I wonder how the Vancouver photographers do it – we arrived a couple days early and it felt like I was constantly checking the weather as the forecast was changing every hour.  In the end though, the clouds parted almost as if on cue and we were treated to a nearly perfect spring day.  And if the Vancouver photogs have to deal with more rain stress, I guess the incredible scenery more than makes up for it.

The day started with Shuen and Chris getting ready at a character home in Kitsilano – a really cool house that I could have spent a whole day in.  But that was just the start of our tour de Vancouver as one of Shuen’s bridesmaids picked us up in her school’s yellow bus and drove us out to UBC.  Deep dark woods, beaches on the ocean, cherry blossoms in full bloom, mountains in the skyline – what a treat for a Winnipegger!  Then we capped off the tour with the ceremony and reception out at Simon Fraser University.

Shuen and Chris’ big smiles and general sunnyness matched the day perfectly.  I hope they had as much fun as I did!  Some sneak peeks:

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Here are a few teasers from the reception of Shuen and Chris’s wedding which we shot last weekend in Vancouver.  Recipe:

• find one good backdrop locally;
• add a few flashes and stands;
• mix in a white board + cozy reception + a few drinks + a bunch of colourful and willing guests;
• stir it up, sit back, and let the camera capture the personalities that come out.

Can’t wait to post some pics from the wedding itself, but for now, the photobooth:

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It’s all the little things that make each wedding unique, and boy, did Sandra and Steve ever go all out and put a personal stamp on their wedding day.  This wedding was just FULL of meaningful details and moments.  From the invitations that Sandra designed herself, to all the centrepieces and decorations at the reception that they custom made to fit their theme, to the wonderfully personalized gifts they gave to their wedding party, you could tell every detail had been thoughtfully looked after.  Every part of the day was also packed with special events, like the bagpiper leading into their ceremony, the bluegrass and blues bands that played during their reception, the fireworks display at the Great Woods campground, and the campfire/weiner-roast to cap off the night with their friends. It’s a wonder that everything took place in a single day.

You’d think just all that would have made for fabulous photo opportunities, but there was even more: Sandra’s parents’ home in Lockport was an absolute goldmine for shooting.  From the room full of antiques, to her mother’s mini hairstyling salon, to the sheds full of heavy equipment, to the vast flower gardens in full bloom… I was like a kid in a candy store!  On the way to the reception in the wedding party RV, we even stopped along the way to do some big prairie sky shots in a field with this fabulous old farmstead.  Such a rich wedding and so many great photos.  Congrats again to Sandra & Steve!  Here is just a tiny sample of some of the many, many great images from the day:

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Weddings out in the country are great – big prairie skies, new places to shoot, and usually a nice drive out beforehand.  As opposed to the mad dash through traffic for city weddings, I enjoy a mellow highway cruise (especially when the weather’s nice) where I can let my mind ease itself into its creative space.  The trip out to Camp Morton for Kendra and Dave’s wedding certainly fit the bill – a sunny and pleasant drive through the sleepy prairie morning.

While it may have been a sleepy and quiet morning outside, it was anything but when I arrived at Misty Lake Lodge where the couple was getting ready.  I was thoroughly impressed at the number of wedding attendants that were buzzing about in each condo!  It was a hub-bub of activity as they were getting themselves ready amidst a flurry of food, hairstylists, and little ones running around – not to mention Kendra and Dave’s two little boys at the centre of all the action.  Then it was a quick jaunt over to Camp Morton, where a really nice and heartfelt ceremony took place under a picture-perfect backdrop overlooking Lake Winnipeg. Despite all this, Kendra and Dave’s little boys again threatened to steal the show with some very cute and amusing little antics during the service.

The portrait session was a treat – between the fields, beaches, and flower gardens, there was no shortage of great picture opportunities.  We even capped off the day with a quick stop at this great little heritage village in Arborg.  So many great places to shoot!  Congrats Kendra & Dave!  Here’s a sneak peek into the day:

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One of the great things about being a wedding photographer is when you have the opportunity to document really great friendships.  Krista is part of a group of girls who grew up in Souris and shared the common bond of figure skating together.  I’ve had the privilege of photographing four of the girls’ weddings now, and it’s always a pleasure to work with them all again and see how they’ve remained close over the years.

The last time I shot in Souris was in the winter (for one of the bridesmaids’ weddings), so I was interested to see what it was like in the autumn.  Or what I thought would be autumn – the weather did its best impersonation of winter that day with blowing snow.  To the wedding party’s credit, they all trooped out without a complaint for a shoot in and around Souris.  The bridesmaids toughed it out in their sleeveless dresses, running in and out of the cars between shots to stay warm.  Derek and the boys had it easier in their tuxes, but to Derek’s credit, he kept on trucking long after many an other groom would have packed it in.  It was great working with Derek and Krista who seemed to just enjoy the whole experience – smiling and laughing all day long.

One of my favorite moments at the reception was when Krista’s father, who had just turned 80, played Krista & Derek’s first song on his saxophone.  Another notable moment came later in the evening when two members of Krista’s family pulled off one of the greatest performances/strip-shows I’ve ever witnessed at a wedding.  Definitely a memorable reception, and all-in-all a really wonderful day.  A sneak peek into the wedding: