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I *love* this couple…I really do! They had a beautiful wedding celebration and I felt so lucky to be a part of it all! The day flew by so quickly but I’m glad I got to spend quite a bit of alone time with Alison and Chris on their big day.
Alison & Chris - you are both so wonderful and so are your families!! Thank you for placing your trust in me to document your day and thank you for just really rocking the show! You are beautiful together and I wish you much love and happiness always :)
A cool bouquet with roses and fragrant lavender sprigs…courtesy of wedding planner extraordinaire (and Alison’s grandmother), Mavis…
The beautiful couple…
Alison and Chris wed in the Japanese garden at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria…
The reception venue: Spencer Mansion at the Art Gallery…
Carole James making a speech and toasting Alison and Chris…yes, the Leader of the Official Opposition of this province, but also the proud mother of the bride :) [Carole...you are seriously looking so fabulous!!]
Congratulations Alison and Chris!!!
I shot a fabulous wedding this past Saturday…here’s a shot from the day. I’ll be back to share more soon!
Sarah and Andrew met one another a few years back while studying at Harvard University and totally hit it off. They’re so good together and it’s so beautiful to just stand back and watch the love, joy and laughter they share.
Sarah & Andrew - thank you for having me! It was so wonderful to spend the day with you both and I had a really great time. I’ve never been witness to such a celebratory first dance…*that* was pure love and joy right there that night :)
Andrew trying to tie his bow tie…
These two lovebirds flew all the way from Paris, France just to get married on Vancouver Island!
Sarah and her dad…
Andrew and his mom…
A wonderful wedding in the magnificent Uplands neighbourhood here in Victoria where the houses are grand and elegant, the streets are lined with beautifully ornate lamp posts and the landscaping is lush and green. Shot with my awesome friend, Jeff Ow :)
The bride and her dress…
Shoes…
Bronwen and her girls…
More details…
It rained most of the day, but at this very moment, some sunlight broke through the clouds and shone down on on the couple…congratulations Bronwen and Alex!!
A big thank you to the folks at Bride.ca! Apparently, they loved the images from Kristen & David’s wedding and decided that they needed to feature it on their blog!
Check it out! Real Weddings: Kristen & David
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Stay tuned because…
1. I will be back soon to post images from Saturday’s wedding, shot with my good friend, Jeff Ow.
2. I’ll tell you why I was in Seattle for the past couple of days!
3. I’ll also tell you all about the exclusive pre-launch party I’m attending tonight!
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How fortunate am I that this truly amazing couple chose me to document their wedding day?!?
Kristen and David rolled out in fierce style and their day just embodied high class and sophistication. A truly beautiful celebration for such a wonderful couple. I cannot say enough great things about them…and if working with an awesome bride and groom isn’t enough, they were surrounded by wonderful loving friends and family who were all so friendly and welcoming.
When I arrived at Villa Marco Polo, I was greeted with a kind hello and warm smile by one of the innkeepers, Liam. Both Liam and Eliza (the other innkeeper) worked tirelessly that day along with the rest of the staff, lending a helping hand to all who needed it. They were absolutely fabulous to work with and I look forward to seeing them again in the near future!
By the way, check out Villa Marco Polo as featured in the current issue of Western Living Magazine! They’re on the cover too!
Kristen & Dave - you beautiful people you…thank you from the very bottom of my heart for having me. I feel so lucky to have witnessed your celebration of love and I wish nothing but the best for you both. Have a wonderful time on your honeymoon!!!
Hugs,
cj
Alright ya’ll…sit back, relax, and enjoy :)
Fabulous florals by Jenny & Vanessa of Verbena Floral Design…
Rings designed by Idar…
Most definitely the most gorgeous and unique gown I’ve seen on a bride…it honestly made my heart flutter!! Trust me…this dress definitely impressed! Designed by the talented team at Alida’s Gown’s…
A very relaxed hottie groom…
The first time Kristen and David see one another in the garden…
The first dance…
…errr…let’s try that again…the first dance…
Father and daughter dance…
A cool creation by Patisserie Daniel…
Reception details…
The stunning Kristen & David. WOW…what an amazing wedding!! More images to follow soon!!!
I had the pleasure of documenting Erin and Chris’s awesome wedding at Olympic View Golf Club this past weekend and the day was beautiful. Erin and Chris were incredibly calm and relaxed and this really just set the tone for the day :)
Erin & Chris (and Jake!) - I had such a great time with you guys! Thank you for having me! Enjoy your time away together and I’ll see you guys soon!!
~hugs~
cj
Getting ready…
Erin & the super adorable Jake…
In the vineyard at Church & State Winery…
We hit up Cordova Bay Beach for a few photos…we came close to being bunch of wedding crashers, but the wedding on the beach had just finished!
