Marie & Mickey - Campbell Valley Anniversary Session

Relationship goals, that’s what these two exude! I think it’s so important to take new photos every year to celebrate your family, your love, or both. When Marie contacted me to take some 30th Anniversary photos of her and her hubby Mickey I was totally game. We planned a date in late June with the setting sun. Marie also invited her two daughters to join in the session so that they could get some updated family photos. The sky and light were amazing that night. But boy, was it warm! They were so cute together and I loved hearing their advice on how to have a successful marriage. Tip #1: Let the small things go! Tip #2: laugh a lot. And trust me we did that throughout the session! I can’t wait for them to hit 35 years so we can do it all over again!

Moira and Derek - Derby Reach Maternity Session

I have been fortunate to be able to capture this family for the past few years. I remember back to when we arrived at the house where Moira was getting ready for her wedding, and she slyly told me that she had just found out that week she was pregnant with their first child. I was beyond excited for them! Fast-forward 2 ½ years and many photos later, and she was messaging me to let me know that baby #2 was on the way.

Moira and Derek are the best parents, and I couldn’t be happier that they would be welcoming baby #2 this summer! We met up at Derby Reach Park late one Saturday evening to capture this exciting moment in their lives. This little girl is already so loved by her big sister and the most amazing parents! I can’t wait to share their newborn session with everyone in just a few weeks!

Val and Nick - White Rock Engagement Session

I think we planned Val and Nick’s Engagement session 10 different times, but mother nature was not being nice and poured rain each any every time. So needless to say, I was super excited when we finally got a date to work and also got the weather gods on our side!

I’ve known Val and Nick for a little while now. They are great friends with my cousin, and Nick was the Best Man in Jennifer and Marcus’ wedding last September. They had picked out a cool spot along the water in White Rock for their photos, and it was so much fun exploring this new spot with them! Now most couples spend the last few months before their wedding doing planning, but not these two. They were running a triathlon just a few short weeks after their engagement photos, and only a month before their wedding.

Val’s ring is a stunner and I could have photographed it forever. It was great to spend some more time with Val and Nick and it got me even more excited for their big day in July!

The Loewen Family - Barnet Marine Park Family Session

I really do enjoy extended family sessions. I think it comes from having a smaller family growing up, that I never had the opportunity to have a big family gathering. So I was super excited to get together with Kristi and Eric to do some updated family photos with both their families at Barnet Marie Park. Easton was very enthralled with all the boats that passed by, and while he took his photos very seriously, we were still able to get a few smiles out of him!

Beth and Craig - Hart House Wedding

You will remember Beth and Craig from their woodsy engagement session at Minnekhada Park! We were so excited to be shooting again with our second shooter, Leanne from Leanne Sim Photographer. We were at a location we had never done a wedding at yet, the Hart House in Deer Lake Park. When we first arrived, Beth was getting the final touches on her hair and makeup by the fabulous Makeup by Rae. We took all the detail photos while Leanne spent time with Craig and his groomsmen.

After the ceremony, they had a champagne toast with all their family and friends before it was time for their family photos and bridals. One of the best parts of having Leanne with us was she was able to stay back at the Hart House and capture a bunch of casual family photos of all the guests, while we were out doing the formal family photos. With an April wedding, I always worry about the weather. But on this day the weather was perfect.

We loved spending time with Beth and Craig, and with their family and friends celebrating. There were a lot of laughs, fabulous food, and so much love for the two of them! Congratulations Beth and Craig, and thank you for letting us be part of your big day!

Katrina and Bruce - Mission Wedding

You might remember Katrina and Bruce from their amazing fall engagement session! Their big day was our first wedding of the year and we were super excited to be shooting it with our second shooter, Leanne from Leanne Sim Photographer.

We started out the day with the girls while they were getting their hair done by the fabulous Justyne! Katrina’s dress was stunning and looked absolutely gorgeous on her. The rain had been on and off all day, and as we got a little later into the afternoon the skies got very dark. Once we had Katrina all dressed and ready to go, it was time to take her to see her groom at Hayward Lake.

When we arrived at Hayward Lake the skies opened up, but that didn’t stop us from using the gazebo for their first look and some umbrellas for their bridal photos. Due to the weather we were not able to get to all the great locations that Katrina and Bruce had picked out so we made the plan to come back another day and do some more bridal photos for them.

