2013 RCR Fernie Alpine Resort Slope Soaker
One of my favourite RCR events to shoot every year is the Slope Soaker. Picture a steep slope, a small jump followed by a drop and then an icy 60′ + bath of meltwater to cross. Nobody made it all the way this year – probably because they extended the icy soup by a good 20′ this go round. It was hilarious watching the costumes and attempts to cross the water – most ending the way you see below! Congrats to the competitors for even taking on the challenge.
Megs & Brent – Snowy day Esession
A couple years ago I got to shoot an incredible wedding in Mexico for Lindsey & Aaron, and while there got to hang out with both of their great families. Lindsey’s sister Megan got engaged to Brent, and the next thing you know I get a message from there looking for a photographer – gotta love how things come full circle like that! I met up with Megs and Brent just the other day and got to spend some time getting to know them, watch how much fun they have with each other, how playful they are, and get a feel for what happens when I bring the camera into the mix. We had a lot of fun, and were treated to a spring snow – one of the special requests Megan had for the shoot. I’d like to claim some responsibility for that, but the credit goes to mother nature. Thank you, by the way! Here are a few sneaks from the shoot – and a precursor for what awaits at their wedding in the Okanagan next summer!
Courtney & Owen – Winter Esession in Calgary
I met up with Courtney and Owen on a foggy spring day not long ago at an airport hanger where they work. I guess having a private jet at your disposal for a shoot is one of the perks of working for a company with these things just hanging about. It was a lot of fun to set up a few portraits inside, with Owen sporting the classic captain attire, and Courtney rocking the glamour look. I could’ve spent all day shooting them in and around the planes, but wanted to hit up a location downtown that I’ve had my eye on for some while. Their awesome dog joined us for the second half of the shoot, and it was great to have him along. I’ve known this couple for a number of years, so it was extra special to be asked to shoot their wedding later this year out on Vancouver Island. I know it’s going to be an amazing day and a road trip I’m excited to do!
2013 NHL Calgary Flames Fire & Ice Crew
One of my favourite shoots to do every year is the Calgary Flames Fire & Ice Crew – both the on & off ice groups. They’re always full of great energy and are really easy to work with. The shoot is always preceded by a scouting mission to the venue to check out the possible shooting locations, a frenzy of emails trying to coordinate their availability and double check with the facility on where we can and can’t go, and lugging the kit up and down the stairs. There’s usually some kind of curveball we get to deal with, but in the end, still manage to pull it off and have a few laughs along the way!
Angela & Gord – Winter esession in Calgary
Off to shoot this amazing couple in Vancouver this weekend, so I thought I’d drop these sneaks into the blog. I had a wonderful time getting to know them and run around some favourite spots in the core. I can’t wait to see them tie the knot!! 
Winter Esession with Shannon & Mark
The other week I got an email from this amazing couple, and after a few back we met up for a quick engagement session in Calgary. They brought their energetic dog Sage, and a ton of personality. I loved working with them and the time we spent together flew by. I can’t wait for their wedding this fall – I know it’s going to be nothing short of spectacular!!
Crystal & Preston – Winter engagement session in the foothills
A few samples from a recent shoot out in the foothills of the rocky mountains. It was a gorgeous day to be outside, even if it was technically the winter. Crystal & Preston were up for anything and were a lot of fun to have on the other side of the lens!
Jamie & Kevin playing in the snow
Just a few sneaks from a shoot I did the other day with the awesome-fun duo of Jamie & Kevin – thanks for braving the cold!!
Delanie & Mike – Surprise winter wedding at Kickinghorse mountain in Golden BC
I’ve known Mike a number of years now and was so happy for him when he met Delanie. They are such a fun couple to hang out with, and it’s especially true when their awesome son Holden is in the mix. I was asked if I’d be willing to make the trek out to Kickinghorse Resort just outside Golden BC in the days between Christmas & New Years. I couldn’t say yes fast enough! It was a blast to be out there for four days, getting to know each of them better, and the great friends and family they brought out there for the surprise wedding. The ceremony was both beautiful and intimate, taking place in the great room of a massive hillside chalet looking out towards the mountains on the far side of the valley. We headed into Golden for a few shots – many thanks to the crew for braving the cold weather and deep snow! This was a special wedding to shoot and one I will never forget.
