JESSICA AND RICKY, PART TWO | RICHMOND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Okay, where'd I leave off?  Oh yeah!  The railroads.  From the railroads, we travelled again to Garden City Park.  By this time, the mist that was hanging around was turning into full on rain.  There is the most magical tree there...

Hello gorgeous.

So, I came across these hilarious, wavy red bars in the children's park on the way back to the limo... and couldn't resist some photos in and amongst them.  Hey, they were the wedding colours, after all.

Reception details...

And Jessica and Ricky join the party!  Jess had the fabulous Jayna Marie come after the portraits, before the reception, to refresh Jess' makeup and change her hairstyle.  After the rainy day, it seemed like the best idea, ever.  Not only do you get the opportunity to change your look, you have some downtime to refresh before the rest of the evening!

I love this series.  The speeches had everyone in stitches.

Jess' mom made the cake.  (Yes, you read that right.)  Isn't it AMAZING?!

And I'll leave you with some parting party shots... I love playing with the lights on the dance floor.

So, as the happy couple enjoys their honeymoon, I wish them happiness and joy as they continue their journey together.

JESSICA AND RICKY, PART ONE | RICHMOND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Love is friendship set on fire.

Jessica said those words to Ricky during their reception, and it has stuck resonated with me ever since. It's so simple and so true. Love is so rad.  Their wedding was epic, hence the two-part blog post.  It's just too much to sit down and edit them all in one go (that, and I have, like, 50 photos to share, and that seemed a little excessive, even for me).

I shot Jessica and Ricky's engagement photos when she visited her hometown, good ol' PR, last summer (see their session here). I knew they were getting married in the city and we discussed her difficulties in finding a photographer that fit over cheesecake after their session one late summer evening. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that she'd email me a couple weeks later, asking me to travel to the city to capture their wedding. I was thrilled.

Jessica got ready at the lovely River Rock Casino Resort, and the gorgeous suite was completely filled with natural light (yay!) despite the rainy day (not yay). The morning was lovely and calm as the bride and her maids enjoyed mimosas and croissants.  Some of the details...

I love the red roses.  Simple, classic, elegant.

Jessica had the fabulous Jayna do all the hair and makeup for the girls (and she even came back to do Jess' hair for the reception).  They were all STUNNING!  Go and visit Jayna's site here.  You won't regret it.

And... the beautiful bride!  Isn't she radiant?  Jayna's hair and makeup work is amazing.

I love that Jessica had both her parents walk her down the aisle.  

The first kiss as a married couple!

After the wedding and family portraits (in the church... it was pouring!), the bridal party and I ventured to Terra Nova Park in Richmond.  It was the perfect location for portraits, even in the rain.

The bridal party was sooo much fun!

The best thing about rain?  Rain clouds.  The light was delicious.

Hellllllo moody skies!

I haven't had an umbrella shot in ages!  Welcome to May weather, y'all.  It can be so unpredictable.  After Terra Nova, we ventured to the railway for a couple more portraits...

Stay tuned for the second post!  I promise, I'll edit soon!

PAUL AND PAULINE | VANCOUVER ISLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Really, life can be so surreal.  I don't even know how Paul and Pauline found my name or came across my photography, but they did.  Little did we know that Pauline's brother-in-law works with my husband and lives next door to one of my closest friends.  It's a small world is an understatement.

Heading out west from Campbell River towards Strathcona Park Lodge, the rain would not yield.  It was dark and gloomy... you know, a typical May long weekend.  I was a bit on edge, only because I know that this wedding was outdoors and it meant so much to the couple to celebrate their union in a majestic place.  They must be the luckiest people alive, because it brightened just before the ceremony and everyone was able to celebrate in sunlight.

The lodge itself was rustic and charming.  This is where Pauline got ready.

Every family member took a turn doing up some of the buttons on the back of Pauline's dress.

Her bouquet was gorgeous yellows and greys

What's a wedding without paparazzi?  Everyone couldn't help but take photographs of the surroundings and beautiful couple.  And without further ado, my assistant for the day: Jocelyn!

The new Mr. and Mrs.!

The ceremony and portraits were in and around Lupin Falls, just ten minutes west of the Lodge.  There is such variety in such a small area: lakeside beach, deep woods, bright brush trails, creeks and epic waterfalls.  I was in heaven!

Seriously.  Their love is so amazing that it outshines the falls.

We were experiencing the most dramatic light changes with the dark clouds and bright sunshine.  It was so awesome when the light peeked through the dark forest.

All the details had a vintage charm, and the barn at the Lodge was decked out for a party!

The happy couple gave thanks to their family and friends before dinner.

This one is totally out of focus, but I love it anyway.

Pauline and Paul - you deserve only the best in your life together.  Thank you so much for having me capture your amazing union.  I can't wait to share the rest of your images with you.