Jen and Daryl

Live For Today!!!

All my life I have heard of famous quotes about living for today, living in the moment, and not sweating the small stuff.  I am often inspired by inspirational words and it helps me to appreciate all that is wonderful in the world.  I was inspired by Jen and Daryl.

I met Daryl years ago at our friend's cabin and one thing I remember most about him was his true "zest for life".  It's not often that you meet someone who at such a young age can appreciate life and see the adventure that lies within it.  So when I received his call a few months ago to photograph his wedding I was excited to see him again but also to meet the amazing girl who had captured his heart.  Jen was even more beautiful than I had imagined and I was surprised to see that a girl who carried such beauty was even more fantastic on the inside.  She was smart, charismatic but shared the same "zest" for adventure and life that I remembered about Daryl all those years ago.

During our final meeting before the wedding Jen only had one request.......to enjoy her day!  She wanted to make sure that we had enough time to photograph their day but she also did not want to be rushed. She wanted to spend this amazing time with her girlfriends, her husband, and his friends.  I was reminded of how each one of them had played such an important role in their lives and she wanted to live that day with them.  That was one of the first times that I had heard that request.  It wasn't about rushing through the day just to that they could "party", but rather she didn't want to rush it.........she wanted to savour it all.

My assistant, Natasha, and I arrived at Jen and Daryl's home by 10am.  I had to laugh when we arrived because Jen was standing in her kitchen with her hair set in pin curls, her girlfriends getting their hair done and the movie, "27 dresses" was playing on the t.v.  This was just like a slumber party!

Soon it was time for Jen to step into her dress as her bridesmaids finished getting ready.  Jen came out of her room and was greeted by her teary-eyed mom.  It was a beautiful moment.   Jen's speech later on that evening talked about her love of her mother but also at how proud she was to be a reflection of her.  As they stood embraced in the hall you could see the connection they share.

Jen and Daryl decided to "see each other" privately before the official wedding ceremony.  We scheduled to meet at the old Medicine Rock Cafe for noon.  It was the perfect setting with nature surrounding them and the sound of geese swimming in the river below.  Daryl stood patiently with his back turned until we gave him the cue to turn around.  When he did.........it was better than any "chick flick!"  Jen looked stunning and took his breath away, he just smiled and said "WOW!"

We photographed at Medicine Rock Cafe for a short time before Jen and Daryl went into the limo to pick up their bridal party and meet us at the Headingly train bridge, our next photo location.

While standing on the bridge all you could feel was the November chilly breeze go right through you.  At that moment, I thought Jen was going to freeze but she surprised me again.  She came out of the limo, wearing a warm wrap, carrying her flowers and ready to go.

I had such a great time working with this group as the bridal party reminded me of a big happy family.  I could see why Jen and Daryl loved to spend time with them so much.  They were fun, spirited, and full of laughter.  Thank you to each one of you for bearing the cold and making this adventure so wonderful to be a part of.

The ceremony was held at Bridges for 4:30pm.  We arrived early enough to give Jen and Daryl some time to relax and for me to start photographing the ballroom.  It was at this time that I saw the true talent and artistry of the couple.  They made all of their centerpieces, the gifts for the guests, and Jen even made the wedding cake. SHE MADE THE WEDDING CAKE!!

The passion and devotion that goes into such planning inspired me.  I was honoured to be asked to photograph your day and to see for myself just how two beautiful people can take my hand and show me the world all over again.  You both truly do live for today and I think we can all be inspired by your "zest for life", love of each other, and that somewhere over the rainbow is more that just a song but words to live by!

Congratulations!