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 - Makeup by Rae

There was a project that I really wanted to work on over the fall/winter. It’s a project that I’ve wanted to do for years! For many reasons, I haven’t been able to put together over the years. But this is the year that I’m going to make it happen. So, this is our first feature story in a blog series that will span the next 6-8 months.

Working in the wedding industry as a photographer, we are usually one of the first vendors that a couple secure for their big day. Often I’m asked for referrals of other vendors that I would recommend for all different parts of their wedding day. So this blog series is all about our preferred vendors. While it’s easy to pass along a name or a business card, I want my clients, followers, and everyone else to learn a little more about these fantastic people that I have met over my 10+ years in the industry.

Our first feature blog post is all about one of our favourite Hair and Makeup Artists: Rae Pelat from Makeup by Rae! I met Rae through a friend and fellow photographer when I was seeking a new MUA for a boudoir marathon that I was having. She told me that not only was Rae’s work amazing, but she was a pretty fantastic woman too. She grew up in North Delta (like me) and we know a lot of mutual people.

The first time we met was in the penthouse suite of a Downtown Vancouver hotel for the boudoir photos. I stuck her in a small bathroom with a small window for the day, as it was the only space I had for her that we were not using for the photos. From the moment I met Rae I adored her. She was fun loving, easy going, professional, and made my clients feel at ease, and I could tell all of this before she even picked up a brush. Over the years I have recommended her for many of my brides and I always get such joy when I see her name on list of vendors that I get before the wedding. We have a running joke that I always seem to get a photo of her with her elbow up in the air and her armpit showing to the world. It’s become a staple shot that I always send to her after the wedding.

When I first approached Rae about this blog post, she was totally game. We brought in a few models to get some great before and after photos, and allow her to show some of her finest work. She also asked if she could bring her pup, Sakura, and have a few photos with her. I’m a sucker for dogs so that was no problem!

So, we sat down and talked about some of the important questions that I felt brides, clients, or anyone in need of a Hair and Makeup Artist might want to know!

What made you want to get into the Hair and Makeup industry?

I've always loved art and painting. I feel it challenges me to be creative with each individual face and personality. I studied business and psychology for 6 years, but I always knew I would have to be doing something artsy and with people to feel fulfilled.

 What’s your favourite part about doing Hair and Makeup for weddings?

Meeting different people and groups of people on and before a wedding day is the best. Helping a bride relax and feel confident walking down the aisle, helping them fulfill their dreams of that perfect wedding moment. It's the happiest day of one's life; how lucky am I to get to be there!?

 What can brides expect from you when they hire you to do their hair and makeup?

OCD attention to detail. I am a perfectionist. I work fast but I have the highest standards for my work. People are trusting me to help them realize a dream and to be a part of creating a very special moment that they will remember for the rest of their life, so I want to honor that no matter what. Personality is huge for me as well. I like getting to know people; their style, vision, what they love, what they don't, everything.

 How would you describe your style?

Versatile, clean, natural. It sounds cliché, but I truly do believe in enhancing one’s natural beauty. I like skin to be flawless, but I don't like putting makeup where it isn't necessary. Don't get me wrong though, I still love a good glam look!

What makes you stand out in the HMUA industry?

I think I have a good combo of personality, creativity, experience and skill. I grew up an ultra sporty girl that wanted nothing to do with makeup, and what later started out as curiosity developed into a driving passion. I believe this allows me to connect and relate to most people. I get the best of both worlds now and could not be more grateful and happy for that.

 Where can you see hair and makeup trends go over the next few years for weddings

It seems as though trends are very cyclical. Trends come back, but in a different/unique way. While pushing the envelope to be different, I still think that the classic ethereal glow, natural waves, soft braids, nude lip with dramatic eye, and winged liner with a bold lip will forever be timeless.

 What’s your favourite part of a wedding day?

I wouldn't say it's a tangible thing that's my favorite. It's definitely the emotion. The excitement and love that surrounds weddings is contagious. Every wedding is as unique as the bride and the people surrounding her.

 Other than weddings, what else do you do hair and makeup for?

