NEW WEBSITE + BLOG

Lots has changed around here, but for the much, much better!  Let me introduce to you my NEW WEBISTE!!

...And my NEW BLOG!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

KISSES AND DISSES : SUMMER TIME HEAT + POKEMON GO

This past weekend was mine and Omar's 6 month anniversary (yes, we are those people) and he surprised me by coming out for a weekend visit.  Even though his presence was a gift in itself, he also brought along a bottle of wine - my kind of man - and gifted me a real rose that has been preserved in real gold.  I felt bad I had nothing to give him in return (his card was sitting in the mailbox back at home) but he assured me it was fine and and told me as long as we were together, that's all he'd need.

Being the couple we are, we spent the following day walking around town catching Pokemon - we had downloaded it earlier that morning after breakfast just to try it out and now we are totally  addicted!  It brought back childhood memories of trading Pokemon cards on the playground and relishing in your new found stash.  I never thought I'd be the person to go out and play this game on my own, but I am surprised at how much it has gotten me out of the house...I have to beat Omar before he comes back tonight ;)

This leads me to another instalment of Kisses + Disses...

This week's disses go to:

*This heat.  Y'all, I'm all for summer sunshine, but I think I've grown too accustomed to living on the west coast where the summers are much more mild.  It's like living in a desert!

*Chipped nail polish.  Need I say more?

*1 ply toilet paper...it's 2016 people!

This weeks kisses go to:

*Omar.  Even though, really, he deserves this everyday of the year.

*My new iPhone.  I've recently upgraded my phone from the dinosaur iPhone 4s.  AND even better, it's rose gold!

*Pokemon Go.  I know there is a very two-sided debate over this game, but any 90's kid should know the excitement of finally being able to catch your own Sandshrew...like, seriously.

A NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME

Now that the craziness of moving is settling to an end, I've finally had a chance to take a breath and embrace this fresh and new adventure of mine.  In the short time since I moved back to the Shuswap/Okanagan so much has happened.  I finally got to meet two of my closest friends' babies (which I had yet to meet face to face), our styled shoot got featured on an online wedding blog, I've unpacked - which is just about as bad as my cat waking me up this morning by going all kung-fu on my big toe - I've been lucky enough to see my favourite person every weekend so far as opposed to every second (and sometimes third!) weekend, I gave my Mom's walls a fresh coat of paint, and I'm helping my friend re-vamp her Etsy store and am getting ready to take all new photos of her products.

I am so excited for all that's coming up and to meet some new upcoming brides in someplace that's fresh and new!

Happy Tuesday!

FEATURED : WEDDINGBELLS + BESPOKE BRIDE

I have some SUPER EXCITING news to share with you all...I have had the honour of being featured on a couple of the loveliest wedding blogs around!  As some of you may already know, our styled shoot was featured on Bespoke Bride a couple weeks ago!  It was originally supposed to go live later on this month, but due to a cancellation, it got published almost a month early!

During the weekend I had received and email from Adam and Marieke, the two master-bakers from Coastal Cake Company, that the cake from our styled shoot had been featured on Weddingbells as Canada's Prettiest Wedding Cakes For 2016!  Not only that, my image was one of 5 selected for the cover image!  When I ran up to tell Omar, he jumped in joy with me as we clapped hands and cheered.

I'm am so incredibly happy and honoured to have my images featured on such sites as Bespoke Bride and Weddingbells!  Not only that, this checks of no. 26 on my 101 list: get an image of mine published online!

Happy Thursday everyone!

SUNSHINE AND ICE CREAM

This past weekend was Omar's last visit to the island (while I live here) so we finished it off with ice cream on the pier.  As we walked along the wooden boards - one hand cold from our treats, the other hand warm clasped within each others - we talked about our future as the sun shone brightly on our backs.  

We had had a little fight  disagreement earlier in the morning over something so small.  I realized as we walked that although we may not agree one hundred percent all the time, there's no one in this world that makes me happier than he does.  

And truth be told, I think I fell in love with him that much more that day.

SEALAND SCENIC FLIGHTS

Before I start this post, I just want to thank each and every one of you for your encouragement, love and support from my last post.  I've had an amazing four and a half years on Vancouver Island and am going to miss the little family of friends I've made while here as well as my two sisters and their families.  There has been too many wonderful memories to count, so many new experiences and opportunities - it just makes me even that more excited for this new chapter of my life.  I just wanted to say thank you and give you all a big, warm fuzzy hug!  Now that I've got that off my chest, onto the real post...

