isn't it romantic?

Sonya and John chose the most romantic day of the year for their wedding... Valentine's Day!  I had been looking forward to it since I first met them last Fall. Sonya's plans for the wedding were very special and I knew it was going to be gorgeous.  After photographing their engagement shoot, I realized how much these two adore each other... which of course, made photographing their wedding a dream. Sonya's amazing taste was evident in all the details of the day...

would you look at those eyes?  what a stunning bride.

and the groom wasn't bad looking either...

the ceremony at St. Helen's Church in Burnaby was absolutely beautiful...

the happy couple!  I just love the genuine joy of those first few moments of being husband and wife...

I mean, seriously.  are these two gorgeous people in love, or what?

and of course, they had the coolest bridal party!

the reception was held at a ballroom in one of the newer venues in Vancouver, the Delta Grand Villa Hotel.  Kudos to the management and incredible staff for providing amazing service and delicious food for the room full of 500 guests!  I look forward to doing more weddings in their hotel.  The spectacular florals and decor were provided by the incomparable Sandy of Art of the Party who never fails to deliver her magical touch. 

Congratulations, Sonya and John!  I hope your wedding was everything you dreamed it would be and more.  Can't wait to hear all about the epic honeymoon!

Whistler wedding...

my first wedding of the year! and what a special one it was.  my bride and groom, Samara and TJ are one of the most unique and special couples I have had the pleasure of working with.  these two were meant to be together, and one look at how they make each other smile confirms it.  their jobs in the U.S. Army brought them together and they quickly fell in love... rather than eloping, they decided to exchange their vows and share their wedding day with a small group of family and friends in Whistler.  every aspect of their day was meaningful and intimate, yet full of love and laughter and an honour to be a part of.  to add to the pleasure of it all, was the company of my very good friend, the uber-talented and all round fabulous photographer, Patricia Lyons who came up from Virginia to shoot it with me and hang out for the weekend in Whistler. it wouldn't have been the same without her! 

I love a bride who wears Uggs on her wedding day!

the very handsome and happy groom, who rarely stopped smiling all day.

the ceremony was held in front of the stone fireplace in the Wine Room of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. could there be a more romantic setting?

the happy couple... as avid snowboarders, you can see why a destination wedding in Whistler was an easy choice!

the intimate reception was held in the Chalet at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. the entire day was flawlessly coordinated by my favourite wedding planner in Whistler, the talented Roxanne of Celebrate Events.

one of my favourite aspects of the evening celebrations was a horse drawn sleigh ride with Outdoor Adventures in Whistler. what an incredible night for a moonlit sleigh ride!

Samara and TJ, I wish you both a lifetime of love and laughter... stay safe, be well and keep smiling!