Zoe and Jason

Saturday May 30, 2015

I was so excited to photograph the wedding between Zoe and Jason because not only are they truly an amazing couple but they are from my home of Oakbank, Manitoba.  I met them both only a few months ago but I was immediately drawn to their caring nature, their love of animals and their fabulous sense of humour.  I had so much fun a few weeks ago photographing their engagement session.  It was a crazy-windy evening with a rainstorm as our backdrop and I had them sitting in long grass in the height of wood tick season.......not one complaint!  This couple stole my heart!
We arrived at the couple's home at 11:00am.  The house was filled with friends getting their hair and make-up done.  Sounds of laughter echoed onto the street and the smell of hairspray filled the air.  Zoe's adorable cat, Nipper slept on a pillow as Zoe stepped into her beautiful wedding gown with the help of her mom.  Zoe looked STUNNING as she was embraced by her mom and sister.

I'd like to say a special THANK YOU to Zoe's neighbour's, Dave and Nettie, who kindly offered their yard for us to use for photos, it was better than a park... it even had a trampoline which Zoe tested out.

One thing I noticed from the very first time I met Zoe was how truly beautiful she is.  She is one of those girls who's beauty goes farther than her exterior.  Her kindness and love for her family and friends is such a unique trait that is very genuine and admirable.  We could have photographed her forever.





We met Jason and the boys at the ceremony venue which just happened to be his parent's home.  The site was perfect for a wedding.  The yard looked amazing with bright-coloured flowers, a tent for refreshments and it even had a "J & Z" manicured within the lawn.  So creative, I loved it!

Jason and his groomsmen were a fun bunch constantly cracking jokes at each other and telling stories.  I have to say that they all looked fabulous in their suits and even Jason's adorable dog, Ruger sported a fancy bow tie which I don't think he minded wearing at all.

Zoe and Jason were married amongst family and friends in a perfect backyard wedding.  The atmosphere was full of love, laughter and a few tears.  As Zoe walked down the aisle she looked radiant as she walked towards Jason.  I don't think there was a dry eye watching when she decided to walk right into his arms for a hug rather than stopping at the end of the aisle.  It was a beautiful moment.
The ceremony was short and sweet, just like they wanted.  A perfect day!  As the new husband and wife walked down the aisle for the first time, their friends followed and joined together in the biggest group hug I've ever seen.

We joined the couple for their formal photos on the property of their future home.  I love this place.  It is a wedding photographer's dream to have the opportunity to photograph a couple here.  I am so lucky.  Not only does it have a barn, trees, an old house, a cherry blossom tree, a creek but it has a pond with a fabulously large tree that screams...."future tire swing!"
Zoe and Jason, THANK YOU for being such an incredible couple to photograph.  You are both such wonderful people and I wish you a lifetime of happiness.  You made me feel like I've known you forever and that is an amazing quality.  Your love for your friends, family and your animals is so special and I feel so proud to have shared in such a memorable day.
Congratulations!



Thank you to Cheryl, my colleague and talented friend.  Your images are gorgeous and it was great to have you out second shooting for me.  Truly a fun day.
To the wedding party... I can't say it enough but you guys are crazy, wonderful, gorgeous, and a bunch of troopers.  Thank you so much for smiling when I asked, making friends with a few wood ticks....sorry ladies, and for making this day a true celebration for Zoe and Jason.




The evening ended with the reception held at Gaffer's Restaurant in Lockport.  It was a fun night filled with games, speeches, laughter and dancing...... lots of dancing!
My Favourite Photo!



