I am so excited for Megan and Joel's summer wedding. I seriously have the best clients, they even bring the sunshine -

In grade three Mike asked if he could sit next to Josie - she looked over at him, with a dirty look. Apparently it wasn't his time. They grew up, and teenage life hit, he was there when he was needed, and she started noticing him... a bit. Although the path was set in the early elementary years it wasn't until after graduation that she said yes to a date and they have been laughing and building together ever since. 

Josie and Mike came out from Alberta with their family and close friends to say "I Do" in the beautiful West Coast. Although it really was more of the Wet Coast, it didn't damper the mood  and the rain became part of their story. Crown Isle Resort did a spectacular job of setting them up in the restaurant under the glass dome and the mood was intimate and warm. 

Afterwards we braved the elements for photos and then enjoyed some of the nooks and crannies of the resort for some more photos.

Thank you Josie, Mike and along with attendants Taylor and Tyler for being so fabulous and for sharing your day with me. 

Hair: Jason at Roots the Salon

Makeup: Crystal Lee at Roots the Salon

Flowers: Created by the bride

Location: Crown Isle Resort

My fabulous assitant: Jennifer Dodd from Jennifer Dodd Photograph

This week I have been meeting with many of my 2012 bride and groom's to talk through the plan and feeling for the day. Of course, with the wind and rain that we are experiencing right now the weather is on the top of most couples mind. Here are few tips and thoughts to consider, from someone who has been to 200+ weddings.

1. As much as I am passionate about photography, I feel strongly  that the day is about a wedding, not wedding photography. You will walk down the aisle, you will get goosebumps, you will kiss, and toast. You will be husband or wife - rain or shine! This is what truly matters. 

2. A professional photographer will have a plan for poor weather. They will be a master of indoor lighting and zealous about finding crafty outside spots that keep you protected from the elements. They will rise to the challenge of leaving you excited about your images, despite the weather. Fabulous photos will be just as important to them as they are to you.

3. Your facility will also help you determine a plan B to move inside if necessary. If you are getting married outdoors in a park, beach or yard on the West Coast there are a few things to consider. Can you move your ceremony to your reception location if necessary? That is assuming your reception is indoors. If you are planning to have both the ceremony and reception outside in an area without a facility consider renting a tent. The crew at All in One Party Shop are fabulous at going over the options with you. If you are committed to a ceremony outside, without a tent then ask guests to bring an umbrella. Keep in mind though that you don't want your guests to be too uncomftorable, and you want to be as relaxed as possible throughout your vows so that you can take it all in. The wind can also be an inconvenience, uncomfortable and make it hard to hear your vows. If you are committed to both ceremony and reception outside, these are aspects you have to anticipate.

4. For your portraits decide how willing you are to head into the elements. it is my suggestion to, if the weather is really poor, keep family inside and save heading outside for just the creative bride and groom imagery. My clients have all ranges of comfort level with heading outside in rain, from absolute no to let's go for it. 

5. If heading outside for portraits there are a few things that can help. The primary being practical shoes. Your photographer can shoot so that the feet don't show, and you can be wearing whatever you like - maybe even rubber boots and making that part of the image. We also like to carry a bed sheet - it makes a perfect wrap for the bride that can be whipped off in just a few seconds.

6. Rain can push your photos into a unique and creative place. Your photographer and you can search out alternative locations, and your photos will be unlike any others. 

7. Have some cute umbrellas ready. From vintage to colourful, to customized with your names there are tons of options.

8. Rain and all that it signifies, is seen in many cultures as good luck. Rain and water signify blessings. It brings growth to crops, cleansing and fertility. Rain can also create a cozy, warm,intimate and romantic mood.

Finally, remember if it rains, it is just part of the story, your story. Everyone of the couples who I have photographed who have had rainy days, ends up laughing about it and saying they wouldn't change a thing - honestly. 

When Mikhaila and Greg first decided to get married in Hawaii, they looked around for a photographer there and didn't find anything that excited and suited them, so I was thrilled when they called to see if I could make my way there to capture their "I Do's"

Before I tell you about the wedding, I have to shout a public display of apprection. Greg and Mikhaila, seriously you two? Could a photographer have two people that are better to work with? I am one lucky gal.  You  are laid back, but enthusiastic at the same time. You are assertive, yet super chillled. You are grounded, yet super fun and funny. You are so easy to be around and so beautiful to photograph. Thank you. 

- The Huska and Lamb family as a whole, you treated John and I so kindly. Even though we were there to photograph I felt like you were hosting us. I am so appreciative of the time we had getting to know each other more and am excited to see you all again! Your families are full of grace and kindness. Thank you. 

Mikhaila and Greg met with me before the ceremony to create their photos and we played throughout the town of Lahaina. These two are stunning and easy in front of the camera and despite some serious heat were relaxed the whole time. After photos we headed to the Sheraton Maui for an intimate wedding on the beach that was filled with laughter and Hawaiin style. We followed the ceremony with some more photos, to capture the warm sunset and then it was off to dinner with family. The whole day went smoothly and beautifully! Mikhaila and Greg, you two are a stunning couple! 

What Rebecca go was that the engagement session was a time for them to take a deep breath together, be close, think about them as couple, and the step they will be making when they say "I do" next year.

It's true. Engagement sessions are many things. A wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other better, a chance to practice being in front of the camera, a time to have photos together not in your wedding wear and a way to create some unique photos to make a signature book for your wedding. My favorite thing about them though, is they are romantic and they are couple time, something often oddly lacking leading up to having a wedding. Rebecca and Jesse got that and because of that, the sun, not intending to arrive, came out and joined us. 

Thank you Rebecca and Jesse, for the lovely day of playing together. Thank you for the great laughs and letting me see who you are as a couple.