Rachelle and Gerald

Saturday June 23, 2012

Live...Laugh...Love...

We see these words everyday and most of us try to follow through with them but the hustle and bustle of daily life can sometimes get in the way.  These small words played such a huge part in the wedding day of  Rachelle and Gerald.

I arrived at the couples beautiful new home in Stoney Mountain just after 9:30am.  As I walked up the path I saw Gerald helping his dad with some last minute wedding details and the sound of laughter from the halls of the house where the guys were getting ready.  Inside the guys were watching "You Tube" videos on "how to tie a tie."  I had to giggle as it was so humorous to see such concentration on a strong bunch of men who's vest was camouflage-themed but had no idea on how to tie a tie.   In the end....they did it and they all looked fabulous.
Inside stood the couple's 2 children Travis and Dylan.  I would like to say a very big "thank you" to both of you.  As young as you are and as exciting as a wedding day is, these two young boys were fantastic listeners and smiled the sweetest smiles for all of my photos.
We arrived at Rachelle's  mom's house just after 10:00am.  I forgot how lovely Giselle's (mother of the bride) home was.  The front was filled with bright coloured flowers and the back deck was a perfect spot for photos.  The rooms were filled with wedding details from the flowers, glasses of champagne, to  the magnetic letters on the fridge spelling...wedding!  I had been here a few years earlier to photograph Rachelle's sister, Jaclyn's wedding and it is always so wonderful for me to be invited back.



Within minutes Rachelle arrived and looked great.  I could see her charismatic smile from across the room.  She was so excited....almost like a kid at Christmas.  It was perfect.
In all of my conversations with Rachelle she has always expressed the importance of family.  From the union that was about to take place with Gerald to her children and finally for paying tribute to those family members who will be watching her walk down the aisle from heaven.  At the reception site she had candles lit and photographs displayed on the signing table of all of the loved ones who had passed away.
One important individual who's memory can not be forgotten was Rachelle's father, Gerry Ducharme.  To honour her father, Rachelle wore a charm that sat close to her heart of the number 3.....her dad's favourite number and insisted that she and Gerald get married in the Gerry Ducharme Memorial Park.  Rachelle and Gerald had the first sunny Saturday in over 3 weeks and I'm sure her guardian angel had something to do with that.
As Rachelle stepped into her dress her smile began to light up the room.  The style was elegant and fun....it was a perfect fit.

We arrived at the Stonewall Quarry just after 11:00am for the private "first glimpse"of the couple.  Gerald looked fantastic in his tux.  He would have made any girl's heart skip a beat because when he turned and saw Rachelle.....this big tall man smiled the most adoring smile (just like his boys) and gave her the biggest kiss.  Just like a scene from the movies.
Darlene (my assistant) and I had such a pleasure working with Rachelle and Gerald.  Thank you for climbing the cliffs of the quarry, walking the dirt paths of the farmer's fields, but most of all for your sense of adventure and fun.








As the afternoon approached the rest of the wedding party arrived along with family and friends but the highlight of the day was when Travis and Dylan came.  Wow, how cute are these guys.  Despite the heat and humidity these two little men smiled their way into my heart.  Rachelle and Gerald have two beautiful children but what I noticed throughout the day was the love and devotion they showed to each other.  It wasn't about the fancy dresses or the party later, it was about living this day....this moment...together.  There was never a moment that I didn't see Rachelle stealing a laugh from Travis or  Gerald giving Dylan a kiss.  These are tiny things in life that make each day better....Rachelle and Gerald you are both such heartwarming and caring individuals but most importantly you are fantastic
and loving parents.


Our next adventure was to photograph the wedding party.  What a great group of friends.  Thank you to all of you for your spirit, your wild and crazy ideas (climbing a train car as the police passed by), and for the laughter.  I enjoyed meeting and working with each and everyone of you!










Our last stop was to the tracks behind Rachelle's mom's house.  By now the sun was heating up and the sweat was starting to pour.  Thank you to everyone you did such a great job and for the guys....you were awesome wearing your jackets.....looking amazing.....and the ties stayed tied!


Rachelle and Gerald were married in a small ceremony at the Gerry Ducharme Memorial Park.  It was a memorable event filled with love and especially laughter as once Rachelle arrived to the alter they realized they had forgotten the rings at their house......great job Kevin for running your heart out to get them.  He truly was faster than a speeding bullet!


I had such a great day.  Thank you to all of the family and friends who made this day so beautiful and special for Rachelle and Gerald.
To the couple.....I want to say "thank you" it was a pleasure to work with you both and to Rachelle, I love it when I get to work with a bride as classy, compassionate and joyful as you.  This photo is a classic and your laughter is contagious!
My evening ended as I watched Rachelle, Gerald, Travis and Dylan enter into their wedding reception. The room was decorated beautifully.  Great job everyone.
My favourite Photo!

I usually post an image of the couple but the moment that I say this one I knew that it captured the life and the love shared between two extraordinary people.


Jessica and Shane

Saturday June 16, 2012

One of my favourite Manitoba venues for a wedding is Gimli.  I was so excited to venture back to this quiet Icelandic Village for another June wedding.
We arrived shortly after 10:00am to the sound of the Harbour bells and the view of a misty overcast sky.
Jessica and her girls were getting ready in the Lakeview hotel.  They had a perfect room overlooking the beach and Lake Winnipeg.  Jessica was smiling her fabulous smile with her picture-perfect nails.  I love Jessie's energy and flare I could tell that she was going to be a photographer's dream!




Once we captured a few images of her getting ready we met Shane and the boys by the pier for a few photos before the rain came.  What an awesome bunch.  I loved the humour shared amongst the men.  The hats and vest were a perfect accent to the gloomy skies above.

Shane suited the mystery of a Fedora...it was great.  From his quiet nature and easy-going attitude he was spontaneous and fun.  I loved his style and charm that he brought to every photograph.  The best part was the smiles he had for Jessica.



As the sky darkened and rain began to fall, we continued the day with photographing Jessica.  Wow!! A mild word for Jessica's beauty.  What a trooper!  Jessie looked stunning in her dress but it was her charisma and grace that I loved so much.  She sat on rocks, climbed hills, and even walked through wet grass for her photo session.  The perfect bride for any wedding photographer.
















Jessica and Shane were married in a quiet deck-side ceremony at the Lakeview Hotel.  Our next stop was to Camp Morton for our formal photos.  Just as I stepped out of my car the sun came peaking out filling the sky with vibrance and blue.
Darlene (my assistant) and I had so much fun laughing with Jessica and Shane as the bridal party offered so much fun and charismatic energy.  Thank you to each and everyone of you.  You were all so wonderful to work with.  We had a tight time frame and I appreciate all of your smiles, spunk, and craziness.









I have to say a special thank you to Jessica and Shane.  Thank you for giving me such a great opportunity of photographing your wedding.  I loved the time I got to spend with you.  I admire the adventure that you bring out in one another and your candid style.  You were both so "awesome" to work with.....and a huge thanks for climbing up on THE ROCK.  I wish you both many years of happiness.
















We arrived back at the Lakeview Hotel to photograph Jessica and Shane's family and friends.  Thank you to everyone.

Darlene and I left just as the reception was beginning.  The room looked beautiful decorated in tones of blue and pink.

My Favourite Photo... Jessica you are stunning!