Melissa and Trevor

Saturday May 17, 2014

Summer feels like it's FINALLY here.  It was May long weekend and the sun was shining, the air was warm...a first for a very long time.  I was so excited to be photographing a wedding on a day like today.

I met Melissa in her hotel room at the Best Western Plus around 10:00am.  As my assistant, Jill, and I approached her room we could hear the laughter throughout the hall.  The room was filled with Melissa's close friends, sister, stylists, and her soon to be stepdaughter, Riley.  All of the girls looked so happy as they chatted away and "oohed and ahhhed" over Melissa.

Melissa is a girl that could be every one's best friend.  I have only known her for a short time but she has a "special glow" about her.  Her smile is infectious and her beauty is mesmerizing.  No one could take her eyes of her as her stylist added the finishing touches to her hair.  Melissa looked gorgeous and she hadn't even stepped into her dress!

We had so much fun photographing her.  She is a Wedding Photographer's Dream!  From her vivid eyes to her charismatic smile, thank you for allowing us to drape you in curtains!

I couldn't help but notice all of the love, devotion, and thoughtfulness that Melissa and Trevor incorporated within the planning of their wedding.  From the heartfelt tributes in honour of Melissa's mother to the adoration of Trevor's children, Riley and T.J.  It was such a special day for their new family.

One special part of their wedding ceremony was the Money Tree.  I had never heard of this before.  No, you don't pin money to it…instead Melissa, Trevor, Riley and T.J, all had vases filled with dirt from their childhood homes.  During the ceremony, they each poured their dirt into the planter that held the money tree to represent the food needed for their plant to have strong roots.  A symbol of a home filled with love, laughter, strength, support, and nourishment.

I met Trevor before the ceremony for a few photos.  He looked so handsome in his suit but one of my favourite moments was when he gave each of his kids one last hug before the ceremony began.  He was a proud father who was about to marry his soul mate.

After the ceremony we headed to the Hydro Building and to the Exchange District with the bridal party for photos.  I want to thank all of you for being such an AMAZING group.  We had a fabulous day, everyone was so relaxed, filled with fun and a joy to photograph.

A special THANK YOU to my awesome couple, Melissa and Trevor.  I am so excited as your family begins this beautiful new adventure and I wish you years of happiness, fun, and tree planting!

We returned to the Best Western Plus for the reception where the room was decorated with feathers, lights, and a cake-pop cake.  It was perfect.  At the door stood an official Franzmann mailbox and a Thumb-print tree for their guests to leave their thumbprint rather than a signature.  Another extraordinary idea!

Congratulations!

My Favourite Photo!

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!