Alissa and Ryan

Saturday November 9, 2013

It was chilly, it was snowing, but Alissa and Ryan couldn't have been bothered by it at all.  It was the perfect day to get married!

I met Alissa at her childhood home around 10:00am.  I was greeted by her parents, sister and bridesmaids.  They were getting ready to make a toast and to celebrate this amazing day.  The room was filled with laughter, love, and a sisterhood of friends that was truly unique.

Alissa has such a warm heart and such a kind personality that shines like a ray of sunshine.  I instantly fell in love with her when I met her just a few short months ago.  It could have been a blizzard outside and she would still be smiling, she was about to marry her best friend, Ryan.

With the help of her mom and friends, she stepped into her gown.  She looked perfect!

Alissa looked radiant in her dress but my favourite part of her attire was the cape. It was the same cape that her mother wore on her wedding day.  What a beautiful heirloom.

From here, we met Ryan, along with the groomsmen at King's Park for Ryan and Alissa to have their "first look".  Spectators gathered as Alissa stepped outside of the limo to greet Ryan.  There were even a few cheers as they exchanged a kiss.

We had a great time photographing the wedding party at the park.  Alissa was so smart because she bought each bridesmaid a cozy warm blanket to wear for the day.  The wedding party couldn't resist wrapping each other up.  Thank you for your continuous laughter and spirit as you ignored your frozen hands and snuggled in a group hug instead!

I want to thank Alissa and Ryan for being so wonderful.  I know it was a chilly day, but you both smiled through the cold, wet, snow and never complained.  You have an amazing love for your family and friends but your charisma and humour is what made the day so fantastic....oh, and your "blue steel" impression was pretty great too!

Our next stop was much warmer...we went to the Administrative Building at the University of Manitoba for family photos.  I couldn't resist photographing Alissa and Ryan amongst the classic architectural character of this old building.

Our evening ended at the Caboto Centre where we were invited to be a part of their fun-filled reception.  

One thing that I had never seen before was rather than a guestbook, the couple had each person/couple sign a stone that they added to a vase that will sit in their home as a constant reminder of the family and friends that came to be a part of their wedding day.  What a great idea.

Congratulations!

My Favourite Photo!

Jennifer and Alex

Sunday October 20th, 2013

Simple...Elegant...Beautiful...

Simple, elegant, and beautiful were the three words that come to mind when I think about the wedding between Alex and Jennifer.  Their story is very unique.  Alex and Jenn met in the Crystal Ballroom at the historic Fort Garry Hotel a few years earlier and decided that it would be the place that they would exchange their wedding vows.  They decided to hold their intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends and family.

I was extremely honoured to be asked to photograph their day.  They did not have a wedding party or any of the typical additions that I experience on a wedding day.  Today was about the love they share for each other and the next chapter of their lives.

I met them a few hours before the ceremony in the ballroom and they giggled as they told me about the day they first met.  Jenn looked breathtaking in her vintage-inspired dress and vibrant blue shoes.  I loved it.  Alex, who smiled from ear to ear all day,  looked so handsome in his suit.  Even though it was absolutely freezing outside we stepped out into the soft falling snow for a few images.

Today was like no other wedding I have ever photographed and I loved every moment.  Thank you for letting me share this amazing day with you both.

Congratulations!

My Favourite Photo!

Monica and Tony

Saturday September 28, 2013

Many people believe that to have rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck, good fortune, as it is a representation of the "angels in heaven" showering the couple with love...if this is true, Monica and Tony are blessed for a lifetime!

Some couples may have seen the rain as an obstacle but Monica and Tony were full of smiles, energy, and laughter.  A perfect combination to make a day that seemed so dreary to be full of warmth, light, and beauty.

I met Monica at the couple's home in the morning as she and her bridesmaids got the final touches of make up and hair done.  Her dress hung in the window and it was beautiful.  Full of delicate details and a gorgeous train.  She looked breathtaking as her mother helped her get ready.

Tony and his Viking Men arrived shortly after.  All the guys sported purple and yellow socks to represent Tony's favourite NFL Football team.  Tony looked very handsome as usual with his energetic smile, and vibrant sense of humour but he was speechless at the sight of Monica.  It was a very special moment as they hugged each other, Tony whispered in her ear, "you are so beautiful!"

Our next stop was to the Red River Princess Campus where we had such a great time photographing Monica and Tony along with their wedding party. What a great group of family and friends.  Thank you to all of you for battling out the rain, dodging raindrops and making this day so fantastic to be a part of.

Monica and Tony were married in the gorgeous and historical St. Mary's Cathedral downtown.  What an amazing church filled with breathtaking architecture... a perfect backdrop for a wedding.

As we drove to St. Charles for the reception we started to notice that the rain was beginning to stop...and it did.  The rain stopped!  We were all so excited that before the reception began Monica, Tony and their band of friends and family ran outside and we were able to capture a few more wonderful images of this awesome group.

I'd like to say a huge "thank you" to Monica and Tony.  Even though the sun never came out today, it was truly wonderful to see the amount of sunshine within both of you.  Your smiles, love, and affection  brightened up the day.  We had such a great time today and it was a such a privilege to be asked to capture your story.  

My Favourite Photo!