Bride and veil…
Newlywed!
Details…
The rings…
…from an awesome wedding I shot earlier today…
More to come!
This past Sunday, I documented Jessica & Lee’s beautiful wedding at Saxe Point here in Victoria. They exchanged vows in front of eighty of their closest friends and family who traveled in from all around the world. The sun shined down, the clouds slowly floated by, the waves calmly undulated and the wind whipped around Jess & Lee beautifully as they stood on the rocks by the water and proclaimed their love for one another.
Here are some images from their day.
Some details…
Rings…
Jessica getting ready with little ring girl, Abriel, looking on…
The bride…
The groom…
Reception details…
Par-tay!!!
Jess & Lee…thank you for having me! I had a super time with you , your friends and families! Enjoy your honeymoon!!
hugs,
cj
Shoes…
A couple of different rings shots…
I love this image…
Blessings…
I have added a new “featured wedding” gallery on my website! I had the pleasure of shooting Jen & Rob’s wedding last month and their wedding is the current featured gallery!
Go check it out!
Happy Friday ya’ll :)
Cheers,
cj
Cristina & Gerald stepped out in serious high style and exchanged vows at the world-renowned Aerie Resort…listed on Condé Nast’s 2008 Gold List as one of the World’s Best Places to Stay. Naturally, I was quite excited to shoot at the Aerie and it’s crazy to think that this little piece of heaven is only 20 mintues from my home!!
Upon my arrival at the Villa Cielo (the summit of the Aerie Resort), I was greeted by some spectacular views that just got my heart racing. After exchanging hugs and hellos with my relaxed bride and groom, I proceeded to capture some details…
Vintage purse…
Getting ready…
A handsome relaxed groom…
Just before the start of the ceremony…possibly the last wedding to be allowed outside of Villa Cielo (YAY for Cristina, Gerald *and* me!)…
The incredibly beautiful and breathtaking view from the top…
Congratulations Cristina & Gerald! Thank you for having me and allowing me to document your day. Your celebration of love was beautifully unique and one I shall truly never forget.
My lovely photographer friend, Karen, was in town again to document a wedding and kindly invited me to shoot with her. I accepted, with pleasure, and looked forward to seeing her again. Although it rained a bit while we were shooting yesterday, it was super fun (I love the rain…provided I’m not wearing my glasses…see #10) and Jacquelyn, Craig and their friends and family were all smiles!
Karen - Thank you for having me…you know I love your company…hope you enjoyed mine…hahaha. Can’t wait to see how *your* wedding photos turn out!!! LaCour? You lucky gal you!!! See you in two weeks!
All the tables had a a slightly different colour scheme…here are just a couple….
Jacquelyn’s cute Coach clutch…
Handsome Craig smiling at his bride during the ring exchange…
Beautiful couple in front of beautiful pink blossoms…
Totally not set-up…Craig just happened to walk into the frame in the background wanting to approach Jacquelyn to ask her a question even though it looks like he’s posing with his hand resting on the pillar :)
…and something a little different…inspired by Yervant…
Words can hardly express the experience of documenting Jen and Rob’s wedding this past weekend. It was beautiful, intimate, and most importantly, all about family and friends.
Jen & Rob - Thank you for welcoming me with such open arms. I truly feel so lucky to have witnessed such an outpouring of love. I hope you love your images as much as I do. Oh…and pleeease share your caramel popcorn recipe with me!!! Love you guys :)
First off…the views from the beach house where they held their fiesta party the evening before the big day…
They added a flame-thrower to the fiesta for some entertainment…
The last quick shot I got as I was leaving to rest up for the next day…
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Jen’s awesome custom-designed jewellery by Lorena Ponis of Lolo Jewellery & Accessories…
Jen walking towards Rob in her beautiful custom-designed Manuel Mendoza gown…
I love the fact that Jen & Rob were completely encircled by all their friends and family during the ceremony…
Guests were treated with bags of Jen & Rob’s home-made caramel popcorn on the way up to the beach house after the ceremony…
Jen, Rob, Jaci, Lana, Melody, Tory, Lee and Kevin :)
Lana leaving her mark in the photo booth guest gallery…
Pie…not cake…
It was a ultra glamourous Persian affair and simply unforgettable!!
First and foremost, I had the great honour of shooting alongside my friend and photographer extraordinaire, Lori Miles, of Sweet Pea Photography. As some of you may recall, I had the opportunity last year to shoot Heather & Trevor’s beautiful wedding with Lori last year in the British Properties. Heather & Trevor also happen to be the gorgeous couple featured on the front cover of the current issue of Real Weddings! Yay, Lori!!! You know you rock it big time! Thank you for inviting me out again…so glad I could help out :)
So back to Shirin and KC’s wedding…it was a spectacular day! No November rain in sight until the very end of the night when we were done shooting. I know I mentioned it before, but Persian weddings are crazy fun! Everyone got their party on in a big way. I have to admit, the Persian music was really trying to summon me on the dance floor as well!
