It was the night before their first day of medical school, and their lives were heading in a different direction, more so then they anticipated. Phil walked into the med school social, and noticed a girl with a beautiful smile. He thought she would be out of his league, but he gave it a go, and was sweetly rewarded.
Together they made their way through medical school, and now in Nova Scotia they are beginning their careers, among small town beauty, with mornings of bacon and eggs and with a mutual vision of a life of adventure and family.
Justine knew Phil was the one when, while choosing the city for her residency, she couldn't image being without him. For Phil, his instinct was confirmed when she agreed to and survived a two week bike trip through Spain with him and his family.
Surrounded by friends and family, who travelled from throughout the province Justine and Phil said I do at Strathcona Park Lodge on Vancouver Island. The day was a beauty, Justine walked down the aisle to a backdrop of dramatic clouds, there was a warm breeze and the occasional wind gust - snow peaked mountains and lush greenery surrounded.
Afterwards guest mingled and drank champagne at the lake while their fresh salmon cooked on an open fire. The reception was held in a barn style room and quickly became a place full of laughter and warmth. As the family told stories, and gave congrats it became obvious that both their families that both Justine and Phil come from families that are witty, smart, and connected - it was like Grey's Anatomy characters, without the drama, but with the wit, brains and beauty.
All day Justine looked stunning and at peace, Phil was handsome in his custom suit and winning smile. The energy was one of togetherness, fun, love and ease.
A HUGE thank you to Jennifer Dodd Photography for the, as usual, fabulous second shooting and assisting.
Cake: Coastal Cake Company made a cake of beauty that was moist and full of flavour - and there was even an excellent gluten free options
Flowers: Long Lake Florist added to the brides vision with their fresh natural florals
Hair: Andrea Ball from Lavish Hair created a modern, stunning up-do
Makeup: Crystal Lee Young from Roots the Salon, did her usual magic of bringing out the best in everyone
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Justine and Phil say "I-Do" at Strathcona Park Lodge
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They hopped out of the car,excited and already blushing and I knew it was going to be a good one. We played until the sun went down, and myself and my assistant Jen were drawn into their "in love" energy - we even shared some of most embarrassing "on the job" stories.
Kelly and Dean moved to the Comox Valley together, knowing only one person here, relying solely on each other to fill so many roles and it's landed them deeper in love.
I had way to many favourites from this session and became a bit overwhelmed when editing, because I adore them both, and they are both gorgeous and stylish, and warm and funny..... and .... oh I could go on!
I love my job and my clients and beautiful relaxed evening sessions.
Kelly and Dean are tying the knot in just a few weeks, and I feel so excited for them.... these two give me goosebumps.
Kelly:
Wow Karen...Thank you so much!!! I can't wait to see the rest and pick a bunch of our favorites!!!! This was so so so fun!!!!
(06.20.11 @ 08:06 PM)
Holly Therrien:
Hello Karen, so far reallllllllly great. Can hardly wait for tomorrow to see more, Kellys mom
(06.20.11 @ 08:49 PM)
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Kelly and Dean - engaged and adorable
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They left their two little boys at home and came out to celebrate how it all started... with the two of them.
When Tammy and James met 12 years ago while working in the same restaurant, she initially wrote him off, but once he wrangled a date with her, she was quickly won over. It's easy to see why. You can be yourself, your whole self, with James. Although I have got to know Tammy through past sessions, James was new to me, but I felt right at home.
We had booked their Tender Session for a friday evening, one of my favourite times to shoot a couple. With Tammy and James I felt like a fortunate third wheel on their date. James got us laughing and Tammy quickly joined it. We played, we sang to 80's tunes, their was wine and there was beauty.
The beauty of a couple who bring out the joy in each other, who finish each other's sentence, who encourage and push each other in the right direction and who meanwhile are raising two very fortunate boys.
Tammy and James, thank you for the "date" night. You two are gorgeous!
Tia Jestico:
Wonderful pics and a great write up; really brough emoition to everything. However, I'm curious to know how Walker's Scrap came into the mix. Never a place I'd thought of, but added a ton of charm and depth to this couple.
