Happy Anniversary Renee and Byron!

Last night I was honored to shoot for my photographer friend Renee (Flare Photography). She and her hubby also chose the glorious art of Photos to express their anniversary love. You may remember that she just shot for me a couple of weeks ago. I returned the favor hoping that I would do just as Fantastic of a job as she had done. It was wonderful to meet her better half. I knew Renee from before and I thought she was great, and then I got to meet Byron...and as cheesy as it sounds...they complete each other. Together they are the full youthful package of full grown love. Congrats you guys!

My first Doctors Appointment

On a personal note, i finally made it to the maternity clinic. After an hour and a half we know know that the babies heart is good, my weight gain is almost where my pregnancy was at full term or and the pain in my hip isn't exactly normal. It looks like it's back to physio I go. The kids got to hear the baby today and I think it was a great moment. My son even held my hand when they were applying the jelly on my bump. All in all it was good day in maternity land. I felt so good this morning I even snuck down to the studio for a quick couple shots.

Tara and Brian's Wedding

Last weekend I went from a farm out in foremost to a farm out in Shaunavon Saskatchewan in less than 24 hours. Needless to say that Sunday was a day of R'nR. I will have to say that even though the Phalen Krasko wedding was one of the longer weddings I have ever shot, it was also one of the more fun as well. Wow! what a great family party their reception was! Tara had a gaggle of bridesmaids. Most of whom I found out were from high school and younger. The last two join the crew had been a friend for the past five years, but you couldn't tell. These girls were so supportive of one another had so much fun, it made me yearn for those days when my own girlfriends were so close. Tara's parents were super hospitable and treated me not only as an important worker but as a guest as well. They made every effort to make sure that I had what I needed. Even Tara, the bride herself was so selfless that day, making sure that all her girls had what they needed to make the day fabulous. I really can't say enough about this wedding. I can only hope that I managed to capture all the closeness and intimacy that this family has for each other, anything less would be unfortunate. Tara and Brain thank you so much for allowing me witness your big day. I will always remember how gracious you all are!

The Fort Tara played as a child.

Rick and his crew

This Friday I travelled to the wonderful area of Foremost. I hadn't been there since early 2002 during my Funeral Directing days. I had forgotten who beautiful that area of Alberta was. This shoot was a ton of fun as I shot one large group family photo and several smaller families. There were quite a few kids involved which may make my job a little tougher, but they make up for it in the spontaneity and honest smiles. This was my first time shooting in a field, but it won't be my last time that for sure!!! There is something very magical that happens when the evening light bathes the foliage in a golden glow. Here are some of the ones that I really liked!!

Happy Anniversary Baby!

So Marty and I are celebrating our eleventh Anniversary! We had tried every idea under the sun for gift ideas, except for a hot sunny vacation. Alas, that didn't happen either. This year we decided to get some photos done without the kids. We wanted something chic and cool. I contacted Renee from Flare Photography and told her what we wanted to do. She did an amazing job and we are super pleased. In fact, we are still in the process of deciding which three we want for our bedroom.

Looking back on the experience I would have to say it was a good thing. It reminded Marty and I that it isn't easy being on the other side of the lens. Sometimes it sucks. Renee did such a good job directing us...even photographers need directing sometimes ;)! that everything worked out so well. I don't think we could be happier with the results. For those of you who want to see the photos on her blog, please check them out. They can be found here and hey if you want feel free to comment on how cute, or young or in love we look!

Thanks Renee...for everything, including hiding my 4 month bump!

Maria turns one!

I photographed maria a month ago. I had almost forgotton how adorable she was. Looking back over her edits my hearts just melts at the site of some of these. I was talking to her mom as one of my faves is a photo of her crying. It turns out mom likes crying photos as well!

This was a birthday session, complete with the balloons and homemade cake. Doesn't it look fabulous. And the tutu? I think it's fabulous and really brings all the colours together in the shots! The photo just go to show you that anything can happen with a one year old. Birthday cheers soon turn to birthday tears.

New Brunswick Part one

The count is in! We took a total of 537 photos while we were away. I say we because Marty had the camera at least 50% of the time. IT was nice, that way I actually got to prove I was on this holiday as there are finally vacation photos with me in them, and I got a little break from my job. Mainly Marty did all the extended family people photography while I did our kids and landscapes. I have only managed to process a few photos from the trip so far. Here's a peak at some of the gorgeous Eastern Canadian Landscapes and a few family photos from the beginning of our holiday.

