Catherine and Steven

Earlier this summer my family and I moved from Winnipeg into the beautiful town of Oakbank, Manitoba. At the time, I was very excited but I didn't realize just how much I was going to fall in love with this town and the people.  After photographing Catherine and Steven's wedding, my first wedding actually in Oakbank........I knew why.  I spent the day with many fantastic people who united together to watch as Catherine and Steven (Cat and Steve) tied the knot.  This was an incredible day.

I met Steve 16 years ago.........wow!!! Over the years he has become one of my husband's closest friend and shared in our day as we walked down the aisle only a few years ago.  I was so excited when I found out that Steve had met a wonderful girl and that he was getting married.  I have often referred to Steve as being so kind and such a "sweetheart" so to know that he finally found someone to share his life with, we couldn't have been happier.

Within a few months of their engagement I was asked if I was available to photograph the wedding.  I was overjoyed and also extremely honoured.  A wedding is so sentimental and full of memories so to be asked to capture them photographically-meant the world to me.

The moment I met Cat I felt like we had known each other for years.  She is charismatic, genuine, and drop dead gorgeous!  I knew instantly that Steve had found an amazing partner to share in his adventures but that I had also made a fantastic new friend.

I met Cat (along with Darlene) at the couple's home just after 10:00am.  Within moments the music of Bon Jovi was being played, the make up artist arrived, and the drinks were being poured.  Cat stood and watched the hustle and bustle in her living room and took a deep breath and said "Oh my............I'm getting married!"  We all laughed, she reminded me of a kid at Christmas.  She was so anxious, excited, nervous, and happy all in one!

After a few joyous tears shared with her sister and parents (okay me a little bit too!), Cat was dressed.  She stood by her bedroom window and we all sighed............ the natural light danced across her body as her eyes sparkled........Catherine looked STUNNING!

Soon Taylor, the flower girl arrived and the rest of the bridesmaids.  The morning had flown by so quickly that it was time for Darlene and I too head over to the church.

The ceremony was held at 1:00pm at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Cook's Creek.  I have to say that this was the best entrance I have seen so far from a bride.  It was just like a movie, where the church doors open... the bride enters as the sun shines behind her.............as Cat started to walk down the aisle her nervous giggles filled the church............all you could hear was her voice saying"oooooohhhh"as her eyes met Steve who was waiting for her.  It was priceless, we all shared in her laughter.

After the ceremony we joined the happy couple under a sky of bubbles as they left the church and we headed off to take family photos.

Now, a few weeks ago I was told that we were going to do a few photos at their friend, Rocky's home. They thought this would be a good spot as he had some "neat buildings and a few cars".  What they didn't tell me was that I was walking into a photographer's dreamland and that I only had 2 hours to capture it!  Rocky.......if you are reading this, your home is a masterpiece and I want to thank you again for giving us the opportunity to come and photograph it, I only wish I had 4 more hours...just kidding Steve. It was just an incredible place to be and I had a beautiful couple and their awesome friends to share it with.

I want to thank Cat and Steve's wedding party for being so great to work with.  The fun and laughter that you each brought to the photo session had Darlene and I in stitches, we truly had a great time!

After leaving Rocky's house we ventured out to a near by field, despite the insane wind to snap a few more photos as Cat and Steve enjoyed a glass of champagne.
I'd like to say a special THANK YOU to both Cat and Steve for your friendship from the past, the present and the future.  You are both such incredible people and I am so happy that you both have found your perfect someone to share the rest of your lives with.

The reception venue wasn't at a hotel or conference centre, instead it was held on the grounds of their friend, Stefan's home.  His place was perfect for the party.  He had a bonfire, a bar in one of the coolest barns I've ever seen, and the dinner and dancing were held under a white tent.  The tent was filled with baskets of flowers, buckets of apples, and the walls were dressed in white lights.  A perfect place to end such a great day.

I had so much fun meeting all of Steve and Cat's friends and family, some people came as far as England to attend the wedding. The whole day reminded me of how lucky I was to find my new home here in Oakbank and how beautiful it was to photograph.
Thanks again.
 

