Team Sarrie!

Recently I had the extremely awesome opportunity to travel to Edinburgh, Scotland to shoot the Wedding/Civil Union of two incredible people. I first met Carrie & Sarah in San Francisco almost two years ago. I was struck then by their warmth & tenderness towards each other, but I would have never thought that 21 months later I would be half-way across the world shooting their Wedding!

When I received an email from Carrie in January of this year asking if I would be open to the idea of photographing their big day, I almost pee’d my pants. I know that’s not very professional to admit, but it’s true! I was THRILLED. Not just because it would mean that I would get to go to Scotland, but because I would get to work with this amazing couple once more. Lucky me!

Their big day was packed full of personalized, ‘DIY’ touches. From the newspaper buttoniers, to their converted-children’s books menus, the whole event just oozed ‘Carrie & Sarah’ (known collectively now by the moniker of ‘Sarrie‘) charm. It was fabulous.

There are a few things that I will never forget about Sarrie’s wedding:

* The Ceilidh Dancing! While a norm at Scottish Weddings & Events, this traditional Gaelic group folk dance has yet to take North America by storm… And that is a cryin’ shame because it was easily some of the most fun I have ever had at a Wedding! So fun, in fact, that I think I will make it a point to mention it to all my future Wedding Clients in an attempt to convince THEM to have a Ceilidh of their very own. They’ll thank me later!

* The Venue. ‘The Caves’ on Niddry Street hosted both the Ceremony & the Reception and they did an absolutely stand-up job of it. While tricky to photograph in, the brick, the lights, the secret little nooks & crannies were so incredibly atmospheric and beautiful! The venue really took on an identity all it’s own… Which, I think, is the sign of a truly special venue.

* The LOVE! Look, every wedding is packed full of love. That’s sort of the nature of the event, y’know? However, every so often you get to attend a wedding where the LOVE, the serenity, the happiness practically drips from the walls. It oozes out of not just the Bride & Groom (or, in this case- the Bride & the Bride) but out of every single person in attendance as well. There is so much love and endorphins just floating around that it’s intoxicating. I will always remember Carrie & Sarah’s wedding as one of the most loving, tender & genuine nuptials that I have ever had the pleasure of attending.

Big thank you to Carrie & Sarah for having me out there and for trusting me and my camera to capture their magical day. You were such gracious hosts! I wish you two a lifetime of laughter and happiness (though, I have a feeling that your lives are not lacking in that department in the slightest!). Much love!

The R* Family

One of my very favourite things to do is to shoot a family in their own home. Some of my favourite images have come from these ‘in-home’ lifestyle sessions. Children & Infants especially, benefit from the familiar sights, sounds & comforts of home.

I think that we photographers are occasionally guilty of forgetting how it feels to be on the other side of this camera gear. As much as we try to make our clients feel comfortable and at ease, there is always a little bit of pressure and anxiety to look/behave your best. Children are very sensitive to this pressure and I believe that this is the #1 reason why they have melt downs and tantrums during shoots. The pressure can be just too much. This is all the more reason to keep their environments as familiar & natural as possible, to keep smiles on your faces, and to go out of your way to keep things fun & relaxed.

I shot this session at the R* Family’s home in Burnaby, BC. It was an absolutely beautiful spring day! We began the shoot in their home, and then moved outside for the last half of it giving their daughter, Stella, a chance to blow off some steam. The R* family welcomed their newest addition, baby Angus, last month and this shoot was the first time he’d had his photo professionally taken. He was a complete natural!

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Stacey’s Bump

I have known Stacey since the first day of the 8th grade (about.. oh… 14 years ago) and we have been friends ever since. When she got engaged, I was there to shoot her. When she got married, I was there to shoot her. And now that they are expecting their first child– I was happily there to shoot her. I am so excited for this baby to enter the world! Stacey is one of my longest, nearest & dearest friends and her having a baby feels like I am getting a new niece or nephew. I am THRILLED for them and cannot wait to hold, snuggle, and love their sweet child.

Sarah & Paul!

