Canadian Okanagan Wedding Photographer's Blog

Winter Wonderland Wedding

2012-02-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

Carpe Diem!
Rarely do we get to experience hoar frost in the Okanagan. A spontaneous winter wedding portrait session featuring the delicate beauty of Toni, in a Bliss Bridal Kelowna wedding gown by Barcelona designer- Pronovias. Vintage stylings by Vintage Origami, Florals by Classic Creations Floral Design, Makeup- Sublime Makeup Artistry.
An amazing team that came together to help me before the frost disappeared. Thank you ladies!!! The full blog post to follow soon! Keep watching :)

Simple Love with Leah West - A Queen of Hearts

2011-10-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

I met Leah in a heart filled local Kelowna Orchard as she was filming her newest video ( soon to be released) for her song "A Simple Love". She looked amazing in her stunning red gown, like a heroine in a romance novel. I was there to photograph the stills to go with the music video Doug the Video Master was filming. It was such a fun creative collaboration!!

Red Hearts and a Romantic Red Gown, Simply Lovely.

To hear Leah's Song "Simple Love" and the rest of her album "Beyond Words" Click this CD Baby

Doesn't Leah have the most captivating blue eyes?

To follow Leah on Facebook
Leah West's Website
Leah West on Twitter

Erin - Kelowna Lady Of The Lake Princess 2011

2011-10-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Every year Kelowna has a pageant to help find the new ambassador's to represent our beautiful city throughout our province. As well as across the world visiting our sister city Kasugai, Japan. I am fortunate to be the official photographer for the pageant. This years's Princess is Erin Van Zyderveld. I had the pleasure of getting to Erin better when I photographed her recently as part of her reward for winning the title of this year's Kelowna Princess. Erin also won Miss Congeniality as well as the Randal Redl Community Involvement Award.

Erin in the Chapel at Our Historic Father Pandosy Mission

We met at Erin's favourite childhood place to go, the historic Father Pandosy Mission. It's a great place for photos, lots of cool old buildings. Just the kind of thing I love! Dancing is one of Erin's passions, so before I knew it she making me happy jumping through the air displaying her dance moves!

Loving the fall berries in the Okanagan.

Erin is the epitome of a beautiful doe-eyed girl!

Singer Leah West - Canada's Newest Indie-Pop Sensation

2011-10-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

It was a fateful day that I discovered Leah West's beautiful music. I was creating an engagement slideshow and heard Leah's song "A Simple Love". I fell in love with it and listened to it over and over again the way I do when I love a piece of music. Her name rang a bell and I looked a little further and found out my daughter's guitar teacher Tom Stinston is Leah's guitar player. Tom's been sending us invites to hear them play for a long time now, but we hadn't made any of the gigs yet. Leah and I became Facebook friends and then met the old fashioned way (Face to Face!) to have some fun shooting together. I just love her creative spirit, I could have photographed her for hours more. Funny how the universe works, we were obviously meant to collaborate, no denying it.

Leah's dress was so harmonious with the environment - The tumbleweed a perfect accessory- The Okanagan Lake and mountains a perfect backdrop.

Leah West is the winner of the 2011 BCIMA "People's Choice Award" and she was also nominated for 3 other awards, including "Songwriter of the Year" "Single of the Year" and "Pop/Contemporary Recording of the Year". Leah's songs are currently playing on both major and indie radio, as well as over 100,000 commercial buildings. She is consistently one of the most popular artists on Reverbnation, MyBand on Facebook, and has over 1 million plays on MySpace!

As the sun set over Leah and the lake the sky was tinted pink by smoke of the Bear Creek Forest Fire. So dangerous, but such romantic light.

Please keep an eye out for our next portrait session together... Think Gorgeous Red Gown, Red Hearts, Red apple Orchard. Simply Lovely for the video creation shoot of her amazing song "Simple Love"

Leah West's Favourite Photo!

Want to learn more about Leah and her beautiful music? Links right below...

Leah's Official Website
Follow Leah On Facebook

Grandbabies come to town

2011-10-05T00:28:00.000-07:00

It's always exciting when our Grandbabies come for a visit! Lots of cuddles, giggles, crying, drool, diapers, bottles, searching for the missing soother, Dora the explorer movies, and now BARBIES!!

