Let’s face it. We all know how much it rains in Vancouver, especially during the winter months and I’ll admit I was ready for all sorts of inclement weather. But Chris and Jill’s wedding was one of the only sunny days in weeks. It was chilly but it was glorious when the sun peeked through the clouds and fog, offering some pretty light at all the right moments.

The ceremony and reception were both held at the Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club in Coquitlam and was the perfect backdrop for a wintry wedding.The beautiful stone and wood building tucked away in the mountains offered a certain amount of coziness that comes along with a winter wedding but the decor was warm and inviting. Completed by Chic and Unique Event Design,  Jill’s aubergine accent colour really made all the details of the room pop. And of course, the candy bar is always a hit.

From the chilly moments outside with the gracious wedding party to the first dances, the whole day was punctuated by laughter and joy. Jill and Chris were so easy and such a pleasure to work with and their families warm and welcoming. It’s couples like them that really make me pause for a moment to feel privileged and honored to be able to photograph such an important day.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for having me and my sidekick, Jarusha at your wedding!

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Ceremony and Reception: Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club
Wedding Gown: Jasmine Couture
Hair Stylist: Blo Blow Dry Bar
Makeup: Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio
Florist: Bride’s Aunt
Officiant: Hey Rev
Cake Decorator: Original Cupcakes by Heather and Lori
Decor and Design: Chic and Unique Event Design
DJ: Gary Robertson DJ Entertainment

I popped on over to Indie I Do yesterday to check out some rainy day wedding awesomeness and the event did not disappoint. I have never been a vendor at Indie I Do, nor have I ever even attended it so I wanted to go and say hi. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces of those I’ve worked with in the past and also to make some new connections. I am a very strong believer in making connections with other wedding vendors and fostering good working relationships that are mutually beneficial. Because we’re all in this together!

In my wanderings, I managed to document some of the top-notch people that were showing there including:

Pure Magnolia

Carmen West Creative

Dresses from Frocks Modern Bridesmaid

Feest

-Belvedere-

Heirloom Magazine

Trove Vintage Rentals – A Division of Spruce Collective

Down the Aisle

Le Gateau Bake Shop

Delovely Creative

There were many others that I just didn’t manage to get around to meeting but if you are getting married in 2014, I would highly recommend this show for next year.

Enjoy!

]]> http://www.simplyroseblog.com/indie-i-do-vancouver-wedding-show/feed/ 4 http://www.simplyroseblog.com/goodbye-2012/ http://www.simplyroseblog.com/goodbye-2012/#comments Mon, 31 Dec 2012 22:10:38 +0000 Simply Rose http://www.simplyroseblog.com/?p=6114 Another year! It’s been a full one that’s for sure – it’s hard juggling a full-time job, my photography business and my family but it’s all one more step that brings me closer to seeing my dream become a reality.

I want to personally thank all the couples, families and vendors I have worked with along the way this year – none of this would be possible if it weren’t for your support and kindness! I hope that this New Year will bring you all challenges to grow from, hugs that make you smile and rest to renew your soul.

So long 2012 and hello 2013!

All the best!

One of my favourite things is meeting couples that are high school sweethearts. I find that there is something so hopelessly romantic about marrying someone that you have known for a very long time. And there is also something very steadfast and comfortable about it too. Eric and Lauren are one of those couples and their wedding day was a testament to their family and friends that they are in this for the long haul. Held at the incredibly beautiful Semiahmoo Resort outside of Blaine, Washington, Eric and Lauren got married on what was the most perfect late summer day with the ocean and mountains as an essential backdrop. The resort struck an excellent balance between casual and elegant as guests meandered on the pier overlooking the bay with drinks in hand at the reception.

Everything from the punchy pink and green accents to the ocean breeze coming off the water lent to a magical day. But best of all, in the center of it all, was a couple whose love for each other was so clear and true.

And now I share this beautiful day (and last wedding of 2012 for me) with you. Enjoy!

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Wedding Gown: Anca’s Bridal (Boutique)

Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Flowers: Country Bouquets Floral

Makeup: Bride’s Friend

Hair: Bride’s Friend

Venue: Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine WA

Wedding Cupcakes: Bride’s Friend

Reception DJ: Sunset Sound Studios

I am absolutely thrilled about today’s feature on one of the biggest wedding blogs out there ~ Style Me Pretty Destination. I did a happy dance when I received the acceptance email (literally, I did a little dance!) and it sort of felt a little surreal to see it on the site today. It was a loooong process but I’m glad that I stuck with it and was patient enough for a positive outcome.

