One year ago we were photographing their engagement in the streets of New York City and this past weekend, we were photographing their I do’s overlooking the ocean in Vancouver. When I think about each of these occasions my heart fills with gratitude. Randy and Sumeuy are the kind of couple who reminds me why it is that I love what I do; they are some of the kindest people you’ll meet. Friends and family were there to witness and celebrate from all over the globe – the US, Australia, France, China – and you got the feeling that everyone shared a similar sentiment.

The day began at the gorgeous Fairmont Hotel Vancouver with tea, pastries, mimosas and all sorts of lovely. Christina and her team from Red Carpet Ready were on hand to make the girls look extra glam, while Randy and Sumeuy’s French Bulldog Stella ran around in her tutu (made by the bride herself!) and headband enjoying the festivities as well. It was here at the hotel where Randy and Sumeuy shared a very sweet first look, and then we had the afternoon for photos around Gastown and Jericho Beach, before arriving at The Brock House the day’s main event.

Randy and Sumeuy, I can’t thank you enough. Wishing you all the best as you celebrate becoming husband and wife on your European honeymoon!

Sumeuy said yes to this stunning dress at Kleinfeld’s while in NYC last Spring

A gift & journal entry from her groom, the same journal he wrote in the night before he proposed

Manolo Blahnik’s and pretty peony blooms….be still my heart

Handmade boutonnieres by one of the bridesmaids…Sumeuy later thanked her girls for helping make all of her “Pinterest dreams come true” ;)

This is why I love first looks…

Just like at their engagement session, these two were just perfect in front of the camera…

Well, I just had to order a duplicate of Stephanie and Marcus’ album to keep for myself as a sample. Today I’m sharing a few images of the album so clients and potential clients alike can get a sense of the product available to them; thick, gorgeous pages showcasing your wedding for a lifetime (and beyond).

Further yet, Stephanie and Marcus’ wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty Canada! (I love their new look!) Pop on over, have a peek at more details from their day, and leave them a little love!

Stephanie & Marcus was our first couple to debut the CheddarBooth…and it was a bigger hit than we could have hoped! My couples receive 20% off, by the way ;)

That’s what happened as I photographed Trove Vintage Rentals for a look book they’re creating for brides. The details and how they came together couldn’t have been more perfect. Trove actually played a role in our wedding decor, helping to make our reception extra unique and I was so grateful for Jessica’s expertise in pulling it together. Since then, Jessica and Trove have joined forces with  Spruce Collective. Together, these ladies are a treat to work with and I’m excited to see where their business is going.

Stay tuned for their look book and for now, here are some of the photos from the shoot…

Happy Friday!

Hotel Georgia is also where Scott and Ali shared their first look…a moment for just them, perfect and intimate. From there, we made a stop in Gastown for photos and once again I wondered why I don’t spend more time in the area with all of its character and shops beckoning. Best of all, Scott and Ali’s loved filled those streets and their smiles still didn’t waver even when, at Swaneset, we encountered some rain and later it became apparent that the bridal party bouquets had been left behind. The fact remained that they were still getting married. And that’s all that mattered, surrounded by their most loved ones, including many family members from Scott’s home of Australia.

Many thanks to the team at Wedding Design Studio for turning Ali’s dream of a winter wedding into a beautiful reality, and Teagan at Swaneset for making sure everything came together flawlessly. And to Scott and Ali, thank you so much for the joy of being your wedding photographer!

So this post is as much of a personal journal entry as it is a post for those brides who may wonder what we wear to a wedding or how we work, etc, etc. It’s a fun way to share what goes on behind the scenes as Shane and I work together documenting incredible wedding days and each other, at our best and sometimes at our worst. Because it’s not always as lovely as it sounds. The day is intense, and often full of blood, sweat and tears, minus the blood part. Except! That one time my other second shooter had a mishap with a saw and her hand of all things. She was okay but clearly unable to shoot so, my gracious and ever helpful husband came straight from a meeting to help. Which makes this also a thank you to Shane for always being there to support me in a myriad of ways. And a lesson in using dangerous weapons on the day of a wedding…I kid! ;)

Besides providing water, moral support, and strong arms with which to carry bags, Shane is excellent with posing suggestions…
and the above resulted in the below and a few of my favourite wedding photos…perhaps ever…

If you let me whisk you away briefly during your reception to snag some lovely sunset photos, I will love you forever…

Our mantra this day, the hottest wedding day EVER, was “smile through the sweat”…because it was still a truly beautiful day…

The Virgin Islands. They stole my heart. I promise this was the only time we ever wore our bathers while
photographing the bride and groom…I mean, we were on a yacht! The first time we got a beach break in the middle of a wedding day.