Madisyn is almost three years old and such a sweet big sister to little Kingston just 7 months old. Madisyn discovered the box of barbies that her mother and Aunts had played with ( it really doesn't seem that long ago we had "Barbie World" going on with the girls!) I'll post photos next time she's here playing barbies with her Mom and her Aunts I promise!

Simple little things like climbing and picking rocks can make this little girl happy!

7 months old and learning how to crawl and teething with first tooth!

Kingston cut his first tooth while he was here. There was a little crying over that tooth, but the cutest little grin after the pain went away. Good thing for cuddles from his big sister. Wish I had a video of Kingston's rocking back and forth to get ahead! He sure wanted to get ahold of my camera!

All of these stages are so fun to see our grandchildren go through because they bring back the memories of our kids going through the same steps.

Chantelle and her babes.

A second before this photo was taken Madisyn was finished and crying ( you know the way 2/3 year olds do when they don't want to do something!!) I told her she could say a silly word when we did pictures together that her mother wouldn't let her say EVER!!! We sang it together! It made both of them laugh. I just love this image. I'll always remember that moment. We were all laughing!! Sorry, but the words have to remain a secret between us, don't want you to think I'm a naughty Grandma LOL.

Rocky Mountain Wedding Featured on Wedding Bells Blog

2011-10-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

A Red and White Rocky Mountain Marriage - Featured in Wedding Bells
Wedding Bells Blog- Feature Link

I woke up this morning to a wonderful email from Wedding Bells magazine . I was thrilled to discover that the editors (who now hold a warm place in my heart) had just featured one of my weddings!!
Dallas and Todd were married July 25, 2010 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It was an amazingly beautiful wedding full of the regality reserved for royal couples.
Todd was so handsome in his Royal Canadian Mounted Police red serge, Dallas so beautiful in her Maggie Sottero gown. Dallas' father, a retired Vancouver Police officer proudly escorted his daughter down the aisle.

Dallas + Todd's Wedding ceremony in the Ivor Petrak Room, Fairmont Banff Springs

A Gorgeous Red and White Wedding

I asked them how they met....
She said: "Todd and I met at St.Paul's Hospital in Van. I was working ER and he was doing security prior togetting on the RCMP. I walked up to him and told him I needed the patient restrained and he said no problem, then told me he'd seen myprofile on facebook. At the time I had a picture of myself in this redturtleneck and braids from when I was about 6 years old. I told him to add meand the rest is history.........

I think what attracted meto him was that he was a nice guy. Here was actually this really sweet guy. I loved that and loved his eyes.

He said: "I had seen her workingbefore in the ER and knew her name, thought she was really good looking and sawshe was friends with some of the same people on Facebook. As Dallas mentionedher little girl picture with pigtails was on the site and thought it washilarious that someone would put their childhood photo on there so let her knowthat I saw it. She said to add her, I said I would when I got home, she said,"What you'll poke me and I won't even feel it..." and well as shementioned, the rest is history. I really love her smile andher sassy, witty humour and demeanour.

I know you were curious to see the photo!

Afternoon Reception in the Mount Stephen Hall- Fairmont Banff Springs

Wedding Bells Blog- Feature Link

Vendors:
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Wedding Dress - Maggie Sottero
Wedding Planner-Elizabeth Algire - Fairmont Banff Springs
Florist - Alpine Flower Gallery
Wedding Cake - Cake Creations

Chair Covers - Get Married in Banff

Videographer- Banff Video
Music - Serenata Piano Trio

Sun setting on the stunning Ashley

2011-09-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

The day started with a downpour of rain just as we were about to start. Being Kelowna I knew that it wouldn't last for long and sure enough it didn't! Patience always pays off because in the end we had ( my fav light!) the beautiful soft evening light come out to play. I just loved the way the light hit Ashley highlighting her against the amazing backdrop of the hills and valley's of Kelowna. Please note the little toy cows in the background!! Ok they're not toys, but they reminded me of the little toy farm sets my brothers and I had as kids!!