Lots of photoshoots: engagement, maternity, boudoir, family, headshots. As well as Halloween events, parties, and simply just because. Also, the occasional Sportsnet event, as well as the Canucks for Kids Foundation Telethon.

 What's in your makeup bag?

I am pretty addicted to trying new products and trends. Over the years I've tested just about everything and have found some staples that I stick by. A few examples are; the Makeup Forever Ultra HD foundation, NARS blush, pretty much every colour of MAC lipstick, the Smashbox Photofinish Primer, Anastasia contour palette, and Voluminous mascara. I also airbrush using MAC foundations.

 What do you like to do on your weekends?

I don't have many weekends free! But any free time I do have is spent on the soccer field. I am the assistant coach of the Douglas College women's soccer team, I coach at Coquitlam Metro Ford Soccer Club, and I play women's premier soccer for Surrey United. Other than that, I love exploring with my dog, Sakura. We go for lots of muddy hikes and swimming at lakes.

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

I’m mobile and have no problem coming to you. Whatever is the easiest and most accommodating. I love a good challenge and I'm open to trying new things. Being in the industry since 2010, my passion for beauty and desire to find the best products and solutions for any and all individual needs or requests has only grown. I also do airbrushing, and yup - everything is waterproof! Not only is it important to create a timeless look, but also a lasting one that will survive the happy tears, the cheek kisses, and the dance floor sweat.

 Client Feedback

 Rae was the best! From the trial to the wedding day, she not only was amazing with make up and hair but she was a comforting, reassuring person in times of my own indecisiveness or uncertainty. She really knew how to make me feel beautiful physically, but also on the inside. She was flexible with my needs and had great suggestions when I asked for her thoughts. Rae is reliable and I would trust her again with my hair and make up for future formal festivities. Bottom line, I totally would refer her to my friends and family! - Julia

 Rae was recommended to me by my friend, who also happened to be my wedding photographer, Morgan Green. I was so lucky that Rae was available for my wedding! The first time I met Rae, she was able to come out last minute to do my trial, right before my engagement photos at 7am on a Sunday! I knew then that she was the one! She listened to everything that I was looking for and I felt and looked amazing in my photos. The day of my wedding Rae was right on time and fully prepared. She had great time management skills and I couldn't believe that her and her assistant were able to keep my five bridesmaids, my mom and I all on time. She made us feel comfortable and our hair and makeup looked flawless! Rae has such a welcoming personality and is talented beyond words. I would recommend her to anyone in a heart beat! -Lena

Personally, as someone who doesn’t wear any makeup and most days my hair is in a ponytail, Rae has always made me feel amazing after working her magic. She’s done me up for my brother in laws wedding, headshots, and anniversary photos with my hubby. She makes me look and feel like an enhanced version of myself and I still always feel like me. She listens to what I’m looking for and works with me to ensure that I look great but that I feel completely comfortable, even when I request to wear chapstick instead of lipstick!

So, if you are looking for a down to earth, professional, caring, genuine, and amazing hair and makeup artist look no further than Makeup by Rae!

Website: makeupbyrae.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/makeuprae/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/makeupbyrp/

Alanna and Terry - Fraser River Lodge Wedding

I have known Alanna since I was just a few years old. Her and her sister Kari grew up just a few doors up the street from me and we went to the same before/after school care. So, when Alanna messaged me about her wedding I was beyond excited!

We started out the day driving out to the always amazing Fraser River Lodge. I feel like I’ve said this a lot this summer, but throughout the week it was calling for torrential rain on their wedding day. I was happy and excited when we got to the lodge because all we had to battle was crazy wind. I’ll take wind over rain any day!

Just as we were getting set up Alanna’s flowers were being delivered and they were beyond stunning! I loved the rich colours and the loose style bouquet, so perfect! As the girls got ready it was so amazing to catch up with Alanna, Kari and their mom.

Alanna and Terry were doing a first look as the rest of the bridal party got ready. I love these moments where it’s just them and having that first interaction with each other on their wedding day. We got a chance to do some photos with all the girls and then some bridal portraits. I love how Alanna had a floor length veil, with the wind it looked incredible!