A couple days ago my sister asked if we could hang out since I'll be leaving the island in a couple of weeks.  The only obligation - she gets to choose what we do.  Fine by me!  In the midst of packing and getting ready to second shoot a wedding on Saturday, I wouldn't have had the time to plan something out!  So I sat and waited until she told me to come over.  What she had planned exceeded my expectations and was a wonderful way to say goodbye to the place I once called home.  The photos are a mix of my camera as well as iPhone photos :)

My sister works at SeaLand Aviation as well as SeaLand Flight across the street which hosts the flight school and the scenic flights (which is what we did).  If you'd like to book a flight for yourself (or enroll in their flight school - who wouldn't want to be a pilot?!) email my sister Angie at info@sealandflight.com or call 24/7 at 250-895-9089 for more information.  They also rent out planes for those who already have their pilot's license. How cool is that?!

I made asked my niece take this photo of me ;)

The crew with our pilot Ian!

Me and my back seat companion.

I know it's June, but...WE FOUND SNOW!

This is what Mt.Washington looks like from an airplane in case y'all are wondering ;)

All done!  And I only screamed once!

Happy Friday!

NEW CHAPTERS

These past couple of months have been crazy.  Amidst planning/executing/editing my long awaited styled shoot, photoshoots with clients, weddings, trips to and from the ferry to see my bae (I so went there ;) and working full time at my day job - I have also been packing for a big move.  

As of next month I will no longer be an island girl.  The tolls of a long (ish) distance relationship has done it's number on the both of us.  There's only so much FaceTiming a girl can do before it's just not enough.  I decided to move back home until we can find an apartment to move into together.  We will still be long distance, but without the hassle of BC Ferries we will be able to see each other more often and without the rushing of goodbyes as to not miss the designated sailing.

So any of you brides in the Shuswap/Okanagan/Lower Mainland I am coming your way and am now booking for the 2017 wedding season!  And to all you lovlies still on the island, don't fret.  Even though I am leaving, both my sisters as well as my nieces and nephew will not be.  I will still be making multiple trips to the island throughout the year and I would be beyond excited to capture your wedding day on the island.

Although a tad bit nervous - and the thought of packing is a kin to a root canal - I am incredibly excited for this new chapter in my life.  In our lives. Cheers to a new beginning.

WHEN LIFE GETS IN THE WAY

I had planned on blogging something else today.  But today, other things are on my mind...

I wish...

- I could've slept in longer today.

- These grey clouds would beat it so the sun can show its bright, shiny face.

- My boyfriend lived closer.

- I could read all the books on my shelf by simply touching the pages.

- I could shoot weddings every weekend for as long as I can.

- I could learn to live in the present instead of being sorrow of the past and anxious for the future.

- Harry Potter was a real person.

- The bookkeeping could do itself.

- I was on a white sandy beach, fruity drink in hand and a great book by my side.

START EACH DAY WITH A GRATEFUL HEART

We should go, I said as we sat on a log watching the sun set on the beach...I don't want to miss the ferry.  Okay he said reluctantly; he took my hand and we made our way back to the car.  As I made my way through a short cut, I felt Omar tug on my hand as he kept me on the trail, I want to buy you ice cream he said.  Knowing we were running late, I agreed - I can't help it, those puppy eyes got me hooked!  THIRTY MINUTES LATER we were back in the car.  We're not going to make it to the ferry I said - holding back the tears.  I had a wedding the next day and suddenly that peanut butter ice cream didn't seem worth it.

After driving at unforgiving speeds, we made it to the ferry terminal 4 minutes after the cut-off and that was it.  I burst into tears in the middle of the parking lot.  I'm so sorry, he said as he held me in his arms...I'll get us a hotel for the night and you can leave first thing in the morning.  I immediately felt bad about making it into such a big deal.  He wiped away my tears and I could feel a smile forming on my lips.  I may have unexpectedly missed the ferry, but I got to spend another night with my favourite person - who could complain about that?!

I boarded the ferry the next morning, coffee in hand, as I waved goodbye to my loving boyfriend and another great week at the Canada Photo Convention.  Once docking in Nanaimo, I drove straight to a wedding to second shoot with Adina, which we later realized was the one year anniversary of shooting weddings together #cheers.

Life might get in the way sometimes and make us lose track  of what's really important.  The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.  Train your mind to see the good in every situation and start each day with a grateful heart.

HARD WORK AND A LOT OF HEART

I kissed him goodbye and quickly gulped down my last bit of coffee.  I was on my way to the first wedding of 2016 which I was second shooting with Adina.  Love you I yelled as shut the door and made my way to the car.  It's crazy how so much can change in a year.

This time last year I hadn't even shot a wedding.  Heck, I hadn't even photographed a paid session.  Now?  I have almost 20 weddings under my belt with even more coming my way throughout 2016.  Next week I'll be making my way back to Vancouver for my second time at Canada Photo Convention.  The first time I attended CPC was just short of a year ago and I remember crying in the bathroom during lunch - embarrassing but true - because I felt like I was way over my head thinking that I could pass off as a professional.  But the funny thing is, by the time I left, I finally realized I had found a place where I belonged.  Where I felt safe.