Several months ago I did a very mini photo shoot for my darling friend Sarah and her (then) boyfriend Paul. The pair stopped over in San Francisco  while on a road trip to Arizona. We snapped a few photos of the pair while I showed them around my fair city a little bit… Little did I (or Sarah!) know, Paul was planning a proposal in just a few short weeks! The couple is now engaged and planning a Spring 2011 wedding, which yours truly has been tasked with covering! I am so excited for this adorable couple!

Engaged!

Valeska & Tilo came to me looking for some photos for their Wedding Announcements. The couple are planning a very intimate wedding at San Francisco’s City Hall in early January. My husband & I actually went about getting married in basically the same fashion, so working with them was a real treat. It’s so wonderful when you can relate with clients, and offer tips (IE- Get married on the 4th floor of City Hall. There’s better light and more privacy!). Congratulations to his happy and beautiful couple! May your years together be filled with happiness & adventure

Jessica, Trent and the Bump!

Firstly, I would like to thank Jessica & Trent for their patience in waiting for photos. I generally aim for a turn around of a week (or less) but this month was a bit unique, and they ended up waiting just over 2 weeks. Thanks guys!

We have a wonderful shoot at Alta Plaza Park. I was really excited to play with my ‘mustaches’ for the very first time. Those will definitely be making another appearance soon. Too much fun! Jessica & Trent are such a gorgeous couple, and I am so looking forward to meeting their wee one when he arrives!

Jessica & Trent

Sneak Peak!

Just a sneak peak into the wonderful Maternity Shoot I did today. Unfortunately, due to being without my normal computer– I am not able to fully edit this session until mid-August… but the shoot was too much fun to wait until then. I’m here with a few photos, edited very basically, to give you an idea of what is to come! Stay tuned for Jessica & Trent’s full blog post in the coming weeks!

Jennifer & Jaime

Jennifer and Jaime contacted me initially about doing a newborn portrait session. Once I found out that she was still pregnant, I managed to convince her to do a Maternity shoot as well. Ironically, this lovely little family lives less than 5 blocks from me so getting to their beautiful home could not have been easier!

Initially we had planned to do the shoot at a neighbourhood park, but once I saw just how fabulous their home was/is– we quickly decided that we wouldn’t need to leave the home at all! It was so fabulous to get to shoot a couple in their own home, where they feel the most comfortable and the most themselves. The light was perfect and I almost fell over when I saw their incredible, very ‘San Francisco’ bay window seat!

Jennifer is due in just a few short weeks and we already have plans for a Newborn session once their wee one arrives. Keep your eyes peeled for that. I can’t wait! They are such a delightful couple, and ‘Biscuit’ the cat is going to make a fabulous big sister! Thanks a lot guys. I can’t wait to meet the new addition.

Until then, enjoy these few images!

 

 

 

Carrie & Sarah

Shooting Sarah & Carrie was such a treat. The duo was in San Francisco from Edinburgh, Scotland. A mutual friend put us in touch and before you know it- a photo shoot was arranged. We met at 8:30am and immediately B-lined for the nearest coffee-joint. After chatting for a little bit and getting to know each other, we headed towards ‘The Cannery’ on Fisherman’s Wharf for our session. Waking up early has it’s advantages- we had the place entirely to ourselves!

These two are the first ‘same sex’ couple that I have ever shot and I was immediately struck by their tenderness & affection towards each other. Even though initially they both admittedly felt ‘awkward’ in front of the camera, never for a minute did they appear to be anything less than completely & utterly smitten. It was such a special shoot….They are such a special couple.

 

 

 

Emily & Franck– a sneak peak

My darling friends Emily & Franck tied the knot today in an absolutely gorgeous ceremony at San Francisco’s City Hall. I was privileged enough to shoot this *gorgeous* couple’s engagement, and HONORED to be invited back to shoot their Wedding. Emily & Franck are amazing people & friends– and an even more amazing couple. I have so much more to say about their beautiful wedding… but I have been awake for almost 20hrs and I need to sleep!

It will take me a couple days to go through the hundreds & hundreds of photos that I took— but until I am done, please enjoy this Sneak Peak!