Emily & Jordan . Camp Howdy . Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Earlier this summer Emily & Jordan got married at Camp Howdy in Port Moody just outside of Vancouver. A bit off the grid, past White Pine beach and down a long windy dirt road (that you're sure you've taken a wrong turn somewhere!). But such a beautiful location. I've never heard of Camp Howdy so was pleasantly taken by surprise! And after several days of torrential non stop  rain, back up plans were being made to move everything inside, but as luck would have it, the sun came out and it was a beautiful day. 
These two booked me around Christmas of last year and I've been looking forward to their wedding all year - and it did not disappoint. Many (probably way too many.. thank you if you manage to make it to the end!) of my favorites

2nd shooter: Liesel Sanday
Wedding Coordinator & Decor: Jayme Carter of Unique Boutique Floral
Florals: Unique Boutique Floral
makeup artist: Laura Jung
Dress: Sposa Wedding World
Caterer: Sugar Mountain Catering

 

Rachelle & Tyson . Vancouver Wedding Photographer

After every wedding I photograph I declare that one my new favorite and I truly believe it... I think I've lucked out to work with the most amazing, in love, laid back couples that throw these ridiculously awesome weddings focused on all the right stuff (you know, the relationships and celebration of togetherness and love and all that stuff.. Not the Pinterest perfect stuff and the stress of all the, often expensive, extras that are for show..). Rachelle and Tyson's wedding was no exception. I could literally feel their love for each other and their family and friends love for them all day. It was a pretty fantastic day from start to finish. Many of my favorites from their day - 

congratulations again you two! xo

Planner - Heather and Gem Party Shop
Florist - Mint & Moss
Dress - Watters
2nd Shooter - Liesel Sanday

Richard & Karmen . Vancouver Wedding Photographer

This may have been the most special wedding I have ever documented. It was also one of the most difficult ones. Difficult emotionally - trying to capture the moments and relationships just so for these two. Difficult because life is so damn beautiful in so many ways and it's easy to forget about that beauty. To forget about how much we all have to be grateful for... until something happens that reminds you just how special it is and how important love is above anything else.  

Richard had been diagnosed with cancer just over a year ago. He did all the 'right' things, did all the treatments and was declared cancer free. They went on with life and started planning their wedding, which I was to photograph in May of next year. When I had met them and they booked me last spring, I instantly knew that their wedding was going to be special. Richard & Karmen are one of the nicest, most genuine couples I've met. There was something about them - their love for each other, that Karmen had a son, Kai, and they were going to become a family, the way they were with each other. I can't explain it, other than that they just had this real and authentic kind of love for each other - and you could tell that from the first time I met them. I remember telling my own husband when I got home from meeting them, that I was so excited to photograph this one next summer - it was going to be a good one full of all the right stuff that makes relationships and togetherness so awesome and right.
  
Several weeks ago I had received a message from Karmen, saying that they had just found out that Richard had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. After a year of thinking he was cancer free, it was back. So much so that there was nothing the doctors could do anymore. They were going to put together a little backyard ceremony that weekend and they wanted to know if I would be available to photograph it. Life. So damn beautiful and at the same time so damn unfair. 

Richard and Karmen,  I can truly say, it was the most beautiful day and the most beautiful of weddings. Although it was planned in days, and not months, a beautiful wedding is not all the extras and show, heck it's not even about marriage.. it is about the two people coming together and the celebration of love and thus life. You are truly one of the most beautiful couples I've met to date. You are two very special and incredible humans and I'm so honored I got to document your love and your story on the day you were married and became a family.

In closing, Richards best friend stood up during the dinner and read a poem he had written and it was beautiful and perfect and I thought it also needed to be shared. I'll leave you with that first before their images. 

Today

Today is a day when love prevails when two hearts join as one
While many hearts are standing by to witness loves new run.
There is but a few who find the one to with stand through thick and thin
Today two people that I love rejoice in life’s greatest win.

There was a time when Rich and I contemplated life alone
Two friends in laughter figuring if we could make it on our own!
Secretly I hoped that my best friend would never find
A girl to take the time away from moments we’d confide

But a today happened, like today, I saw it in his eyes
That day I knew he found the love he wanted by his side.
Not only did he find one heart.. but she came with a two
A little dude named Kai to keep his childhood spirit true.