Then it was time for the ceremony. I loved watching Alanna walk in with her dad, so proud of his little girl. The ceremony was officiated by a good friend, someone that knew them before they were “Alanna and Terry”. It made their ceremony so personal having their good friend marry them.

After some family photos, it was time for a few group photos before talking off to do more photos of Alanna and Terry. I love how trusting and willing that they were when I asked them to go walking all over the place, all in the name for a great photo.

Alanna and Terry had a beautiful set up for their reception and the food was amazing. I loved the head table in the center of the room. It was go great to hear the stories from their family and friends throughout the speeches. I chuckled when in the slideshow a photo with Alanna, Kari, and I appeared on the screen. The night wrapped up with everyone grooving to the live band.

Congratulations Alanna and Terry, I couldn’t be happier for you <3

Venue: Fraser River Lodge

Band: March Hare Band

Flowers: Wild Rabbit Flowers

Cake: Sweet Thea Cakes

Hair and Makeup Artist: Celina Seib

Shae and Trevor - Fraser River Lodge Wedding

Back in September I was able to second shoot for Oh Love Photography for Shae and Trevor’s big day. I don’t often get the opportunity to second shoot but I absolutely love it when I do. Second shooting allow me to spend more time capturing the day from a different perspective and try out new techniques.

The backdrop to their wedding was the ever amazing Fraser River Lodge. When we first arrived I got to go and hang out with the guys as they shot some pool. The girls were getting ready in the bridal suite with the ever fabulous Rae taking care of their hair and makeup.

It was soon time for the boys to get dressed so that we could get Trevor out to the spot where they were going to have their first look. At most weddings my time is spent with the bride all the way up to the moment when they see their groom for the first time. So for me it was a lot of fun to spend the 15 minutes with Trevor as we waited for his beautiful bride to arrive. We talked about how they met and how they purposed and I could see how anxious and excited he was getting waiting for Shae to arrive.

I love first looks as it gives the couple that moment just to themselves to see each other for the first time. Shae looked absolutley stunning in her dress from Everything But The Groom. We spent some time with just Shae and Trevor before the rest of their bridal party joined us for some photos before the ceremony. Then it was time to head back to the lodge to get ready for them to join the family and friends and say their vows to one another. The ceremony was beautiful and full of so much love.

After a few family photos it was time to party the night away. At the reception instead of clinking glasses for them to kiss they had people meow like cats. Shae and Trevor have a love for cats, Trevor even wearing cat socks on their wedding day, so it seemed a fitting way to get them to kiss. I have to admit hearing a random “meow” come over the microphone during dinner made me burst out loud more than once. Just before they started to dance the night away they did the bouquet and garter toss and I absolutely love the images from the bouquet toss!

Such an amazing day with an amazing group of people and I was go glad that I could be part of their big day!

Danielle and Andrew - Othello Tunnels Engagement Session

When I first met Danielle and Andrew over a year and a half ago, I knew that wanted to be part of their wedding day. The more I learned about their wedding and their plans for their engagement session I grew even more excited to tell their love story. They really wanted to do their engagement session at the Othello Tunnels and I couldn’t be more excited! So we planned a date in May for their engagement session, but found out just a few weeks before that the location we were going to shoot at was closed for another month. So we picked a new date in July, certain it would be a beautiful day. We even decided to meet really early in the morning to avoid the heat of the summer weekends. And when the day arrived it rained, but they were totally game for still doing the session.

So we hiked into the tunnels and got some amazing shots inside them and around the surrounding cliffs nearby. The tunnels were part of the Kettle Valley Railway lines and are a big part of British Columbia’s railroad history. If you are ever out in Hope, I encourage you to take an hour or two to go and explore the area!

After walking around the tunnels we headed over to Lake of the Woods on the other side of Hope, which is another spot I’ve always wanted to do photos. Both Danielle and Andrew were rock stars in front of the camera and so natural with each other.

This past weekend we got the chance to continue to tell the love story of Danielle and Andrew, and we can’t wait to share some photos of their big day with you soon.

