Rhea and Dave - Pitt Lake Engagement Session

We can’t wait for Saturday so that we can celebrate the wedding of Rhea and Dave, but first let’s flash back to their summer engagement session at Pitt Lake.

I’ve known Rhea for years and I’ve even had the honour of taking her photo when she was a bridesmaid in a wedding that we photographed a few years ago. I was so excited the day I saw on Facebook that Dave had purposed and that these two amazing people were going to be saying “I do”!

Over the summer we met up at Pitt Lake to do their engagement session. I always like to find new spots and cool little areas, so we set off down a path thinking that it was going to take us on a quick loop. Not so much. We stopped along the walk at different spots and 45 minutes later we finally got to about the half way mark along the path. Since it was starting to get warmer and the sun getting higher in the sky we decided to back track to the parking lot the way we came. It wasn’t the set planned path but we still found some amazing spots. We laughed so much throughout their session and Dave even tried to catch a snake so he could chase us with it.

This weekend will be amazing and I’m sure it will be full of much more laughter and so much love between these two and their families!

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.

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.

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

An Open Letter To My Husband on Our First Wedding Anniversary

After a year and half of planning and organizing we finally were able to say “I Do”. As I sit here the night before our 1st Anniversary I’m reminded of the happiest day of my life and what this year has brought us. 366 days ago I woke up at 6am, no longer able to keep my eyes shut at the excitement of seeing you in only a few short hours. I remember just thinking how much I wanted the next few hours to pass so I could see you all dressed up in your kilt, knowing I was about to become your wife. I remember back to the moment just before we saw each other, I saw you walking up the hill to our ceremony sight with the photographer and I instantly got butterflies in my stomach, just like I use to when we first started dating. As I walked up behind you, the wind blowing my dress all over the place I hoped that the next 12 hours together would last an eternity so I could take in each and every moment as much as possible. As the next few hours passed and we did all our photos, I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. Then it was time for the ceremony. The moment that me made our commitment to be with each other forever, and all the promises that we made to each other. We danced the night away with our friends and family and then that was it… 18 months of planning done in a blink of any eye. I woke up that morning a Hargreaves and went to sleep a Green and I couldn’t be more excited to start the next chapter in our love story together.

The next month brought many happy memories, our honeymoon in Hawaii, visiting with family and friends, and getting our wedding photos back so we could relive our day. Then "normal" set back in. It was back to work for both of us and time to get back into the regular daily grind. Everyone kept asking “so how does it feel to be married?” and my response was always the same, “the same as before the wedding”. Yes I had a new last name, but other than that our lives were much the same as before. I never expected life to change after our wedding, but looking back I am surprised at what the next 11 months brought us.

On our wedding day I truly felt that was the closest that we would ever be, I didn’t think it was possible to love you anymore than I did that day. But as I sit here 366 days later, I love you so much more, but on such a deeper level. Marriage can be hard, it’s something that you always need to work at. Over this past year we’ve had a number of arguments, a few fights, but more importantly we learned how to forgive each other quicker, say “I’m sorry”, and understand each other’s feelings even more. We also learned how to be a husband and a wife to each other.

If you had asked me a year ago what would I have wanted, an easy first year of marriage with rainbows and butterflies or a year of harder conversations and moments of silence, I would have picked the rainbows. However looking back on this past year I’m so glad it wasn’t all rainbows because we learned so much. And each of the moments of forgiveness and understanding brought us even closer together.

So I want to thank you. Thank you for standing beside me in the hard times, always holding my hand, for waking me up at 5:30am just to tell me you love me before you go to work, for always making me dinner and packing my lunch for the next day. For encouraging me to be a better version of myself and for always telling me I’m beautiful. For forgiving me when I’m frustrated and saying things I don’t mean, and for always trying to make me laugh when I’m grumpy. For holding me when I’m sad, and coming to my rescue when I need help. You are my rock, my best friend, my everything. I love you more today than I ever imagined I could and I cannot wait to see what the next 365 days will being us.

So on this day, our 1st wedding anniversary I want you to know how much I love you and how thankful I am for the last 366 days and how excited I am for the next 365!