Thanks so much to everyone that was a part of Jeremy and Noreen’s special day! Without the wonderful people behind the scenes, these images would not have been so picture-perfect.

If you want to see the feature, click on the SMP logo.

If you want to see all of the postings on my site, you can go to Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3.

]]> http://www.simplyroseblog.com/feature-on-style-me-pretty-destination/feed/ 0 http://www.simplyroseblog.com/kevin-and-leayra-smithers-wedding-photographer/ http://www.simplyroseblog.com/kevin-and-leayra-smithers-wedding-photographer/#comments Sat, 29 Sep 2012 21:09:20 +0000 Simply Rose http://www.simplyroseblog.com/?p=5401

Hot pink and blue skies were the order of the day for Kevin and Leayra’s wedding in Smithers. With a modern meets rustic balance to the ceremony, the lovely couple wed before the grandeur of Hudson Bay Mountain at Driftwood Lodge with family and friends surrounding them. And the couple’s little pup even was included in the action!

We spent some time at the lodge, taking good advantage of the beautiful scenery before whisking the couple off to Canyon Creek for some portraits. It was a spot I have never stopped at before, but driven by numerous times and it was a real gem. Clear waters, rocky outcroppings, towering trees – it was the quintessential creek scene.

The reception was held at Paul Lychak Hall, just outside of Smithers in Evelyn and guests partied the night away beginning with an excellent meal served by Two Sisters Catering. Once the music got going for the night, the kids gobbled on treats from the candy bar and the adults got on to the dance floor to show their stuff. We also had the SnapShack open that night, and those images will be following! Lots of fun and super high energy!

A big thank you to my helpers that day  – Tracy of Artography by Tracy and Kristie of Kristie Larsen Photography. Thanks ladies!

Kevin and Leayra, it was such a pleasure to be a part of your wedding day and meeting your close friends and family. And for those reading, don’t forget to leave the happily wedded couple some blog love!

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Wedding Gown: Maggie Sottero

Bridal Shoes: Le Chateau

Vintage Necklace: Family heirloom

Flowers: Larkspur Floral Design

Hair: Tracey Krause

Makeup: Bride

Ceremony Location: Driftwood Lodge

Reception Venue: Paul Lychak Hall (Evelyn Hall)

Catering Service: Two Sisters Catering

Cake: Paul’s Bakery

DJ: Northern Lights DJ

When Megan contacted me initially, I didn’t put two and two together that we had gone to high school together. It wasn’t until the next day when I responded to her inquiry that it occurred to me that this was the same Megan I had gone to Point Grey Secondary with, hung out with for a time around grade 10 and that I had even been to her house once before! It was an unexpected reunion and wonderful to catch up over so many years gone by.

We met for coffee at Forty-Ninth Parallel on Main St. (which is a new favorite of mine) and I listened as they excitedly told me of their wedding plans ~ getting ready at OPUS Hotel in Yaletown, walking to Gastown where the ceremony and small reception were to be had at the Brix Restaurant. But their plans had changed to include a very small and intimate backyard wedding at Megan’s parent’s house in the west-side of Vancouver. And it was divine. The meticulous gardens were nurtured by Megan’s Mom and wedding ready. The table was set on the deck, the hors d’oeuvres were being served by Culinary Capers and the most fabulous gypsy jazz was playing in the background by local quartet, Van Django. The scene was set.

Jamie and Megan said their vows under an apple tree, while the late afternoon sun streamed through the branches. They were toasted by family and friends before Jarusha and I took them down to the foot of Alma St. to take some photos of the newly married couple. A stunning pair.

The evening was full of excellent food, good drink, heartfelt toasts, much laughter and slow-dancing in the backyard. It was all too perfect to be true.

It was such a pleasure to be a part of Jamie and Megan’s wedding day – the intimate feeling of immediate family and a handful of close friends really made Jarusha and I feel at home. Jamie and Megan, I wish you many years of happiness to come in this new chapter of life!

Enjoy and please leave some kind words for the couple!