And the best part of all of this?  I've finally found someone to share all these new, exciting moments of my life with besides my cat.  I can't help but feel grateful for all that's happened throughout this past year and to those who have helped me along the way.  

I hope I can look back at this post 10 years from now and just remember how far I have come.  At what can be achieved with hard work and a lot of heart.

KISSES + DISSES : TIME + FRIENDAVERSARIES

Hiiiiiiiiiiii!  How is it that March is already half over?!  Yesterday I was so confused as to why people were posting things about St. Patrick's Day until I realized that it was in fact March 17th.  I think I need to hire an assistant if I can't even keep track of my days any more!

Earlier this week, I made my daily visit to my friend's blog (creepy, I know - considering her last post was in November!) and I realized she had posted one of the weddings she let me join her on last summer.  I get a kick out of seeing my images spread amongst hers...she can give the images a completely different vibe, which is one of the many reasons I love her so much.  You can view Adina's post from Laura and Trevor's wedding day here.  

Next weekend Adina invited me to join her yet again for another wedding.  It will be our first wedding of the year together and I am so super pumped for it!  Bring on the boxing gloves and high heels cause I am so READY FOR THIS!  I reminded her the other day that somehow amidst our busy schedules, we managed to forget our friendaversary.  So in a way, this will be our celebration.

This leads me to the first instalment of Kisses and Disses...

This week's disses go to:
*Time.  Like why is this year going by sooo fast...slow down pls.
*BC Ferries.  Living on Vancouver Island, I've had my fair share of ferry rides and they are nothing short of the bane of my existence.  'Nuff said.
*Hang nails.  I banged my finger on a piece of metal the other day and a hang nail has seemed to tag along for the ride just to add to the pain.

This week's kisses go to:
*Friendaversaries.  Friends make life great, and keeping them a friend makes life even better.
*Daylight Savings.  Yeah, yeah...I get time jumped ahead an hour and that kind of sucks, but the days are so much longer now - I can already see big hats and fruity drinks on the beach in the distance.
*Dry shampoo.  I just don't know where I'd be without it besides a greasy-haired crazy women sitting in front of the computer in my pyjamas clutching onto my cat.  And let's be real, no one wants that.

JUBES + OMARIA

It was a weekend of staying inside from all the rain.  We cuddled on the bed watching movies until our eyes closed and our minds drifted off to sleep.  It was a weekend of sleeping in, long conversations and lots of chocolate.  Sometimes when you're gone, it feels like it was all a dream until I can hold you in my arms once more.

I think weekends like this should happen more often.

WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP

I have taken a break from my blog and social media for a few weeks now.  I had reached the peak of what my body could take and it shut down.  Just.Like.That.

I am a creature of habit, so when plans change, routines break and my body just can't handle  the pressure.  For lack of a better word, my body broke.  I had reached a low I hadn't felt before and just wanted to give up.  On everything.  Even photography.  The voices of doubt started to whisper and my self esteem plummeted and  I almost threw in the towel.  For good.

I called my boyfriend trying to hold back the tears and I told him of my doubts.  My fears.  And that I wanted to give up photography.  Babe, he said, don't give up on your dreams just because life isn't going the way you planned.  It's just a bump in the road and things will get better, I promise.  My tears stopped and my heart began to flutter, he was right...plus, you're really, REALLY good at it, so why would you give up?  And just like that, I knew what I wanted to do.  Just add it to the million other reasons why I love this man

The thing is, if you're passionate enough about something run for it, arms wide open, screaming at the top of your lungs.  And remember: it won't always be easy.  Chasing after your dreams is hard work, but eventually, if you run hard enough, you'll find a light at the end of the tunnel. 

And never look back.

27 THINGS : HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

After spending the long weekend in Vancouver this past weekend as I turned yet another year older, I've come to realize a couple things.  Like, how much I rely on coffee to get me through the day or that my cat is arguably my best friend.  

Here are a few other things that I have learned, come to realize, etc. in the past twenty seven years...