Through thick and thin of past today’s I’ve seen the calm within
A busy mind had found true love with a woman named Karmen.
Though I do not know them well I know this much is true
Her eyes are filled with love for you like only true love’s do.

today this room is filled with eyes that love my dearest friend
I know I speak for all when I say this love will never end.
Today.. the only thing that matters, and the only one that’s here
Though yesterdays hold memories and tomorrow’s not so clear…

Today.. a day when love prevails when two hearts are joined as one
I love you both.. but as one heart..
Now let’s have some fun! 

Kim & Kevin . Mayfair Lakes Golf Course Wedding Preview

This past weekend was my last wedding of the season, and it was a pretty great one to end with!  Kim & Kevin at Mayfair Lakes Golf Course with their closest family and friends - I had so much fun documenting this one and I can not wait to share more. For now a smallish preview of images from their day. 
Congratulations once again you two! xo

Jordan & Emily . Wedding Preview . Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Jordan & Emily got married this past weekend at Camp Howdy. I've never photographed there before or even heard of it, but it was beautiful! These two put on a pretty fantastic wedding and I'm looking forward to sharing a full blog post of their day shortly. But for now, a small little preview of their day. Congratulations again you two, it was a pleasure documenting your day! xo

Matt & Elsome . Whytecliff Park & Heritage Hall Wedding

Earlier this summer Matt & Elsome got married at Whytecliff Park and had their reception at Heritage Hall on Main Street. I actually couldn't stop smiling while going through and putting this blog post together - they are seriously an adorable couple and I found myself laughing (and tearing up!) along with them all day long. From start to way late into the night, I loved photographing this one. Congratulations once again you two. xo

2nd shooter: Sara Rogers of Sara Rogers Photography
Florist: Forage and Bloom
Caterer: Drew Cooks
Makeup: Jenina Singian
Hair: Gems Hair and Makeup
Dress: David's Bridal

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Rachelle & Tyson . Wedding Preview . Vancouver Wedding Photographer

After every wedding I photograph I declare that one my new favorite and I truly believe it... I think I've lucked out to work with the most amazing, in love, laid back couples that throw these ridiculously awesome weddings focused on all the right stuff (you know, the relationships and celebration of togetherness and love and all that stuff.. Not the Pinterest perfect stuff and the stress of all the, often expensive, extras that are for show..). Rachelle and Tyson's wedding this past weekend was no exception. I could literally feel their love for each other and their family and friends love for them all day. It was a pretty fantastic day from start to finish and l can not wait to share more of it. But for now, a little preview post of images. 

congratulations again you two! xo

Troy & Teresa . Pitt Lake Wedding Preview

Troy & Teresa got married at the cabin they built surrounded by their closest friends and family. A float plane to arrive and finishing the evening off with a jump into the lake (those photos to come for the main blog post in a few weeks) - it was a pretty fantastic day. 
A few images for a preview of their day and many more to come - 

Pam & Chris . Cecil Green House & Westwood Plateau Wedding

Pam & Chris got married earlier this summer at Cecil Green House here in Vancouver and then had their reception at Westwood Plateau Golf Course. It was a fantastic day full of so many great moments. Congratulations again you two! It was such a pleasure documenting your day! Many of my favorites below - 

2nd Shooter: Felicia Chang
Location: Cecil Green Park House / Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club
Florist: Southland Farm Market
Cake Artist: Gyneth Young and Gina Ong
Makeup Artist: The Love Team by Coa
Bride & Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal

Dustin & Shelby . Rocky Mountain Elopement.

I don't even know where to begin. When Shelby first got a hold of me to photograph her's and Dustin's elopement, I immediately responded yes! They had planned to get married in September, but decided to forget all the planning and stress and get secretly eloped instead - getting married at the base of the Rocky Mountains at a little place called Outta The Woods. They have 2 little boys (6 months & 2 years) and I loved the idea of them all coming together (with some help from Grandma & Grandpa) and doing it their way - small, private and surrounded by their closest family members. Of course things are a tad different when you get married with little ones running around. From attempting to write vows in private (didn't happen) to getting everyone fed, kids dressed and ready, it makes for an interesting day - but it was absolutely perfect.

This was such an incredible day and story of love and family coming together. From the time Shelby and Dustin picked me up at the airport to dropping me off the next day, every little bit of their day and story I loved so much. I was so so honored to be there to document it all. There are a lot of photos in this post, but I feel I really couldn't keep any of them out to tell the story of the day these two got hitched. Many MANY of my favorites -