Vancouver Wedding Photographer Mikaela Ruth » Portrait

newborn: grei

Mikaela — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:07:02 +0000

Welcome to the world, little baby boy Grei Andrew. He’s our newest and sweetest neighbour, born to parents Mike and Kerri (take a peek at their maternity session here if you wish!). I’ve become quite smitten with these newborn at-home sessions, photographing baby and family in their own natural and comfortable environment. Mike and Kerri have put much love and work into creating a home for Grei with such such sweet and creative touches in his nursery, and a gorgeous cradle built by Mike!

Grei was just eleven days old here and he didn’t make a sound for an entire hour of our shoot. Only as we were wrapping things up did he wake to say hello. Thank you so much, Mike and Kerri, for inviting me to document this incredible newfound love that three of you share.

portraits: love for lilee [& chelsey]

Mikaela — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:03:18 +0000

I remember the first day I met Chelsey in elementary school; I admired her outgoing and friendly personality. Now I see her fighting for her little girl’s life and I admire her strength and her love. Lilee, now two years old, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer before she was even one. Needless to say, it’s been a battle, one that has been fought with rounds of chemo, surgeries, prayers, and the outpouring of love from many.

Love for Lilee was set up as a community of support and means of fundraising for Lilee and her family, one that you can find on Facebook as well. It’s grown to over 3,000 followers and has served as a source of comfort, cookies, and even a family trip to Hawaii next week. Like Chelsey said, their goal now is to build as many memories as they can, enough to fill a lifetime. They’ve reached the point where there is nothing left to do but love on this little girl, a typical toddler with so much personality and love and life…how special it was to have these two in front of my camera…

Thank you, Chelsey and Lilee, for the fun and the smiles…praying for you.

crescent beach: the kings: expecting

Mikaela — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:01:25 +0000

A growing family with a baby on the way, a little one to chase after on the beach, cloud dotted sunny skies…and photos that make me happy. I’m so excited for Ashley and Ryan as they prepare to welcome a little girl into their family, making Lincoln a big brother. Ashley has become a friend in the wedding industry, being the awesome makeup artist and more importantly, warm hearted and genuine girl that she is. I’ll never stop raving about her work (she did my wedding makeup too!) and recommending her to my brides!

We had such fun this past Saturday afternoon at Crescent Beach and I’m grateful for having documented the love and the fun that these three share…and soon enough, I’ll get to have the four of them in front of my camera :)

newborn: evan

Mikaela — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:57:49 +0000

It seems as though everyone is having babies these days…and boys, too! I recently received an email from a friend in London whose brother was about to become a first time father. Their family wished to gift Geoff and Brittany a photo session to document their new little family, and I was more than happy to oblige. I actually attended their wedding nearly three years ago as a mutual friend’s date! I met three week old Evan this past weekend at their home and enjoyed photographing his perfect little folds, his sweet tiny toes, and the joy shared by his mom and dad…

expecting, part 2: mike & kerri

Mikaela — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:21:48 +0000

It’s a joy to be given opportunities to document big events in couples’ lives…engagements, I do’s, and more and more often lately, the eager expectation of a child. Our neighbours Mike and Kerri announced their pregnancy last fall, and are now just one month away from welcoming their first born into the world. Will it be a boy or a girl? Will he or she look like mom or dad? Regardless, this babe will be welcomed into a home full of love with an already proud and protective father (the photos say it all!) and a beautiful mother who can’t wait to love on her little one.

Warm thanks to Mike and Kerri for sharing with me a small piece of this exciting journey…

married: at home with kenny & vanessa

Mikaela — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:13:32 +0000

There is something extra special and extra fun about shooting at a couple’s home. It’s intimate, it’s comfortable, and it’s an environment that will result in photos that are truly them. It’s why these types of shoot are quickly becoming some of my favourites…

This isn’t the first time Vanessa and Kenny’s love has graced the pages of my blog (and I hope it won’t be the last!), as I had the pleasure of photographing their wedding last August, which then went on to be featured on Style Me Pretty Canada. Kenny is a builder and built this, their first house, of what may be several. It was important for Vanessa and Kenny to document their first place, the house in which they began making a home together. We spent Saturday morning as they normally would: with coffees and crepes and time for the two of them…

Many, many thanks to you two, Kenny & Vanessa!

baby theo at home

Mikaela — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:21:26 +0000

This little man Theodore melts my heart. His tiny squawks and whimpers, his button nose and soft head of hair. Bonny and Adam are blessed and they know it…it’s a lovely thing to see these two become parents because it looks so natural on them. I got to hang out with this new family of three, and at just over a week old, you could tell Theo had found his place at home with his proud papa and beautiful mama. I’m just going to come right out and say what we’re all thinking: if there was ever a time for baby fever… ;)

If you’d like, take a peek at Bonny and Adam’s story throughout the blog…their engagement, pregnancy announcement, maternity session & birth of Theo. I love looking back over the years, from four years ago when we all went to Uganda together, to now, and reflecting on all the growth and change that has happened in our lives, the friendships/weddings/families.

