Reflections by Jocelyne

Saturday June 20, 2015

Oh....how I love the first day of summer! I love the bright colours, the warm sun and the smell of fresh flowers in the air. Today was extra special because I had the wonderful opportunity of photographing the wedding between Deidra and Sean.

Deidra and Sean were married at St. Francis Anglican Church in a beautiful ceremony filled with laughter, handwritten vows and surrounded by friends and family.

After the ceremony, Deidra and Sean stepped out of the church into a sea of bubbles as their guests cheered and hugged the happy couple. It was wonderful to see how many relatives and friends came from all over the country to share in this amazing day. Thank you to the family and friends for being so accommodating during the family photos. Due to our limited time it was wonderful to have a group that was so full of energy and laughter.

Deidra looked so beautiful in her wedding gown. The elegant details sparkled in the sunlight which complemented her fabulous smile.

Deidra and Sean selected great locations for their wedding photos. We started at Kildonan Park and ended in historic, Saint Boniface. This was one couple that could have laughed together all day. I love their admiration for each other. I heard stories all day of their sweet romance and it is a true gift and I am so happy for you both.

Sean had one request, he wanted to go to the Winnipeg Skyline. I am so glad we did because I love these images showcasing our great city.

Sean looked smashing in his tuxedo, just like a magazine cover! Thank you Cheryl, my colleague and friend, who second shot for me today. I love this image of Sean that you captured. As always, I love working with you and your creativity. Sean you look awesome.

An enormous THANK YOU to the wedding party. What a fun crowd! I loved your charisma, comedy and your sense of adventure. To the guys, I know it was hot.........so hot that I'm sure you might have at one time wanted to jump into the river... but all of you were amazing to work with. To the girls....I love how you can make Deidra laugh with just one look. You can see that you all share an amazing friend.

Today was the longest day of sunlight marking the summer solstice. The hot sun sizzled on our backs as we ended our photo session by taking a stroll down Winnipeg's own Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge. Tourists gathered around as Deidra and Sean glimmered in the ray of sunlight.

Thank you Deidra and Sean for asking me to capture the special moments of your wedding day.

Congratulations!

Our evening ended after a fun-filled reception of entertaining speeches by close family and friends. There were many happy tears and true "laugh-out-loud" moments. I could feel my own tears from laughing so hard. It was a wonderful evening held at the Four Points Sheraton on Pembina Highway. (www.fourpointswinnipegsouth.com)

The event was also captured by Gino Valentino Productions (www.gvpweddingvideo.com) who were fabulous to work with. Thank you Gino.

My Favourite Photo!

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!