Andrea and Kieran

I knew the moment that I met Andrea that she was a bride that I wanted to photograph!  Andrea is not only beautiful but she has a charisma and energy about her that makes you just want to be her friend!  I couldn't help but laugh with her at our final meeting because I could feel her excitement as we talked about her upcoming wedding to Kieran and now the day had arrived.

 I was to meet Andrea and her bridesmaids at 12:15pm at the brand new Southwood Golf and Country Club.  I was very excited as this was my first time at this venue and Andrea had been raving about it for months.  I wanted to arrive early to see the grounds, ceremony site, and other possible photo opportunities.  As I drove in front of the building, there stood Andrea wearing cut-off jean shorts, her long blonde hair blowing in the wind, wearing the cutest hot pink shoes, and waving "hi!"  I thought I had just walked into a music video or something.  First of all she was beaming but she looked radiant and she didn't even have her make up done yet.

Within the hour, the girls arrived and Andrea was dressed and ready to go.  Everyone looked gorgeous!

The girls decided to walk next door to the Monastery Ruins in their high-heeled shoes and sheer brown dresses.  All you could hear was the sound of the heels digging into the ground and tons of laughter.

 The girls were so wonderful to work with, not only were they all beautiful but you could see the love that they felt towards Andrea.  From her best friend, to her sister, to her cousins, each one was a cherished piece of Andrea's day-especially her sweet little niece who's admiration for her auntie was adorable!

  Soon after our "girls only" photo shoot we were surprised to see a pack of handsome men strolling down the hill, yes.............Kieran and his entourage had arrived..........and they were early!  It was a wonderful surprise as I usually like to be ready to capture the moment when the groom first lays eyes on his bride, but this moment was endless.  Kieran walked down the hill with the most perfect smile a girl could ask for.  He looked fantastic dressed in his tuxedo but it was the way he looked at Andrea that took our breath away.

Kieran and his groomsmen were so much fun to photograph because one minute they were silent and serious and then the next they were rolling with laughter.  Most of their jokes were pointed towards Kieran as they teased him about having to smile, but it was so great to see the strong friendship that they each shared.

I want to thank the entire wedding party for being so much fun and for being such a dream to work with.

I couldn't believe how fast the time flew by and that it was time for us to make the walk back to the country club for the ceremony to begin.  I must say that Chantal and the rest of the staff at the Southwood Golf and Country Club did such an amazing job setting up both the ceremony and reception sites. Truly Spectacular!

It was a perfect setting for a wedding-a picturesque river view, blue skies, and the friends and families of Andrea and Kieran.

After the ceremony, guests were treated with drinks on the patio and the finest candy bar that I have seen so far.  The reception was decorated with a theme of elegance and fun, from flowers, to lights and the wonderful music being played in the distance from "Top Dog Entertainment".

The evening ended after a delicious dinner while we were entertained by the fantastic speeches given by friends and family.

Congratulations Andrea and Kieran!  Both Darlene and I had such a great time photographing you along with your bridal party, friends and families.  

Bernadeta and Jonathan

I met Bernadette over 10 years ago when she had first applied and got accepted into Veterinary Medicine.  We kept in touch through mutual friends as the years passed, but we always had so much fun chatting it up every chance we had when we would see each other face to face.  Otherwise known to many as Bernie, Bernadette is a beautiful kind-hearted friend who is compassionate and pays the closest attention to detail.  I was so honoured to be asked to photograph her wedding as I knew it would be a day full of beauty, affection but most of all, exquisite detail.

Darlene and I arrived at the home of Bernadette and Jon just after 10am.  Their adorable house sits nestled on a quiet street in Fraser's Grove, almost like Snow White's cottage, I think I could here the birds singing as we got out of our car.  We were greeted by Jon's proud mom who let us in while Bernadette arrived shortly.  She stepped out of the car along with Jon's daughter, Jenna. They both walked up the walk smiling and bursting with excitement.

 Bernadette selected a dress that was definitely a reflection of her own character.  It was a timeless classic, simple and elegant, with a hint of charisma and spark.  She also wore exquisite accessories from a true antique bracelet, a vintage style hand bag, to the sparkling earrings that were a gift from Jon that will become a new family heirloom in the years to follow.