Oh Theo, welcome here xo :)

baby koah at home

Mikaela — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:14:14 +0000

A newborn session hardly has need of an introduction, does it? This little one is adored, he is loved, and he is perfect. He also happens to be my cousin’s first born. His name, Koah, comes from the Koa tree in Hawaii, a special place for this growing family. You can see Koah’s first moments and hours in this world here, and then scroll down to see him at home with his proud papa Steve and loving mama Courtney. And you’ll understand why we all want to eat him up.

expecting: bonny & adam

Mikaela — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:36:49 +0000

Bonny and Adam are having a baby! It was four years ago when we were on a missions trip in Uganda that these two sparked a great friendship. To see that friendship grow into so much more, into a marriage and now the impending arrival of their first born…it’s pretty neat to say the least.

We met up at Spruce Collective and loved using their workshop space as a creative backdrop for Bonny and Adam’s maternity photos. There were books and story telling, love and laughing, and a secret code that if guessed correctly, will reveal the names they’ve picked out for baby! We wrapped up a short walk down the road at Tracycakes, a place Bonny and Adam frequent for tea and coffee and conversation.

Oh Bonny and Adam, this baby is so lucky to have such doting and fun parents like you two! And thank you, Adam, for spending your birthday with a couple of girls excited over a baby and countless photos…you’re a good husband.

portraits of the peters family

Mikaela — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:15:21 +0000

Back in the Spring, I got to photograph this maternity session for Dave & Alanna, some dear friends of ours…and earlier this month, I got to photograph their little family! It was Jackson’s six month birthday and the little man was so well behaved and as cute as ever. We were racing dark clouds and the threat of rain, but all in about thirty minute’s time and in two different locations, we scored a collection of photos that warm my heart. It’s such a privilege to walk alongside friends like these through exciting life changes and document it too…

expecting: mike & kerri

Mikaela — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:46:43 +0000

Mike and Kerri met at church, fell in love, and were married last year at the nut farm owned by their church. The church has since sold it, but it was still fitting that we returned there for these photos. As the last few milestones of Mike and Kerri’s life have taken place there, it only made sense that they would announce their pregnancy there, too! Coming next May will be their first baby! Mike and Kerri are our upstairs neighbours at our condo building, and it’s been fun getting to know them and begin to document this incredibly exciting journey they’re on :)

wierda family portraits

Mikaela — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:53:44 +0000

Stephanie and Marcus are one of the reasons why I love being a wedding photographer…documenting their wedding this past July was a definite highlight for me in my career up until this point as such. So when Stephanie emailed me inquiring about family photos, I was more than happy to get them in front of my camera again. Stephanie’s brother moved out to Calgary this week, so we quickly snuck in these photos last weekend as an early Christmas gift to their parents. I shoot only a handful of family portrait sessions a year so as to make time for my couples and their weddings, and I’m so grateful that this family was one of them…

coming soon! bonny & adam.

Mikaela — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 22:46:56 +0000

It was little over one year prior, when we were at this same location documenting their engagement. The same summer, Bonny and Adam had a most beautiful wedding celebration and I had the honor of standing up as one of Bonny’s bridesmaids. Fast forward to this summer and now these wonderful people and dear friends are expecting their first baby! I’m so incredibly happy for them. I know this child will be beyond loved and adored. I know he or she will bring much joy and another welcomed adventure into Bonny and Adam’s lives.

Love you guys!

We met up for a quick session during lunch break when the temperature was soaring somewhere near 40 degrees celsius…needless to say, we worked fast. But still managed to have some fun…

the knotts

Mikaela — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:13:24 +0000

I love this family. These people are real, they’re funny, they’re smart, wonderful, encouraging, a blessing to those around them. And they are Alberta bound. Following God’s direction as he’s opened other doors for them in Calgary, I admire Mike and Erin so much for their faith & trust, and the way they keep genuine smiles on their faces throughout all seasons of life.

Though typically I don’t photograph families these days, I jumped at the chance to photograph the Knotts, friends who will be missed, before their farewell…

let’s be adventurers: kelsey & chad

Mikaela — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:18:35 +0000

From road trips in the country, to navigating the beauty and mountains of Costa Rica, to dreams of further travels, Kelsey and Chad have a love for exploring and adventure. With this in mind, we set out to document the love between husband and wife. Through familiar streets of Winnipeg, Manitoba and then on to Victoria Beach by map, we laughed, we shared and we photographed.

