Tulips of the Valley 2018 // Flower Power

The transitional seasons are easily my favourite. The crisp smell of fall, the newness of spring. The vibrant colours as nature transitions into a new phase. I live for Fall and Spring. 

Springtime in BC is met with a lot of vibrant blooms. From the cotton candy cherry blossoms, to the tulip festivals in the valley- colour is EVERYWHERE. I managed to visit the tulips for the third year in a row (and now there are daffodils and hyacinths too!) with my girl squad in tow (and my baby boy, Ezra!). We had a blast creating this dreamy spring shoot that is slightly 70s inspired (and maybe a little bit Disney inspired too). Jessica's look has been affectionately dubbed as the Elsa of Spring. Her theme song is called "Let it Grow" ;) 

Nina Farrauto is the genius behind the braids and makeup, and also the beautiful brunette in these images. Actress/Model Jessica Sipos is our dreamy "Elsa". She wears those braids well, doesn't she? All make-up products are from the incredible Canadian skincare and makeup brand, FitGlow Beauty. 

Location: Tulips of the Valley in Chilliwack, BC, Canada

Leanne + Taylor // Pitt Meadows Engagement Session

Leanne + Taylor are two of the sweetest humans. Not only are they adorable together, but they also have matching Blundstones, which automatically made me love them even more. Leanne's older sister and I played basketball together back in our university days, so it was extra special to be chosen to document a wedding for her youngest sister! We enjoyed a gorgeous winter evening together as I showed them one of my favorite local spots. These two were extremely nervous, but I think they managed to come away looking like professional models. 

Ben + Laura // Cecil Green Park House Wedding

Ben and Laura dreamed of a low-key, relaxing wedding day spent with the people they cherish most. Every ounce of this day was planned to be slow and intentional. I adored the way that these two not only showed their deep respect for their friends and families, but also how they gracefully made the day about everyone present, not just them. These two opted to go without a bridal party, so we had plenty of time to take a walk in the woods and document their relationship. Laura was a show stopper in her elegant and simple dress, and Ben was her equal in his dapper ensemble as well. 

A huge thanks to the incredible team of vendors that made this day happen! 

Wedding Planner - Pocketful Productions
Venue - Cecil Green ParkHouse
Dancing Tunes - DJ Veronica

Caterer - Scholars Table
Photographer - Rachel Barkman Photography

Florist - Chanelle Walker

Officiant  - Shawn Miller of Young, Hip And Married

Cake - Hope Dueck 

Dress: BHLDN

Hair and Makeup: Leah Roberts

Olivia + Kaleb // Intimate Vineyard Wedding at Backyard Vineyards

Olivia and Kaleb's wedding was one that really impacted me. Olivia possesses this sweet, elegant spirit that spreads joy to everyone around her. You can tell that Kaleb is completely smitten with her too, his eyes light up like Christmas whenever his gaze falls upon her. These two are a match made in heaven (and in some fashion magazine too- they have SO much style!). Kaleb's father performed their ceremony, and then they immediately had a quick legal ceremony in the parking lot (and I got to be a witness! WOO!). 

Church: Old Clayburn Chapel

Winery: Backyard Vineyards

Dress: Badgley Mischka 

Suit: RW&Co

Florals: Bushel and Peck 

Caterers: Restaurant 62

Dessert: Duft & Co

MUA: Amy Postma

Hair: Beard and Bardot

Did I mention this was the most adventurous and darling bridal party of all time? These girls were willing to scale anything for a photo- even in heels. 

This whole evening was a dream. From the amazing decor (most of which was handmade by the bride), to the incredible food and atmosphere, this intimate reception dinner felt like having a meal with a big, happy family! Bonus: my second shooter and I got to sit with the groom's grandparents and hear tons of amazing family stories. 

Stephanie + Mark // Sea to Sky Engagement Session, North Arm Farm

Stephanie and Mark are full of adventure, so we really wanted their engagement session to reflect that. These two had hoped to get married at North Arm Farm, but the distance was too far for their families, so we opted to have their engagement session there instead! We stopped along the sea-to-sky highway at locations that reflected everything they love about BC. Whytecliff Park, where the ocean meets the rugged west coast cliffs. Squamish, where rivers cut through mountains and forests. And finally, Switzerland, I mean... Pemberton, BC, where it feels like you're in the Swiss Alps. 

When I first met Stephanie for coffee, I learned that her fiancee is actually from the same town as Nova Scotia as me, which is a pretty huge coincidence! Mark and I bonded over growing up in Bedford, Nova Scotia throughout this entire road trip. We quickly stopped in at Whytecliff Park to get some seaside images of these two. 

