Amanda and Derek Parksville Wedding
It started when they ran into each other through their respective jobs. Then they noticed each other around town - so much so that Amanda named Derek "cute guy at Starbucks with German Shepard." He meanwhile was also taking note, leading him to ask a mutual friend for her number. And we are all so glad he did!In May of this year, they made their union official with a stunning wedding at Tigh-na-Mara Resort and Spa. Highlights include how hard Derek was smiling while Amanda walked down the aisle, their daughter having a power nap mid-ceremony, and a dreamy friend group that has an easy connection, rocks some solid dance moves and laughs easily.
Dora and Chris, Parksville Wedding
When a wedding occurs under a resilient, statuesque tree something magical seems to circle the couple and their guests. While Dora and Chris hail from Vancouver, they knew their wedding was meant to happen somewhere natural and Rathtrevor Provincial Park was a setting that felt connected to their shared love of being outdoors together.
Aidan and Chrystal, Las Vegas Wedding
My words to my hubby post-Zoom call were, “these are people I want to know.” Thankfully, they felt the same, and the wedding was booked.By the time I landed in Nevada, I felt as if I was going to visit friends. And, yes, you bet I cried at their wedding.
Chrystal and Aidan were married by two of their closest friends, and the words shared were so genuine and funny that the guests were cry-laughing when they weren’t emotional-crying. Highlights included the instrumental version of The Office theme song, a surprise flash mob dance performed by Aidan and her co-workers and seeing their friends who had travelled from all over connect in their shared enthusiasm for adoring Aidan and Chrystal.
Rainbow House Royalty
While I am mostly booked for the year, I am 100% sure if your event fosters inclusion + has a sing-along, I will damn well make myself available!
Last night at the Sid Williams Theatre, there was magic on the stage and in the audience.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event which was a fundraiser fo
Mehrili and Ryan, Quadra Island Helicopter Elopement
Their love for each other was celebrated with both their parents, in the mountains next to Strathcona Park. It was a day full of laughter, kindness, color and adventure - which is a beautiful reflection of their relationship.
Kirsten and Conner Hornby Island Wedding
These two met by chance in Mexico. He was on a boy’s trip and she was on a girl’s getaway and his friends asked the gals to take a picture of them at the airport. It turned out that they were staying at the same resort. That fortunate moment led them here. Kirsten and Connor celebrated on Hornby Island at Connor’s family home and their friends came from all over to be with them for a weekend of food, drink and a shared expression of love for Kirsten and Connor.
Rya and Jonathan Mt. Washington & Filberg Park Wedding
Rya and Jonathan met in the most interesting way. Their parents became friends through a chance meeting. which involved a lost water bottle on BC Ferries. This led to Rya and Jonathan being at the same New Years ever party and becoming friends. That was in 2012. Fast forward to 2021 at a cabin on Valdez Island, and the two became engaged. When I had my first zoom with Rya and Jonathan I was instantly smitten. Their warmth, curiosity and unbridled joy lept out from across the screen.
Becky & John Mt. Washington Wedding
It was a wedding that radiated loudly the love these two have for each other. When you are with Becky and John, you can sense their ease with each other, their teamwork, shared sense of humor and adoration for each other. This love was so affirming to witness. While Becky claims she is the romantic in the relationship,John’s heart was beating outside of him throughout the day.
Lynda & Len Black Creek Beach Wedding
Lynda and Len already considered each other “family” before they fell in love. After more than 20 years of friendship, it was a big “heck-yes” for everyone who loves them when they choose to build their future together as husband and wife.
In a week of rain, the day of their wedding came and the sun shone down, the friends and family circled them and it was the day they dreamed off - it was comfortable, stress-free, meaningful, super fun and gave them lots of time to be with the people that matter the most to them and lean into the gratitude of their new role together as husband and wife.