Makeup: Bri Stein: Makeup By Bri Stein
Location: http://www.KelownaRanch.com
Ashley's Blog: Ashley Dempster

Ashley & Monet music for all senses

2011-09-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ashley Dempster is an acoustic solo artist from beautiful Kelowna, BC. Originally a rare and exotic import from Calgary, AB, Ashley realized her passion for music before she could even talk. While fairly new to the professional world of music, Ashley strives to instill her passion, emotion and meaningful lyrics in the hearts of as many people as she possibly can. As an acoustic solo artist, her music can be compared to that of Sheryl Crow, Taylor Swift, and Sarah McLachlan. Stay tuned for Ashley Dempster's highly anticipated debut album to be released this fall!

What a pleasure it was to work with not only Ashley but also with The magnificent Monet. My love of horses was combined with my love of photography this day! Monet's owner Melissa was so generous to share her beautiful equine friend with us, brushing Monet and by our side to make sure nothing would go wrong! I have to say the little bag in her pocket that she kept crinkling to get Monet's attention and keep her ears up was really appreciated by me!! Now if I just could have jumped up on her back ( Monet's that is!!) I would have loved to run free over the hills & fields!!

Makeup:Makeup By Bri Stein
Location:The Kelowna Ranch At Twin Creek available for rent for special events.
Equine Model: The magnificent Monet, generously shared and guided by owner Melissa Carl
Ashley's Blog: Ashley Dempster

Fly little Blackbird- Singer Ashley Dempster

2011-09-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

For years I've known Ashley whose parents are good friends and neighbours and for years I have watched Ashley grow up into the beautiful talented young woman she now is who lives by the phrase

"Love Fearless, Live Free"

Such a talented girl, she plays the guitar, piano and has a beautiful clear voice her music is a blend of acoustic and alternative with just a hint of her country roots (an Alberta born gal!)

She's a little bit folk, a little bit soft-rock and a little bit country

Click this link to hear Ashley's song " Blackbird"

Makeup: Makeup By Bri Stein
Location: Kelowna Ranch-At Twin Creek
Ashley's Blog: Ashley Dempster

Long Beach Lodge Resort Tofino B.C. - Rachel and Ian's Wedding

2011-05-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

High School Sweethearts Tie the Knot

Oh, how I love the Island. The beauty and power of the open ocean make my heart swell. I was very happy to have the pleasure of making another visit back to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I was here as the photographer for the lovely bride Rachel and her handsome groom Ian.

Truly high school sweethearts, Rachel and Ian had been in love for 16 years after they first started dating in grade 9. Their history together gave them such a comfortable, loving air together. I overheard Ian saying to Rachel at one point in the day "I told you back in Grade 9 when we first started dating that I was going to marry you, and look it came true!" They were so sweet together. Ian treated Rachel like she was his princess and she looked every bit of one in her couture silk dress designed by Martina Liana.

Rachel's dress was stunning and looked so elegant set against the raw beauty of the west coast of Tofino. Her look had a romantic vintage inspired feel. I loved her custom black sash and the silk flower in her hair which played up her gorgeous dark looks with a Spanish flair. The details always bring that extra special touch to a bride and Rachel put special care into each and every detail.

I was watching Ian while Rachel was getting her hair touched up (ok, it got a little messed up frolicking on the beach for the photographs!!) and Ian was just relaxing and looking at Rachel with the most tender of looks. The he began telling her how beautiful she looked and how her dress was more beautiful than he ever dreamed. His words were so heartfelt it brought tears to my eyes.

I've posted a little video below for you to see all the details and the wedding day as it all came to be. The music was inspired by the engraving Rachel had done on the inside of Ian's wedding band. It said

"Love Your Girl"

Here are a few favourite photographs of mine from their Wedding portrait session. You'l notice that their fur baby Minnie was never far from them, becoming an important part of their wedding memories! Isn't she adorable?!

