Family Session [Powell River Family Portraits]

Seriously, who can resist this family?

Melissa surprised her parents with an empty frame and an impromptu family session as a Christmas gift. Leave it to a fabulous stylist to drag her awesome family out for a session in the freezing cold, and have them look this good whilst doing it.

Some of my favorites...

Thanks again to the Leach family for braving the cold (and my schedule!).

janice and rob [powell river wedding photography]

Janice and Rob tied the knot earlier this year - away from home, in a private setting - but decided to share their nuptial joy with their friends and family in late November. Lucky for me, Janice gave me loads of time to capture some portraits of her, her hubby and their fabulous friends. Lucky for her... she donned her gorgeous dress twice!

A huge thank-you to Michelle for allowing me to take over her living room for some portraits...

And another big thank-you to Anne at the Patricia Theatre... another landmark in Powell River that I'm happy to shoot at over and over again.

And check out this amazing cake that Janice and Rob made THEMSELVES!

It was a totally relaxed day without the rush of the ceremony, but everyone was just as happy to be sharing this event with their family and friends! Thanks again to Janice for having me photograph her day, and Rob for putting up with me!

oh, baby [powell river children's photography]

Yes, just a teaser for Andrea and Dwayne - some of my faves from their session. What a doll!

one from the ocean [tigh na mara wedding photography]

...and one from the prairies, as their invitation so eloquently stated.

Coming from a small town, I'm so lucky to have known so many of my brides and grooms before their big day. This wedding was no exception - I've known Lisa for most of my childhood, from elementary school to swim club. She has grown from a cute, quiet kid into a beautiful and mature woman, an incredibly caring mother, and now, an amazing wife. Mark is her equal - they are a perfect match. Their wedding day was just a wonderful glimpse into the love that they share with each other, their son, their family and friends.

Some of my favorites from the day:

The girls getting ready - the pin has been handed down four (correct me if I'm wrong, Shannon!) generations, and a tradition to wear on their wedding day

The radiantly beautiful Lisa

Bishop Brian (who came to the coast to officiate the marriage) walks Mark and Lisa the last half of the aisle; and a blessing. I love how they are looking at each other.

Let's pause and look at the dapper ringbearer, Mark and Lisa's son, Otello. Beside him is best friend and flowergirl, Alwyne

Part of the Ukrainian Catholic ceremony is the crowning of Bride and Groom

First kiss as newlyweds!

Now, being November, the weather took a turn for the worse (wind and rain, anyone?). However, Mark and Lisa braved it for some outdoor portraits...

...and the light made it sooooo worth it. (Thanks, guys!)

Looooooove this one.

The handsome groomsmen...

...not to be outdone by the gorgeous bridesmaids! They were super-brave... it was only 5 degrees and they rocked out in their dresses and heels!

We stepped inside the beautiful Tigh-Na-Mara for a couple more portraits of Lisa. Stunning.

The day was filled with personal details, in timeless red and black

There reception was beautiful, done up by her aunt.

The first dance - so fitting - was to a song called "Big Green Tractor", sung by Mark's brother.

I love this shot of proud father, Rob, and Lisa.

And I'll end with this fabulous dip shot...

Mark and Lisa, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and hospitality for the duration of your day. You really made it your own, and I'm honoured to have been there to capture it. Congratulations, again, and I can't wait to share the rest with you!

brisk [powell river family portraits]

To say that it was cold was an understatement; however, the Huff family put on a brave face (and some layers!) for some family photography. Here are some of my favorites from their session.

erika and lance [wedding photography, powell river]

I looooove autumn.

Those who know me well know this is because I love layers - jackets upon sweaters and scarves. I feel so exhilarated outside, in the cool, crisp air with the smell of chimney smoke and salt air. We are so lucky to live in a place where we experience four defined seasons, especially after the intense summer that we had. I'm breathing easy and guilt-free spending time indoors.

That said, I love fall weddings, too. Erika and Lance's beautiful celebration embraces the natural beauty of the season, and, luckily, the weather wasn't nearly as miserable as fall weather could be. In fact, it was downright lovely.

Here are some of my favorites from their day.

Yes, the day was beautiful, but the wind has a mind of its own with veils...

The rich fall colours and beautiful bouquets!

A champagne toast for the newlyweds, and homemade fall bounty - maple sugar cookie favours, gourd centrepieces, dried apples from the bride's family's backyard and a homemade wedding cake

Congratulations to Lance and Erika - may you have many years of love and laughter ahead of you.