Redwood Park Family Session

Jen was gifted a family session for her birthday this year, such a great gift!  What mom doesn't want pictures of her family?!  It was a little risky having it booked for mid October but if you get good weather around this time of year, the fall leaves are just perfect!  And Redwood Park?  Amazing!  We were emailing back and forth right up until a few hours before the session and decided to go ahead with it.  I'm so glad we did!  

Ryan and Jen's boys go to the same school as our son and it's fun seeing what my boys might be acting like in five years from now.  Actually, we realized that not much changes with the tree climbing, wrestling, ripped jeans etc:)

Ryan and Jen, it was great to meet your family.  Mason and Jaden, you guys were awesome!  Enjoy.

I love this last picture.  Seriously, Jaden and Mason were awesome.  Thanks, boys!

Elissa & Michael | Deas Island Engagement Session

I am so excited for Elissa and Michael's wedding next May.  I taught Elissa first when she was in grade eight and I loved her class.  It was the year that Gary and I got married and all the girls were so happy for me.  Now I get to be happy for her!   Back then, she was super sweet and hardworking and just had a great heart.  And now, same thing:)   Mike is a few years older than her and he also went to the same school, although, they never even talked all through high school.  I didn't teach Mike but I was one of his coaches in cross country, and let me tell you, there wasn't any coaching I could give him, he was/is an amazing runner.  

Elissa was the maid of honour in her sisters' wedding, and Mike was the best man.  Her sister Adana, and husband-to-be Daniel, thought that they would make a good couple and they were right!  Just over three years later, and a proposal on the baseball field,  here we are. 

Although the forecast was predicting rain, they were super good sports about going for it anyway.  I loved catching up with these two and although like most couples, they were a little nervous about having their photos taken, they were naturals.  Enjoy.

It was reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally raining by these last few shots, but look at them, smiles all around:)  Happy wedding planning you two, it was great to see you again!

Noah's Family Photos | Tynehead Park

Just over a year ago, I took some newborn photos of a gorgeous big baby boy named Noah.  You can see them here.  Carolyn and I have kept in touch via blogging and facebook and all that internet goodness, so I was excited to get some pictures of Noah all grown up!  Also, there was a special little announcement that they wanted to make:)   

We just had a mini session as half an hour is sometimes all you need for a one year old.  It was pretty much a last minute decision to go ahead with the session because the weather forecast was predicting rain.  We met before 9 am but it was worth it!  Enjoy the fall leaves, the announcement, and the little monster:)

Yay!! Due at the end of May!!

Just as we were about to go home, the sun came out!!  I love some warm backlighting so I was so thankful for that little bit of sunshine.

Matt and Carolyn, congratulations!!  I look forward to following your journey as you welcome another beautiful blessing into your home.  

Len & Lisa | Williams Park Family Photos

Gary and I met Len and Lisa through our church.  For the past several years, they have been our care group leaders and we really enjoy spending time with them!   We each got married around the same time and just recently, we each added a little one to our families:)  Mom and dad were praying for a little miracle baby and here he is.  Little Lucas is ADORABLE and very loved by his big brothers and I think our little Nya is a fan too!  Lisa's dad was out for thanksgiving and so they wanted some photos with grandpa too.  Here are some photos from our time together at Williams Park.  

Chapman Family Photos | Matsqui Trail Regional Park

On the Thanksgiving weekend, we combined our Chapman Thanksgiving Dinner with family photos.  Here are some pictures of the wonderful family that I married into.  I have to say, I wasn't sure about Gary when I met him 12 years ago.  However, a few years later, when I saw him playing with his nieces and nephews, I knew I wanted to marry him.

Here are just a few pictures from our time together. My nieces and nephews are not only beautiful on the outside, but they are truly amazing people (and somehow three of them are taller than me already?!).  Their parents aren't bad either:) 

Alaina & Victor | Coal Harbour Wedding Photos

Gary and I were so excited to photograph Alaina and Victor's wedding.  We have known Alaina, through working at the same school, for about 10 years or so.  I am so happy that she has met a true gentleman that adores her.  In their program, they shared a bit of their love story, and here is some of it:

"It was aboard the Caribbean Princess in the summer of 2009 when Victor first 
spotted Alaina on the dance floor. Mesmerized by her seemingly flawless 
Latin moves, he found the courage to ask her to dance. It was an offer she 
couldn`t refuse and that `Yes' ignited a  friendship, a beginning, and more 
importantly a love story. Our love story. It is a story of strength, perseverance, the best airport reunions and huge sacrifice.  It is a story of two souls following their hearts, despite the risk, despite 
the distance, but because they were truly meant to be.
It is a story of a grand adventure where a man gives up his whole life and 
moves continents to be with the woman he loves."

I have to say, that by spending just one day together, Alaina and Victor have inspired Gary and I to show our love and affection to each other a whole lot more.

I have included more photos than I normally do as so many of Victor's friend and family were unable to attend due to the fact that they live in Peru.  Hopefully these photos help to share the day with them.  Enjoy!

{Below is Alaina's dad seeing her for the first time.  Here is he saying `I remember when you were a little baby in my arms...'}

{Victor's dad was able to be here for their big day. They shared many special moments together.}

{Being that their ceremony and reception were aboard the Sunset Bay II Yacht, they had their `First Look', family and portrait photos in Coal Harbour beforehand.  I love Victor's giddy face as he is seeing Alaina for the first time!}

{And now for the rest of the day aboard the boat!  It all started with a sunset ceremony....}

Congratulations Alaina and Victor! Felicidades!  Gracias por invitarnos a fotografiar su boda. Eres una pareja encantadora.  Que Dios te bendiga.  That was using an online translator so hopefully I didn't say anything terrible:)  I hope you had a lovely honeymoon and all the best to you two!