Make it your own...

A million and one little details = one wedding. This might seem a little intimidating, but I think it's also a great opportunity to truly make this day about you as a couple. I mean, how often do you get to tell people where to sit, what to eat and when to leave?? But more than that, how often do you get to surround yourselves with all the people you love and cherish in one place at the same time? Not to mention choosing the colors and flowers and menu and music... so that every detail represents you and your partner. Okay, for some, this may be a nightmare, but for most others, it's a pretty fun time.

I always enjoy hearing about the planning aspect and learning more about the couple's style, therefore better understanding them and ultimately being able to capture them in ways to compliment this. The best part, of course, is the day of, and seeing how it all comes together, the flow of the people and food and music, laughter and dance... and so much love.

Every wedding is so very different. Here are a few details I loved from some previous weddings.

Alex & Shan This was an absolutely stunning garden wedding. They wanted it intimate and personal, keeping it to close friends and family on a sunny afternoon in Shan's parent's beautiful yard. All the bouquets were flowers the family planted in the spring, and instead of cake they had platters of lemon tarts... the same ones Alex and Shan shared on their first date.

Thomas & Angela This was a big Greek wedding, traditional, with an unconventional twist. Thom and Angela decided on a "first look", after which we had a great time driving throughout the city on a trolley bus with the wedding party taking fabulous photos before the ceremony. Hundreds of family and friends traveled far and wide and filled the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, a stunning venue with its traditional Byzantine Iconography. The reception details were simple and rich, with a jazz quartet warming up the guests to what would be a night filled with dancing and laughter. And wow, can they dance!

Adi & Mandana traveled all the way from Dubai, meeting their friends and family from all over the world here in Vancouver for their wedding at the Four Seasons. It was a traditional Persian ceremony with tons of lavish flowers, platters of sweets and pastries and many symbolic items. The reception was stunning. Pastel colored roses, silver table settings and a buffet to die for. The dancing started as soon as the bride and groom entered and went long into the night.

Clarke & Jinky's This wedding was so different from any wedding I've attended as either a photographer or a guest. It was somewhat of a 'secret', and the only people in attendance were 4 family members and myself. Under a willow tree on a private dock in Kelowna, Clarke and Jinky said their vows. The summer sun set her yellow dress aglow, toasting champagne and wandering through a nearby winery. The day ended at Quails Gate Winery for an incredible dinner, watching the Canada Day fireworks light up the lake. There was so much love and laughter shared on this day... truly beautiful.