10 points if you can spot the photographer…

We were lucky enough to get to work with the guys of Wedding Films by Cassiar on a couple different occasions. Brides, book them now!

That’s me. Shooting from the helicopter. With no door. Enough said.

We joke that Shane ought to be a pet photographer (true story: once when going through an engagement session we shot together, I came upon a photo of a squirrel). But he’s just too good at the more important stuff, like keeping the guys laughing during portrait time:

We introduced the CheddarBooth to our brides and grooms last year and the rave reviews it got were more than we could have hoped for.

(The day Shane joined me last minute, hence the jeans). He takes wedding dresses more seriously than some girls…and I love him for it.

I may Instagram you, but I promise to never put down my camera. The real one! Or let you see what I’m doing.

Do I look like a creeper? No more than Shane would’ve looked peering through the window! These became a few more of my favourite wedding photos ever…

I will never let a strange man touch one of my brides again. Ever. We were all a bit put off when this guy came running over with this FABULOUS idea for a photo (everyone pick up the bride? Now that’s original)…and we were all too nice to say “no thank you.” Next time, I’ll be prepared…

I swear to scare away spiders for you if they happen to get caught in your stunning lace gown.

My super handsome second shooter, who I know just loves to stand in when I test the light and my exposure
(the forced smile says it all)…but then it’s time to exit the shot, okay love? ;)

Why do I stand like this?

He takes care of wedding dresses and ties and well, nothing escapes his attention to detail…

The definition of professional photographers. C’mon, we’re just testing out the light!

I wanted to personalize these gifts, so I began with sharing a few of my favourite things. Chocolate and coffee are at the top of that list so Galerie au Chocolat’s Fair Trade bars in cappuccino or dark espresso had to go in. It is the best chocolate. And what goes oh so well with a piece of chocolate but a good cup of tea. A cup of glitter & gold (or pumpkin chai) is my favourite thing to cozy up with…I bought loose leaf tea and packaged individual portions.

Then I laid eyes on the personalized “love lives cozy here” tea towel from Wedding Chicks…swoon! Just what this gift needed.

And so to pull this all together, I added branded elements like the hand cut confetti, Rifle Paper thank you cards, and washi tape tea bag tags.

Happy Friday and one more thank you to my lovely brides & grooms!

**Find the goods:
Washi tape/glassine bags/kraft sticker labels/baker’s twine: Cutetape.com
Personalized “Love Lives Cozy Here” tea towels: Wedding Chicks
Tea/tea filters: David’s Tea
Chocolate: Galerie au Chocolat
Thank you cards: Rifle Paper Co

Thank you to each of my couples who put their trust in me to document their wedding and the start of their marriage…

This Fall, I was able to check it off my list of goals not once, but three times. It’s so rewarding to work with brides and designers with such heart and talent and then see the outcome recognized on such a respected blog! It’s encouraging to say the least. So while I had set it as a factor of success, it only makes me want to work harder and continue to develop as a photographer.

Most recently, I had the pleasure of working with Jaclyn of 6Pence Wedding & Design on her sister’s engagement shoot and just this morning, it was featured on Style Me Pretty Canada! Please be sure to pop on over and leave these lovely ladies some comment love :)

Then there was the stunning wedding of Stephanie & Nick, designed by the talented Jessica of Petite Pearl Events and seen on Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Blog last month.

 And the swoon-worthy backyard summer wedding of Vanessa & Kenny…a wedding that I will always hold dear…and featured on Style Me Pretty Canada.

Lastly, some of my photos from the gorgeous wedding at UBC Boathouse, and portraits at London Heritage Farm…

The night before there had been a hint of snow, but the sun shone brightly (and just warm enough) in Calgary last Friday as Tanya and Chris became husband and wife in an outdoor ceremony before fifteen of their family members. They chose the very place where Chris proposed, The Ranche, and it was perfect.

Their wedding stationery was created by the graphic designer groom, Chris himself, and I loved all the detail…can you spot the bride & groom on the porch?

I love these first few moments between Tanya & Chris as husband and wife…

I asked Chris where exactly it was that he proposed, and it happened to be here, where the light was oh so lovely…I had to thank him ;)

To Chris and Tanya, thank you for inviting us to document the start of your marriage! It was such a delight and an honor to be there with your family to celebrate you two. Now wherever your honeymoon takes you this week…Amsterdam, Paris perhaps…I hope it’s nothing short of amazing.

