Yes, they were surrounded by loving friends and family, many who dropped a tear during their ceremony, which was in front of a clear blue ocean view. However, he looked at her and she looked at him, and it was easily as if they were the only ones there. When holding hands, hugging or just standing near each other they seemed to melt into each other.
Lauren is an accountant, but she calls herself an "a-clown-tant" - we see why, her humor and timing is impeccable! She is also down to earth, gutsy and stunning, I see why Juan Carlos couldn't keep his eyes off her all day. She also has conviction, especially when it came to falling in love with her handsome groom Juan Carlos, who has a smile that will make you melt and the sweetest gentle energy.
Lauren and Juan Carlos started with a first-look, and after photographs they said I do at Lauren's mom and step-dad's house alongside the ocean. (An interesting note, is ten years ago when I had just moved here, I photographed Lauren's mom and step-dad's wedding at the same location at approximately the same date, so I felt pretty special to be asked back.)
After champagne and visiting, the wedding was crashed by a Queen Elizabeth Impersonator leading into an evening of good food, friends and celebration.
Tent Rentals: All in One Party Shop
Entertainment: Caroline Sadowska
Hair and Makeup: Roots the Salon
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She wasn't sure when she first met him, he actually bothered her, but just two weeks later, she was telling a friend that Tony was the one she would marry. Tony has some mad charm, but it is more than that, he is honest and funny, and the kind of person you can be yourself around and laugh at yourself with. He fits just right with Lindsey, who is rightfully described by many as the kindest person they know. She is smart, hard-working and has a love of life and people that compliments Tony and his large ,loving, gregarious family.
When I walked into the house and saw Lindsey, I got goosebumps. She is the kind of gal whose smile will light up a room, add a wedding day to that and just seeing her makes you giggle. One by one the bridesmaids and family trickled in, all different, all glowing. Downstairs, when I saw Tony and his groomsman, I took a content sigh, knowing that with a wedding party like these fellas backing up a guy like Tony, today would be perfect.
Outside of Tony's parents house the Bride and Groom beamed at each other as they had a first look, and hugged and celebrated with family, then we headed off for photos. They were excited, but calm, like when you are full of confidence and know that everything is just as it should be.
The ceremony was gorgeous - and had a backdrop of adorable children. Afterwards everyone spilled out on the sidewalk for a traditional Croatian shot and visiting. Then we headed onto the party bus, (thank you Lindsey and Tony for my first party-bus experience, I want one every week now.) and entered a reception filled with tradition, warmth, sentiment, celebration and playfulness - which really encapsulate Tony and Lindsey.
Thank you for the wonderful celebration of all that matters- it truly was am amazing wedding and having the chance to photograph you both and know you both, makes me feel very blessed. Thinking of the fun we have had together puts a grin on my face.
Thank you to my assistant Jennifer Dodd Photography
Make-up: Cristy Smith
Dress: Bryan's Bridal
Wedding Day Coordination - Kristen LeMieux
Food: www.orlandoscatering.com
Wedding Cake: 18 Year-Old Mimi-St Pierre]
Desserts, Decor and Flowers the creation of family and friends
Jennifer Dodd:
The slideshow made me tear up as much as the real day. It was such a fantastic treat to be a part of your wedding, with your amazing families and community celebrating along with you!
(08.19.11 @ 11:17 PM)
Meagan :
Amazing first look at shots! Karen you did a great job capturing what an awesome day this was!!
Ana (sister of groom) (friend of lindseys):
WOW. looking at pictures has never made me cry before! karen you are amazing at what you do. Being blessed with this gift takes skill and luck, but making it a career is a blessing! thank you for truly capturing the moments.
(08.20.11 @ 08:18 AM)
Sandy Lipovsky (mother of the bride):
Thank you, Karen, for this slideshow! You and Jen really captured the spirit of the day and the joy and how happy everyone was. I have watched this so many times already and it makes me feel happy to bursting all over again.
(08.20.11 @ 09:39 AM)
Nikki Cvit:
Wow! I am with Ana, tearing up & reliving a GREAT wedding thanks to the moments you captured!
Lindsey:
Wow - I don't even know what to say. These are amazing!! We were so happy to have you as part of our day...I know that anyone else who has had the honour of having you shooting at their wedding will agree that you are so much more than a photographer - you are a friend, someone who gives advice, and also a partial wedding day coordinator! You are amazing - and so is Jennifer! I'm going to wipe my tears and watch this a few more times. I can't wait to see the rest!
Thank you so, so, so, much.
Karen McKinnon:
thank you so much Lindsey!
(08.26.11 @ 07:58 AM)
Katie Mills:
Lindsey and Tony -- looks like a great wedding, and the two of you look sincerely happy and in love. So sorry that your cousins from down south are such strangers to you. Thanks again for the invitation and we hope to see you both and the rest of the McConnell/Mills/Lipovsky family up north some day. Best wishes!
(08.26.11 @ 04:48 PM)
Megan Mills Kitchen (Bride's Mother's cousin):
How sweetly touching, thank you so much for sharing that. I feel like I know you a little more now. Many happy wishes to you both and I say ditto to my sister's future family gathering idea.
