Mathias, Maisha, Keziah and Noemy | Family Photos

This weekend I tried something new; three sessions in one day. This was the middle session and it was so fun to do in between two engagement shoots. I am connected to this family in two ways. First off, when I went to Kenya back in 2004, the grandparents were my mentors who prepared me and then debriefed with me afterwards. We found out during that time that they were also Gary's uncle and aunt! Gary and I had just started dating (again) at that time. It's always fun to photograph family (Janelle, the mom, is Gary's cousin) and what a better way to get to know the kiddos better!

{Keziah-2, Mathias-6, Maisha-4. We met at Deas Island Regional Park which gave the kids a lot of room to run around!}

{Baby Noemy is just 6 months old and was pretty laid back the entire time. The kids did a great job.}

{They had the exact same waterproof blanket as me...something that appears to be a necessity these days with the consistently wet grass!}

{Babu (grandpa in swahili) and Cucu (grandma in Kikuyu) came along for some pictures too, and they were a great help with the kids! }

{After walking for about 5 minutes, Noemy fell asleep. So sweet! When she was woken up for more photos, she did so well!}

{It was great hanging out with you all and getting to know the kids a little better!}

Shawna & Ryan | Engagement Session

Shawna and Ryan wanted a beach themed engagement shoot and Jericho beach was perfect! There were very few people around, the weather was perfect, and they were willing to try anything. We were actually already booked for their wedding day in August 2011 but I'm glad they still wanted me to do their engagement photos. Enjoy the beach...I did!

{Isn't her ring gorgeous??? I love it!! Loving the black and white below}

{I included a shot of their `special handshake' which Ryan clarified is really just Shawna's}


{Shawna was such a good sport walking in high heeled strappy shoes on the beach!}

They're pretty cute hey? Congratulations on your engagement Shawna and Ryan! I hope all the wedding planning continues to go well. Thanks for having me do your engagement session, I had a great time!

Leah & Nathan | Engagement Photos

A few days ago, I met Leah and Nathan along the Queensborough Perimeter Trail for their engagement session. I had never been there before and it's always fun to discover a new location, especially when it involves water, sunflowers and a beautiful fence beside an apple tree! Leah and Nathan will be getting married in April and we are looking forward to it! Leah is actually a cousin to Laura, whose wedding we did back in May. I always enjoy getting to know a couple by doing their engagement photos; both as individuals and as a couple. Okay, here we go!

{We just did a giant loop following this boardwalk to a park, it was perfect!}

{I love the long grass in the photo above...}

{Leah and Nathan have been dating for about two years and actually attended the same preschool when they were kids!}

{I love the idea of photos amongst the sunflowers...I wonder where they have a sunflower garden in my area?!}

{I hope you like the photos on the fence because Nathan got a huge sliver when getting up onto it. Hope your hand feels better, Nathan!!}

Leah and Nathan, it was great getting to know you two as a couple. I hope all the little details come together over the next few months. Thank you for introducing me to a fun new location!

Kenzie

Just a few pictures of my beautiful niece, taken in her home. We literally had 4 minutes to take these before all the kids (her two sisters and my two boys) came back in the house:) I will be taking pictures of baby Kenzie with her big sisters (and mom and dad) in a week or so, but in the meantime, here are a few. Kenzie was born just over a week ago at 9lbs 7oz and is such a laid back and sweet baby.

Natalie & Logan | Family Photos

This adorable family met at Brian's parents house for their family photos. The kids did wonderfully and the weather behaved (this is a big thing in the lower mainland these days)!! Natalie is 3 years old and Logan is just turning 1. Natalie was able to make Logan smile by playing peek-a-boo, and they were so cute together. Both kids have incredible blue eyes. Enjoy!

{Playing Peek-a-boo on the blanket, such a cute sibling moment. }

{I love chubby baby/toddler hands!}

{It was fun and I'm so glad that you were flexible enough to meet on a day where the sun decided to shine! We may have to do it again in a few years:) }

Theoren & Anton | Family Photos

This family decided on Derby Reach for their family photo session, so it may look similar to the last post! I worked with Carolynne and it's always fun for me to photograph someone that I know and get to know their family in the process. I have two younger boys so it took a minute or two to figure out what a grade 9 and grade 6 boy might like to do but we worked it out:) Some jumping, some funny faces and some climbing on dad.

{They did not hesitate when I suggested a funny face once or twice...}

{I like the one of Carolynne and Jim above...}

{Great hanging out with you all and getting to know the boys!}

Erica & Aaron | Engagement Photos

I love doing a photo session when a thunderstorm seems seconds away! The sky is perfectly cloudy and there are no worries of squinting or shadows. I met Erica and Aaron at Derby Reach for their engagement shoot and we had a great time! The salmon were jumping like crazy, as in, you could probably dip a net in and catch one. These two are good friends with Justin and Alicia and are getting married just months apart. I've known Erica for quite a few years as she was my TA way back in the day:) We're looking forward to their wedding next May. Here we go!

{How have I not walked down to the beach portion at the Heritage Site before? Crazy me. It was great! Aaron, don't worry, I got some good pictures of you two and your truck but I'll just include a teaser here...}

{Just like Justin and Alicia, these two also got a few shots with an old manure spreader:)}

{I'll be honest, the smell down by the beach wasn't the best. There were a lot of rotting fish which doesn't really lead to the most romantic setting!}

{We then drove 1km east towards Fort Langley where there is a great area of rolling hills and long grass...don't you love it? You may remember it from Jana and Ross' wedding day.}

{Congratulations on your engagement and all the best to you with your wedding planning!}