First Day of School 2013

Our big (little) girl was off to her first day of Grade 1 this morning!  We are so proud of her and wish her a wonderful year of growing, learning and being a kid.  Love you Belle!

“Kid, you'll move mountains.” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Maternity Shoot - Amanda & Tim, Baby #4

When Amanda asked me to do her maternity photos I quickly agreed.  It was a great excuse to spend a morning visiting with Amanda, her husband (my cousin) Tim and their beautiful family.  It would be my first maternity shoot and I was interested to see how my instincts would fair on this unique type of assignment.  Thanks to Amanda's up-for-anything attitude and fun ideas, I think it was a success.  

Amanda and Tim live on the Linkletter family homestead and the sprawling property itself provided inspiration.  The mild spring day allowed us to roam the yards and stay warm enough to take our time and enjoy the hope of new things to come.  If I didn't know this sweet woman or her family, I wouldn't believe she is on baby number four.  Amanda is a glowing, beautiful mother and, as happy as I was to capture this beauty through the lens, I was even happier to share her world for a while: her positive attitude, kindness, fun spirit  and no-fuss, no-muss disposition.  Even when the Linkletter's free-range pet sheep or the multitude of kittens threatened munch her hair or roll over her while she was lying in in a trench in the damp garden, wrapped in a blanket, belly exposed, Amanda just laughed at the lengths mothers will go to create meaningful memories!

Every blessing for the rest of your pregnancy, Amanda.  Thanks for inspiring me.

"For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."  Psalm 139:13

Brendan & Sara-Jane: Wed

Brendan and Sara-Jane were married on a beautiful August evening in a rustic ceremony in Emerald, Prince Edward Island.  I had a blast with this fresh couple romping the beach with their relaxed and intimate wedding party.  However, my favourite part of this sweet occasion had to be the bride-meets-groom moment.  Brendan met Sara-Jane at her parents house and, after a quick peek behind her bedroom door, the two said a wedding day hello in the backyard with Sara-Jane's sister peeking out the bathroom window.  Tears were shed, kisses had, and I think Brendan would agree that finally seeing his bride in her wedding dress was a magical moment.  I'm happy to have shared it with both of you - Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Platts!

Adam & Jen = Hitched!

Adam, a childhood friend, married his perfect match, Jen this summer in his hometown of Summerside, Prince Edward Island.  The ceremony was stunning under an original structure designed and built by this architectural team.  Adam and Jen live and breathe creativity, a fact that was evident in every ounce of their wedding day.  From Jen's yellow sapphire engagement ring, hand crafted by Adam himself, to the old machinery strewn about the farm yard where they were wed, this day was a study in contrast.  Lace and twinkling lights adorned a rustic swing hanging from an old tree.  Grain and pearls mingled with artisan paper flowers in planter boxes around the farm yard.  The same flowers were used along with white hydrangeas and grain in the girls bouquets - and each flower in Jen's bouquet was made by Adam along with one tiny blue flower - something blue.  Intricate yellow flowers were hand-pressed by Jen's mother and painted onto her nails.  Jen's girls wore dresses in complementing shades of green, yet nothing was too matchy-matchy to showcase their individuality and personal style.  Mason jars and antique windows hung from old trees and swayed in the breeze.  Adam and Jen's intimate affair was stunning from the first kiss of the bride and groom to the last dance beneath the gorgeous uplighting of the wedding structure under a blanket of stars.  Have a look through their photos and catch a glimpse of the beauty I was blessed to see through the lens.  Adam and Jen - you two are amazing.  Wishing you a long, happy marriage to match :)

 "A beautiful couple framed in a rustic farm homestead setting, where vintage glass, sterling, paper flowers and a yellow sapphire were all welcome." - Mother of the Groom

"Jen and Adam, and lots of family made hundreds of these paper flowers for arrangements. Jen is sooo visual; I couldn't imagine what they would look like, but add salal, wheat, baby's breath, and kermit pompoms and voila....a bouquet. We collected doilies and votives everywhere we went....and my mother supplied the green mason jars. The sterling we used belonged to my mom, Paul's mom, and my aunt in NB...All wedding gifts at their marriages, 55 + years ago." - Mother of the Groom

Happily Ever After!