Alyssa & Trent – Destination Wedding on the beach in Mexico
I first heard from Alyssa a couple years ago when she and Trent had decided they wanted to be married on the beach in Mexico on 12-12-12. It gave me a lot of time to get to know them, through our numerous phone calls, emails, meetings, and our fun engagement session last summer. It was like seeing old friends when I connected with them at the beautiful Barcelo Maya Beach resort near Playa Del Carmen in Mexico. It was a gorgeous setting, with the water lapping at the snow-white sand, humid onshore breeze, and these amazing clouds that provided a very dramatic backdrop. They brought a fantastic group of family and friends – some of the nicest people you could ever want to meet. We had the perfect amount of time to run around the resort grounds, get out on the pier, and even found time to stop for a quick beverage. The next day I met up with them to take the shoot to the next level, but for those you’ll just have to wait a bit longer…
Ruby & Chaz – Destination Wedding in the Mayan Riviera
When I heard Ruby and Chaz were getting married in Mexico, I definitely wanted to be there. I should say that I had never actually met Chaz until a couple days before their wedding, but from the instant I said hello I knew I would get along well with him. It certainly doesn’t hurt when both he and most of his friends share the same passions I do – skiing, fishing, simply being outdoors. It was a real treat to be asked to make the trip to Mexico in December, leaving the cold snowy Calgary behind for a week. The hotel they chose, the Azul Sensatori was amazing, and provided a perfect playground for photography. There was always something going on that week, and I even got asked to join the guys for a bit of surfing a day before the wedding.They had a special ceremony honouring her Sikh background first, and then after a few photos, a second ceremony down on the beach. The weather was ideal, just hot enough, and the sunlight seemed to last forever. I loved really getting to know these two, not only on their wedding day, but for the week I was with them and their collection of family members and close friends. I am excited for what the future holds for Ruby and Chaz, and look forward to seeing the rest of the crew when I get back up to Northern BC later this fall!
April & Travis – Winter Wedding At Sunshine Ski Hill
Every time I get to see April & Travis I have a ton of fun. From the moment these two appeared on my doorstep I’ve had a blast getting to know them, getting to laugh with them, and most recently getting to shoot their wedding out at Sunshine Ski Hill. One of the pre requisites to being there on their amazing wedding day was a willingness to shoot pictures of them in full attire snowboarding out at Sunshine! I didn’t hesitate for a moment, and just watching them ride side by side at a place that means so much, was a special event. I think the people sitting on the Standish chair were in a state of shock – I couldn’t stop laughing hearing all the comments from above. Did I mention this happened before the ceremony? Yup – these two have no fear, they just wanted a few special images to remember their day. I’ve been to the ski hill countless times in my life, but this was the first wedding and something I’ll never forget. It was a beautiful setting, and with a great crew of fun friends and loving families around, made for a magical mountain wedding. 
Caroline & Paul – Winter Esession in Calgary
When you’re planning a beach wedding on Maui what would make a perfect place for an engagement session? How about an old brewery in Calgary in winter! The first day we were hoping to meet up for the shoot, a massive winter storm spent the better part of the day blasting Calgary with snow. Fast forward two days later and we had a beautiful & mild November afternoon to do some shots. Caroline & Paul are so playful with each other, and simply suggesting that Paul kiss her left her beaming from ear to ear. I loved getting to spend the time with these two and I have no doubt their wedding will be amazing!
Jenn & Matt – Beautiful Fall Wedding at Spruce Meadows
Jenn & Matt are one of those couples that are a ton of fun just to be around. When I first met up with them I got a good feeling about them, and seeing the two of them laughing non-stop with each other during their engagement session was a treat. I had no doubt their wedding day would be much much more of the same. Mother nature held out special special for us this particular fall day out at Spruce Meadows, with golden leaves decorating the trees, deep blue skies, and a warm sun that felt more like the middle of the summe. I first got to connect with the guys and do a few shots of them getting ready before making my way over to join up with the girls. One of my favourite moments was watching Jenn open a letter from Matt, second was seeing her dad get to see her in her wedding dress for the first time. It really is a blessing to be there to see these moments. After a quick champagne the girls hopped into the stretch limo and off to Spruce meadows. The ceremony was beautiful and romantic – what a perfect setting for a wedding! We did a bunch of shots on property with the bridal party, then headed off in my truck to go check out a few spots I had found during my scouting the day before. The reception was full of more laughter, touching speeches, and a dance party that went long into the night. Just before dessert was served, I noticed the sun painting the clouds outside and snuck Jenn & Matt out for a quick couple pictures. It was a day I won’t soon forget!