Both from Calgary, Alberta, Maghan and Tyler continued their love for travel by getting married in Kelowna, BC. It was Tyler’s wish to say I do at a vineyard, and they did so at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Everyone first got ready at Manteo Resort…

Maghan’s gorgeous lacy dress was handmade by her mom!
Many evenings turned into late nights as she made sure it was nothing but perfect for her daughter…

The veil was a last minute decision and so it was made on the drive from Calgary to Kelowna…and it completed the stunning look.

The father of the bride was extra celebrative ;)

Wandering around Summerhill, we had endless options for photos…and the sunset light made everything particularly lovely…

To Maghan and Tyler, my heart thanks you…we so enjoyed being a part of your day, getting to know you two
and your families. Wishing you nothing but the best in your marriage, and happy road tripping on your honeymoon!

***have a peek at cheddarbooth.com to see more photos from Tyler & Maghan’s wedding! :)***

I think it also explains why even I didn’t want to day to come to an end. Why I was so looking forward to the privilege of documenting Carly and Matt’s wedding, from the time we met last summer and then when Shane and I flew out to NYC this spring for their engagement session. Carly and Matt, what can I say but it’s been a real pleasure getting to know you two. We had such fun with you all on Saturday! Much love, appreciation and well wishes as you begin this next adventure of married life in Seattle. Thank you, thank you.

The day began at L’Hermitage in Yaletown…

I practically swooned over all the thoughtful details…

One of the best parts of the day…

Matt filled a chest with gifts for Carly, items that Carly had admired in passing during their time in New York. Candles, a cook book, jewelry from Anthropologie, children’s book for down the road…and they each held a sticky note of the date Carly had pointed them out…

And then the big surprise! Matt and Carly gave each other the same thing: a painting by a Bronx street artist they both loved, from the one authorized art dealer of his work, which happened to be right around the corner from their NYC apartment. So, so fun.

More details: Carly’s handmade boutonnieres for the boys.

Another great moment was seeing Matt’s reaction when he saw his bride, upon the rooftop terrace of L’Hermitage…

Such a stunning bride, Carly.

 I had already had the pleasure of photographing this same bridal party last year, when Carly’s matron of honor Kristin was married!
Both girls booked me within a week of each other, unbeknownst to the other.

Brix Restaurant was the perfect backdrop for Matt & Carly’s I do’s and reception.
Many thanks to Nicole from Down the Aisle who made sure the day went wonderfully (and who was super fun to work with!).

Their second first look was even better than their first…

There were so many reasons to love this wedding party and this one? Maybe the best!
If you haven’t already seen it, watch the Gangnam Style video here…they did an impressive rendition!

Prior to their wedding ceremony, Jamie and Alan had a first look at her sister’s farm in the valley. Jamie and her sister Nicole had spent the morning getting ready together there, just the two of them, and it was so fun to join them as they filled the farm house with their laughter and excitement.

The day was overcast, providing us with soft light so we could roam the farm and photograph where we pleased. And oh how I enjoyed photographing Jamie and Alan…they had an easy chemistry and love and laughter and some of my favourite images from this wedding season are below…

Shane’s view of the first look above, and mine below…

Fun story: Shane wasn’t supposed to be second shooting with me at this wedding. But when my other second shooter had an emergency (not fun), Shane stepped in last minute and to our surprise, this very farm was the farm on which Shane spent the better part of his childhood! His aunt  & uncle were the previous owners, and it was so fun to watch Shane recount childhood memories and see a piece of his past. Now, back to the wedding… :)

Jamie’s only request for photos was to get a few in the barn, with the strands of white lights…I was more than happy to oblige…

Then it was off to the winery…

Jamie and Alan, congratulations! I can’t thank you enough…my heart is happy when I think back on your wedding day, and the honor of being your photographer. All the best to you both!

I don’t think Stephanie could have wiped away her smile all day, even if she tried. I don’t think I could have, and their’s being our second wedding that weekend, I found myself propelled by the joy of the day’s celebration.

I was smitten with Stephanie’s choice of gown, by Maggie Sottero, and her Kate Spade flats…

One of the loveliest invitation suites…it included a photo from their engagement session, in which Stephanie included hints of their wedding colours. Love this girl’s attention to detail! ;)

So thankful for the amazing summer weather that has continued throughout September!
We took golf carts around Swaneset, making use of their gorgeous grounds…

A true beauty, inside and out. And once again, Ashley of Wedded Bliss did a wonderful job with makeup. Love her!