Karen McKinnon :
Thanks Tia. Impressed that you knew it was walker scrap metal. It was just a place that i thought would have texture and personality, which is what I was looking for for this session. The Walker clan was one of my first clients here and I continue to photograph them and call them friends...It was a really fun place to photograph.
Tammy:
Oh my God, Karen these pics are gorgeous! Thank you for such a wonderful, fun evening of shooting & laughter! Can't wait to see the rest of them!! (and to clarify, we've been together almost 12 yrs & married almost 9 yrs ;) *grin!)
(06.15.11 @ 10:13 PM)
Karen McKinnon :
thanks Tammy! It was hard to choose fave's - yes I knew it has been 9 years of marriage, b/c next year is ten at Crown Isle!
Lezlie Chasse:
Absolutely Fantastic! Amazing shots, so much love and laughter :)
(06.16.11 @ 06:13 AM)
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Tammy + James - Tender Session
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It was a very good day, blue sky, not to hot, warm hearts and a two women who haven't gone a day without talking since their very first meeting. On a Comox Valley beach,Glenice and Donna said I do surrounded by their closest friends and family, many who travelled from afar to be there. Despite the adrenaline that comes with a wedding day, they were grounded and calm - because they knew,and have known since they first met, that this was the direction they were intended head. Together they will have a life of adventure, learning, trust and guaranteed laughter.
Please enjoy this new format I am working with for sharing wedding images and leave a comment for Donna and Glenice below.
Thank you Donna and Glenice, I couldn't imagine a better day to kick of my wedding season. With love and hugs, Karen
Carol:
Gorgeous Photos and lovely slide show, love the barn shots
Mike Sheriff:
Truly beautiful presentation, captured two lovely people on a wonderful day.
(06.18.11 @ 04:21 PM)
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Glenice + Donna Say I Do
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When I asked Danielle to tell me about her wedding, she didn't miss a beat. But she didn't tell me about the guest list, the flowers, the dress - she told me about her wedding, and why it mattered - she told me about her fincee Justin and why he mattered and why she loved him. Honestly, I got goosebumps, and my eyes welled up a bit. Really they did.
This one's for you Justin, Just so you remember that you make her laugh
Her love for him moved me, and then, as an extra layer I got all mushy about how blessed I am to have the job that I do, and bask in the love of people like Justin and Danielle.
There love story goes back to their high school years, and their connection is just natural - they are best friends and have been family for years.
For their engagement session, despite the wind and cold,we persevered (ok, I was wearing a warm coat, so I don't really get any of the glory,) and headed out to the winter like beach.
Thank you Danielle and Justin, for being so open, real and sharing. I am counting down until your wedding day. I will be sure to bring tissues, I have a feeling they will be needed.
This one's for you Justin, Just so you remember that you make her laugh
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Danielle + Justin = Engaged
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OH MY GOSH! These are stunning!
(06.24.11 @ 01:04 PM)Love it! Justine and Philip, you two are stunning, I especially love the moments Karen captured with you two near the water. Congratulations again!
(06.24.11 @ 01:16 PM)Justine and her family were a pleasure to work with. Talk about making my job easy. Every single face I saw there was absolutely gorgeous! I had a great day at that breathtaking place on the water listening to Justine's dad's classic ipod selections. Good times :D Congratulations to the happy couple!
(06.24.11 @ 01:59 PM)Justine and Phil, thank you for sharing your amazing day! You were so surrounding by love that day by your friends and family - best wishes on your future endevour as husband and wife!
(06.24.11 @ 09:33 PM)The photos are absolutely gorgeous - thanks so much Karen and Jennifer. Phil looks so handsome! I can't wait to see the rest.
(06.25.11 @ 11:30 AM)Wow I love these I cant wait for you to work your magic at our wedding....These are so beautiful !!!
(06.27.11 @ 08:04 PM)Love your tunes & the whole wedding pictures .... :) Fantastic job Karen !
(06.28.11 @ 10:57 PM)