Reflections by Jocelyne: June 2013

Friday June 21, 2013

The summer solstice is here and it's the longest day of the year, who wouldn't want to celebrate by getting married! Amy and Jeff had the perfect day for photos, overcast but not a drop of rain.

I was welcomed by Amy's mom into her home at 10:30am Friday morning where my assistant, Jill and I had so much fun photographing Amy's dress, shoes, and jewelry in various places throughout the beautiful yard.

Shortly after, we met Jeff and the guys at the home that Jeff and Amy share together. We joined in the laughs as the guys got ready and toasted to their buddy, Jeff...the new groom.

We all met back at Amy's mom's house for the couple to have their "first look". Jeff's eye's sparkled as he saw Amy coming toward him. She looked gorgeous in her gown. It was such a perfect moment to be spent with family and friends.

We arrived at Grant's Old Mill where Jill and I had such a great time photographing Amy and Jeff along with their wonderful wedding party. Thank you to the staff at the mill for your courtesy and for allowing us to photograph this fun group on the grounds.

On our way out to the reception site, we stopped at a few places along the way. I have to thank this wild and awesome wedding party. What a terrific group of friends.

You were all amazing to work with and I have never seen such a gorgeous group of gals wearing rain boots before!

Amy and Jeff told me awhile ago that they were not picture people, well I still don't believe them. You both looked fabulous and I loved the joy, love, and charisma that you brought to each image. I had such a great time capturing each and every moment and a special thank you for having a seat in my old wooden chair.

Amy and Jeff were married at Breezy Bend Golf Course in a lovely ceremony amongst their close family and friends.

The reception followed by a delicious meal and some of the most entertaining speeches I have ever seen....a standing ovation for Jeff's parents. Way to go everyone! Breezy Bend is always such a wonderful venue for a wedding, the room looked spectacular filled with flowers, candles, and jewels.

Our evening ended just after 10:00pm and it was amazing to see the sun was finally setting, it truly was the longest day of the year but I had so much fun that it just flew by. One thing that I learned about Amy and Jeff was the love they had for the outdoors. Instead of a guestbook, they had 2 Adirondack chair's for their guests to sign...what a perfect keepsake!

Thank you to Amy and Jeff, their family and friends for a great day!

My Favourite Photo!

Saturday June 1, 2013

What an amazing day! Who wouldn't want to start the first day of June photographing a wedding...it was fabulous. I knew I was going to have fun photographing Danica and Mike when I met them at West Hawk Lake last summer to do their engagement photos. I instantly fell in love with them both. I loved their charisma, the joy they have camping together, and the way they compliment each other perfectly. I have to thank my dear friend, Jen, for introducing me to this fantastic couple!

My assistant, Darlene, and I met Danica and her bridesmaids at the Holiday Inn West at 10:00am. It was a perfect morning considering it had rained all week. Danica's dress hung beautifully alongside her cathedral veil and hot pink shoes. The girls shared in a toast and a few tears of joy as Danica slipped into her gown with the help of her friends.

The ceremony was held at the lush Leo Mol Garden in Assiniboine Park. We arrived early to meet Mike who looked great in his grey suit. He was greeting guests and smiling the biggest smile. Leo Mol was the perfect venue for their ceremony. The tulips were in full bloom and butterflies were in the air.

Danica walked down the aisle alongside her brother. She looked stunning as she approached the alter, her cathedral veil blew in the wind and her dress sparkled in the sunlight.

Danica and Mike had a wonderful ceremony. It was special, unique and designed perfectly to fit their personal style. I loved it. They wrote their own vows with words of love, sincerity and humour, followed by a wine box ceremony.

After the ceremony we were joined by family and friends for photos in the park. It was so much fun to see the joy shared amongst both families, everyone was truly happy for Danica and Mike.

One thing I truly loved about today was...Danica's gorgeous veil. I love veils....I could have photographed Danica and her veil all day. Thank you Danica for your patience-you looked stunning! A special thank you to Darlene and my good friend, Cheryl for helping me make these images possible.

The gardens looked gorgeous today. The rain earlier in the week helped all of the flowers bloom especially the lilac bushes and cherry blossom trees their colours were fresh and vibrant.

We ended our time in the gardens by photographing Danica and Mike's wedding party. What a fun group of friends. The girls wore hot pink dresses of unique individual designs and the perfect compliment to Danica's shoes. Thank you ladies for being so much fun. These gals were troopers, they sat in the grass, jumped in high-heeled shoes and even picked up Mike for a photo opt. Wow!

The guys were equally enthusiastic and full of energy from jumping with a Celtic style to a little air-guitar performance. This group could bring a smile to any one's face. Thank you to you all for sharing this day with Danica and Mike and for being so great to work with.

Our next stop was to the Fort Whyte Centre with Danica and Mike as the wedding party finished with the last minute details for the reception. We had our own little adventure as we visited an old sod house, hung out in a tee pee, went to the lake and saw some buffalo...all from a golf cart. Thank you to Fort Whyte for allowing us to explore your trails.

One of my favourite photo moments was when Mike and Danica posed alongside of "the car"...what a gorgeous car! The wind was perfect for more veil shots.

The reception was held at the Fort Whyte Centre and was decorated in colours of white and pink accented with photographs of Danica and Mike. The dinner was delicious and the speeches were filled with emotion, laughter, and a few tears. It was a great evening and it ended with a soft spring sunset.

To Danica and Mike, thank you again for asking me to photograph your wedding day. I loved every moment of capturing the love you share for each other. You both have found your partner and best friend for life and I wish you many years of laughter together.

Happy Travels as you set out to explore Iceland!

My Favourite Photo!