So we headed off to Eighteen Pastures Golf Course for the ceremony and reception. They were surrounded by the most amazing friends and family as they said “I do”. There was so much love in that room for the two of them. They both are two of the most kind-hearted, loving people we’ve ever met and we couldn’t be happier for them!

Beth and Craig - Minnekhada Engagement Session

When I first started talking with Beth about their engagement photos, she told me that they wanted a woodsy setting. I have always loved hiking in Minnekhada Park and knew it would be the perfect backdrop for their session!

We met up with them one Sunday morning in March, and found some of the most amazing spots to do photos in amongst the trees and along the water bridge! And hey, at least this time I remembered to put all my gear into my backpack instead of my rolly-case.

I loved the pop of Beth’s blue shirt against the trees. These are definitely some of my favourite images from this spring! And hearing all about their upcoming April wedding made us even more excited for their big day!

Amanda and Dustin - Redwoods Golf Course Wedding

Amanda and Dustin’s wedding was one of our last before we launched the Amazing Day Photography name. I've know Amanda for almost a decade and it was truly like watching my little sister get married!

We started the day off with the girls at the Signature Sandman in Langley as they got their hair and makeup done. Once we had Amanda in her dress it was time to head over to the Derby Reach for the bridal photos of the girls. We timed it well with our second shooter, Megan from Oh Love Photography. Her and the boys were at the park just before us. Our goal was to have all the girls’ and boys’ photos done before the ceremony so we could get Amanda and Dustin into their reception faster.

We love Redwoods Golf Course! The setting is beyond amazing and the food and service are both top notch! Watching Dustin tear up as Amanda and her dad walked down the aisle warmed my heart. After the ceremony we did the photos with the full bridal party, who were so much fun to work with. Then it was Amanda and Dustin’s turn in front of the camera for their bridal photos. They are so natural in front of the camera and I love the variety of backdrops that we got to shoot at Redwoods.

Next it was time for their grand entrance into the reception, where we got to hear stories from their family and friends that made us both laugh and cry. The night finished up with their first dances and one of the best bouquet tosses/garter throws we had seen all season!

Congratulations Amanda and Dustin! We are so glad that we got to be part of your big day.

Venue: Redwoods Golf

Decor: Cinderella Slip-Ons Chair Covers and Decor

Flowers: Bridal Beginnings - Floral & Event Design

Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal

Bride's Dress: Lisa's Bridal Salon

Men's Tuxes: Moores Clothing

Sara and Ty - Maple Ridge Maternity Session

I simply love it when we get the honour to not only capture a couple’s wedding, but also when they trust us with their family photos years later. We’ve been lucky enough to be a part of Sara and Ty’s story since their engagement a few years ago. Then they had Charlie, and we have been able to continue to photograph their family over the last two years. You can only image how excited we were when we heard that they were expecting again, this time a little girl! So, on a very rainy November day we met up to capture Sara’s cute little bump and take their last photos as a family of only 3! We have loved watching Charlie grow up, and we know he is going to be a fantastic older brother!! Congratulations Sara, Ty, and Charlie.

Rosemary and Alan - Squamish Winter Wedding

You might remember these two from their Gastown/UBC Engagement Session. Alan and Rosemary’s December wedding was our last of 2016, and was it ever beautiful! We felt so honoured to be part of their intimate ceremony at the Howe Sound Inn in Squamish, BC.

We started out the day at the Inn with Rosemary and her sister getting their hair and makeup done by the fabulous Natacha Trottier. Alan was just in the room next door, so we had to make sure that we moved her dress and details around carefully so that he wouldn’t see. Once we were ready to go I headed to the Sea to Sky Gondola with Rosemary and her sister so that we could head up the mountain ahead of Alan and his brother. It was so beautiful at the top as there has just been a recent snow fall the day before.

We set up a first look for Alan and Rosemary at one of the lookout points. I loved the dramatic shots of Rosemary walking across the suspension bridge towards Alan.  With the wind blowing and the snow falling, it made for a pretty dramatic backdrop for their photos.

Once we were done at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, it was back to the Inn for their ceremony surrounded by their families. Rosemary’s mom did such a great job with all the flowers for the reception and with Rosemary’s bouquet.