1. Sunglasses, bright lipstick and a great necklace look good with any outfit.
2. Life is too short to not take risks.
3. Buy less, choose well.
4. Wash your face every night, even if you're tired.
5. Life will still go on even though no new Doctor Who episodes will air this year.
6. Cat videos cure all of life's problems.
7. Coffee is always the answer, but I could also say the same for wine.
8. I hate doing the laundry.
9. Be you, even if other people think you're weird.
10. Eyeshadow primer will save your life.
11. It's ok to have a wardrobe made completely out of black.  Bring it on Morticia Addams.
12. Always invest in a great pair of shoes.  Your feet will thank you.
13. Surround yourself with people who pull you up not push you down.
14. Dry shampoo is the best thing ever.
15. I'll never get sick of the Backstreet Boys, N'Sync or the Spice Girls.  Deal with it.
16. Reach out/talk to strangers...you just might surprise yourself.
17. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
18. Make time to read a good book.
19. Chase after your dreams, even if it scares you.
20. I need time to process decisions or changes to plans.
21. Tea is sometimes just as good as coffee.
22. There's always room for desert.
23. It's ok to get another year older...it only makes you wiser.
24. You're never too old to wear scrunchies or to jump in puddles when it rains.
25. There's always room to explore new things.
26. You wont find me without at least 3 tubes of lipstick in my purse.
27. Being a wedding photographer is the best job ever!

Thank you to all the amazing people in my life who made turning twenty-seven that much more special. xo

WHEN IN DOUBT, BUY A FISH

Life has been crazzzzzy lately and I realized I haven't been spending my time on the things I enjoy, such as blogging (I miss you guys), shooting for fun and enjoying the little things in life.  My birthday is next Monday, so I thought it would only be fitting to spend my last week as a 26 year old only doing things I find fun!  Work can wait until I am a boring 27 year old, but until then #partyon

Last week, I was complaining to my friends how boring and uninteresting my life is -welcome to the life of a photographer people ;)- so after my work session at Starbucks, I decided to go to the pet shop and buy some things for Chachi.  Why yes, I am one of those people who treats their pets like sweet precious children.  While I was making my way across the store, I caught the glimpse of the most gorgeous fish.  He had a white face, blue body and the tips of his fins and tail were delicately painted hot pink and that colour combination was enough to steal this 90s girl's heart.  So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce to you my new fish : Prince Phillipe.  

Happy Wednesday!

2016 : ACCOMPLISHED GOALS AND WHAT I CAN WORK ON

Well would you look at that, a full week into the New Year and I haven't made any resolutions for 2016.  Not a single one.  And I don't plan on it.  Instead, I thought it would be more fun to take a trip back in time to my 2015 goals and see what I managed to accomplish this past year.  

Photos brought to you by my one and only, the best person ever...Ladies and Gentlemen, Adina from Wren and Rook Photography <3 

My business goals for 2015 were:
*Read at least five business books
*365 Photo Challenge
*Second shoot 5 weddings
*Shoot first wedding on my own as first photographer
*Attend a photography workshop
*Launch new website and blog

I read 2 out of 5 business books (blog post to come soon.  They were both gooders ;).  The 365 photo challenge didn't happen.  A week in I realized it wasn't as fun as I thought it would be and I found it would stress me out more than anything.  I figured I would be better off spending that time investing in my business, so that's what I did.  My goal was to second shoot 5 weddings in 2015, I did 14 (thanks to ma homegurl Adina).  I only wanted to shoot one wedding on my own, I shot two!  You can see them here and here.  I planned to attend one photography workshop which I did in March and shortly after in April, I attended the Canada Photo Convention in Vancouver.  I had extremely high hopes to launch my new website and blog, but truth be told...it's a lot harder than I though it would be!  It's coming though, I promise!! :)

Personal goals for 2015 were:
*Read more (my reading this past year was slacking to say the least)
*Develop a daily routine that works
*Learn to accept failure and be ok with it
*Stop comparing myself to others
*Take up yoga again
*Buy less, choose well

My reading situation was still slacking this past year.  I had planned on reading around 35 and I only read 10, but hey, it's better than nothing!  Daily routine - check.  I'm still learning to accept failure, but it does get easier as each day goes on, something I plan to continue to work on for 2016.  Stop comparing myself to others: I'm surprised I can actually check this one off the list.  Sure there are still times I find myself wishing I could be like the Jones', but not like before.  Yoga didn't happen, I took up hiking instead :)  And that last one, I'm surprised I did that as well.  It also kinda helped that they took Target out of Canada ;)

Overall I am so thrilled with how 2015 went.  Other than working harder and doing better this year than I did last year, the only thing I really want to work on is to shoot more personal work.  My first year of business, I was out practising a lot.  Like all the time.  And this past year, I lost that and would really love to get into it again.

Hey 2016, bring it.

REVIEW : 2015

Holy butts...2015, what a year!  It's so crazy to look back and think how much has happened and changed this past year and it only gets me that much more pumped for 2016!  If it's anything like last year, I know only exciting things are coming my way.  As a way to pay tribute to such a great year, I thought why not share all my favourite images I've shot throughout the year.  I owe so much to my clients for allowing me to do what I love, and for that alone, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. <3

I couldn't help but add in a photo of Adina #loveyou

Two sneak peeks...I haven't blogged these weddings yet, but it's oh so hard not to share!

 So here's to 2016...let's kick it!