Afterwards, we hopped back in the car and headed to Squamish, where we walked along the river and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the trails. 

After a brief stop for dinner in Whistler (at my all time favorite pizza place, Creekbread), we arrived in the Canadian version of the Swiss Alps at North Arm Farm in Pemberton, BC. This wedding venue was kind enough to arrange a time for us to come and do these engagement photos while the sun was setting, and it was beyond anything my brain could have expected. Talk about beautiful! We especially loved the swings and tire swing on this farm, I could have spent all evening swinging away and looking at that view. 

After a perfectly long and beautiful day, we drove home as the sky started to turn pink and stars started to appear. 

Adam + Claire // Calgary NYE Wedding

Oh, these two. This day. There are so many things to say.

When I first walked in on the morning of Claire and Adam’s Calgary NYE wedding, I walked into a room of calm, cheerful girls walking around giggling with one another as they got ready. Claire was moving from girl to girl, making sure they were all pleased with their hair, make-up, and outfits. In fact, I don’t recall one moment when Claire actually thought of herself. She was the most beautiful picture of selflessness, even on her wedding day. See if you can find the photo of her helping a bridesmaid do up her dress, with a toothbrush still in her mouth! It cracks me up every time.

One thing I love most about Claire is the way she intentionally connects with people. Throughout her wedding day, I saw her reach out and grasp people’s arms, hands, and backs and exchange a meaningful, loving glance with them that seemed to make time stand still. I have many, many images of her reaching out to the people she loves throughout this day and they are probably some of my favorite images of her. She is always looking outwards, and making sure everyone feels loved and cherished. It’s no wonder Adam stares at her the way he does, full of tenderness and love. Claire is the kind of woman every man dreams of, and Adam was the lucky winner of her heart. As much as I’m sure his Australian accent helped gain her attention, his character and deep respect for her is what made her stay.

As the girls got ready, the most magical, soft falling snow began to grace the porch outside the window. We all remarked on how remarkable the snowfall looked- it floated like you’d imagine it would in a disney movie. The snow continued to fall throughout the day, making for some magical, snowy images. I realize I’m using “magic” to describe this day a lot, but once you see these images, I think you’ll understand!

A huge thank you to the wonderful team of vendors that helped bring this day together!

Dress: Truvelle

Florals: Rhosyn Floral

Ceremony Venue: The Lantern Church

Reception Venue: The Commons

Hair and Make-up: Leah Murray at Illuminate

Adam + Chelsea // Permanent Building Vancouver Wedding

It’s true that I cry at every wedding, but I cried a whole lot at this one. I’ve known Chelsea for 9 years, in fact, her wedding day was our 9th anniversary as friends, to the very day! We met on a rainy day at Trinity Western University. The rain surprised us while we were in class, and Chelsea had come unprepared with no umbrella (we were both Alberta girls living in BC for the first time, we’ve since learned our lesson!). I showed Chelsea all the back routes through various dorms that kept us as dry as possible on our way back to our rooms. We became fast friends that day as we ducked from overhang to overhand, laughing at our vain attempts to stay dry.

Flash forward to this day, and I could barely contain my joy and tears. Chelsea is grace and joy embodied in a person. She is pure light, and her happiness means the world to me. None of us are perfect, but there is something about Chelsea’s beautiful soul that just deserves the most beautiful story, and I felt like this wedding day was the beginning of the most magnificent story of all. So yes, I was a ball of emotions throughout this gorgeous day, but my tears were welcomed amongst all the other friends and family who felt the exact same way as me.

If you know Chelsea, you also know that she has impeccable taste (Adam is excellent proof of that). This also extended to their wedding day. Every last detail was carefully chosen to represent the two of them. Adam brought his rebellious musician side into the details with his delicate skull and cross-bone pocket square. Chelsea had her dress custom designed. The day was filled with the most beautiful city views, stained glass details, and gorgeous blooms. I cannot fathom a more beautiful day for two beautiful people. Especially two people so madly in love. The “stare at each other across a room” kind of love. The kind of love that sneaks forehead kisses into every spare moment. The kind of love filled with giggles of joy and excitement. These two have it.

This unreal day was brought together by one of the strongest teams of creatives I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. A huge thanks goes to these top-notch professionals:

Coordinator: Jaclyn at 6pence

Dress: Custom Designed by Ellebay Bridal

Florist: Floralista

Venue: The Permanent Building

Officiant: Josh Kruse

Hair: Roxanne with Mauve Hair Design

Reception band: Redhaven

Chairs: Salmon’s

Tables: Juniper Event Rentals

Cakes: Bride’s Friend, Lexie 

Caterer: Boy With A Knife