Most of you know by now that Kelsey is my designer – from my website to my wedding. Kelsey is also my cousin, and she’s also my friend and getting to visit and photograph her and her husband is always both a privilege and a treat…

Seriously, so beautiful.

This session was truly ‘them’…and I love how that included Kelsey’s pretty script…

Next month, they’ll celebrate three years of marriage. So as an added touch, Kelsey brought along a couple items from their wedding.

Until next time, you two…xo

newborn: averie piper

Mikaela — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:24:37 +0000

Welcome sweet, little Averie Piper. Born to close friends of ours, we have another niece to love and to snuggle and to fawn over. Her newborn cries, her pretty face, long eye lashes, and head full of sweet smelling, soft hair…it’s hard to not to get baby fever ;) Big sister Addie is quite tickled to have a little baby in the house, too.

Derrick, Andie and Addie, we couldn’t be happier for you! xo

Melissa & Kevin: Expecting

Mikaela — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:20:19 +0000

Sometimes things just work out: like when we postponed this session due to uncertain weather, and instead happened to reschedule in between rainfalls and scored some incredible evening sunlight. Melissa and Kevin are expecting their fifth child, a boy, this spring. Baby number five! Their days (and their photos!) are full of devotion to their family and so it was extra special to have an evening for themselves. For the chance to document their last pregnancy, and to have new photos of mom and dad for a change :)

A heartfelt thank you to Melissa & Kevin – wishing you two and your family all the best!

Granville Island: Dave & Alanna: Expecting

Mikaela — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:39:11 +0000

I remember very clearly when Alanna told me she was expecting. We met at Starbucks to catch up over coffee and a couple minutes in, she spilled her most exciting secret. There was squealing, there was joy, there was hugging. And the barista came around with a cake pop of congratulations for Alanna, who just couldn’t help but overhear our little celebration.

Dave and Alanna are dear friends of ours – the very ones who set up me and Shane! – and I couldn’t be happier for them as they’re expecting their first child. This baby is already being showered in attention, in gifts and in love. He or she will be welcomed into this world with more love and doting than they’ll know what to do with ;) Can’t wait!

We were fortunate to have a beautiful spring day in a series of rainy ones and we had so much fun. We took our time around Granville Island, documenting the impending arrival of baby and the natural love between Dave and Alanna…the kind of love that cares, that protects, the kind of love that creates a happy home and a life that is sweet.

Doesn’t she just look amazing? Only a few short weeks to go!

Shane shot alongside me and I have to thank him for saying something rather funny which resulted in me getting this photo :)

Don’t you get the feeling that this baby is going to have impeccable style? ;)

Beautiful both inside and out, this girl…

Love you guys! You two are going to make wonderful parents…so looking forward to meeting your lucky little one!

portraits: jillian

Mikaela — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:24:23 +0000

She always wanted to. It was her dream and she followed it and now, with the help of some friends, she’s making it happen. Jillian is a singer-song writer from Victoria and this spring her first album is going to be released! A sweet girl with a strong voice, beautiful and talented, resilient to the cold rain that fell during our shoot…she’s a girl that’s going places. And Jillian, I was blessed to get to be a short stop on your journey, and have you in front of my camera. I’ll be keeping my eyes and ears open, because you’ve got a bright future ahead!

6 Days Old: Lincoln

Mikaela — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:59:34 +0000

I had the sweetest pleasure of spending some time with handsome little Lincoln yesterday afternoon. At not even a week old, he was very cooperative for his first photo shoot. I photographed his expectant parents Ashley and Ryan last month, and just in time for Christmas, this perfect little bundle of goodness arrived.

Congratulations, Ryan and Ashley :) And thank you for welcoming me into your home and letting me document your new love, your new family.

Merry Christmas, Lincoln!

Christmas Portraits: London + Family

Mikaela — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:21:55 +0000

Meet London…she is a doll. Her curly hair and pretty eyes. She is a photogenic, independent little girl with a lot of personality and we met up with her and her parents on a foggy morning at my favourite Christmas tree farm. London’s dad is Dustin from Launch Menswear and a guy who has become a friend and been there for us for all of Shane’s fashion needs…like our wedding :) I blogged more about that here and you can check out the new, slick Launch website and blog here! He also just won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award; congrats Dustin!

The Russell family was looking for Christmas card photos, so what better place to do so than a festive tree farm. The morning was thick with fog and gave us different light in different spots, but I thought it added a nice touch. London had fun playing hide and seek amongst the trees with Dad and we had fun chasing her pretty little face about. Thank you to Dustin, Michelle and London for these fun photos and another excuse to visit the tree farm :)

***The winner of the Starbucks gift card, who shared their Christmas tradition here, is The Whyte House! Yay Susie :) It made my day, reading all about everyone’s traditions. So fun and festive, so thank you to everyone who shared.