Portrait session with Jordana, Rory & Berkeley
It’s no secret that I shoot weddings. I love to – there’s something indescribable about getting to cover and document such a significant day. I wouldn’t change it for anything. But one of the best parts I didn’t even know when getting into it was the amazing couples I would become friends with through shooting their wedding – then watching them as they start their own families. Every year I love getting those emails that ask me about doing some prenatal or baby shots. This was the case when I heard from Jordana & Rory about doing some shots of their beautiful daughter Berkeley. This super cute kid brought her A-game and I could tell how much fun Jordana was having playing dress-up! I don’t think Berkeley stopped smiling the whole time I had the lens trained on her. Here’s a few from our shoot the other day.
Kate & Mike – Calgary fall engagement session
A few days before I took off for my trip to Northern BC, I got to hang out with Kate & Mike in the park. It was a beautiful afternoon, even though the cool fall air kept us moving a bit quicker than normal! I hadn’t been to the Weaselhead area in a while, and it was a treat just getting to see the fall colours, smell the pine trees, and feel connected back to nature – right in the city. I had a lot of fun getting to shoot for Kate & Mike and I can’t wait for their wedding this spring!
Ashlee & Max – Wedding at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Ashlee & Max are the kind of people you just want to know. They are so warm and welcoming, and simply fun to be around. In all the years I’ve been lucky enough to have a camera in hand, I’ve wanted to shoot out at the Chateau, and they gave me my chance. I spend a lot of time out there during the winter on the ski hill, but prior to their big day had never done a wedding at this stunning Fairmont property. Driving out that Friday morning I watched the blue skies reflecting off the surreal colour of the lakes, and to top it off some jagged rocky mountains, punchy white clouds, and a warm sun that was a constant companion during the shoot. Showing up to the suite where the girls were getting ready, I entered the realm of bobby pins, hair spray, straighteners, curlers, shadows, sticks, powders, and perfume. For the uninitiated, this could be a lot to take in, but the energy was amazing and her bridesmaids were such a treat to get to know. I pulled myself away to have a quick visit with the guys, and they definitely held up their end of the equation ribbing the groom and keeping a smile on his face. Both Max and Ashlee have some true friends – something that was really apparent during the speeches later that night. We made our way out on to the terrace overlooking the lake – talk about ideal setting! The ceremony was beautiful, officiated by the always talented Robin White, and with the music provided by the very soulful and incredibly skilled Scotty Hills. We took off right after the family formals, and had the run of the area, climbing hills, taking out canoes, playing the forests, and on the train. A memorable day to say the least – congratulations Ashlee & Max, a lifetime of thank you’s for inviting me there to cover your wedding day!
Rachel & Craig – Wedding at Sirocco Golf Course in the Summer
From the first few minutes I spent with Rachel and Craig during our initial get together I had a great feeling about these two. They were instantly warm and welcoming, and pretty much up for anything in both their engagement session and their wedding. Mother nature spoiled us on their big day and delivered one of the nicest summer days this year. We toured around a few spots downtown after getting ready at the Palliser, then headed south for the ceremony venue at Sirocco Golf Course. I’d never been to this course before, and the setting was spectacular. Just minutes outside the city limits and it felt like we were well into the foothills. Even the reception later that evening was picture perfect – amazing food, great music and even a face painter decorating the better part of the guests. I had an incredible time getting to work with these two, their adorable son Chase, and great friends & family. I hope to cross paths with them again soon – maybe wandering the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur, their new home!
April & Travis – Fall Engagement Session in Calgary
A few sneaks from an engagement session I shot last week the incredible duo – April & Travis…
Negin & Michael – Wedding at the Green Water Resort in Pemberton
One of the best parts about being a photographer is getting to travel all over the place to shoot. Be it commercial work or wedding, there’s always something extra special about getting to go and shoot in an environment for the first time. This was the case when Negin & Michael asked me to shoot their wedding this summer out near Pemberton, BC. For those of you unfamiliar, it’s just a little further down the highway from Whistler. In reality, it couldn’t be more different than it’s much more famous neighbour. The area has a really laid back feel, with the combination of deep lush valleys and soaring peaks all around you. I’ve always loved getting to shoot mountain weddings, and the Green Water Resort provided the perfect setting for this intimate gathering. Even though the rain clouds pretty much threatened to pour the whole day, somehow they held off and really allowed the three of us to explore the valley & nearby town. I’ve had the pleasure of watching these two for some time now, and always enjoy getting to watch how they interact with each other. On their wedding day, the love & playfulness was visible at every turn – with each attention to detail, the unique and personal ceremony, and their amazing friends & family. A big thank you to the very talented crew of Filosophi Event Planning – always a treat to shoot a wedding that has been well planned!
