Karey & Kent {married!} | a Canmore elopement

Karey & Kent {married!} | a Canmore elopement

The hazy days of summer are upon us and I couldn’t be more excited! This Canmore elopement was just perfect, set in the valley amidst bright blue skies, golden grasses and those majestic mountains. The river was a welcome sight as it cooled us off on this hot summer day. I adore working with children, and combining them with a wedding, well it is just the best! If you are planning an elopement in the Canmore, Banff, Emerald Lake, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake areas, definitely get in touch! I’d love to work with you!

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{at first glance} Canmore, umbrellas and mountains

{at first glance} Canmore, umbrellas and mountains

But what if it rains? If it rains, we make beautiful images; photographs that could never be captured in sunshine. We make the best of it and laugh and I get sunscreen in my eye (wishful thinking I guess) and it’s the best day. Karolyn and Joey got married at the Iron Goat in Canmore in a ceremony that I could barely keep myself composed and almost lost it when they walked back down the aisle to their band singing “500 miles” by the Proclaimers, a song that my husband and I love. It was just a special and intimate experience and I am just so happy to have been a part of it.

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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!

Christy & Alex -engaged! {Canmore wedding photographer}

Christy & Alex -engaged! {Canmore wedding photographer}

Whenever I see a crocus, I am reminded of my mom saying “Hocus Pocus, here comes a Crocus”….. Yes, yes random thought. But I say it because I am REALLY happy that I saw a crocus during Christy and Alex’s engagement session because a crocus means spring is FINALLY here. Anyone that lives in Alberta, or probably Canada for that matter, is breathing a sigh of relief as the longer days and more sunlight brings us green grass and blue skies. And for me, an incredibly busy and intensely wonderful wedding season. Ghost Lake holds particular significance to Christy and Alex because it’s where the proposal happened. I hadn’t shot here before so I was very excited to try out a new spot. Gotta say, the cliffs give me goosebumps and the sun was our best friend that day. Can’t wait for their Canmore wedding coming up soon!!

Jackie & Brian -Surprise! they’re married! {Canmore wedding photographer}

Jackie & Brian -Surprise! they’re married! {Canmore wedding photographer}

Whoa. Wait. Surprise? That is the response I got over and over when I told friends and colleagues and facebook followers what I had just done. My favourite was when people thought Brian had surprised Jackie with a wedding. yikes that would have been awkward. And illegal I think! So no, Brian and Jackie were the co-conspirators of this extra-ordinary wedding held at Murrieta’s in Canmore, Alberta. They decided quite a few months ago that they wanted to do something a little different, a little special. I was brought in on the ground level and thoroughly enjoyed helping to scheme and plot. They used an engagement party as  the ruse to get their family and friends to make the trek to Canmore, citing that it was to be a big event and that it was extremely important to them to have everyone there. The party would start as any other engagement party might, with lots of greetings, drinks, food and music. Little did the guests know that myself, my uber fabulous second shooter extraordinaire Blair (check her out), Jackie, Brian and their entire wedding party had just spent a few hours shooting their creatives. (On a side note, I have to thank everyone in the wedding party for braving the cold with smiles and laughter) The bride and groom changed out of their wedding attire and back into party clothes in time to greet all their guests. The scene was set for a great night with soft dinner music playing and lots of reunions between family members and loved ones. Then, at precisely 6pm, there was a sudden and very loud music change; Marry Me by Bruno Mars was blasted over the speakers and the wait staff of Murrietas kicked into high gear, swooping in and taking the tables out from under the guests. There was confusion, nervous smiles and a lot of whispers as the room suddenly began to take shape as a wedding ceremony complete with altar and several rows of chairs creating an aisle. Before even I knew it, the ring bearers were walking down the aisle bringing in the stunning vision that was Jackie. The entire plan, the whole night went off without a hitch, not even a glitch. Upon exiting the ceremony, the newlyweds were bombarded with hugs, friendly jabs and jaws on the ground. They had done it with all the love in the world, wanting to create a special surprise for everyone they loved. A photobooth completed the evening as well as some pretty wicked dance moves and the most delicious cookies ever. It was such an honor to capture and be part of something so daring and unique. The only thing missing was Brian’s white stead, but perhaps there can be another party… right Brian? Until next time, Enjoy! x