Soon it was time for Darlene and I to head to St.Ignatius Church to meet up with Jon and his groomsmen.  For a day that was fore casted to rain, it turned out fantastic.  The church was surrounded with blue skies and sunshine.

The ceremony was filled with laughter and tears of joy as Jon and Bernadette exchanged their vows in front of their family and friends.  I forget how beautiful the church is with it's high ceilings, domed architecture but my favourite part is the stained glass windows.  On this particular day the sun was shining through the windows lighting up the church with a golden glow.

After the ceremony, Bernadette and Jon were driven away by Bernadette's brother, Tom, in an awesome red mustang!
Due to the heat and humidity, we photographed the families in the shade at the Legislative grounds and then we headed to the exchange district for photographs with the wedding party.

I have to say thank you to the wedding party.  I know it was hot, especially in those suits but it was so wonderful to work with you all.  Despite the heat, there were no complaints, just smiles, jokes, and laughter!  It was so nice for the girls to share their fancy pink umbrella's with the guys, I didn't realize how good pink looks on Jon!

I met Jon late in the fall last year when I photographed the engagement session.  One of the first things that I noticed about him was the love he had for the women in his life!  Yes.........women!  Jon is not only charismatic, fun, smart, and yes......good-looking, but his compassion for Bernadette is timeless along with the affection he feels for his daughter, Jenna.  His face lights up with pride as he talks about his daughter and her accomplishments but also for his new wife and their upcoming adventures in life.
I felt so lucky to have the opportunity to capture these moments as your new family is united.

We ended our evening at the reception which was held at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club.  The room was decorated with a vintage-theme along with the places that Jon and Bernadette have travelled together.  It was beautiful.
After a delicious dinner, fun-filled speeches and laughter we headed outside for a few sunset photos.  At this time Jon and Bernadette exchanged jokes with each other, kisses, and even an occassional skip down the lane.

Thank you again for allowing myself and Darlene to capture the wonderful moments of your wedding day, we truly had a wonderful time.

Congratulations!!!

Kris and Jen's Wedding

I met Jen at her house in the late morning on Saturday May 28, 2011.  The weather forecast was calling for rain, wind, and gloom, not the kind of thing you want to hear when you are the bride of a wedding.  My assistant Darlene and I entered Jen's house to hear sounds of laughter, smells of burning candles and saw Jen standing there in her adorable pyjamas enjoying a glass of champagne, and the biggest smile on her face.  I don't think a tornado could have wiped her smile away.  She looked radiant and she hadn't even stepped into her dress yet.
Jen's mom and her best friends surrounded her with hugs and tears and she stepped into her gorgeous gown.  She was dressed like Cinderella with the poise and grace of the finest royalty.

 The ceremony was held at the beautiful Niakwa Country Club.  The couple was surrounded by many of their friends and family as the sounds of thunder whispered in the distance along with crackles and pops of golf balls in the air.

 After the ceremony the wedding party stepped aboard their black party bus.  Darlene and I had the privilege of following the crazy bus.  We could see the waves from the wedding party as they swayed their hands outside of the windows, we caught Jen and Kris sharing a few private kisses in the backseat but the best part was when a certain groomsmen gave us a nice old fashioned "moon" out the back window.  Yep, you could only laugh!

We headed straight to the Red River Princess location but the blazing sun caused the rooms to be very hot, so after a short session we headed outside.  I want to thank Jen and Kris along with their wedding party as they were all sweating and hot, but smiled and joked despite the heat and never complained.  

We ended our photography session by travelling to the old docks down by the Red River.  The clouds began to roll in and as the wind increased, the thunder cracked and by the time we had finished the rain started to come down.  Phew.......we made it.

The reception was held at the Niakwa Country Club and was beautifully decorated with lights but inspired with Jen's designs of trees and nature.  Kris made a gorgeous stand which held dozens of sweet-smelling cupcakes.  Darlene and I enjoyed a delicious dinner, watched a wonderful slide show, but the best part of all......the speeches.  I haven't laughed out loud so much during a reception before.  Kris and Jen are one of the most charismatic and entertaining couple that I have met so far, but now I can see where they get it from.  Their families are also just as crazy.  It was so great to be a part of such a wonderful party.

Thank you to Jen and Kris for inviting us to capture your special moments and to the wedding party, family, and friends......it was an incredible event!