About Me

Hello and welcome to my photo blog. I am Karen McKinnon, a Vancouver Island based photographer - a gal fortunate to be living my passion. The blog is where you can see recent sessions, keep in touch with what is new around here (and I promise you it is never dull) and get a better sense of who I am, what I love and how I show it. 

Thanks for visiting. Please leave a comment and let me know you were here - it really does make me smile! 

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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.




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Justine:

LOVE these photos! Great job Karen :)

(08.30.10 @ 10:09 AM)
Raida:

Beautiful! Love the shots on the dock.

(08.30.10 @ 10:26 AM)
Tanya Wood:

You inspire me.. These are beautiful. Love your way with light.

(08.30.10 @ 12:06 PM)
Jeenet:

Karen the pictures are stunning I had to hold back tears at work this morning when I saw this post. Thank you so much for everything. We can't wait to see the rest and hope to work with you again in the future.

Jeenet

(08.30.10 @ 06:17 PM)
Dianna:

Karen these photos are amazing! It brings me back to our wedding 10 years ago on the 2nd. Can you believe it has been that long? Looking through all your photographs is such a thrill and makes me want to just get out there shooting.

(08.31.10 @ 02:33 AM)
Marina:

Sublime ... what an incredible piece of art! Jeenet and Mike look incredible!

(08.31.10 @ 08:28 AM)
Jennifer Cox:

Amazing, amazing photos!!!!!!

(08.31.10 @ 03:24 PM)
Megan Johnson:

Marissa shared this link with me because I'm still not on Facebook... your photos are gorgeous! Congratulations to you and your hubby! You looked stunning and it looks like Kella's was the perfect setting. Sounds like all is well with you... here's to a lifetime of wedded bliss :)

(09.02.10 @ 07:24 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Jeenet+Mike say I do in a day full of beauty . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/207
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



 
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Stefanie :

Karen,
The photos are wonderful! We are both so happy with how they came out. You and your team were such a dream to work with and we can't wait to see the rest!
Cheers,
Stefanie and David

P.S. Hope the ankle is feeling better.

(08.27.10 @ 09:56 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Stefanie and David say I do . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/204

When Amy called me to book her wedding she knew two things - she would be marrying the man of her dreams, and the ocean would be nearby. She accomplished both perfectly. Surrounded by an intimate group of family and friends, with the sun pouring golden warmth, she said I do on the beach in the always breathtaking Tofino.

Amy is a budding photographer, which always gets me excited and a bit more nervous for the wedding. Her and Brad wanted some drama for their photos, and we have the weather gods to thank for the gift of the combination of mist and sun, which gave the beach such a warm glow.

We met Amy and Brad for a first look and some photos before their ceremony. This year many of my couples are choosing this route and I can't recommend it strongly enough - it gives a chance to take the other person in, to love them, and admire them.

Thank you Amy and Brad, for bringing your fabulousness, for planning a wedding that was true to you and for letting us be part of it. It was an incredibly memorable day filled with so much beauty, you are both gorgeous!

I can't wait to see where the next few years take you, and based on how you kicked off life I know the future is going to play by your rules and be filled with a strong Joie de Vie.

A huge thank you to my assistant and second shooter Jennifer Dodd from Powell River, for sharing the joy this wedding brought.

To see this show larger and with music click HERE - it's worth it, the music and combination of beach images at the end of the show is a perfect match!



 

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Jennifer Dodd:

Wow! These took my breath away Karen! They definitely capturing the amazing connection between them. Thanks Amy and Brad, it was a pleasure to be a part of your special day!

(08.22.10 @ 07:32 PM)
Kevin:

What a great looking wedding. This has got to be one of the best I have seen this summer. So much great stuff going on.

(08.23.10 @ 06:10 PM)
Amy:

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Speechless.

(08.24.10 @ 02:39 PM)
margaret turuk:

i love these pics i wish i could have been there
you both look so happy
love auntie marg

(08.27.10 @ 07:23 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Amy & Brad say I do among the surf . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/201
August 7, 2010 // wedding
Jen and John called to book their wedding a while back, but I was scheduled to be on a holiday, they seemed so fabulous and I was disappointed . Jen told me to give her a call if my plans changed, as they weren't planning on hiring anyone else (blush;)). So when I realized I wouldn't be away I crossed my fingers and called Jen to make sure they still wanted me!