The Long Beach Lodge Resort was a phenomenal resort located on the best beach on the West Coast. Every experience there was perfect, the venue staff was meticulous to each and every detail. www.longbeachlodgeresort.com

Rachel's Couture Dress was designed by www.martinaliana.com

Flowers were created by Crab Apple Floral Design in Tofino

Shoes by "Love"

Ian's Tux was from Black & Lee

Kelowna Engagement Portrait Session- Eyes Of Le Stage Photography

2011-05-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

Kelowna Engagement Portrait Session- Eyes Of Le Stage Photography - Click link to view slideshow

I met with Lisa & Barry in our cute little downtown one Sunday afternoon to shoot their engagement session. We started off at the local Earls and had a little chat ( and a glass of wine!) before we got started. Lisa and Barry had driven up from Vancouver for the weekend, so we were really hoping for some great weather. I of course was just hoping for some great light! They had just adopted a cute little fur baby called Gryffindor, an adorable little pug that just couldn't bear to be further than 2 feet away from them. So of course Gryffindor was part of their engagement session as well and I have to say he kept trying to steal the show!
It was really great getting to know Lisa & Barry before their wedding day and to hear their story of how they met and how they fell in love and got engaged within a few weeks. Some times you just know when you've found the right one.

The boys in Sheryl's life.

2011-03-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

I arrived at Sheryl & Dan's house never having met their boys, it wasn't long before they had me laughing with their shenanigans ( such a great word isn't it?!) The nugies & headlocks soon started, then the macho flexing of muscles began! As soon as they did that I laughed and told them that would hit the web for sure. Now understand, I live in a house full of girls, well plus my husband that is, so they were really cracking me up. It really brought back the days of growing up with my two brothers.
It was sweet to watch Sheryl who is such a girly girl, so cute, pretty and tiny surrounded by her boys and her tall charming husband who has quite the sense of humour as well. It was a fun afternoon, and what made it fun was watching them interact with each other and see them loving each other. Oh the boys are going to squirm at that one!

Simplistic yet glamourous Boudoir Portrait session

2011-03-03T22:38:00.000-08:00

So many times I have women ask me " what should I bring with me to my Boudoir Photo session?" My reply is often, "Don't worry about all the props, expensive outfits ect. this is about YOU. The beauty of YOU." Beautiful lingerie is always fun, I love it, I'm a girl after all and love pretty little nothings, beautiful shoes, okay I love love love great shoes! But this proves what I'm saying... Skin Rocks!!! Here's what I'm talking about... the boyfriend's dress shirt ( carefully snuck out of his closet!) & black panties. Simple right? That all you need, and look..... this could be you.

A little surprise Mermaid, beautiful artwork curling up her side.

Nudity can be tasteful, subtle yet still erotic, a hint for all of you shy girls.

Skin is simply beautiful.

Amanda & Brock's Wedding at La Casa Resort Kelowna

2011-02-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Children's Portrait session in Kelowna B.C.

2011-02-03T23:37:00.000-08:00

Once a year at least I get a chance to spend some time with my sister-in-law and her kids and once a year I get the pleasure of taking their portraits. These are a few of my favourite photographs of my nephew Leino who has the most beautiful, soulful eyes and such a handsome little charmer. I'm sure all the little girls at elementary school have crushes on him!

Penticton Wedding Photography - Amanda & Brandon

2011-02-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

The thing I love about the new year is that I have the time to look through the last years shoots and pull out some that have been stuck in my mind, calling for me to come back to them. This one of Amanda just struck me because of her youthful carefree joy on her wedding day. I loved how the sunlight was bringing her hair to life, and how her movement was like she was at spring dance in a field ( even though we were at a beach in Penticton B.C.) Then I found this poem by Peter Warlock, Yarmouth Fair 1924 and Amanda seemed to embody the girl in the poem. These are the words in the Image...

Yarmouth Fair

As I rode down to Yarmouth fair
The birds they sang "Good day, good day,"
And the birds they sang "Good day!"

O, I spied a maid with golden hair
A-walking along my way -
A tidy little maid so trim and fair,
And the birds they sang "Good day, good day,"
And the birds they sang "Good day!"
I said: "My dear, will you ride with me?"
And the birds they sang, "Go on, go on!"
And the birds they sang "Go on!"