(08.27.11 @ 02:39 PM)
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Lindsey & Tony's Vancouver Wedding
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It truly was the first sunny saturday Vancouver Island had seen this summer, fitting, as "sunny" is exactly how I would describe Katie's dispostion while she, surrounded by her best friends, prepared for her the day. Katie and the girls got ready at the stunning Saltspring Island Winery and Bed and Breakfast where they were treated with personal care that made them ohh - and ahhh.
After some champaign and lots of laughs they headed to meet Nathan and the boys at Nathan's father's property. Here they were married by Katie's father in a location overlooking the place they had their first date.
After the ceremony guests were shuttled back the character filled Beaver Hall, which was brimming with details that Katie and her sister-in-law worked hard, and very successfully to create. The room was elegant, natural and beautiful and set the stage for an evening of the same description.
As well as being full of personal touches, including a family made bouquet catapult, hand painted wine glasses, mom-made cookies - Katie and Nathan treated everyone involved so thoughtfully. When I emailed Katie after the wedding to receive the name of her vendors, this is part of what I received back:
"Honestly all the credit for the wedding needs to go to my new sister-in-law who did SO much (Anna), my sister who is the bestest MC (and sister) ever, Nathan's Dad & step-mum (Johan & Heather) who donated their land for the ceremony, Nathan's Mum & step-Dad who donated TONS of decorations and hours of labour, and my folks who not only performed the ceremony, but also gave us the backing and the love and support to make it all happen....wow...I feel like I'm writting an acceptance speech:) If only I'd been this eloquent on the day of!"
A huge thank you to Katie and Nathan, and their wonderful wedding party - what a fabulous day it was. The creativity, adventure, love and kindness in your wedding day was a reflection of who you are and the life you are destined to live.
Cake: friend Maliza Taylor
Flowers: Marjorie Lane at Ruckle Park Farm
Dress: Blush Bridal Boutique in Victoria
Thank you to my assistant Darcie Brown from Revival Arts Photography for sharing this wedding day with me.
Katie Gerritsen:
Karen and Darcie: You two have talent beyond belief! We feel so fortunate to have had you capture our amazing day. Words can't thank you enough!
(08.12.11 @ 01:15 PM)
Alyson:
WOW! Amazing. Katie and Nath look outstanding - everyone looks outstanding. =)
(08.12.11 @ 03:56 PM)
Lyne Mercier:
Beautiful!!!!! You are so radiant both of you!! Makes me feel very happy!
Thank-you for sharing!
Félicitation! Much love, Lyne
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A few years ago I began limiting the amount of wedding commissions I take, it was a tough decision, business wise and personally, as I love photographing weddins. However, my vision has always been to truly be able to form a connection with wedding clients - like I always tell them, "I will be at your wedding, and chances are I will be spending considerable time with you."
The rewards for my decision have been sweet. I feel like I truly get a sense of each couple I photograph, I think they also get to know me, which helps them feel comfortable on the day and makes the experience that much greater. A big part of getting to know couples is the engagement session, if clients live here, if they are able to visit or I am able to go to them, I srongly encourage these sessions. They are a fabulous way to get used to being in front of the camera, they are relaxed and show off a part of your life that you might not be able to capture on your day.
For Lauren and Brendan's session we headed out on the water and created some truly remarkable romantic images. They were fabulous as we hollered directions from a nearby boat. These two are stunning and adorable together, and I am so looking forward to their 2012 summer wedding.
Thank you Lauren and Brandan, for the super fun, lovely evening - I loved having the chance to get to know you both better and can't wait for your wedding!
Tough to to decide what to blog on this one....
But I love the intimacy here:
and the relaxed nature here:
and the moody feel here:
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Brendan+Lauren's harbour engagement session
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It was as real as a wedding can be, it was't about how the napkins were folded, or a strict itinerary, it wasn't fussy - it was just warm. It was about friendship and partnership. Tara and Gary new exactly how their wedding would be.
When Gary, a dedicated bachelor, met Tara, he immediately knew she was the right one for him, and with a little romancing, she fell hard as well. Together they live a busy, but full life. It is obvious that they completely understand each other and work, and laugh hard together.
Their day was celebrated on their stunning property and friends and family arrived jovial and ready to celebrate. Kids played, couples danced and many were laughing and snuggling with their loved ones.
Thanks Tara and Gary for being so fabulous and welcoming to us as well.
A huge thank you to my assistant Andrea, for being such a key player on the day.
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Tara and Gary Say I Do - Courtenay, BC
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WOW! They are beautiful! Thank you so much Karen!!!! I have so many favourites. Well... all of them. Ha!
(08.26.11 @ 08:44 PM)muy guapas las fotos amigo lo felicito y q dios bendiga y proteja con su manto este nuevo hogar
(08.30.11 @ 03:49 AM)felicidades mi amigo
(08.30.11 @ 03:52 AM)de parte de sus amigo cesar y adriana
(08.30.11 @ 03:57 AM)you guys look amazing! what a great day! i'm excited that my arm made the cut :) congrats!
(09.10.11 @ 06:05 PM)