Alright…here are a few of my images from the day…
The Persian knife dance…soooo cool!!!
This past Saturday, I got to shoot again with my great talented photographer pal, Jeff Ow. We always have a blast shooting together! Thank you once again for having me, Jeff…and for that killer bubble tea at the end of the night :)
Susan and Mike - It was an absolute pleasure meeting you both! Congratulations and best wishes to you both always!
I love the Fall…
Something blue…
I **love** orchids!!!
This beautiful cake was created by Susan’s big brother who happens to be pastry chef extraordinaire, Peter Fong, of Ganache Patisserie.
Are you good at keeping secrets? I am…and today I heard some great secret news and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!! Of course, I’m not sharing…but I just needed to say how happy I am :)
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Ugh. The Seahawks had a bad game tonight. The ugly started early in the game with newly acquired snapper, Stutz, messing up…the ball skidded backwards and quickly resulted in a touchdown for the Saints. How embarrassing is that? Oh…and what was up with that crazy Hasselbeck throw late in the 4th? *sigh*
On the upside, Cameron and I ordered in Chinese food from Jack’s and it was yummy. After dinner, I cracked open a fortune cookie and found three fortunes…what luck! lol
Your genuine talent will find its way to success. Awesome!
You will have a pleasant surprise soon. Cool…got that today!
Simplicity in your lifestyle will ensure you a happy life. I’m all over keeping things simple…works for me!
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My poor husband is sick…sneezing, sniffling, coughing, and congested. He very seldom catches a cold, and since I have not had a cold since last year, I *really* don’t want to catch his cold. I’m riding this awesome cold-free streak for as long as I can. Get well soon, honey!!
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On a business-related note, I am currently accepting commissions for 2008 and prime summer dates are quickly getting snatched up. New pricing on wedding collections and flushmount albums are now in effect!
Abbey & Jeffrey…thank you for simply being you. You guys hold a special place in my heart. Words cannot express how grateful I am for your kindness, support, and now…friendship. I wish you both all the best as you embark on this new and wonderful journey. Love you guys…ceej.
Abbey & Jeffrey’s Wedding Slideshow
I flew into Kelowna to help my friend, Jeff, shoot Kristin & Derek’s wedding…and it was an awesome time! They definitely know how to throw a party!
Once great unique thing during the ceremony was the incorporation of a couple of sideshows…their engagement session and a montage of photos growing up. It was so wonderful seeing all those great photos flash up on the screen and see the reactions of not only Kristin and Derek, but also of all their friends and family.
We took portraits in all kinds of cool locations. Here are a couple from the day…
We also had a fabulous time at the reception…delicious food, great music and dancing (awesome DJ), crazy fun games, and a cool candy bar to satisfy your sweet tooth! It seriously was a fantastic wedding day!
Kristin & Derek - It was so wonderful being there to help document your day. Shooting is always easy whenever you’ve got a cool couple like you guys. Laid back *and* beautiful! Best wishes to you both in Germany :)
Cheers,
cj
As I drove closer to my destination, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful dense fog hanging over the glistening water. It looked absolutely magical, especially as the sun stretched out his rays and helped to illuminate the dark sky. In fact, it was so beautiful I drove up and down the road twice just to take it all in.
I was a bit confused upon entering Pure Elements salon though. One of the women occupying a seat looked like Donna, but she wasn’t Donna. I looked to the other woman getting her hair pinned up who *also* looked like Donna, but she wasn’t Donna. The third woman who also appeared to look like Donna but not quite left me feeling really confused! Finally, the real Donna turned away from one of the mirrors and gave me a big hug and smile.
CJ…meet my sisters…Diana, Cindy and Lisa!
Oh my gosh…you and your sisters look incredibly alike!!!
We do don’t we? People say that all the time!
Well…once I figured out who my bride was (lol), I started shooting…
He whispered something in her ear, but I didn’t hear it…
Guy and his brothers hanging out before the ceremony…
And just in case…
Donna & Guy - your wedding day was everything I believe a wedding should be…beautiful, intimate, and peaceful. Furthermore, your families are wonderful people! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having me. My best wishes to you both in New Zealand! Maybe I’ll visit one day and see you again :)
I returned to my hometown of Winnipeg a couple of weeks ago to shoot Carole and Rupert’s wedding. It was especially wonderful to have my husband come along with me so that he could finally meet a lot of my family as well!
