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.

LONG BEACH LODGE ELOPEMENT : STEFANIE + KEITH

I've said it before, but I'll say it again...I love elopements!  Like a lot.  There's just something very special about an intimate ceremony.  Just the two of them and their love for each other.  It just gets to me!  Especially when I get to shoot them with my best friend.  Hey, Adina, that's you!

So, naturally, like every wedding with Adina I blog, the day started with - you guessed it - rain.  But, by nothing but pure luck, the rain subsided in time for the ocean side ceremony.  When we arrived at the Long Beach Lodge Resort in Tofino on a cold Tuesday in September, Stefanie and Keith were quietly enjoying their last moments of single life with each other.  Blissful and happy.  Like it should be.  We slowly gathered up details and quietly photographed them as they sat on the bed eating lunch and watching tv.  Just two people, in love.

The day continued with a ceremony on the beach, surrounded by surfers taking advantage of the windy weather, hiking up trails to find the most amazing spots, a trip to TacoFino and of course, lots of love.  Like always, a special thank you to Adina for bringing me along with her.  It's always such a joy working and catching up with this wonderful human.  We always have the best time.

Stefanie and Keith, I wish you nothing but the happiest for you both as you enter this new chapter of your lives together.  Here's to love, here's to happiness an here's to you.  Much love, J.

Stefanie donned this absolutely gorgeous Jenny Yoo dress that she put together with a simple gold belt found on one of my favourite online stores, Etsy. 

She completed her look with these stunning earrings from Kate Spade.

Stefanie made her own bouquet and Keith's boutineer.  How great is she?!

Moments before their first kiss.  Like really, they are too adorable.

I swear, Tofino is seriously the most beautiful place on Earth!  I could shoot here all day if they'd let me.

Stunners.

Oh, Stefanie, do go onn!

These two were an absolute delight to spend the day with.

Ack!  Stop it with your cuteness you two!

True love.

 
We ended the day at TacoFino because these two are just that awesome!  If you are ever in Tofino, be sure to stop by, it's pretty amazing.

They make ordering tacos look good ;)

Happy Friday!

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!