I get goosebumps still thinking their wedding, I am so fortunate that I was able to work with them.  . Jen is full of spunk, and the fabulousness that I suspected. John is a super cool cat, calm, quick, dry and funny. John is also a photographer and it always gets me a little extra excited when a photographer hires you - it is a huge compliment and a bit nerve racking.

Jen and John opted for a first look, so we met before the ceremony, which if you read my last wedding post, you will learn is a fantastic idea for so many reasons.

We tripped around to a few quirky locations and then headed off for a beautiful ceremony in at Jen's parents stunning property. The reception had all the elements that make a party memorable - great music thanks to Jen's brother, tasty food courtesy of all the Aunts, and lots and lots of oysters, which in my mind takes any event to the next level. The whole reception was filled with laughter, including that of Jen and John's.

Jen and John, I am so glad to have photographed your wedding and to have you as new friends.

Enjoy and thank you!

As usual to see the slide show larger and with music, click HERE - It's totally worth it.




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Catherine:

ohhh... la la, that car shot is superb and so many other great shots.

(08.07.10 @ 11:34 AM)
Crystal-lee:

I LOVE the shoes and the voyeurism through the fence. What a beautiful set of pictures and the perfect compliment to an obviously head-over-heels couple.

(08.07.10 @ 12:27 PM)
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August 4, 2010 // wedding

Ryan and Trish, if you know them, that's really all I have to write. Because they are kind of indescribable. I'll give it a try. They are mellow but ambitious, funny but serious, graceful but bold, fun but serious.
They are, and have, so much.
These two are so loved and have so much to offer to each other and the world - I can't wait to see where they go together.

Their wedding was, like them, contradictory and beautiful. It was so classy, yet, so warm. Everyone felt right at home.

Trish and Ryan opted for a first look. We met beforehand for them to have some time together. We have a few clients taking this route and I can't recommend this enough. Often people make this choice as it allows them to have less time between the ceremony and reception, so they can spend more time with guests. Very true. However, what I have found to be the real advantage is that it is grounding. Seeing each other before, contrary to belief, is filled with romance.
He sees the bride for the first time and at his pace can take her beauty in, and then he can hug her, talk to her, love her. The bride and groom connect and then, feeling the togetherness they can head off to say I do.

After their first look, and bride walked down the aisle at The Filberg Park and Lodge and the ceremony was  followed by a reception at Ryan's mom's stunning property.

Local songstress Pamela Tessman (Keld)  played at the ceremony and reception and I can't recommend her, and the addition of live music, enough.

Ryan and Trish, I could photograph your wedding over, and over and over again. Thank you.

To see their slide show large and with music click HERE






 
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Carmen:

Wow, love these, lots of different looks. Gorgeous couple!

(08.04.10 @ 10:28 PM)
Allison:

beauty-full!!!!!

(08.05.10 @ 11:16 AM)
Donna:

Wow!! Gorgeous pictures Karen, can't wait to see the rest oof the pictures!!!

(08.05.10 @ 01:53 PM)
kaylia:

Gorgeous!

(08.06.10 @ 10:26 AM)
trish:

Karen! This is such a tease! So, I was trying to pick a favorite...but every time I look at them I get that calm, excited, crazy, happy feeling of that day, and because of that I'm just loving them all! Super excited to see the rest :)

(08.06.10 @ 12:15 PM)
Maureen:

Fabulous photos Karen!! Love your creativity and so looking forward to seeing the rest.

(08.06.10 @ 05:19 PM)
Karen McKinnon:

Trish, I am unbelievably excited to make your album! It's going to come together so well. Sit tight for all of them,and then we will get together for choosing your fave's.

(08.07.10 @ 11:47 AM)
Marie :

Ryan you look great and trish you look absolutley beautiful, karen did an awesome job, you have many great photos to cherish.

(11.24.10 @ 11:31 PM)
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