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Ceremony Location and Reception: Private Residence

Wedding Dress: Custom made by Chloe Angus Design

Hair Stylist: Kore Salon

Flowers: Quince Fine Florals and the Bride

Caterers and Deserts: Culinary Capers

Officiant: Diane Brown

This wedding was absolutely marvelous ~ Rob and Jessie are the kinds of people that when you first meet them, you instantly feel at ease. They are kind, caring, family-first sorts of folk that are madly in love with another. And it clearly shows.

Their wedding took place a on hot Saturday afternoon at the Annand/Rowlatt Farmstead at Campbell Valley Regional Park, a gorgeous area in south Surrey, one of my personal favourites, in fact. They shared their vows under a large, leafy canopied tree while family and friends looked on and cheered them down the aisle as husband and wife when the ceremony was done. We spent a large amount of time at the Farmstead, trying to hide in the shade for some reprieve. We found some wonderful spots in the wake of the classic barn and along the road in to the heritage site and then Rob, Jessie and I spent some time wandering about in some fields for those gorgeous sunny shots.

The reception was held at East Delta Hall and decorated with banners, wildflower centerpieces, tables adorned with burlap, paper hearts and homemade strawberry rhubarb jam made by Rob’s Mom. Yum! They also had home brewed ale, cupcakes adorned with a dollop of lavender icing on top and vintage screens with prints from their engagement session at UBC. It was fun, it was loud, it was hot! I guess that’s what happens when you have close to 200 of your family and friends in one room together!

The rest of the evening consisted of dancing the night away to not one, not two, but THREE musical guests! Rich Hope and his Blue Rich Rangers, Jessie’s cousin, Theresa Pasaluko and Jason Woolsey, Rob’s friend all played sets that night. Emily and I had already left by the time the band came on stage but I’m positive it was an amazing night with lots of dancing and laughter.

An enormous thank you to my second shooter, Emily Hoskins for largely taking care of all the lovely details! I’ve loved being able to work alongside some pretty spectacular professional ladies this summer….without their support on these busy days, I would be a mess!

Rob and Jessie, thank you so much for having me along on your wedding journey! It was a privilege to come into your worlds for a short spell, meet your families and friends and witness the strong bonds that you share with the loved ones around you. Congratulations!

And for everyone else out there, enjoy and don’t forget to leave some notes for the happy couple!

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Ceremony Location: Annand/Rowlatt Farmstead at Campbell Valley Regional Park

Wedding Dress Boutique: Lisa’s Bridal

Hair Stylist: European Hair Design

Makeup Artist: Bride’s friend

Florist: Amoda Flowers

Reception Location: East Delta Hall

Caterers: Seasonal Experience

Cake: Bride’s friend

The evening before it was raining and the skies were threatening drops all weekend. But when it came time for Jay and Crystal-Lynn to get married, the clouds held back and the sun came out. The clouds even parted to reveal Hudson Bay Mountain that presided over the ceremony location as Jay and Crystal-Lynn exchanged vows.

Crystal-Lynn’s wedding theme was rainbows and I loved how she used so much colour in all the flower arrangements, especially the cake adorned in hand-painted sugar flowers, decorated by her sister and her boyfriend. In her bouquet, Crystal-Lynn had placed a locket with a few photographs of her parents, who had passed away some time ago and also placed a tree and a red rose at the ceremony, in lieu of where her parents would sit. It was such a beautiful way to honor a mother and father that you loved dearly that weren’t able to be there on the special day.

We rode a horse-drawn buckboard to a nearby field and spent some time there taking photographs in the tall grasses and by the river. The reception location was the perfect spot for eating, drinking, dancing, laughing and sharing the night away. Held under a tent at the archery grounds, it was a wonderful backdrop amidst nature.

Jay and Crystal-Lynn, congratulations and thank you so much for having me at your lovely affair. It was great to be surrounded by such caring and loving people all day, and people that clearly love and care for you both. All the best as you start your lives as husband and wife!

Enjoy!

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Dress: Image in White Wedding Gallery

Shoes: Crocs

Makeup: Bride’s Sister, Kim Lloyd

Hair: Lexi Kirk

Flowers: Larkspur Floral Design and Gift Baskets

Reception Location: Archery Range

Catering: Two Sisters Catering

Cake: Paul’s Bakery with decor by Bride’s sister and boyfriend

DJ: Northern Lights Audio