I think this photo sums up the feel of the day perfectly…

It was a true treat to work with the lovely Jessica of Petite Pearl Events!
She took Stephanie’s vision and turned it into the wedding of her dreams, full of impeccable detail…

While the sounds of laughter and celebration floated out from inside, Nick and Stephanie had a few moments to themselves
as we took advantage of the pretty sunset light…

Thank you so much, you two! It is because of people like you that I love what I do. Hope you’re having a fabulous time in Hawaii, soaking up the sun, relaxation, and first few days of married life!

*Plus: be sure to visit CheddarBooth for the super fun & festive photobooth pictures from Stephanie and Nick’s wedding :)

Here is the latest album to grace my doorstep, from the wedding of Carey-Jane and Ben. 10×10 leather album by Madera, designed by The Album Design.

There’s more! The Album Design also takes care of post-processing and they’ve decided to extend their offer to give you FREE processing of a wedding if you’ve never tried their services before! Again, tell them I sent you and they’ll set you up :)

Happy Tuesday!

The day began down the road at Stephanie’s aunt and uncle’s home where she and her maids got ready…

…while Aaron and his guys got ready at his parents’…

Stephanie was stunning in a form fitting, oh so flattering gown and I think Aaron thought the same…

Stephanie wins for bravest bride! A frog hopped over and she scooped him up for a picture…

Then it was ceremony time, performed by the father of the groom’s best man from years back…

The property gave us endless options for photos…

The pretty floral arrangements of eucalyptus, dahlias & hydrangeas were arranged by Stephanie’s aunt and just the beginning of all the amazing, diy details…

Such a fun & unique wedding cake! Made by the mother of the groom.

It’s such a special thing for a bride and groom to invite us to their wedding to document and share in their momentous day. Many thank you’s to Stephanie and Aaron and your wonderful families for that honour! Wishing you two nothing but the best.

To the newlyweds, I can’t thank you enough for the honor of being your wedding photographer! Your family was wonderful and you all made us feel so welcome. Enjoy your time away in Tofino and happy celebrating this next weekend too!

Following the ceremony, we paid a visit to Stanley Park where the two newlyweds enjoyed a little quiet and time for themselves before the real celebrating began. Len and Olga treated their friends and family to an experience they had previously enjoyed together and wanted to share: a Harbour Cruise around Vancouver. Amazing views of the city painted a stunning backdrop. The fact that both bride and groom are graphic designers popped up in lovely details like their wedding logo and invitations, a real work of art made by Olga herself.

Len and Olga, thank you for the honour of documenting such an incredible day, your wedding day. I knew from the fun we had at your engagement session that your wedding would be memorable. Here’s wishing you a wonderful honeymoon in Paris!

Oh there was something about this day. Something beyond the lovely details and rustic touches, which echoed Vanessa and Kenny’s personalities, brought together by the helping hands of family and friends. Something deeper than the stunning beauty of the bride and groom, who coincidentally met last year at a friend’s wedding. It wasn’t even the fact that I got to take a helicopter ride for an aerial group photo ;) There was infectious joy and warmth and the truth in Kenny and Vanessa’s theme verse for their day “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17.

To Kenny and Vanessa and your families, thank you! Thank you for sharing your warmth and your love, and allowing us to come alongside and document your wedding. Happy honeymooning in St. Lucia!

Thank you, Imran & Suzanne for being so wonderful (and to your wedding party!)…and for inviting us to document your day. Have a fantastic honeymoon in Mexico, soaking up the sun and your first days of married life :)

**Check in with Cassiar MediaWorks for their film from the wedding, coming soon!

Highschool sweethearts, Nikki and Jon became husband and wife this past weekend. The day was gloriously sunny as they exchanged their personal vows lakeside, at family property on Hatzic. Jon recited these verses to his bride because he knew the truth to them, that it speaks of what marriage ought to be, one that is strengthened by God. Stunning in a Maggie Sottero gown, Nikki radiated calm as she let everyone else around her worry about the unfolding of the day’s events; only one thing was one her mind, and that was taking Jon’s last name and becoming his wife. Her answer to prayer.

Nikki, it’s been delightful getting to know you and I’m incredibly happy that you’ve found your husband in Jon. We’re so thankful we could be there to document your day! Hope you two are having an amazing honeymoon in the Mayan.

Best entrance I’ve ever seen by the men!

The day was made all the more special by having her dad, who has been battling cancer, there to walk her down the aisle and proudly give his daughter away…

Not only good looking, but one seriously fun wedding party as well…

Like I said…stunning…

The day’s celebrations wrapped up at the Ramada…