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

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.

First let me set the scene.

The ceremony and reception was held in a location dear to the couple's heart, the home of Jeenet's godmother and the childhood home of one of her best friends.

The gals hair was done by Jeenet's sister Courtenay, a stylist at Scorpio's in Comox, the salon her mother owns. The makeup was beautifully done by Richelle, her godmother's daughter, and Dianna, her other daughter, who is a professional wedding co-ordinator, kept things running more than smoothly.

A friend made the most amazing cake, and the bride's step father Anila sang the bride and her dad down the aisle... and the personal touches go on and on.

The backdrop to the wedding and the details all carried a personal touch. However, what really  made the day was the heart and laughter.  Mike was beaming before the ceremony, he had the kind of smile that gives you goosebumps, and Jeenet was calm and confident about her day, reflective about how she felt about her future with Mike.

The predicted rain held off until the ceremony and photos were complete. Then everyone gathered under the gorgeously decorated tent where they were witness to some extremely emotional and funny speeches. Person after person stood up and shared from the heart about their love for these two. It was an incredibly touching reception, which included guests cutting loose on the dance floor in great celebration.

Jeenet and Mike, when I think of you two, I can't help but smile. Looking through your photos makes me smile. You are a gorgeous couple, who both possess a genuine kind quality that shines strongly and is hard to miss. Thank you for choosing me to capture your day.
 
This wedding was held at the Newson Estate in Comox and is available for event rental. For more information contact Dianna at  newsondiana@gmail.com.

This is my longest slideshow yet so please give it a moment to load - see it larger and with music by clicking HERE

Enjoy and leave the stunning couple some love, by leaving a comment below.

Stefanie and David are some of the most down to earth, honest to goodness nice people a gal could ever photograph. It was such a treat to be at their wedding.  People came from all over the world to celebrate with them. It was an intimate affair, in that you felt  that you were at a secret, very special party and that everyone there was close enough with the bride or groom to have an "inside joke" with them. Everyone definitely felt comfortable to let loose. The tears were flowing during the ceremony and people were unconsciously letting loose on the dance floor later in the evening.

Every bit of the planning had a person touch, which Stef and David's family and friends all worked hard to create.

It was a beautiful wedding, for a couple  who already have a strong history and are blessed to have future surrounded by people who love and adore them.

Stefanie and David, thank you for your humour, your gorgeous personalities. David you are incredibly handsome and Stefanie, you have no idea what an incredible beauty you are (Kate Winslet is lucky to look like you.)

Enjoy your preview and to see it larger with music click HERE