Whistler Film Festival

I can't believe the caliber of films presented at the Whistler Film Festival! Among them is a short produced and directed by a friend of mine, Gary Hawes. If you get a chance, check out Swap. I went up with my friend Ally and we stayed with Gary and his beautiful partner, Courtney who was a very gracious hostess. We all played a wicked game of... (can't remember the name, but it WAS pretty wicked) and went to a few of the parties... As amazing as the festival was, it was driving back to Vancouver Sunday afternoon that proved to be a BIG challenge. I drove past 5 separate accidents and watched as most vehicles slid out of control and couldn't get up the hill by Horseshoe Bay. I did a fair bit of sliding too but thankfully I learned to drive in Calgary and know how to stay in control in the ice and snow. I thank God for getting me home safely and pray that no one was seriously hurt.

BC Children's Hospital Foundation

Although the Miracle Telethon isn't until May/June, plans are in full swing for yet another record-breaking year! Monday I was invited to join many prominent individuals dedicated to the Foundation and the incredible work it does. I was able to see first-hand the research currently underway that will help fight the many ailments and diseases this province's children face on a daily basis along with their families. There is so much hope for these children BECAUSE of what the BC Children's Hospital Foundation does. That is what keeps me contributing to the Foundation. For every family or child portrait I'm commissioned to do, I contribute a portion of my proceeds directly to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. If you would like to contribute, please go to www.bcchf.ca or give me a call for your next family portrait!

Wedding Bells Dream Destination Wedding Winners

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Dana & Derrick this past Friday. They were the winners of the $40,000 Wedding Bells Dream Destination Wedding contest. I have to take a moment here to thank Susan Hyatt (aka The Wedding Lady). She put together this entire contest and I can't speak more highly of this extremely gifted wedding coordinator! You must contact her if you're getting married. Visit her site at www.weddinglady.com.

I took Dana & Derrick through Stanley Park and made numerous stops around the park. It just happened to be the day the Park opened up the section that was hit by the wind storm last year so we were able to get more than we bargained for.

Dana & Derrick had to be THE most fun to shoot and apparently had the most fun... especially after I made them jump in the ocean! I wish you all the best as you head to Mexico for your actual wedding!

Jacklin + Graham

Although their wedding isn't until the hot, balmy month of August 2008, Jacklin & Graham were looking forward to getting some photographs with the colourful autumn leaves on a somewhat cool, crisp day. Thank goodness it was a dry day here on the 'wet' coast.

Times Square

This year I have traveled more than any other year to date! I was recently on a whirlwind trip from Upstate New York to NYC to Washington, DC to Virginia and back. New York City is one of my favourite cities to visit but this time around I was only there overnight. I took advantage of what little time I had and called one of my New York brides from this year. I got together with her and her sister for a VERY quick shoot in Times Square late that night. The lights in Times Square were enough to capture some really interesting shots. I LOVE to play with light and angles! I literally only had 20 minutes but it was well worth it!

Laila

I'd like to introduce you to my new family addition! She's the sweetest, cutest, most mishievous little baby girl and I LOVE her to bits! I never thought I'd like a small dog (never mind 'teacup' size). I mean, what can you do with something so small??? But I got her from a family who was never home. They got her when she was 9 weeks and, due to their schedule, they'd be gone up to 14 hours leaving this poor little baby by herself. The moment I heard that I called and said I was on my way to pick her up. Within hours I had this precious little doll in my hands. So what can I do with something so small? Love her with all my heart!

Seahawks!

Football season has begun and I'm so EXCITED! I've been traveling quite a bit and have only been able to go to one of the Seahawks games. But I have watched most of them on TV in whichever city I happen to be in at the time. I'm quite embarassed by my team's performance last Sunday... that was painful! But did you see Monday Night's game between Dallas and Buffalo?!? I had just checked into my hotel room at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC and quickly turned on the game. That was insane!

"Once"

Once in a while a movie comes along that is so pure that it reverberates into your very soul, bypassing the walls and filters created by today's violent, sex-oriented and anti-social society. "Once" is that movie. A musical by rights, it also tells a very heart-felt story of two artists who fall in love but in a very gritty and 'real' way (a 'chic flick' it is not). I LOVED this movie!

The Gorge

Oh my! I can't believe it's the middle of August... Summer is almost over. I've been shooting almost every day and haven't had a chance to keep up with my blog. I have so many fabulous stories about my couples and their weddings and I promise to show those to you as soon as I can! That being said, I actually had a chance to go away in the middle of the week for some camping! I haven't been camping in almost 25 years and have been dying to go for years. We went an hour past The Gorge in Washington State. I did some wakeboarding and even some surfing! Check it out: (please don't laugh too hard at my attempt...)

The Four Seasons, Whistler

This past weekend Anita & Gilbert said their vows at the new Four Seasons Resort in Whistler. It is not only a gorgeous hotel with refined detail and a well-kept garden courtyard, but the service was impeccable! They cleaned Anita's dress and got all the excess wrinkles out the night before and even repaired her veil when her fiance accidentally stepped on it the day of the wedding!
Litsa, the coordinator, made sure every moment of the day went smoothly and that all the pieces came together flawlessly. For anyone considering Whistler as their wedding destination, I highly recommend contacting the Four Seasons!
Anita & Gilbert were so happy and content... and it shows in their imagery. We were able to take advantage of the grounds as well as the trails across the road (for a little added 'wilderness' setting to offset the luxurious setting of the resort).