Bev & Mike – married! {Calgary wedding photographer}

Bev & Mike – married! {Calgary wedding photographer}

Oh Valentine’s Day. There is such a weight to February 14 and it seems to be quite polarizing amongst the general population. I even checked out V-day on Wikipedia and found that it is listed under Type as cultural, Christian and commercial. I had to laugh at the ‘commercial’ listing…. I am a lover of chocolate and sentiment  so I’m definitely in the “this day is awesome” camp but I also understand the other side of the massive commercialization and greeting card holiday. So truly, what better way to apply your own significance, than to get married on this day and make it your anniversary. It’s brilliant if you ask me, but in speaking with Mike, it really was just about a winter wedding on a long weekend. (Which is also pretty great) Bev and Mike planned a winter wedding here in Calgary and got a mix of fall and spring. In fact, I had to switch a location out because it was under massive puddles of water. As I drove around, I couldn’t help but laugh at the notion that there would be absolutely, positively no snow in any of the pictures. I hope you agree tho, that everything turned out beautifully regardless. I have been so impressed with the golden light this winter, it usually doesn’t appear until August. And so, it was delightful to play with and shoot into the sunset. The ceremony was held at St Matthew’s Church and the reception was held at the Italian Club. Bev warned me that there would be lots of sparkle, but it was nothing short of perfection. I absolutely adored the pink sequin table cloths and I can assure you, it was definitely not too much. And the candy bar and photo booth cannot go unmentioned; my amazing second shooter Blair Marie and I took part in both, because um, research. Yes, research. Moving on, the night was topped off with beautiful heart felt and hilarious speeches and a fantastic dance party, complete with both Blair and I, taking a spin on the dance floor with a happy guest. Go on and enjoy this gorgeous valentine’s day!

2014::: Oh what a year! {Calgary, Canmore, Banff, Emerald Lake, Phoenix, Edmonton Wedding Photographer}

2014::: Oh what a year! {Calgary, Canmore, Banff, Emerald Lake, Phoenix, Edmonton Wedding Photographer}

Aaaannnnnddddddddd big exhale. WOW. 2014 has gone done in history as my craziest, busiest, most awesome year ever. EVER. I have been saying a lot lately that I feel really lucky to be attracting such lovely, like-minded couples: people who end up being more like friends than clients. It was incredible for me to put this post together and reflect on every single one of them, each picture brought back so many amazing memories and definitely put a smile on my face. I’m still smiling as I sit here and write, actually. This year also marked my first year of mommyhood. My son Logan was born in October 2013 and as you can see, I didn’t take any time off with weddings starting in January 2014. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. I look at my business almost as my first baby and I love the fact that I have been able to balance both while still keeping my sanity and making sure my beautiful family isn’t neglected. Speaking of this first baby, I am entering my tenth year (yes! 10 years!!!) as a wedding photographer and I am pretty astounded by that. It certainly doesn’t feel like 10 years. I feel humbled to have been part of so many couples’ new beginnings, capturing moments that will live on forever. I have had the pleasure of shooting weddings all over the world, from Maine, Vermont and Arizona, Fernie, Golden, Emerald Lake, Christina Lake, Cranbrook and Invermere to Scotland and Jamaica. Of course, there isn’t anything much better than shooting in my own backyard, finding really cool hidden gems here in Calgary and then traveling out and searching for beautiful locations in Canmore and Banff. 2015 is on track to be just as awesome. I truly love what I do, I live for it. And I can’t wait to share what’s to come. Best wishes and Happy New Year! Enjoy!

Jackie & Garett :::at first glance::: {Calgary wedding photographer}

Jackie & Garett :::at first glance::: {Calgary wedding photographer}

As I wind down for Christmas (yay!!!), here’s a little ‘first glance’ at Jackie and Garrett’s 12.13.14 fairytale wedding. They were married at the gorgeous new Bowness Scout Hall and we had absolutely terrific, if not balmy for December, weather. This wedding definitely appealed to my whimsical, fanciful side and I loved it!

Jessica & Dustin::: at first glance :::{Calgary Wedding photographer}

Jessica & Dustin::: at first glance :::{Calgary Wedding photographer}

Check out this little sneak peek for Jessica and Dustin’s beautiful November wedding at Heritage Pointe golf course. I can’t help but write that the weather was incredible and allowed us to shoot completely outside for over 2 hours. I am truly thankful for such an awesome bridal party. And I can’t get over Jessica’s and her bridesmaids’ bouquets, all handmade by Jessica’s mom! Stay tuned for the full wedding blog post!

Kirsten & Taylor -engaged! {calgary wedding photographer}

Kirsten & Taylor -engaged! {calgary wedding photographer}

The pylon wasn’t planned. I swear. So why then? Well, when you’re walking by said pylon and your couple gleefully reminisce about their first date when they, ahem, borrowed a giant one…. well, you shoot it. That orange cone was probably the deciding factor in their romance. Ok maybe not, but it added an element of fun and danger to that date and I’m sure it helped a little. So yeah. It wasn’t planned but it’s cool right? Kirsten and Taylor are a fun, awesome couple. The type of people I want to hang around just because they make me laugh and their personalities are so bright and cheerful. I can see why they get along so well, why they love each other. Laughter is always something I need and crave and I think when you can laugh together, you can overcome any obstacle. It’s my husband’s and my greatest marriage attribute, at least in my opinion anyhow. I loved seeing these two move together and they just fit together, very little direction from me and they just snuggled in close. Thanks for braving the cold! It was worth it!!