Photo by Matt Kennedy

Erika and Mark - Granville Island Engagement Session

Erika contacted me a few weeks back about doing an engagement session for her and her fiancé Mark. They are getting married in Mexico next year and wanted a very Vancouver feel to their engagement photos. So on a sunny Sunday afternoon we met up with them at Granville Island, a perfect spot for that Vancouver feel! As we started taking photos we were chatting about how her and Mark met at work, funny enough the same place my husband use to work years ago. Then our worlds got a little smaller, Erika studied Biotech at BCIT and my dad was one of her teachers!

We did a full lap of Granville Island finding little nooks to take some amazing photos for them. We loved getting to know them and their love story and we are so happy that we were able to capture this special moment in their lives!

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!

Brittany and Jamie - Port Coquitlam & Minnekhada Wedding

Last weekend we had the honour of photographing Brittany and Jamie’s wedding! You will remember Brittany and Jamie from our Camping Themed engagement session that we did this past summer.

It’s hard to believe with all the amazing details that they put their wedding together within about 5 weeks. The wedding took place in the backyard of Brittany’s parents’ home. All week they had been calling for rain, even up to the morning of the wedding. They put up a few white tents and I’m sure that was what scared the rain away because not a drop fell.

I absolutely love the way that Jamie’s face lit up when he saw Brittany enter the backyard with her dad. They both couldn’t take their eyes off each other as they read their vows and committed themselves to each other.

After the ceremony we headed out to Minnekhada Park. I was so excited when they told me that this is where they wanted to do their wedding photos. My husband and I have hiked Minnekhada a few times over the years and I’ve always thought that I would love to do some wedding photos in the park, especially along the land bridge. But I also knew that this was a bit of a dream as the hike in, isn’t the easiest to be doing in your wedding attire. So you can only imagine my excitement when Brittany and Jamie said they were game for the hike in.

Now if I had really been thinking I would have put all my gear into my backpack bag rather than bringing my rolling case, but hey, you got to do what you got to do! So off we set into the park, walking over roots, climbing rocks and eventually getting to the land bridge. The sun was shining and we hiked all over the place. Did I mention that Brittany did all this in her high heels? It was totally worth it, I couldn’t be happier with the way the images turned out.

We then headed back to the house to take some family photos and start the party. After an amazing dinner Brittany and Jamie had their first dance as husband and wife. It was such a wonderful day and Brittany and Jamie’s family and friends were beyond amazing. We are so excited that we got to be part of the next chapter in their love story.

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

Brittany and Jamie - Camping Engagement Session

We hope that everyone is enjoying this sunny weekend! We wanted to share with you our second stylized session from this summer. Our first was our Rustic Country Wedding Session, and for our second a Camping Themed Engagement Session.

We got to spend our Saturday celebrating the wedding of Brittany and Jamie and we are super excited to share images from their big day soon. But first we wanted to start by sharing their amazing camping themed engagement session.

Back in June we put out a model call looking for an outdoorsy couple for a camping themed engagement session. Brittany entered her and Jamie into the draw and a few days later their name was selected! We met up a few weeks later on a beautiful summer night at a friend’s property out in Aldergove.

In preparing for the session we picked up some goodies to make s’mores, some vintage Coke bottles, and a new fire pit! We were not sure when and if the campfire ban was going to kick in so we thought best to be safe and go with a propane fire pit. We had gone out to the property about a week before the session scoping out the best spot for the photos.

When Brittany and Jamie arrived we felt like we instantly clicked! They were so amazing, even bringing some props with them. We went all over the property, exploring as much as we could. Then it was time for s’mores. These were the most ginormous marshmallows we’ve ever seen. One thing we fogot to bring with us was something to wash the melted marshmallow off our fingers. It was everywhere! Then we made the mistake of putting out hands in the grass which only resulted in sticky grassy fingers, and lots of laughter.

We had such an amazing night and we were so excited that they asked us to be their wedding photographer. They planned on having the wedding in about 6 weeks after the engagement session and last night we got to see all their hard work pulled together! We will be sharing their wedding photos soon!

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!