Three years ago Sam and Azusa met at Yoyogi Park in Japan during Hanami and later they became engaged on the other side of the world, at Goose Spit in the Comox Valley. After a private backyard ceremony in the marriage commissioners’ Comox back yard with five guests, the couple enjoyed an incredible spread catered by More Eatery topped off by a cake from Cakebread.

Ken and Heather live in two different provinces so when the pandemic shut-down was imminent, Ken drove thousands of kilometres in a blizzard from the Yukon to Calgary. He slept in his car en route and managed to get across the border in Alberta before they shut it down. Heather knew he was on his way, but had no idea that he was coming to propose. He arrived at her doorstep, and after a wonderful day where they were both excited and relieved to be together, he asked the big question. Heather was an immediate yes.

Jen and Diana first crossed paths on the hockey rink. Diana’s easy laughter left an impression on Jen, but Jen was too shy to talk to her. About a year later, Jen, who is an RCMP officer was called to a break and enter at a local business, and when she arrived there was Jen, who had accidentally set of the alarm. It was a very happy accident though as they both, despite playing it cool, did a little flirting (it is still debatable who flirted with who) and finally planned that golf came.

The west coast feels like home to them and so it was the natural place for them to exchanged vows. With close family at Alex’s parent’s home in Royston, these two had a genuine and perfect ceremony. Their friendship, wonderful sense of humour and easy laughter was on full display - in addition to personal vows, and a rock ceremony, there was paddle boarding, champagne, the perfect amount of joyful tears.

It started 14 years ago when they connected through a mutual friend, but it took seven years after that, and urging by that same friend, for them to start dating. After their first date, they both knew it was something deeply special. Deciding to get married was something that came along naturally. These two have been incredibly busy raising their magical daughter and building their business - Rusted Rake Farm. I

While what you see here is a genuine joy - the Tinga has a big challenge in front of them. Carol was recently dealt the devastating hand of cancer. Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and now the cancer has spread into her lungs. Treatment, including clinical trials for this type of cancer, is limited and Carol is seeking treatments that support her quality of life and wellness. Carol’s friendship and kindness has reached all corners of our community and now the community is helping her and her family through an auction page. The funds generated will help reduce any financial stress or burden, so she and her family can focus on treatments and enjoying time together. As my contribution, I created these photos for them.

I have known this fine human since he was four when I first photographed his family at Filberg Park. They became part of our Pantuso Dance carpooling family. Mirren could always be counted on to make us laugh, sing us a song and make the best of any situation. Mirren, you are a powerful human - in all the right ways - your good nature, interest in so many things, and hard work are going to take you so far.

These calls became regular and when they finally met in person it was love at first sight. It wasn’t long until Myles dropped to one knee at the top of a mountain and proposed.