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.

 

Wedding | Clarke & Jinky

I'm kind of at a loss for words. I don't think people realize what a special experience it is to photograph a wedding. Add to the fact it was an intimate, secret wedding with just a few close family members, and that it took place in the warm evening sun on a dock under a willow tree surrounded by vineyards and orchards! The setting was incredible, the bride and groom stunning, the atmosphere so loving and joyful. At one point I became really present to where I was and what was taking place, and I almost, almost, began weeping like the willow above me. I had to switch into work mode, and separate myself from the words spoken, the tears shed, the smiles and laughter shared. It wasn't until that I got home a couple days later and began editing the photos that I began to really feel the moment again and experience what I couldn't allow myself to at the time. There are certain moments in our life that change us, and witnessing this beautiful ceremony and sharing this day was one for me.

The day was loosely planned, but being Canada Day, a holiday with most stores closed, there were a few speed bumps along the way. Jinky, the ever calm and collected bride, took it all in stride (and she may or may not have been laying by the pool an hour before we left to the ceremony!). Everything was perfect; the ceremony location couldn't have been more ideal (Thank you Anthony and Tamara!), the weather remained clear with no signs of the previous night's storm, even a winery opened for us and gave us a private wine tasting! The day ended with an incredible dinner at Quails Gate Winery and Canada Day fireworks that lit up the whole lake and the thousands of boats watching below. Fireworks every year on their anniversary! Lucky!

Clarke and Jinky- it was such an honor to photograph this day and help create a wonderful, lasting memory. Your love is beautiful, as are you. I will always cherish this... xo

John, Marion, Blake and Taeko- Thank you for such a great day with so much fun and laughter. By the end of the day I felt like part of the family... which is the best gift of all!