This summer they are having a reception with all their family and friends, and we can’t wait to head over to the Island to celebrate a second time with them!

Venue: Howe Sound Inn

Photo Location: Sea to Sky Gondola

Hair and Makeup: Natacha Trottier

Brides Dress: Stillwhite.com

Winter Family Session - Derby Reach Park

This girl ahs been in my life since the day I was born! While we are not related by blood we always called each other cousins, and realistically I think of her as more like a sister! So, when she contacted me to do some updated photos of her and her kids I couldn’t say no.  What we were not expecting was the cold and winter weather, but what an amazing backdrop for a family session.

My little niece and nephew are the cutest and did amazing during the session. We wrapped up the morning with a quick trip to Starbucks for some hot chocolates! I love this session so much and I’m so excited to share the photos with you.

Catroppa Family - Tynehead Park Family Session

These winter days of snow and rain have me missing the longer fall days full of beautiful colours. One of our last family sessions in the fall was the Catroppa Family. Ashley and I went to the same high school and we have some mutual friends. I was so excited to capture this special time in their lives with their little guy. It may have been a bit rainy, but they couldn’t keep the smiles off their faces.

Photos play such an important part in our lives and I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to capture a moment in time for my clients. I can’t wait to get the Catroppa family back in front of my camera for another family session.

Banjac Family - Burnaby Lake Family Session

I love when we get the chance to take some new photos for our clients as their family grows. I think this is one of my favourite parts about being a photographer: getting to tell a story as my clients’ lives change. Back in the fall we met up with the Banjac Family at Burnaby Lake. It was great to spend time with them and their two little guys, Theo and Evert! The last time I saw them, Theo was just little and now he’s running around kicking his favourite soccer ball!  They are such a sweet and amazing family! I can’t wait to take their photos again!

Katrina and Bruce - Mission Engagement Session

Our first wedding of 2017 is about to take place next month, so I couldn’t think of a better moment to post one of my favourite engagement session from 2016.

We met up with Katrina and Bruce out at Hatzic Lake on a warm fall afternoon in October. The leaves were a perfect golden colour and the day was crystal clear! I know they were nervous at first to get in front of the camera, but it was evident from the first shot that they were beyond naturals!

As we moved around the lake you could just see how in love these two are with how cuddly they got with each other. We then started to make our way up to Cascade Falls, making a quick stop at a blueberry field where the leaves had turned a vibrant red! I love discovering new spots, and Cascade Falls didn’t disappoint!

We can’t wait to get these two back in front of our cameras next month for their wedding. We know it will be an amazing day with lots of love, laughter, and even more cuddles!

Vendor Spotlight - Shawna Spooner

I’m super excited to bring the next blog post in our vendor series! I truly believe that one of the best investments in your wedding day (aside from a great photographer, of course) is a wedding planner. Not only can they guide you through the planning process and help you build your timeline, but they will also help in coordinating all your vendors and take away some of that stress that goes along with planning your wedding.

We met Shawna a few years back at Westwood Plateau for one of our first weddings there. She was so friendly and easy to work with. She communicated very well with us, giving us time to get our lighting set up or a quick nudge just before the events of the day were set to happen. Not only was she great at keeping the wedding on time, she was also personable.

Now they say you see the true test of a person’s abilities in times of high pressure. Well, at this wedding we lost power mid speeches. One of the guests worked for BC Hydro, and after a quick call found out that a car had hit a pole and it would be hours before the power a was restored. As the DJ got set up with his generator, Shawna was working in the background with the staff at Westwood to ensure that the wedding could continue. Out came the candles, and a plan was put into action on how we could finish the speeches, have the first dances and party the night away. We left that night at about 10pm, but we heard afterwards that the power didn’t come back on till 1am. However, the guests and couple never missed a moment!

We were super excited when we ran into Shawna at wedding a year later, and she remembered us. With all the photographers she meets, we thought it was really cool that she remembered working with us the year before.  Again, our experience with her was top notch and the wedding went on exactly as planned.

Shawna’s down-to-earth nature is the perfect mix that you need for your wedding day. She will keep you on task, and ensure that you have the most magical, amazing wedding day!

A few weeks back we sat down with Shawna to talk about why she loves weddings and the company she works for, Sweetheart Events.

