Joelle and Ed

Saturday August 3, 2013

Every wedding tells a story and every wedding that I photograph inspires me.  Today I was inspired by moments of the past, present, and the future.

I met Joelle at the couple's home at 10:00am.  The house was filled with family and friends getting ready for the wonderful day.  Ed and Joelle lived in a beautiful home nestled in St. Boniface with their adorable children.  Both Ed and Joelle come with unique family heritage inspired by both the French and Vietnamese languages.  I was amazed at watching their children understand and communicate with both sets of grandparents.  It was a house filled with laughter, love, and joy as the last minute details came together.

To represent the Vietnamese tradition, a tea ceremony was held at 11:00am at the couples home.  The tea set was a special gift from Ed's parents.  Ed and Joelle dressed in authentic garments and served tea to the members of the family as they presented them with special gifts.

There were so many tiny details that represented such an important part of the day.  Joelle, along with many friends and family, wore jewellery with the Jade stone in it.  The green stone symbolizes good luck, good health and good fortune.  Joelle carried a rosary in honour of her father who passed away only a few years ago.

Joelle and Ed decided to have their wedding ceremony in the heart of the French community, the historic Saint Boniface Cathedral.  It was a very joyous ceremony surrounded with friends and family.  One of the most memorable parts was when Ed turned to Joelle and said his wedding vows in French.  Joelle listened with tears in her eyes and her smile was breathtaking.  I could only understand a few words but the emotion I saw exchanging between them was so romantic.

After the ceremony we headed to the park to photograph family and the wedding party.  Ed and Joelle were joined by their children for their first official wedding family photo.

One thing I love so much about Joelle and Ed was the love they have for their children.  Kelly, Izabelle, and Liliane were such an important part of their day and they were so much fun to photograph.  Each of them with their unique personalities, charisma, and innocent smiles.  They were truly adorable.

Thank you to Ed and his merry band of groomsmen for making me laugh every step of the way!  These guys couldn't wait to pose for the camera and show me their modelling techniques.  Great job guys!

Joelle and her girls looked so gorgeous in their turquoise gowns.  All of them were so excited for Joelle and Ed as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

After the park we headed to the St. Norbert Monastery to photograph the couple.  Joelle and Ed were escorted to the ruins by one of Ed's longtime friends-who he described to me as being such an influential mentor in his life...Lloyd.  Lloyd was not only a friend to Ed, but one of my own high school teachers.  I couldn't believe it and was thrilled to have the honour of photographing such an amazing car that belonged to MR. V!!!!

Thank you Mr. V for allowing us to come along on the ride it was so great to see you again!

One thing I love about St. Norbert is the lighting.  It is almost angelic.  So to have a bride as fabulous as Joelle filled me with inspiration.  Thank you for your patience as you gave us the opportunity to play with light and make images that are breathtaking.  You are an angel!

Ed and Joelle, I wish you many years of happiness together.  You have such an extraordinary family...and it was a true pleasure to be invited to share this day with you.  I was taken back to moments of tradition, treasures of the present, and inspiration for the future.  Thank you!

Our evening ended at the reception that was held at the Kum Koon Garden in Winnipeg.  It was a fantastic evening filled with food, friends and a spectacular Lion Dance.

Thank you to Janelle Nicole Weddings and More (www.janellenicole.ca) for her wonderful wedding planning and vision.  It was a pleasure to meet you.

My Favourite Photo!