The Heyman Family - Campbell Valley Maternity Session

I love when I get to meet up with people that I’ve known for years and take photos of their growing family. Bill (or Billy as he’ll forever be known to me) and I became friends back in Junior High, our lockers always beside each other due to being side by side in the alphabet! I always called Billy the Candy Man because he had the biggest sweet tooth and always had boxes of candy stashed in his locker. It so cool to now see him as a dad.

I was super excited when Alex messaged me and asked if I would capture this exciting time in their lives, just before becoming parents to two more! Yes you read that right twins! I can’t believe that Alex is already 34 weeks and that there are two babies in there, she looks beyond amazing! We met up at Campbell Valley Park and explored around taking photos at the old school house, the red barn, and in the fields amongst the fall trees!  It was so great to catch up with them again and I can’t wait to hear the news that their new babies are here! Congratulations Bill, Alex, and Will!

Laura and Steven - Redwoods Golf Course Wedding

I know Laura was super excited to be the first couple on our new blog when we shared their engagement photos. So it seems only fitting to have her and Steven be the first wedding that we share with everyone.

On September 4th, 2016 we had the honour to be part of Laura and Steven’s big day. I had been super excited to photograph Laura and Steven’s wedding pretty much from the moment we had our first consultation! We knew that with all the amazing details they were putting into their big day that it was going to be a photographers dream!

When we arrived at the clubhouse where the girls were getting ready, they were almost done all their hair and makeup with the fabulous team of Faye Smith Makeup and Hair! They had these white antlers above the fireplace, and I knew that was where I wanted to hang Laura’s dress. Sometimes to get the perfect angle I have to do a bit of climbing, so up on the back of the couch I went. What I didn’t realize was that I was shimmying back and forth, and singing to “Man, I Feel like a Woman” by Shania Twain and Laura and her girls totally caught me! What can I say? I’m a total car singer, and according to my husband a wicked finger dancer. We were able to capture all the detail photos on this amazing wood table. Then it was over to Laura and Steven’s place to take a few photos of the guys!

When we got over to the guys they were pretty much ready to go. They just needed their boutonnieres! We pulled Steven aside to do a few photos of him, and the room with 10+ people in it fell to a dead silence. It literally made me laugh out loud because I’ve never had such a captive audience when taking photos of the groom.

Then it was off to Derby Reach to capture their first look. We arrived ahead of the bride by about 20 minutes, but I’m sure Steven would have thought it was lasting a lifetime waiting for his bride. He kept telling us that he just wanted her to get here and that he was so excited for the day. He even reread his vows over a few times (I think to calm his nerves). When we were finally ready for him to see his bride he got the biggest grin on his face. I absolutely love watching the reaction of a groom when he sees his bride for the first time. Steven even started to rub his cheeks after only 5 minutes of being in front of his lovely bride because they hurt from smiling so big!

Then we had a bit of a surprise for Laura and Steven. In their engagement session we had used the vintage love seat that I refinished and reupholstered. So, we surprised them by bringing the love seat along to do a few photos with. It even provided some great seating options for the guys while we were doing photos of the girls.

After doing the group photos and some family photos it was time to take just the bride and groom aside for some bridal portraits! We had a few photo bombers and lots of bugs that decided to come along for a ride in Laura’s dress! Once we were done at Derby, it was time to head to Redwoods Golf Course for the ceremony and reception!

We loved that Laura and Steven chose to have a friend marry them. It made their ceremony that much more special for them. Their vows were beautiful and charming, even quoting Dr. Seuss. After the ceremony we snuck in a few more photos before they rode in, in style, on the pimped out golf cart! I don’t know which was better, the faces of the bride and groom as they rode in, or the guests’ reaction!

There were lots of laughs and a few happy tears before they started to dance the night away. Laura’s dad even brought a lightsaber out during his speech!

We couldn’t be happier for these two. A truly amazing couple, and we are happy to officially make them our first Amazing Day Bride and Groom! 

Venue: Redwoods Weddings

Florist: She's My Florist

Décor: Cinderella Slip-Ons Chair Covers and Decor

Cake: Cake Savvy

Hair and Makeup: Faye Smith Makeup & Hair

Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Everything But The Groom Bridal Boutique

Tux’s: Moores Clothing

Stylize Rustic Country Wedding Session - Campbell Valley Park

When we started the re-branding process back in the winter of 2016, we started to think about doing our first stylized sessions. we were so excited when it all started to come together in the spring and reached out to some of our favourite vendors to see if they would be able to help us bring our vision to life.

