, outside, inside, sexy, sophisticated.
Bella Parties are when you get a group of girlfriends together and you head to the studio where you each receive professional makeup, courtesy of our favourite gal Crystal from Roots the Salon. You are treated to catering, you relax and have a glass of wine and then the fun begins.  Each person has their time in front of the camera.
Yes, the obvious objective is for everyone to have stunning photos of themselves - because really everyone woman should! However, the Bella Party is about much more than that. It is about the experience, of being with your gals, and having a fabulous unique and memorable night, that leaves you celebrating your fabulousness. It's something really special for yourself.

Honestly, these parties have even more wow factor than we could have expected when we launched them.
Generally we recommend that the parties include 6 to 8 people. However, on the YANA auction evening, (after a few glasses of wine,) we agreed to 13. And I am so glad. A memorable evening it was.

I got a little emotional at the beginning of the Bella Party. In my studio stood 13 funny, beautiful woman, and I was getting the chance to photograph them and document how pretty and sexy they all are.

Near the end I was having trouble shooting as I was laughing so hard.

Thank you 

Here are three of the 13 Bellapalooza gals.

Jenn, who I get goosebumps when I photograph because she has survived so much, yet just seems to get funnier and softer. 


 

Arran, who I patiently waited years to get to know, and the wait was sooo worth it

 

Andi,  a true beauty, whose eyes are always smiling




If you are interested in information on Bella Parties or Sessions, please contact Christine or I at the office.

sun + dancing + tutu + Linden = pure joy and beauty.

I see Linden and I see spunk, glowing blue eyes, a smile that will make you laugh, and a girl so loved and adored. No one is going to hold this one back in life.

I have had the joy of photographing Linden three times, not including her mom's maternity session and each time I walk away remembering that I have the best job in the world.

After a week of rain, I woke to a bright light. It really was a wet run of November like weather and on the morning of Anika, Jolean and David's session it finally turned a corner. I think the whole town was celebrating.

We spent our morning enjoying the simple beauty of a little trail and playing with Anika.

This shot is my FAVE. Look at the way David is looking at Jolean, I think he has a crush on her.

You know how it is in a small town - there are these families, that you kind of know, you have similar friends, you cross paths often, you always see each other at Thrify's, you seem to circle each other. That's my story with this family.
We are slowly getting to know each other, each time I see them I learn more about them and am affirmed that we are meant to connect.
First I met Eileen, and was smitten with her warm smile, approachability and smarts.
Then I met Zoe, and I fell hard, she is so poised and yet playful.
Next came Doug, who has that kind of laid back charisma, the cool cat vibe that I will never have.

Together they are absolute magic.