{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!

Julia & taylor -married! {Cochrane and Canmore wedding photographer}

Julia & taylor -married! {Cochrane and Canmore wedding photographer}

I love unique weddings and Julia and Taylor’s was certainly no exception. Of particular interest to me was the fact that we were able to split the creatives between Canmore and Cochrane. Good morning mountains, good afternoon foothills, so amazing! There was so much effort put into all the details, even a signature cocktail drink. I think what stuck with me most was the beautiful display asking guests to highlight their favourite bible verse, and I say this as someone who isn’t even particularly religious! I just found it so lovely and can imagine Julia and Taylor cozying up together enjoying the highlighted words together. It was a spectacular day filled with lots of love and sunshine. Cochrane Ranchehouse served as the perfect backdrop for this perfect wedding.

Megan & Ryan -married! {Canmore, Silvertip wedding photographer}

Megan & Ryan -married! {Canmore, Silvertip wedding photographer}

I love when I get to listen to reception speeches because the people giving the speeches always know the bride and groom to a Tee. So when Megan’s bridesmaids cheerfully teased her indecision and excessive questioning personality it made sense that her first email to me involved a list of 15 questions. I love answering questions as I think it requires a certain amount of investment from the couple and gets everything all out on the table. I have been asked pretty much anything, though my favourite is what I plan to wear to the wedding. I always strive to be professionally dressed, with an ability to blend into the crowd yet still move or um, roll on the ground as necessary for some shots. I think the question stems from real life though, as I have heard many a story of photographers showing up in ripped jeans and dirty t-shirts…. yikes. Anyways, Megan and Ryan’s day was perfect from start to finish. I loved ending the night with sparklers and some fun night shots- Megan’s bridesmaid will probably never forget me encouraging her to go “faster…. fasterrrrr!!!!” with the sparkler in order to achieve the look I was going for and so she wouldn’t appear in the shot. Good times indeed.

Jessica & Kyle {Canmore, Silvertip wedding photographer}

Jessica & Kyle {Canmore, Silvertip wedding photographer}

I love shooting in the mountains if you haven’t already been able to tell. It seems the direction of my business is leading me to be primarily a mountain shooter and I have to say, it’s pretty amazing. Canmore is definitely a second home to me, I feel so comfortable out there, like my soul is renewed every time I make that final turn into the mountain valley. I shoot often at Silvertip in Canmore and to this day, I find something new and more beautiful than the last time. I love how Jessica decorated the aisle and gazebo. Simplicity is key when there’s a stunning backdrop of the mountains to soak in. And we cannot forget their dog. Ohmygoodness is he not the most loveable creature?! I loved working with Jessica and Kyle and the laughs shared with their bridal party are still with me.