Matt & Jocelyn – January 9, 2010

Us three had been planning for this day for what felt like a very long time.  Not in a bad sense, but rather so great was the anticipation of the wedding day that I’d wager my savings (hehe…not much there) that the three of us had count downs going both mentally AND on our calendar, that began way back when we first met.

That’s called being VERY excited.

If the truth be told, I would have to admit that I literally fell in love with these two.  Matt with his perma-smile that no matter what I did to try to get him to tone it down a bit, nothing worked.  The guy is full of joy plain and simple.

…In case you think I’m lying…(and the best part?  I have hundreds more like this!)

And Jocelyn, with her at first quite conservative approach, but then already at the second meeting she was cracking jokes, giggling, TACKLING Matt when he least expected it (which was almost always the case) and sometimes acting so crazy (licking his face…erm…it’s the truth) that I had to put a stop to it…otherwise what sort of meeting would the people sitting next to us at the coffee shop think we were having??

Matt and Jocelyn, thank you so much for trusting me with capturing the beauty of your day.  You both were breathtaking in both your beauty and your obvious love and respect for each other.

Just a few that make me gasp…

It was unbelievably cold (true to Winnipeg weather)

New Years 2009 (yes, I know my posts are not in the correct order!)

I’ve never been one to go all ga-ga over this holiday.  My preference has always been to lay low and even (heaven forbid) go to bed BEFORE the clock has stuck midnight.  I know, I know…stop me now.  I lead such an interesting and wild life.

So this year a few of us joined together for some potluck type food in the form of a fondue and some serious, gut hurting laughing.  Nothing like rollin’ with your peeps.

best shot of the night right here…

kelly has just gotten on board with hot yoga and was showing off his skill in a very serious manor:

A Sneak Peak…Kubin Wedding 2010

The clients can’t wait…so here I am, posting just a couple of gems before I finish off the rest.  All I have to say, is what an outstanding couple!  They just never stopped smiling…and I mean NEVER stopped smiling.

That tells you something, no?

Cheers to you both!  And thanks again for asking me to be part of your day…

Ending 2009 with a Little R & R

Is there a better place to be than back to where it all began? With family all around, hot coffee constantly brewing, mountains of homemade food just waiting to be eaten, hot tub steaming outside in the snow ready for any daring takers, the woods out back begging to be explored…this is what made up my Christmas scene for 2009.

What a treat.  Driving away from the city on the 24th…leaving it all behind…to get to the calmness and beauty of the farm.  It’s too bad that it takes having a major holiday to get our butts in gear to actually force ourselves to step away from the bustle of life (which frankly has been a bit too busy for my liking!) to see and enjoy what is around us.

Anyway.  Photos.  So while I was away from the hustle and bustle…I convinced my parents and sister in laws that I’d like to take their pictures…I got LOADS of gems, but promised I would only publish a few (some people are soooo shy).  The rest are the beauties taken around the yard.

Ice Crystal Gala Madness

I had the distinct honor of being asked to photograph the Children’s Hospital Foundation Ice Crystal Gala this year – and what a lovely experience that was!  Great people behind the scenes ensuring everything ran according to plan (Lori Derksen – that comment is meant for YOU!) and a beautiful venue at the Winnipeg Convention Center that was decorated by Shawna Balas.  It felt as though you were stepping into a room filled and dripping with, ice crystals.

Aside from my feet feeling as though there were daggers being dug into them with each step (it’s those beautiful, yet cursed, knee- high Campers that I purchased in Spain – while they look drop dead, they are a bugger to wear long term while working), I actually had a lot of fun.  The kids were mouth-watering cute and the sponsoring families were, how should I put it, great sports?  Posing for pictures left right and center, dancing, chatting, smiling, laughing, getting up to the mike to offer a VILLA IN EUROPE in the silent auction…you know, the norm.

My favorite picture from the night: Representing a few generations of the sponsoring family…

A few more of the same family that pulled at my heart strings just a little…

Now it’s time to give some credit to those who did a BANG UP JOB organizing this.  Below is Lori Derksen and the Chair of the Gala Commitee (don’t know her name but she sure is lovely – always smiling, always ready to give a hug – you can’t help but fall in love with her!):

On the left is Shawna, who was the event decorator – don’t know the other ladies but they were sure fun to shoot!

Some shots of the venue (way to go Lori and Shawna!!):

Now some mouth watering shots of the kids…ohhh, those ridiculously cute and eatable kids!

She may be the tallest yoga genius I know, BUT

she is also one of the most patient, kind, non-judgmental, encouraging, FLEXIBLE (you have no idea) girl who happens to consistently try to teach me downward facing dog every week without an hint of “shouldn’t you remember this already?” coming off her.

Her name is Erin and her studio is The Eklectica which is nestled nicely on Albert Street -  in Winnipeg’s own gem: the exchange.

In exchange for free yoga (fingers crossed that this arrangement goes on for life) I took some photos of Erin and part of her gang (notice I was not selected to model any of the poses) and am in the process of helping her figure out some marketing garble.  Honestly, I will do my best to expand her business (because lets be honest here, she IS the best instructor and HAS the coolest location)…but if I put down my professional hat for just a moment and give you a glimpse into what I’m really feeling, I’d have to admit that I would rather keep this little (erm, she’s not little) gem all to myself.  I’m all over the small classes, one on one instruction that she gives each of us ALL the time and the mini chats we have beforehand just checking in with each other and our weeks.

Our little yoga family.

BUT.  That’s just my fantasy.  In reality, everyone should be seeing this lady and hiring her services.  She really will change your world – I speak from experience.

The Real Deal

A beautiful Winnipeg jewelry store hired me to photograph their product for a few upcoming events (Winnipeg Wedding Show at the Fort Gary Hotel AND their “Ladies Night” which is scheduled for the end of this month) and all I have to say is “WOW!”.  The product, the model, the stylist, the space…everything worked together to produce some A-MAAA-ZING images.

Now in terms of the product (I have to say, I got wet pits just thinking of the price tag of those diamonds…I don’t think I’ve ever been that close to the real deal, never mind touched them, handled them or photographed them.  It was enough to give me heart palpitations), I could handle owning the gold chain link bracelets…those bad boys NEED to be on my wrists.  In fact, I am certain they were actually made with me in mind.  If anyone is listening, I’d be willing to wear those FOR FREE for as long as you’d like.  Advertising, product endorsement, you name it.

I’m your gal.

A Miracle

It is nothing short of a miracle, this journey of adoption that my friends Lavonne and Don have been on.  Sitting across from her at Dessert Sensations (drinking home made hot chocolate made with REAL chocolate), holding this precious bundle, I could barely keep it together.  Their story is one of perseverance, patience and complete trust – all things that I can take home and learn from.  Thank you Lavonne for sharing this with me – and thank you to you, Don and Teegan for inviting me into your home to capture a few moments of your new family together.

What an absolute treat.

A few more gems to share…

Now these are pure gold.  Getting my hand made Fiorentini & Baker boots soaking wet was TOTALLY worth getting these shots.

(btw, the shoes are totally fine)

Engaged and in Love

Matthew and Jocelyn asked me to photograph their wedding and part of doing that, is capturing their engagement.  Thanksgiving Monday was our shoot day where we managed to experience sunshine, rain, snow and cloud all within the span of 4 hours.  Welcome to Manitoba I guess.

Thanks to you both for spending what I consider to be a VERY fun afternoon together (you guys are hilarious!!).  Here’s a peak of a few favorites, with more to come…