She didn't say "yes" and she didn't say "no,"
And the birds they sang "Heigh ho, heigh ho!"
And the birds they sang "Heigh ho!"
I lifted her right on to my mare,
O light as a feather was she,
I'd never set eyes on a girl so fair,
So I kiss'd her bravely one, two, three,
O I kiss'd her one, two, three.

Then on we rode to Yarmouth fair
Past field and green hedge-row,
And in our hearts no fret nor care,
And the birds they sang "Hullo, hullo!"
And the birds they sang "Hullo!"
At the fair the fun was fast and free,
And the birds they sang "Hurray, hurray!"
And the birds they sang "Hurray!"

The band struck up a lively air
On fiddle and fife and drum.
The maid and me we made a pair,
And we danced to kingdom come,
Ho-ho! And we danced to kingdom come.
The lads and lasses cheer'd us on,
My bonny maid and me, we danced till stars were in the sky,
And the birds they sang "Goodbye, goodbye!"
And the birds they sang "Goodbye!"

By Peter Warlock 1894-1930

Bridal Portrait Session with Amanda - A Penticton Bride

2011-01-26T01:23:00.000-08:00

When Amanda first contacted me about photographing her wedding I was confused... I had just booked another Amanda Heinrich just weeks before. Could she have forgotten she had already booked me as her photographer? I was soon to find out that they were cousins with the same names! What a lucky day for me as I was to discover this wonderful family who had 3 girls all marrying in the same summer. (more about that on their triple bride shoot). This is Amanda L's ( so much easier to tell them apart now that they're married!) bridal session in the hills of the Okanagan. I just love her peaceful demeanour, and of course her long beautiful legs were amazing to photograph.

Bridal Portrait Session with Amanda

2011-01-25T17:49:00.000-08:00

Oh how I loved photographing Amanda. Well, it never hurts when you have a beautiful girl with the biggest blue eyes that I think I've seen. The term " swimming in your eyes" definitely applies here. We got together after a few weeks after her beautiful wedding to Brock. I had been eyeing this location for ages, loving the old barn feel & patina. One of the things I love so much about bridal portraits is that the bride & I can just relax and get creative together with no worries about keeping the dress pristine. These photos are just a small taste of what we did. It was hard to decide what to post!

Summertime fun with the Edwards Family

2011-01-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, I admit this photo is quite out of season! It was a busy year in 2010 and my blog entries really suffered as you can see I didn't do ANY !! So please keep posted because my Jan/Feb. project is to get blogging!!!
I loved this family session with Travis & Cherry and kids Hope & Tristan ( don't you just love their names ?!) We explorerd beautiful Okanagan Lavender Herb farm, right here in Kelowna B.C. The kids came prepared for fun with butterfly nets, bubble wands, books and treats, and Mom brought a little picnic. There's really nothing better than watching parents have a wonderful bonding time with their kids. The kids were loving every minute, soaking up their parents playfulness and adoration. The tender moments were flowing and I did my best to photograph as many as I could. I know I sound sappy, just a little part of who I am! What an awesome family.

Wintertime Family Fun !

2011-01-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

Family fun in the Okanagan snow!

It's not often that I get to see someone's first reaction to snow other than a small child! I have always loved snow and look forward to our first snowfall and wish for a white Christmas every year. This year I got to share in Sandra's fun as her family from Mexico joined her for the Christmas season. It was a first for all of them ( the snow that is!) and it wasn't long before the three generations were having their first snowball fight! This was my third time photographing Sandra, the first with her extended family. I loved getting to meet Sandra's loved ones & taking their photos was such a joyful experience, again making me love being a photographer.

Lisa & Mike's wedding - Knox mountain Kelowna

2009-10-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

kelowna wedding photography - Bertram Creek Park

2009-10-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Following Lexie & Greg's romantic wedding they shared a quiet intimate moment with each other on the stairs of Bertram Creek Park's amphitheatre.

Kelowna wedding photography

2009-10-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Kelowna Okanagan Wedding Photography - Summerhill Winery

2009-10-06T13:46:00.001-07:00