Jennifer and Eric

Saturday March 14, 2015

Today was a very special day, especially if you are a mathematician because countries all over the world are celebrating Pi Day!  No, not apple....the math kind.
Let's rewind back to high school...whether you were a math genius or not, you learned pi or the beginning of it: 3.14.  It is the infinite, irrational constant, without which you couldn't find the area of a circle.  Every March 14 is a celebration for all math lovers but this year is a once-in-a-lifetime event. If you stretch out pi to it's third and fourth decimal places you get 3.1415 making March 14, 2015 (03/14/15) a date that won't happen again until the year 2115.
Not only was it a day made to impress the world of numerologists but it was a gorgeous plus 15 degrees in Winnipeg, Manitoba...who wasn't impressed by that?  The sun lit up the blue sky as we walked around puddles most of the day.  It was fabulous.
Jennifer and Eric arrived within minutes from each other at their wedding venue just shortly after 12:00pm.  A huge "kudos" goes out to Jennifer and her staff at Breezy Bend Country Club who whisked Jennifer (the bride) into the bathroom while Eric passed her by...we didn't want them to see each other just yet.
The couple had their "first look" moments later after she stepped into her wedding gown.  Jennifer looked so beautiful as she walked along the path to greet Eric who stood watching with tears in his eyes.  


Jill and I had so much fun photographing Jennifer and Eric.  I love their sense of humour, their affection for one another and the laughter.  Thank you for inviting us to share in your amazing day.





Jennifer's veil had pieces of lace from her mom's wedding dress.  Truly beautiful.
Jennifer's bridesmaids were dressed in shades of blue which was the perfect colour for the vibrant blue sky.  I loved meeting each and everyone of you.  Thank you for your charisma, fun, and adventure.

I love this picture of the groomsmen.....it looks like their hidden alter ego's have a face.... SUPER FREAKY!!! (look closely)
The Stunning Wedding Party.
 Jennifer and Eric were married in an intimate ceremony at Breezy Bend.  The room was decorated in shades of blue, flowers and candlelight.
As a little treat in celebration of Pi day, Jennifer and Eric had the most amazing little pies made for their friends and family.  A Winnipeg company known as Shut Ur Pie Hole (www.shuturpiehole.ca) made the most fabulous and unique pies in jars for the wedding.  Check them out!
Thank you to Jennifer, Eric, the wonderful wedding party and all of their friends and family.  It was a gorgeous day and one Pi Day that I will never forget.

Congratulations!
My Favourite Image (actually two!)

Sandra and Ben

Saturday February 14, 2015

Happy Valentine's Day!  What an amazing day.  I always look forward to the very first wedding of the year as I feel refreshed and the creative juices are alive.  Not only did I have my wonderful colleague and friend, Cheryl (cherylstrussphotography.com) helping me today but it was also Valentine's Day.  The day designated for "love" and the fact that you can get away with wearing giant heart earrings all day and no one will say a thing.  I love it!
The day started out with a windchill warning of -45 degrees.....WOW!  It was going to be a chilly one but I wasn't worried as Sandra and Ben were up for anything.
We met Sandra at 11:00am at the Best Western Plus hotel.  We were greeted by her smiling her adorable smile as her bridesmaids helped her get ready.  It was a very special day for Sandra as her beautiful children were part of her wedding party and so happy to share in this wonderful day.
I met Ben in the lobby shortly after.  Ben and his guys are awesome!  I know it was cold but they never complained as I had them enjoy and salute to the icy air as they dreamed of having a snowmobile close by to share in the chills.
Sandra and Ben were married in a joyous ceremony surrounded by friends and family.  The couple shared in many laughs as multiple iPhone's snapped away.
After the ceremony we headed to the Assiniboine Park's Conservatory where we enjoyed the smell of flowers and the warm air.....awwwwww SPRING!

I had so much fun capturing the love of this day.




A special Thank YOU to the wedding party and especially to Sandra and Ben for "getting outside!"  I loved the fact that Sandra had a plush black blanket to keep her warm.  Despite the crazy windchill you all smiled through frosty eyelashes and frozen toes.  It was perfect!

The evening ended with a fabulous reception at the Best Western Plus.  The room was romantically decorated with colours of pink and black while lit by candles everywhere.  The wedding cake and cupcakes were made by Curvaceous Cupcakes and looked stunning!

Both Cheryl and I couldn't believe the energy in the room from the family and friends dancing away which ended in a conga line......just fantastic!

Congratulations!

My Favourite Photo!