First, we needed models. I immediately thought of our friends Katie and Grant. I’ve known Katie pretty much from the day she was born, and spent my childhood summers with her and her sister at our cabin. Katie is an amazing dancer and even gave my husband and me lessons before our wedding! I’ve always wanted to get Katie and Grand in front of my camera, and I was so excited when they said yes.

Next was the dress. I knew what style we wanted but didn’t want to pay an arm and a leg. I reached out to some friends to see if anyone was willing to sell me their dresses. In the end I only needed 1-2 dresses but ended up with 6! My husband kept laughing every time I came home with another dress and wanted to know if I was planning some sort of secret vow renewal or something.

Now it was onto the details. What did I want the session to look like? I reached out to Rae from Makeup by Rae to see if she could do the hair and makeup for Katie. I was ecstatic when she was game! I knew I wanted to have a bouquet and boutonniere, and reach out to one of my favourite florists Jerry at Fresh Blooms. The last piece was a small cake! Heather did an amazing job of the cake. It was exactly what I was looking for. 

Then we got to the day! The weather was perfect and I was so excited! We headed off to Campbell Valley Park. I gave Erin the task of holding the cake while we drove, which resulted in many laughs and a number of “slowdowns!”. Once we got to the park, we walked over to the wildflower field and set up. It was so much fun to just explore my artistic side and play around with posing and angles! Katie and Grant ever brought their dog Harley with them and we snuck him into a few photos!

Next we moved over to the other side of the park and switched dresses to a look that was a bit more formal. The sun was setting and giving us the most beautiful glowy sky!

Now, anyone who knows me knows that I’m just as eager to share images with my clients as they are to see them! So it was sooooo hard to hold onto the photos for over 2 months before I could share them with everyone!

We did one more stylized session this summer: a camping themed engagement session! That one will be next up on the blog tomorrow night.

Amanda and Cassandra - Derby Reach Sister Session

Back in June we met up with Amanda and Cassandra at Derby Reach to take some updated sister photos as a gift for their parents! They asked that I hold off sharing the photos until they gave them to their parents and today I got the green light to share them! 

We always love getting both these girls in front of the camera as they are absolute naturals!! We laughed tonnes during their session and finished off with a bit of air guitar!! 

Thank you again Amanda and Cassandra for always trusting us with your memories!

Laura and Steven - Buntzen Lake Engagement Session

Tomorrow is Laura and Steven’s wedding day and we couldn’t be more excited!! I remember back to meeting up with Laura and Steven at Starbucks to talk about their big day, and I knew from that meeting that I really wanted to be their wedding photographer. We sat and talked for almost 2 hours, and it truly felt like I was sitting down with a long-time friend catching up on all the things that had happened over the past few months. I was so excited when she emailed me back and told me that they wanted me to be their wedding photographer!

A week later we met up again on a stormy August day to go through the contract and set up all the details. That was the day of the crazy August 2015 storm which knocked out power to some parts of the Lower Mainland for days! Little did we know at that time that their venue, Redwoods Golf Course, was pulling out all the stops to make sure that the weddings on that stormy weekend went on without a hitch.

Fast forward to May 2016, and we were all set to do their engagement session at Buntzen Lake. It was a beautiful day. Bright and sunny, but not too warm. Laura had mentioned to me a few days before their session how much she wanted to incorporate a vintage couch into their photos. And luckily enough, my husband and I took an upholstery course at The Passionate Home in Langley that past winter and I had just finished refinishing and upholstering a love seat. So we packed the couch up and headed out to the Lake!

It was quite the site to see me walking about with a love seat hoisted above my head, but it was totally worth it! We got to hear a lot about all the amazing details that they were putting into their big day, making us even more excited to be part of their wedding!

So here we are today, less than 24 hours until they are husband and wife. We are so excited to be back at Redwoods Golf Course celebrating amongst Laura and Steven’s Family and Friends!