Rupert and I grew up together…he was like the pesty little brother I never had…until my brother Rommal came along…lol (just kidding Mal…you’re the best brother ever). Rupert’s parents were very much like a second set of parents to me ( hi Auntie Brenda and Uncle June!). Anyway, when I was in Winnipeg shooting my cousin Stephanie’s wedding in November, Carole and Rupert asked me to come back to shoot their wedding and I happily obliged.
The bride and groom were uber relaxed, the ceremony at the St. Norbert Trappist Monastery was beautifully unique, and the rest of the evening was a fun time, especially since I had the opportunity to simply enjoy being around my family.
Carole and Rup…it was awesome seeing you guys again. Cam and I had a great time and we look forward to seeing you all again in the near future….hopefully with little ones in tow! Love you both.
Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I’ll never be the same,
Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands
Vats & Chris - A deep, heartfelt thank you again for allowing me the pleasure of documenting your beautiful wedding. It was truly wonderful to be part of it all. Enjoy!
A long-distance love affair no longer.
A few weeks ago, Abbey made the move from Vancouver to Seattle and married the love of her life this past Friday in front of 250 of their closest friends and family. People came from near and far to witness Abbey & Jeffrey’s nuptials at Seattle’s Church of Christ. The weather was perfect…soft light and only a few raindrops at the end of their beautiful brunch reception at Salty’s on Alki Beach.
The dress…
The rings…Abbey decided to use her original promise ring from Jeffrey as her wedding band…
Jeffrey’s mother designed all the wedding day floral arrangements…here is Abbey’s beautiful bouquet…
…and here is the beautiful Abbey…
The lovely wedding cake…
…with the pink chocolate fountain in the background…
Abbey’s mother and sister who traveled all the way from Australia…crying during Abbey’s speech…
Jeffrey looking oh-so-handsome in his suit…
Get ready for an onslaught of hot photos of this beautiful couple…
Abbey & Jeffrey - What an amazing journey you both went through to get you to where you are today…married and incredibly in love. It’s truly a thing of beauty. May your love for one another continue to blossom and stand the test of time under His great guidance.
Big hugs!
They met alone in the rose garden for a quiet private moment and I had to bite my lip and fight back my own tears as Eleanor and Matt laid eyes on one another for the first time on their wedding day. I had the privilege of documenting this special moment.
Yet another handsome groom…
The gorgeous bride…
The beautiful couple…
…being fun & goofy!
On to the Chapel of Epiphany at UBC
Some details…
Two little cutie pies…
El & Matt - Wishing you both the best in all your journies through life together! Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your day!
Alright…I disembarked the Victoria Clipper six hours ago and I still feel like I’m on the water…hahaha! Just a wee bit of vertigo action going on right now. It was a bit rough during some portions of the Clipper ride, but the stay at the W Seattle was verrra nice!!! The weather was also fantastic and the wedding was great!
More images from a few fantastic weddings coming very soon!
Cheers,
cj
I’ll be out of the office for a few days folks. I’ll be heading down to Seattle to shoot a wedding on Friday, returning home just long enough to sleep and recharge my batteries, then I’m catching a flight to Kelowna to shoot another wedding and a day after session. I’ll be back home on Tuesday the 4th, gone again to shoot in Winnipeg on the 6th and back home again on the 10th. Oh…and toss in a few trips to Vancouver in the weeks following that for good measure :)
Cheers,
cj
Jason is my brother’s best friend and growing up, he was always around. I had a huge crush on him in high school! Allison giggled in the limo as her father and best girlfriends looked on affectionately.
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of shooting Allison & Jason’s wedding with another one of my wonderful photographer friends, Jeff Ow. The ceremony and reception were held on a beautifully sunny day at the Redwoods Golf Course in Langley.
Here are some images from the day :)
The beautiful dress…
The beautiful bride and handsome groom…
Cupcakes!
Many guests had an affinity for those purple haze martinis…
Orchids are my most favourite flowers!!!
Aren’t they cute???
The first dance…
Allison & Jason - I had a super time with you guys…you definitely know how to throw a party! Best wishes to you always!
Jeff - Thank you so much for the invitation to shoot with you. I had no doubt that we’d have a blast working together!!! Until next time my friend…err…I guess that’s this coming Sunday :)
I had the pleasure of shooting Vatsana & Chris’ wedding this past weekend. On Friday, a traditional Laotian wedding ceremony was held at the brides parents’ house and on Saturday, the Western ceremony was held at the brand new Celebration Pavilion at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park.
Here are some images from the weekend…the beautiful bride in her traditional Laos dress…
Vatsana’s veil catching the wind…I love it!
Lots of bubbles!
Mr. Handsome…