I’m on my way home from Mexico this week from a very cool workshop by Jose Villa. I assure you it was all work and no play ;- )    ;- )

This is dinnertime at the 350 year old Hacienda we stayed at:

It was so nice to shoot in new and inspiring places.  Note: the people in these photos are are very much models ! They are real people, but definitely out of this world in terms of excellent style!  See links below for all the info.

Sunset on the Hacienda grounds, just over an hour away from Guadalajara:

Here’s the info on the look!
Dresses - Claire Pettiebone - www.clairepettibone.com
TEAM Hair and Makeup - http://www.teamhairandmakeupservice.com/
Stylist - Matthew Johns - http://dirtylaundry400.blogspot.com/
Head Pieces for wedding gowns - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohmydeer
Models: Citro Modelos

1.  The ceremony began with Andy rowing a boat (against the wind) over to the Hart House.  When I heard about this ahead of time, I thought this was a pretty neat idea, but what made it even better was that it was a surprise for all the guests to see Andy row in!
2.  Once again, Hart House did not disappoint with their unbeatable ceremony site.  It’s one of my favs in the Lower Mainland!  Dramatic and amazing light, even in the last weekend of September!… sigh.

Event Planners: Elements Modern Weddings
Officiant: Reverend Marilyn Knipp
Rowboat: Deer Lake Boat Rentals
Decor: Chantelle at Upright Decor
Makeup: Blo Salon at Four Seasons
Florist: Oasis Flowers
Cake: Slavita from Elements Modern Weddings
DJ: Jeff X Productions

1. Tina and Jason have a very special wedding day- it was the same day of the Kanye West fiasco at the MTV awards!  : )
2. The shoes!  Our rad brides just keep one-upping each other for their think-outside-the-box wedding day shoes!  Not sure if anyone will top Tina’s choice for shoes!   On fire!!
3. Tina’s hair required three curling irons and a straightener.  I think her hair stylist had her work cut out for her that day ; )

DJ: DJ Ivan
Venue: Westwood Plateau

1. I love farm weddings because I don’t have to pay for parking : )
2. There were, um, just a few of my couples at this wedding (see below).  So much radness all in one place!
3. I photographed this wedding all by myself!
4. I just loved loved loved everything about Kristina and Brad’s day. Their creative directed photos simply involved walking around the farm- so laid back but endless opportunities.  This beautiful farm is one of my favorite wedding venues to date- but it’s not available to rent! : (

Some of our super amazing couples!!!!!!!!

1. Jess+Cam, class of August 16, 2008 : )

2. Andrea+Matt, class of June 26, 2009.  Andrea still checks the blog to make sure I’m still good : )  Keeps me on my toes!

3. Chelsea+Leroy, class of November 7, 2009 (goodness, that’s this weekend!!!!!)

4. Allison+Kyle, class of January 15, 2010!

5. and of course Kristina and Brad!!!!!!!!!!

Class of 2030?

1. I think it’s cute that Jordan does not like photos of the wedding dress hanging alone.   She thinks it’s weird.  I actually don’t disagree with her, but mostly I just find it interesting that she feels this way.  So on the wedding day I casually mentioned that I might take a shot or two of the dress hanging alone and Jordan was cool with that… since I showed up a little early, it wouldn’t do any harm or cut into valuable time, and really only takes about 10 seconds anyway.  When I went into the bedroom to retrieve her dress, I found it amusing that her ladies *gasped* “oh no, she doesn’t want any photos of the dress!”– I love the fact that her bridesmaids were looking out for her– that’s their job and they did it well!
2. Major dress drama followed by major veil drama meant that I had about 4 times the amount of time to take photos of this process— I just want Jordan to know that there was a plus side to all the problems she faced: some pretty awesome photos!
3. We had about 10 mins of photo time with Jordan and Chris that day (I checked the time stamp)- I love the pressure!
4. The Stanley Park Pavilion was a perfect place for a beautiful ceremony followed by a no-fuss “do as you please” cocktail reception. So much socializing this way!

Wedding Planner: Fairy Godmother Weddings - Kerry Reid & Devon Hird
Venue: Stanley Park Pavilion
Officiant: Karen Ell
Flowers: West Van Florist
Hair: Serenity Hair Lounge
Make-up: Colleen Kramm
Wedding Dress & Veil: Champagne & Lace
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Mette
Grooms’ Attire: J. Fedders/ Brooks Brothers
Groomsmen Tuxes: The Tux Store
Jazz Trio: Nick Stecz Trio
Cake: Sweet Tooth Cakery - the wedding cake was gluten and wheat free!!!

1. They had their engagement session with me over a year ago, and not much has changed since then except Sky and Ryan are now married!  Ryan was my groom who had a habit of sticking out his tongue all the time during their engagement session, and he did not disappoint on the wedding day either!
2. Two words: Party Bus!  I am now a limo snob thanks to these two renting a Party Bus.
3. I gave Sky+Ryan a good (surprise) grind on the dance floor at the end of the night as a parting gift : )

…are getting married in a couple of weeks!