Celebrating one year: Laura & Jason

Today is the first anniversary of one of my dearest girlfriends so I thought I'd celebrate by posting not-yet-seen photos from their wedding day. Laura and I were bridesmaids for each other last year, our weddings being only 6 weeks apart, so naturally we were up to our ears in everything wedding-oriented, especially photographs! As one of Laura's bridesmaids, it would've been tricky to do the photography, so she made arrangements for a photographer to cover the day, and for me to do two shoots featuring just her and Jason alone. Our pre-wedding shoot was one gorgeous morning in Kal Park overlooking the lake, and our day-of shoot was snuck in between the ceremony & group photos, and the reception. My new husband and I joined Jason & Laura at a predetermined, out of the way location, where I was able to spend a few moments quietly photographing the new bride & groom and where the four of us could celebrate all our newly-wedded bliss together. I was all OVER the map last summer, and didn't have a chance to blog about this shoot, so I thought I'd use Laura & Jason's first anniversary as an occasion to feature a few photos from their wedding day.

Congrats Laura & Jason and here's to MANY more years to come!

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Jeremy & Lori: Part Two!

Rich hues, vintage styling, a gorgeous day and a fabulously turned out wedding party made for some of the most rewarding shots of the season! Lori, Jeremy & Co. pulled off a stunning outdoor ceremony and tent-covered reception in rural Abbotsford, British Columbia, which I had the privilege of flying back to shoot. This couple's flair for the dramatic kept the day filled with surprises and left me inspired to push my photojournalistic tendencies to the side a bit, and integrate alternative editing techniques into my process. I can't wait to dive into this editing project full force and see what I can churn out! Enjoy!

PS Comments on the blog are always welcome! I love hearing from readers/viewers and especially enjoy when dialogue amongst readers takes off!!!

New Bride on the Blog

Well folks, there's a new bride (and groom of course!) on the blog and a touch of new styling as well. Last weekend's wedding in Abbotsford, British Columbia left me eager to dive into the editing process and while the entire teaser isn't quite ready as of yet, I couldn't wait to share at least a sampling with you!

Lori & Jeremy were looking for something fun and creative, so we headed over to the Vancouver Skydive Club's Abbotsford location for their great views and perfect props (no pun intended!). The groomsmen were kind enough to haul the trunk and vintage suitcases out to the plane for us, and Jeremy & Lori were patient enough to withstand the blazing afternoon sun throughout the shoot! Lori and I spoke over the phone and corresponded via email about purposeful aesthetic touches to include in both the shoot and in the editing--the trunks & cases would perfectly suit the vintage touches they had incorporated into the wedding, and the textured styling during post-processing would polish off the look. Lori's ideas worked well for me as this is the direction I've been working towards for a while. Watch for more of my creative outpourings throughout the summer & fall, and of course, more photos from Jeremy & Lori's wedding next week.

Jaime

PS Don't forget to vote on your fave Maui pic in time for the draw!!! See Details Below!

Every Bit the Fairy Tale

There were no glass slippers, poison apples, or beasts of any kind at Daniel & Elisia's fairy tale wedding! No, this wedding (while inspired by fairy tale classics) featured only the loveliest of fairy tale references, along with the most luscious Red Velvet cupcakes!

I traveled back to Canada to shoot this wedding, and was very eager to do so, as it was the fourth wedding for Elisia's side of the (extended) family that I've either photographed or been a part of over the years. I know I've mentioned this in previous blogs, but I absolutely love how photography has enabled me to really be more than just a hired vendor at weddings. The more opportunities I have to photograph the same groups of people, the more relaxed my subjects become and in turn, the more natural the photos appear. It was also a pleasure getting to know Daniel and his side of the family a bit...I love seeing two families begin blending together and I wish all the best for both the Gardners and the Prestons as they watch Elisia and Daniel begin their new lives together as husband and wife.

Daniel & Elisia...I wish you both a very Happily Ever After.

I'd love to hear about your favourite memories from Daniel & Elisia's wedding, or your votes on which photos you like best. Feel free to leave your comments below!

All Lit up Inside

Last weekend I flew back to my hometown of Vernon, British Columbia to shoot Adam & Jenny's wedding at the stunning world-class Predator Ridge Golf Resort. Jenny and I went to high school together and it was really special to photograph a wedding for someone I've known for almost 15 years. As you can tell from the featured photos, both the bride and the groom had no problem at all with expressing their love for one another in front of the camera and if you'd seen my expression behind the camera, you'd have seen how happy I become when photographing natural, unscripted moments unfold. I was also thrilled to have ample time to shoot, as the couple had essentially planned out their wedding day according to how I thought the light would suit the photos best...AND they generously dedicated almost two hours to photography of just the two of them. I become positively giddy with delight when looking at these photos and it's my hope that Adam & Jenny and their loved ones will feel the same!!!

Up until Adam & Jenny's wedding, the only wedding photos I'd ever taken on the Vernon Courthouse steps were my own! I've always loved the building and knew the light would be just right for some warmly-lit shots at that time of day. I also had the chance to pull out a new wide-angle lens I recently purchased (a 10-24mm Nikkor lens) which I was eager to use on one of Vernon's grandest facades.

Adam & Jenny wanted to spend some time strolling main street in downtown Vernon just using the street as their backdrop. I couldn't include all the photos obviously, but we had a great time interacting with those on the street and just having fun in general. Here are a few samples including a shot in front of Furmanek Jewellers where Jenny's ring was from. Ryan and Kim Furmanek were guests at Adam & Jenny's wedding so it seemed only right to drop by their storefront and pose for a photo!

I've shot up at this lookout before, and it's a popular place for tourists and locals alike, but the light is never the same twice and I couldn't resist bringing Adam & Jenny here for a few shots. Definitely worth it!

And of course back to Predator Ridge for a few more photos before the light slipped behind the mountains.

Emotional High

There were a lot of emotions flowing freely at the wedding of Jeremy & Jules this winter. This couple let their emotions flood every frame and it was contagious! I cry and laugh a lot at weddings but my face was pretty exhausted after this one...and I probably wouldn't be too far off if I figured the same went for most of the guests. From the bride's youngest brother trying to help with her earrings to the parents' intimate prayers said during the ceremony to the chilled but exuberant wedding party who played it up for the camera despite the frosty coastal air, this wedding came fully-loaded with some of the most radiant emotions the human experience has to offer.

Jer and Jules, thank you so much for freely expressing your love for one another and your families in front of the camera! All the best in your lives together!

Jaime