William, A Special Comox Valley Grad
William is the youngest person I have ever photographed. As a family friend, I was there documenting his birth and since that time I have watched him grow up into an incredibly interesting, personable, driven, and thoughtful (almost) adult. He always has great stories and was the type of person who brought a group “up”. His entrepreneurial and independent streak has always resonated with me, and I am so thankful to be in his corner cheering him on.
Jazz & Sidney, flower and fruit anniversary
On December 26th, 2017, Jazzlyn was scheduled for major surgery for colon cancer, and she didn’t know if she would survive and if she did, what her quality of life would be. She knew that she could live with her disabilities happily, however, if she became palliative, she would want to consider medical assisted dying, and if she were put on life support, she would want to terminate her life. It was decided that her parents wouldn’t be the right people to help make this big decision and the ideal person was Sydney, who moved out to BC.
Since almost day one
Rowan was first in front of my camera when he was just learning to sit up, and he was squishy cute then! I am not sure if he wants to be described as squishy cute now, but it’s the truth - he is still squishy cute. He is also super fun and funny. I super appreciated all our laughs and his patience with all of us as we captured photos.
Connecting for portraits
The ease and love that this family has with each other, the way they grab each other’s hands, the way they share laughs, and the way they seem to “just know” how the other is about to react and how they give space for each other, was so peaceful (and yes, I did just use the word peaceful for a family with two children under the age of 5) and fulfilling to witness.
Sisters graduating together
If you know this family you understand that being with them is a joy. Fia and Niu Niu both graduated this year and before they head off on a family trip to Europe we gathered for some portraits. Fia, Niu Niu, you two are exceptionally good company and your wisdom, kindness and strong sense of self is impressive. I loved swapping stories, and hearing about your childhood - thank for you for sharing yourself with me.
Kicking of summer holiday family portraits
They were quick on the program to support small businesses because their hearts and minds are just like that - you know, the type that go right to being mindful of others, and wide open as to how they can add positivity to this world. And with that booking, they made a huge difference to my hope for the future of my business. It still touches me.
Taryn, Comox Valley Grad at the Filberg Park
For this beach session, we had no wind, but Taryn did bring her solid sense of humour and focus - while also shining in front of the lens! Taryn, wishing you all the good experiences that university can bring, and your impressive quick wit and obvious “get-er-done attitude” will no doubt serve you well.
Amanda & Jen, Deep Bay Wedding
MJ and Amanda became engaged in the winter of 2021 and it was my good fortune that they chose to get married on Vancouver Island because being their photographer was a joy. These two are all the good things. Their love is gentle, full of humor, and wise and kind. Their only downfall (in my bold opinion) is that they don’t yet live on Vancouver Island. Amanda and MJ created a celebration that was true to them, that had sentiment and shots of screech, and that was circled by a stunning landscape and beautiful people.
Kylie & Levi, engaged and captured in Cumberland
From my first meeting with Kylie and Levi, I was enamoured - their cantor with me and with each other had me smitten. This is a duo that radiates teamwork and leans into all aspects of their lives with commitment - from their careers to creating their home and travel - they are all in! So when the weather was calling for rain, these two still did not hesitate to hop in their car and make the trek from Victoria for their engagement photos. And, as you can see we were rewarded.
Jolie, Comox Valley Grad in the park
So yah, I think most teenagers are pretty darn amazing. Sometimes though there is one that stands above the rest. Likely I have a personal connection with them, which is the case with Jolie. Although it has been years since we have connected, I remember her “all-in” style, warmth and talent. It was a true highlight of my spring photo season to spend this evening with Jolie and learn more about her creativity, emotional intelligence and confident, yet down-to-earth nature - what a joy - check out this wisdom:
Karalea & Tom 40 Knots Winery
Of course, Karalea and Tom's wedding was a celebration of their love - but, it was more. It was a celebration of deep and cherished relationships and roots. Tom and Karalea, are people who others are drawn to. These two have an extraordinary magnetism that makes you feel comfortable and interested in their life. It wasn't surprising that from the moment I met their friends, I felt right at home - because these are the type of people Tom and Karalea come from, and collect.