Tamara and Dan were married down in Mexico a little while ago and while we couldn’t join them there, we were only too happy to do some photos here at home for them.  After a brief stop in our studio where I couldn’t resist asking them to play with lamps we headed out downtown, to Bowen Park, then out in a cool forest and finally to hop on some ATV’s for some images with a local flavour.  A great couple, lots of fun and up for any crazy idea we had.  We wish you many years of happiness!

Watch for Leah in the future, she’s going to acting school in Vancouver this fall and I hope to be able to say that I photographed her before she was famous!  Leah was great to photograph with lots of different expressions and outfits.  The drama inside her bubbles to the surface over and over, I think she has chosen her profession perfectly!  Leah it was a pleasure to have you, oh and I loved this hat.

Janice and Dan had the rare chance to have their whole family together last weekend and we me them for some family photos.  It was a new location for us out in Elliot Bay in Ladysmith so that was lots of fun.  Getting your family together for an occasion?  Contact us for some fun, relaxed family photos!

Sometimes people come into the studio with clothes that are new for me and really inspiring.  Shalene had just bought this outfit and I loved that it moved easily for some of our photos where we were able to show motion in her photos (it was a nice light fabric) and I also really enjoyed the way it hung in this image.  Shalene, it was a pleasure meeting you, your images are nearly done.

I think a reception in a 30,000 + square foot barn is going to be a memorable one for us.  Allena and Chris are passionate about their land, their family and their friends and the whole event was a wonderful thing to be a part of.  We wish them all the best in their new life together.

I was really taken by the setting for Allena & Chris’ wedding last week at Milner Gardens in Qualicum.  It was the first wedding we had photographed there and just can’t help but be one of my new favourites.  They had a really nice ceremony on the back lawn with an ocean view for their guests during the ceremony.  The house where Allena and her Bridesmaids and mom prepared for the ceremony was really beautiful with a room that featured a bathroom renovated for the Queen herself.  Just a sweet location for a wedding and topped off by a really great couple.

I’ve always thought that a Bride, just before her ceremony, in that little quiet moment just before she headed for the back of the aisle was always at her most beautiful.  It’s that moment just before the big moment.  She is dressed, everything is set, everyone is waiting and no one more than her Groom.  It’s almost like this tiny little piece of calm falls over the day just for a second and it’s one of my most favourite times of the day as a photographer.  So before we head to another wedding tomorrow I thought I’d share some little tips I’ve learned over the past few years for Brides and Grooms for that time just before you say “I Do.”

• First off, just breathe.  And soak it in.  But you know that.
• Before the day gather together a little first aid kit that will be in the room.  It isn’t really a first aid kit, its a ‘what if’ kit.  In it should be bandaids, baby pins, bobby pins, thread (white and black), needle, zip ties or twist ties, a pen, paper, cell phone numbers you’ll need (photographer, florist etc), Shout Pen (the stain remover thing-a-ma-jiggy), spare medications (allergy, Tylenol, Pepto, etc) and breath mints (hey it’s your first kiss….)
• Have snacks in the room.  I’m not talking about a full spread, but even just some fruit, nuts and granola bars if you like.  You don’t want to feel all bloated and full, but you really don’t want low blood sugar.  Pack enough for everyone that will be in the room.
• Drink water.  Being dehydrated is a big problem and when we’re excited we sometimes forget to drink.
• Plan to get dressed just a little early to avoid the panicked feeling of having to run out the door.  Try to leave yourself a few minutes to catch your breath before you see each other at the ceremony.  You don’t have to clock watch, but maybe have someone there do it for you.

It’s been a few years since we’ve done photos at the Crow & Gate Pub out in Cedar and when Scott and Leah asked us if we could start their engagement session at their favourite pub we were only too happy to oblige.  We love engagement sessions to really speak about the couple, the things they like to do, the relationship they share, etc.  Whether it be a favourite park, an activity you enjoy or whatever, it just makes the photos really say to you, and your loved ones that ‘This is Us,’  and this is why we love each other.  We’ve also started doing some little bits of video which is pretty cool, except we can’t show you because it is a surprise, even for Scott & Leah.

You were both a real joy to photograph, can’t wait for your wedding!

President of our local Swim Club, the Riptides

Well the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, known locally as the ‘NAC’ is 10 years old and we have been doing some video for the City staff of the facility to celebrate the occasion.  I did manage to take some images while there, but the video was time consuming so that filled most of our allotted time.  I can hardly believe the building is that old actually.  Seems like yesterday it was built, alleviating Nanaimo from being a large city with only one pool.  The facility really is first class with a 50 metre pool that converts to two smaller pools and that has a floor that goes up and down as needed.  It has waterslides, a kids play structure, hot tubs, steam room and a sauna as well as a really big wave pool and full sized gym.  We’re pretty lucky in Nanaimo with our recreational facilities.

Adam and Crystal are just moving back here after he attended law school in Saskatchewan.  I can tell they are glad to be home, but they made some great friends in Saskatoon.  Their reception was filled with great people, great food (Crystal makes cupcakes to die for and they were everywhere at the wedding) and some of the funniest speeches I’ve heard yet.

We photographed their wedding last weekend at the Pacific Shores Resort.  I admit I was watching the weather like crazy before the day trying to see what would happen, but as it turned out we had a really nice cloudy day with very little rain.  In fact it didn’t rain much at all until we left that night for our drive home.  It was a fun day and Crystal and Adam were super relaxed and fun to spend time with.  You could really see them enjoying the moments of their wedding.  After the outdoor ceremony we did some family photos on the lawn and when that was done I said to Adam (the groom, not the photographer, confused me all day…) “hey while we’re here why not dip your new Bride?”  He is a big strong guy and went for it, and the laugh that Crystal gave was priceless.