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Month: November 2013

Danielle & Dan – Salt Spring Island, BC wedding

I wanted to save my last wedding post of 2013 for one of my best friends, Danielle, whose wedding I got to photograph on Salt Spring Island this fall! She married her longtime friend (and first kiss) Dan, and I couldn’t have chosen someone better for her myself! : D

In the 4 years Danielle and I have been friends, we’ve traveled to 3 countries together, helped each other over life’s speed bumps and celebrated each other’s successes and high points. She is the most supportive and loyal friend. This girl has my back no matter what, even if it’s just to match one of my bursts of geekiness (like a spontaneous ninja kick or random sound effect) with one of her own. ; ) A few months after we met, she decorated my house for Christmas as a gift – how sweet is that!? We have had countless dance parties together in a variety of places and Danielle is still one of the raddest dancers I know. : D We’ve shared so many laughs and I love that Danielle appreciates my cheesy Dad-humour and bad puns. hehe. Kindred spirit! Danielle cracks me up to no end as well. Not only that, she has a huge heart which she often tries to hide but when she does express her feelings to you, the most beautiful words pour out and I’d like to see you try and not tear up. Beyond being an amazing friend, she is an incredible mom to her daughter Shana and now she will be a fantastic wife to Dan (as he will be a fantastic husband to her). Dan, you rock and I know you will take such great care of Danielle and Shana. You have the full “Best Friend Stamp of Approval” and I’m lucky to now call you a friend as well! I wish you two all the love and laughter in the world!!

 

Before sharing Danielle and Dan’s wedding photos, I want to post a few photos of their engagement. Dan asked me to secretly photograph his engagement to Danielle and I felt so lucky to able to witness and capture it. It meant a lot to be included- thanks Dan! : D His friend Toby and I set up a picnic on the mountain-top where they shared their first kiss when they were 17. We then hid behind bushes and I captured the whole thing! : D I was so nervous Danielle would spot me before the proposal happened but luckily my trusty zoom lens and I were able to stay hidden long enough.

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Now on to the wedding!! I had never been to Salt Spring Island, and it is such an amazing place! The wedding was held on the farm where one of Dan’s sisters live and it was such a picturesque setting. For the months leading up, Danielle and Dan had fun scouring garage sales together finding decorations for their big day and Danielle also kept herself busy putting her amazing crafting skills to good use, making all sorts of amazing things for the wedding. Her florist/wedding decorator background definitely came in handy, that’s for sure! She went and picked out her flowers the day before her wedding as well and made a gorgeous bouquet. Danielle’s creative talents never cease to amaze me!

The forecast was threatening rain for the big day but luckily it rained at perfect intervals where it affected nothing and stopped for the rest of the night before we all sat down to dinner. It was an amazing, amazing day and I am just so very happy for these two!!

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And this is where I turned my camera off so I could be completely present and celebrate this amazing day with everyone. We danced to amazing live music (thanks Shane Philip!), talked, ate, danced some more and finished the night off with a bonfire. Perfect day! : D

Behind the Scenes – 2013

Yet another amazing wedding season!! I really have to pinch myself every year when I think about all the amazing clients and vendors I get to work with, not to mention the beautiful venues I get to shoot at! I also want to thank everyone who assisted and second for me this year; Carley, Danielle and Simone. You ladies rock and thanks for the shots you snapped of me below too!

Thank you so much to everyone for all your support and for giving me so many fantastic memories to take with me from this year’s wedding season. I’m so very grateful to be able to do what I love as a career.

Much love and I hope you all have a wonderful winter season! I’ll be back to work in the spring so stay tuned. : D

BTS-2013_0001 BTS-2013_0002It’s always fun giving people a peak at how gorgeous they’re looking on camera!BTS-2013_0003 BTS-2013_0004I think I need to grow a foot or so to properly fit in this doohickey. haha.BTS-2013_0005Carley Bortolin! She second shot for me at most of my weddings this year and I love her to bits!BTS-2013_0006 BTS-2013_0007Danielle! Another talented and awesome lady who second shoots for me when I need her. <3BTS-2013_0009 BTS-2013_0010 BTS-2013_0011 BTS-2013_0012Loved this moment – the human tandem bicycle with the groom riding in front.BTS-2013_0013So cute! One of my couples, An & Jakub, made a fun board where they left a note for everyone and you were to replace it with a polaroid shot and note of your own! Love!!BTS-2013_0014Two shots below: Carley and I getting pumped and dancing at our respective spots before a ceremony. : DBTS-2013_00155Z2A7275Quick team meeting before a ceremony at Sparkling Hill with the awesome James Harnden (officiant) and Tim Feeny (videographer). BTS-2013_0017Meeting the rain with smiles – that’s the attitude! : )BTS-2013_0019Carley went to take a photo of me with one of my couples and the bride, An’s hair and mine got stuck together. haha.BTS-2013_0020Groom to the rescue – Success!BTS-2013_0021I got to ride in a helicopter with Carmin and Cam for their wedding – such a treat!!!BTS-2013_0022 BTS-2013_0023 BTS-2013_0024I rarely keep a straight face for lighting test shots. I’m comfortable behind the camera but still don’t really know what to do with myself in front of it. haha.BTS-2013_0025One of these things doesn’t belong. haha. I love photobombs.BTS-2013_0026Stefan was on a roll with his great photo-bombs! hahaha.BTS-2013_0027Groom, Mike, being a gentleman and clearing the way for his new bride, Christine, and wedding party to take photos.BTS-2013_0029I always love taking dance shots in the thick of things but sometimes I get stuck and find it hard to stealthily sneak out. haha.BTS-2013_0030 BTS-2013_0031 BTS-2013_0032BTS-2013_0008Once in a while , when invited, I sneak in a little dancing before I head out for the night. : DBTS-2013_0033

Thank you again everyone!!