Lumina and Chris

I was so happy to find out that I would be Lumina and Chris' Wedding Photographer as I had photographed both of his brother's weddings and they were all so much fun.  So it was no surprise that Lumina and Chris would bring their own charisma to their day, which they did!

What a beautiful day it was.  With September you never know what to expect with Mother Nature but she didn't let us down.  The sun was warm and bright lighting up the colours of our city with deep greens and just a hint of the Autumn leaves coming through.

I met Lumina at the couple's home just shortly after 10:30am.  We walked into their freshly painted house to see all of the girls adding the finishing touches to their hair and make-up.  Smells of fresh daisies and yummy cupcakes filled the air.  Lumina turned the corner as one of her favourite songs played on the stereo, within minutes the girls were singing and dancing........even the little ones.  A perfect start to the day.
Soon with the help of her sister and friends, Lumina stepped into her Victorian-Style dress and stood looking radiant in the door way.  As she turned around we could see the hand-made veil flowing down her back........she looked gorgeous!

Within minutes all of girls were dressed in their Lavender dresses and they all began giggling as the minutes were flying by and the ceremony was fast approaching.  They were all so excited!  One thing I noticed was how much Lumina loves her nieces and how much they love her.  All 3 little girls (Tessa, Brooklyn and Harmony) were so happy to be a part of the wedding party but it was the admiration and love that they showed Lumina as she cuddled up next to them...they were sitting beside a real princess!

From Lumina and Chris' home, Darlene and I headed straight to the Transcona United Church which was just around the corner.  Chris and his entourage showed up minutes later.  Chris appeared calm as usual but it was his brothers that were full of jokes that made Chris crack up and smile his sweet smile.

The ceremony was beautiful and the church was filled with their family and friends.  I forgot how pretty the church was with all of the natural sunlight coming through the stained-glass windows.
After the ceremony, the wedding party headed to the Exchange District for the formal photos.  Wow, we weren't the only wedding to take advantage of this gorgeous day.  I think we counted 8 other brides and their parties walking through the cozy district.  I loved how Lumina and Chris waived to them all!

Lumina and Chris were so fantastic to work with.  With the help of their crazy wedding party(especially the boys) we had Lumina in a tree, the guys showing off the bouquets and the girls getting cozy with Chris.  Thank you to you all for the laughs, and for the fun!

On our way to the reception we stopped at one more place in the Exchange District.  There were 3 other wedding parties lined up against the wall for their photos.  As a photographer this is so funny to see because you don't want your pose to look anything like your neighbours so due to our time restriction I let the wedding party go "free-style".  This group has talent!  I had so much fun watching them climb the walls, hug each other, and pose............thank you for not falling off, you were all AWESOME!

We arrived at the reception venue just before 5:30pm where we met the rest of Lumina and Chris' family and friends for the family photos.  All of the images are filled with happy people smiling and so excited for the newlyweds.  As everyone was entering the venue to find their seat before dinner, I couldn't resist snapping this photo of the 4 little cuties who wanted a photo with their own ideas!

So Cute!

The hall was decorated for Royalty.  It was filled with white lights, greenery, and flowers.  Truly Elegant!

As with every reception, one of my favourite parts is the speeches.  I love them!  I love them because I get to know the couple and their families just a little bit more. I always hear a story, a poem, or watch a  slide show that will bring a tear to my eye whether of joy or sadness.  However, at this reception I would have both.  It wasn't until a man by the name of Jan (pronounced "John") was introduced as the surprise speech.  During his speech he informed all of us how he met Lumina.  It wasn't the typical meeting at work, school, or a common friend, it was because he was her bone marrow donor as she was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia a decade ago.  As I listened to his words of encouragement, love, and humour I was reminded of the strength, patience, and courage that Lumina and her family had faced only a few years earlier.  I felt so lucky to hear her story and also so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful day.

Thank you to you both, Lumina and Chris for inviting me to capture all of your wonderful moments and for the friends and family of the couple.............thank you for wonderful evening!

As Darlene and I left to head home we took one last glance and saw Lumina