Granville Island

Rain. I LOVE the rain! The air smells so much fresher, the leaves become so much greener, the sound of it against the roof relaxes and calms me.

Unfortunately, photographing in it is completely different.

Very rarely (if ever) do any of my couples (especially my brides) want to be outside in it when we're photographing... and understandably so.

However, last week I had scheduled several engagement shoots. I had emailed each of my couples the day before and warned them that it would rain the next day and asked if they wanted to postpone. Each of them said "absolutely not!" In that instant I got really excited! Finally! I get to do some really creative things in the rain! I was picturing my couples sopping wet, hair stuck to their faces and water droplets rolling down their cheeks! How romantic! I couldn't WAIT!

I suggested Granville Island because there are quite a few undercover sections (including under the bridge itself). Fortunately for my couples they remained dry while set against some fun and interesting backdrops. Interestingly enough, the rain even stopped! All of them had so much fun! They were such great sports about getting out in the cold and miserable dampness.
Unfortunately for me, I didn't get the shots I wanted of my couples sopping wet... but this is Vancouver... it's only a matter of time. All I need is another couple who are willing to take a chance and do something completely different! ... any takers out there?...

Serbian Wedding

Dijana & Steven's wedding was by far, the most celebrated wedding I've ever been to! Family and Friends danced from sun up to way past sun down to the traditional music of their homeland - Serbia. A 5-piece Serbian band was flown in from Arizona and lit up the streets of Vancouver while the Serbian flag fluttered in the wind among them.

What struck me the most about this wedding was the bond and connection with both families and the love, respect, acceptance and joy each and every one of them gave to one another. They even included me as part of the 'family'! I went home that night feeling so "full" and happy.

Dijana and Steven - You have given me such a precious gift! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

CountDown Events

Stephanie and Matthew had an AMAZING day thanks in large part to the incredible women at CountDown Events! Nathalie had everything under control.
Stephanie was calm and elegant in her dress from Something Blue and pink studded shoes from Louis Vuitton. They were so CUTE! If ever a bride wants to do something unique, a colourful pair of shoes on her feet can be so much fun instead of the traditional white.
As usual, Hotel Vancouver hosted a breathtaking event and served delicious fare. And, of course, Colin of Upright Decor created a magical atmosphere in the ballroom.

Lake Tahoe

I love my career and I cherish the wonderful people I've met in the photography industry. I'm always inspired by the many talented people out there and have worked with some of the best. They are not only artists but they are truly giving, caring and self-less people and I've had so much fun with them! Every now and then I still am surprised... I just received this email from a photographer in Lake Tahoe:

I am a photographer in the Lake Tahoe area. Your work and presentation is so.....deep and emotional....you just don't come across that every day. I really appreciate your style and your work and all that you put into it...the energy transfers!.....
sincerely,
gina munda

I was so overjoyed that someone would write to me out of the blue with such kind words that I called Gina right away. Her work is also very intimate and emotional and we've decided that we must get together and do some shooting. Please check out Gina's site - www.ginamunda.com

Mother's Day

I had an incredible Mother's Day with my Mum. It lasted several days! Sunday I woke up after an exhausting shoot on Saturday and took my Mum out for brunch at Cafe Crepe on Granville Street (one of my Mum's favourite breakfast places). If you've never been there you HAVE to go! The Americano is divine, the service is par excellence and the variety of crepes you can get are 4 pages long!

After Brunch I took my mom for a manicure and pedicure at Bella Nails on West Boulevard in Kerrisdale (5777 W Boulevard, 604-269-9188). It may not have been one of the finer spas we all know in Vancouver but I have never been any place that takes better care of you, does a better job AND the price is reasonable. They all know me by name every time I walk in.

Once Mum was relaxed and beautified, I took her to my favourite Steak place for dinner. 4 days later, I'm sending her off for a 2 week sun-filled vacation to the Bahamas.

My Mum is the best Mum in the world. She has blessed me with her love, understanding, acceptance and generosity all my life and continues to be my rock.

I love you Mummy!

Las Vegas

Although it has been almost 2 months, I'm still reeling from the Photographer's convention in Las Vegas this past March. I had so much fun catching up with my fave photogs and running out between seminars to capture some images with them! A bunch of us went down to a dry lakebed in the middle of the desert to test different ideas and techniques.
I love to 'play' and experiment and try new things! I always prepare my couples and clients that I'll be trying something different - it may work, it may not. But we'll have fun and inevitably they LOVE them!

Jericho Beach

Tina and Paul called me from London, England late last year to inquire about my availability for their wedding in September here in Vancouver. Tina and I had talked on the phone like we had known each other for years! She was so much fun! They ended up booking over the phone and only last month did I meet them in person for the first time! We went to Jericho Beach to take some pictures of the two of them while Tina's family looked on. The whole family was just so amazing! I've never seen any family so close and so loving! It was just a natural progression to get them ALL in there.
Here's one of the girls (Tina's sister, mom, and Tina)
Now look at Tina and her fiance... pretty steamy!

Happy Birthday... to ME!

I LOVE my birthday! It's a day to celebrate the gift of Life God has given me. I woke up to brilliant sunshine streaming through my bedroom window and a German Chocolate Cake served to me by my amazing, loving man for breakfast.

I was treated to a day of spa pampering - massage, facial, pedicure... and some other wonderful gifts!
My wonderful, amazing, loving man then took me to my favourite steak house and we had a bottle of our favourite red wine - Caymus Select. I'm so blessed!
I thank God every day for all the blessings He has given me. Every morning during my run I reflect on all of God's creation and all the beauty in this world. Every day I thank Him for all the people in my life who love and care for me and all the gifts He has given me. And I thank Him every year on my birthday for giving me the gift of Life.

Stephanie & Matt

Spring is here but it's still so cold! Every now and then I get a fleeting glimpse of summer then a cool breeze comes along and reminds me we still have a little while to go. Although I'm sure it's going to be a beautiful day for Stephanie & Matt. They have amazing plans for their wedding next week. Soha and Nathalie from CountDown Events are in charge so I'm excited!


Stephanie & Matt are a GREAT couple and I had a lot of fun bringing them out of their shell. It took a little coaxing and coaching (and a few sneaky tricks) to stop them from staring at my lens but by the end they were completely in control of the camera! Stephanie became a 'natural' and Matt... well... Matt kept me in stitches and a lot of fun was made at his expense - you're a ham Matt!