Valerie & Justin . Married .

June 26, 2009 in Weddings | 4 comments

“A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love.” – Mother Theresa

This past Wednesday, I headed down to the beach to document Valerie & Justin’s wedding. Despite the odd weather patterns of rain, clouds, sun, rain again, clouds, then really bright sun, it was a beautifully casual ceremony and Val & Justin’s calm and relaxed mood really set the tone for the day.

I know I often say this, but I really do feel like the lucky one when my couples choose me to capture such an important day in their lives. I feel especially touched when the families of my brides and grooms welcome me with open arms. Fortunately for me, I was seated up front with some of the Roberts family (Val’s side) and they kept me thoroughly entertained throughout the evening. I laughed and laughed and laughed…and felt such love and warmth in the air.

Here are some photos from Val & Justin’s beautiful day.

I love these photos of Val and her dad, Ralph. Val’s dad was honestly beaming the entire day…

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I’m a huge dog-lover…so how could I not love how Val & Justin included several family dogs in their wedding ceremony? Justin reaching down during the ceremony to pet, Rusty…

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The human *and* canine bridal party…

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Cupcakes baked by Val’s long-time friend and Maid of Honour, Peyun…

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I loved this about Val & Justin’s wedding!! Instead of the tradition of feeding one another cake (cupcakes, in this case), they decided to fill a basket with the cupcakes and distribute them to all the guests by walking around to all the tables. It wasn’t about them at all…and this kind and selfless gesture really melted my heart…

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Wildflower ‘Seeds of Love’ …which I will be planting in my garden…

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Val & Justin wanted to take a few minutes out during the evening to take some photos on the beach and I was happy to oblige…

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The first dance…

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Val & Justin – I won’t forget your day. Your wedding was a true celebration of all things important and I cannot thank you enough for placing your trust in me to capture it all. The love you share is so beautiful and honest and I am confident that your lives together will be filled with much joy and laughter…and canines :)

Hugs,
cj

Macros . B&W .

June 25, 2009 in Miscellaneous, My Life | 2 comments

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Published . WedLuxe Summer/Fall 2009 .

June 21, 2009 in Press | 9 comments

My heart is racing with excitement right now just writing this blog post…

I got word a few weeks ago from Angela Desveaux, editor-in-chief of WedLuxe, that they were publishing one of my weddings. Of course, upon hearing the news, I was absolutely ecstatic…and because I’m such a sap, I also felt very emotional about it all (ask Cam…I was tearing up while we were preparing dinner that evening). Having work published in WedLuxe has always been a goal of mine and seeing it come to fruition just feels so wonderful. I work so very hard at what I do and sometimes, it really is nice to have those efforts recognized by my colleagues. Achieving this major milestone early in my career just makes me feel even that much more optimistic about the future and it’s a great reminder that I should never be afraid to set my sights high.

I know I’ve said it before, but I feel so fortunate that Kristen & David chose me to document their wedding day celebration. They put their complete faith and trust in me and my abilities and for that, I am forever grateful.

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August Dates Still Available

June 13, 2009 in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment

Just thought I’d put it out there that I still have a a couple of Saturdays free in August. Pretty crazy considering that it’s typically the busiest month for weddings in BC and usually, my most busiest month! Alas, I still have August 8th open and August 29th has now opened up as well. Please do inquire if you are interested in either of these dates :)

Cheers,
cj

A Unique Wedding Invitation

June 11, 2009 in Miscellaneous | 1 comment

Cam showed me this video last night and we both giggled at the quirkiness of it all. I’ve never seen anything like it!!

If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, seriously, check out this video! Oh…and CONGRATULATIONS to Corey and Rachel who are tying the knot tomorrow!!!

Sharon & Patrick . A Sexy Formal Engagement Session .

June 5, 2009 in Engagements | 6 comments

I met Sharon & Patrick in Vancouver back in November and instantly loved them…maybe it was how beautifully Sharon smiled with her eyes while she spoke with ease and confidence…or maybe it was the way Patrick sat back, strong and silent, yet so very attentive and clearly supportive of everything Sharon was envisioning for their wedding day.

Seeing them again last weekend looking absolutely killer in their outfits put a big smile on my face and I couldn’t wait to get started with the shoot! Of course, they worked it perfectly in front of my camera…even when at one point during the shoot, a crow started swooping down trying to attack me because I was standing directly beneath the tree housing it’s nest full of baby crows (which I learned are called ’simps’). Patrick said at one point that the crow looked like it was sharpening it’s beak (hahaha), so I quickly moved!

Sharon & Pat – Wow…how sexy were you guys?!? I can only imagine how stunning you both are going to look on your wedding day! Thank you for your wonderful-ness! Oh, and Pat…you rocked the photos pretty good…for an engineer ;)

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Sylvia & Joe . An Sexy Formal Engagement Session .

June 2, 2009 in Engagements | 4 comments

*sigh* Sylvia & Joe. I met this beautiful couple in October of last year, making a special trip over to Vancouver just to meet them. We talked, laughed easily, and a couple of days after our meeting, they sent me a message saying that they would to have me as their photographer. Of course…I was thrilled! As we spoke more about their wedding plans and scheduling an engagement session, I was excited about their idea of shooting a more formal ‘engagement’ session in wedding attire.

Fast-forward to this past Friday. I met them at their place and we all headed to downtown Vancouver together. We walked around in the blazing sun…not really the most desirable shooting situation…but honestly, we talked, laughed, enjoyed the breeze by the water, I worked the light as best I could and we simply had a lot of fun!

Sylvia & Joe – I cannot wait to see you both on your wedding day! OMG…I *know* it’s going to be such a fun and fantastic celebration! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these images :)

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Another Sneak Peek…

June 1, 2009 in Engagements | 3 comments

…from my second engagement session in Vancouver this past weekend. Again, more to come…

A Sneak Peek…

June 1, 2009 in Engagements | 3 comments

Just a quick shot from one of my engagement sessions this past weekend in Vancouver. More photos to come…

Kim . A Boudoir Session .

May 22, 2009 in Portraits | 4 comments

She reached out and sent me the nicest e-mail just over three months ago. I was touched by all the kind words that she had to say and shortly after, we met for coffee and became fast friends. Kim also happens to be a local photographer…check her work out here :)

When she mentioned the idea of wanting to get some boudoir photos done, of course, I was like, “For sure I’ll shoot them for you!” I knew we’d totally have a great time hanging out, shooting, and laughing. Oh…and when I asked Kim to bring it…she brought it!! Location, hair, nails, makeup, shoes, accessories, delicates (heehee)…she paid attention to absolutely everything! Awesome…reeeaaalllly awesome!

Kim…my friend, I hope you enjoy these images and see just how incredibly beautiful you are. Thank you for trusting me and being such a great sport (considering how picky and particular I can be when I shoot!). He’s going to fall over and die when he sees just how hot you look in all these photos :) ~ceej~

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