Who is Sweetheart Events and what do you do for them?

Sweetheart Events is a boutique wedding planning company.  We specialize in creative marriage proposals and personalized weddings.  I am the Associate Planner at Sweetheart Events and I work with clients for “day of” wedding coordination, décor and design and full service planning.

What made you want to get into the Wedding Planning Business?

Growing up I was always a planner and involved with the organizing of school events, fundraisers, and birthday parties.  When I went to College in Calgary to study Public Relations, one of my courses was Event Planning and I just remembered thinking “wow, you can make a career out of this?”  I ended up moving back to Vancouver and attending BCIT for Event Marketing and something just kept pulling me towards wedding planning over corporate events.  I fell in love with the idea of getting to celebrate one of the most important days in someone’s life everyday.

What’s your favourite part about planning for weddings?

I love décor and design and enjoy guiding my couples through the planning process.  Helping them find creative ways to share their love story through personalized touches that represent them as a couple.

What can brides expect from you when they hire you to do their wedding?

They can expect that I will always be in their corner and cheering them on.  They can think of me as their wedding planning bestie!  We in no way take over the wedding planning but are there to offer advice, support and to steer them in the right directions.  When they start to get overwhelming opinions from friends, family and colleagues we can guide them back to what is most true to them as a couple.

We also offer wedding planning for destination couples that are having their weddings in Vancouver.  It is our goal to offer an experience for them so they can feel at ease knowing that every detail is looked after and that they are still fully a part of the planning even though they are miles away.

How would you describe your style?

Sweetheart Events couples gravitate towards the organic, west coast nature backdrops and rustic weddings.  The team is fully diverse in all styles. My personal favourite is a combination of vintage and romantic details with heavy flowers, greenery and candles.

Where do you see trends go over the next few years for wedding decor?

I predict we will see more organic and nature inspired weddings.  Neutrals like white, gold, blush & wood tones.  Greenery is going to be big!  It’s simple but by adding more, draping tables, and filling backdrops you can create a dramatic style

What would you recommend for a bride that doesn’t know where to start?

I would recommend starting with a budget.  Find out what they are comfortable with and who is contributing.  Also, whether they want a small or large guest list.  They should then consider hiring a wedding planner to help guide them through the process and start with the biggest task, which is finding the perfect venue.  If hiring a full-service planner is not in the budget then confirm some important details and hire a “day of” coordinator who can still offer some advice along the way.

Why should a couple hire a wedding planner?

Planning a wedding is a BIG TASK!  It is most likely their first time planning one, and it can be overwhelming and time consuming.  It takes hours and hours and if we can help eliminate some of that research time, e-mailing vendors for prices and availabilities by recommending vendors we know are within budget and your style we’re already a huge stress relief.

When should a couple hire a wedding planner?

As soon as they have set a date.  Typically we start working with couples 12+ months out from their wedding date for full service wedding planning.

What’s your favourite part of a wedding day?

Oh that is hard to pick just one! I have three:

I love seeing the ceremony and reception space all come together! We spend months planning every single detail, so it’s pretty amazing to see their vision come to life.

Sending my brides (and grooms) down the aisle will always be the most important and special part of the day.

A fun and energetic grand entrance with their bridal party is also a top moment for me.  The music is pumping and you can tell the nerves are gone and everyone is just ready to celebrate! I love it and I get goose bumps every time.

What do you like to do on your weekends?

I love getting coffee and taking walks with my boyfriend and our pug Ella.  I also like to visit my friends and family on the Sunshine Coast.  I was super blessed to have 2 nieces and a nephew all born in 2015 so it’s a pretty entertaining time in our family with three one year olds.

What makes you stand out in the wedding planning industry?

I hope it’s just our genuine passion for planning weddings and celebrating our couples and their love story.  We strive to make the experience as fun and stress free as possible.

Is there anything else that you want people to know about you and your company?

I would love to give a shout out to the rest of the team at Sweetheart Events: Stephanie, Caitlyn, and Beth.  Their talent, passion and positivity makes me love what I’m doing that much more.  They are the best support and it’s so fun to be part of such an amazing group of ladies!

I also want to thank our couples.  They trust us with one of the most important days in their lives.  We get to spend time leading up to and on the day with their families and friends honouring this next step in their story.  It is so rewarding and we’re blessed to celebrate love every day!

So when looking for a planner, someone to help you with decor and design for your big day give Shawna a call and you will not be disappointed!

 Phone: 778-996-4255

Website: www.sweetheartevents.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shawna.sweetheartevents

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawna.sweetheartevents

 Previous Vendor Spotlights:

 Makeup by Rae

Everything But The Groom

Alan and Rosemary - UBC & Gastown Engagement Session

I was so excited when Rosemary came to tell me that her and Alan were getting married! Rosemary and Alan are good friends of my husband and I, Alan even being one of my husband’s groomsmen at our wedding. We have all been waiting for the day that they were finally going to get married. I even handed Rosemary my toss bouquet at my wedding and told her your next!

Flash forward almost a year after our wedding and I finally got the message… we are getting married! The best part was that I knew before my husband did, so I had to keep it top secret until Alan had a chance to tell him. I was so excited to be able to get to photograph their wedding story for them.

After a few rain cancellations we were finally able to meet up at the UBC Botanical Gardens for their engagement session. All the beautiful rich fall colours were a stunning backdrop to their photos. After walking around the park and finding all the best places for photos we headed to Gastown to one of their favourite pubs for a few more pictures. I do a lot of outdoor engagement sessions where we take in the beauty of BC, so it was cool to be in a totally different spot. The pub was empty so we were able to take advantage of the best “snug” and they cuddled up for a few more photos.

It was great to hear more stories about how they met, their first date, and all about their love story. I can’t wait for their December wedding at a super cool location that is totally them!!

Fall Mini Sessions - Derby Reach Family Photographer

I always love fall photos! There’s something about the warm glow of the sun on the fall leaves that makes me oh so happy. I was so excited that the weather turned out better than expected for our fall mini sessions this year. It was so great to meet some new families and catch up with some of our past clients as well. Here’s a few of our favourites from each of our sessions.

Jen and Marcus - Beach Grove Golf Club Wedding

We were so excited to be part of Marcus and Jen’s big day in September! It was a beautiful day, with only a few rain drops, and the most perfect skies for photos. We started out the day with Jen and her girls (and her fur baby Bandit) at their home in Ladner. As soon as we walked in the door and saw her beautiful bouquet we knew we would be wowed all day long. The girls spent the next few hours finishing their hair and makeup, sharing lots of giggles and laughs along the way. Then it was time to get Jen into her dress. Just before stepping in her dress her girls surprised her with her “something blue”. Each of her five bridesmaids sewed a tiny blue flower into one of the layers of her dress. They also surprised her with a beautiful book of photos and notes celebrating how much they loved Jen and their friendship together.

It was then off to Beach Grove Golf Course in Tsawwassen for the ceremony. The sun started to peak out just as they started the ceremony. I don’t think Jen and Marcus ever took their eyes off each other throughout the ceremony. Once they said “I do” it was off to Centennial Beach for the group and bridal photos.  As Marcus and all his guys grew up in Tsawwassen it was easy to find a spot off the beaten path where we were not surrounded by tonnes of people. The group was awesome to work with, knocking out the photos like champs! I loved the girls black dresses and their beautiful bouquets, so much elegance. We then made a quick trip over to the secret garden for a few more photos of Jen and Marcus and then it was time to party!

Beach Grove Golf Course did an outstanding job with the food. We loved the touch Jen’s mom’s photo in her wedding dress just as you entered the reception room. It was a perfect way of having her there with her on her wedding day. Throughout speeches we shed a few happy tears and laughed a lot and got to know Jen and Marcus through the eyes of their family and friends. Though they met playing soccer (Marcus’ favourite sport), Jen’s family is a BIG hockey family. I’m sure Marcus will have many Saturday night hockey games in his future! Once the dancing got started the dance floor never cleared, with everyone showing off their best moves!

We couldn’t be happier for Jen and Marcus and we are so glad that we got to be part of their big day!

Venue: Beach Grove Golf Course

Bride’s Dress: Shades of White

Bridesmaid Dresses: The Bridal Gallery

Flowers: Buds and Blooms Floral Shoppe

DJ: Profound Sound

Makeup: Makeup by Rae

Second Shooter: Oh Love Photography