These two were taken on our second last day in Alma, NB. We arrived at night when the tides was high. I had trouble sleeping so when the sun rose I set out to the beach to find that the water had receeded, leaving those little lonely boats on land.






This one was taken just outside Cape Cassie where my inlaws had rented a cute little cabin. We got there just in time to take in the sunset on the beach as well as all the mosquitoes!


This is all four and a one half of us just before we left Alberta. Yucky direct flash...This is not a representation of my work lol!


Less than two hours after we arrived we hit Parlee Beach in Shediac, NB. It was gorgeous little beach and well worth the $9.00 it cost for the day pass. The water was incredibly warm. I was told that it gets near 30 degrees at various points in the summer. There were a ton of jellyfish in the water which really made me scared about me and family going in, but as it turns out these little guys only have a mild sting that can be removed with sand. Who knew?



This is precisely why you sould bring little things like a razor with you on your trip. I hadn't had a chance to primp much on the grooming so I was stuck in my beach cover up. I didn't want to be the only person scarier than the jellyfish!


Next we hit the town of Shediac, looked around and shopped. We even took 4 cooked lobsters back to our hotel room to gobble up before we headed out for the evening!

We are back!

Wow, my family and I just got back from a whirlwind vacation in Eastern Canada. We had a fantastic time and I can not wait to post some photos. However, it seems that I have a ton of emails and phone calls to return and my posting of more than a few photos will have to wait. Here's a little taste of us fooling around in Cavendish PEI.

Sam's Grad

This Sunday Evening I went out with Sam and his friend Jessica. We did some shots around City Hall, hoping to get into Riverside Park. Unfortunately the park was full of people as there was church service going on. After finishing at City hall, we went over to Finlay Bridge. I always find the bridge to be challenging to me creatively. There are lots of photographers that shoot the bridge in pretty much all the same way. I really like to personalize each session so coming up with new ideas at the bridge can be challenging. I did go for some of the standard shots on the bridge, because all the elements seem to come together. Jessica is not from here, so here we had a "fresh view" so to speak with an awesome sky and warm setting sunlight. So it may be standard shot, but you can't recreate the mood or the sky so I believe that takes it out of the ordinary.

After the park we headed over to Kin Coulee to do some family shots complete with grandparents. IT was nice to see an extended family such as theirs all together to celebrate Sam's graduation from high school!

The Johnson Family

Early Sunday morning, The Johnson family and I went down to strathcona for some family photos. I must say that they were a great bunch and very lively so early in the morning. They had two little sweethearts with them. I seemed to have won over the older of the two with my camera...and only got to steal little shots of the younger granddaughter. However, she did look up and now and then with the old age phrase of "cheese". This family worked really hard getting the little ones to smile. I am posting one of my favorites. The little ones are exactly camera perfect, but I love the way Paddy is leaning on her husbands shoulder. I love these sweet little moments that are found amidst all the laughter and chaos.

Natalie

Thia Saturday Natalie, her mother and I headed downtown to do some relaxed graduations shots. Why not, we all know tha parent spend more than enough on dress that should be worn more than once. Natalie is so easy to photograph as she has a sparkling personality and a carefree spirit. It was pretty warm and only a few clouds shaded us, so when it came time for Natalie to get into the fountain I think it came as a nice relief to the heat!

Ben and Jill

I swear this wedding took place on the hottest day of the year! However, it was absolutely gorgeous. There was not one single cloud in the sky the entire day...and believe me I looked! Is this the way that "the heavens" tell you how pleased they are? If the weather is any indication I would have to say that the wedding of Ben and Jill have made the "powers that be" very, very happy. Marty and I had such a fabulous day shooting this wedding. This one was a two person deal though, we started early in the morning as the boys set off for golf and then ended the reception with the Madchen Studios photo booth. I tell you, the photo booth is a riot. I am still laughing as I go through the photos. I can not wait until Ben and jill see them! Here is a little sampler from the day, we went to so many places and took so many photos that choosing the images for the blog was once again difficult. I hope Ben and Jill are having a great time relaxing and getting away from it all!!


Aren't these shoes FABULOUS?! I am so happy that I got to shoot them twice!