Shelley & Adam Part One: "The Sun Must Have Been Happy"

When you visit the blogs and websites of most wedding photographers, you're likely to read words like, 'honour,' and 'privilege.'   You might even find it a little monotonous; the way photographers all seem to write about capturing 'once-in-a-lifetime moments' in photographs that their clients will cherish forever.  It can sound a bit 'cheesy.'

Well, get ready for more cheese, because my experience is no different.

I was truly honoured when our violin teacher, Shelley Brown, asked me to photograph her wedding, and as I sit here and reflect upon the time I spent with Shelley and Adam, I feel very fortunate indeed.  I witnessed beautiful moments in the lives of these two people, and the idea that my photos will now become a part of their family history is an honour.

Yes, Wedding Photography is a business, and it can be a highly stressful and challenging job, but at the end of the day, it's really about capturing moments of love that exist between people.  (Cheese alert...)  I'm in the business of documenting LOVE.

(There were so many photos to choose from, I decided to devote this first blog post to Shelley and Adam during our pre-wedding portrait session, and I will cover the bridal party, ceremony and family portraits in a later post.)

Last Saturday, I arrived at the wedding site about four hours prior to the ceremony so that the couple could have the majority of their portraits taken before guests arrived.

Shelley's parents' home is gorgeous, with woods, gardens, and a nearby field.  I began by taking some detail shots before the bride and groom arrived.

After Shelley was dressed, and before Adam had arrived, I had some time to photograph the beautiful bride.

One of the first very magical moments occurred during our bridal portrait session.  Shelley is a talented musician, and she wanted some portraits taken of her playing her violin.  We went outside into the back yard and Shelley started to play.  I'm not sure what piece it was that she chose, but the sound filled the forest and everyone within earshot seemed to stop in their tracks.  Even the trees seemed to be listening.  Shelley was connecting with the music, she was lost in the moment, and she took us all along with her.

As we walked further into the shaded forest, the sun peeked through the canopy at one moment to bathe Shelley in light.  This shot is my favourite and it happened so quickly that I couldn't adjust my white balance, but the look on Shelley's face is glorious.  My daughter, who is also a student of Shelley's, saw this photo and said,

"The sun must have been happy that Shelley was getting married."

Another unforgettable moment was 'The First Look.'  Shelley was hiding behind a tree in the forest when Adam arrived to see his bride for the first time in her wedding gown.  I'll never forget the look on Adam's face, the way he offered his hand to his bride, the excitement in Shelley's smile, and that first kiss....

 What a kiss!!  

We went on to take photos of Adam and Shelley alone and with their bridal party, and there were many unforgettable moments, but I wanted to highlight two examples of why I felt so honoured to be photographing them on their wedding day.  Now I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Melissa, Todd & Zachary

I'm halfway through my second official year in business as a photographer, and a wonderful thing is beginning to happen...I have repeat clients.  I get to further develop the relationship I have with clients by spending more time with them.  I love it!

Especially when they're clients like Melissa and Todd, who trusted me to capture their wonderful wedding last summer.  Before they celebrated their first anniversary, they welcomed a beautiful little boy into the family.

Here's a little note to that special baby:

Zachary, you have no idea how fortunate you are to be born into this family.  The love and emotion I witnessed at your parents' wedding was pure and abundant.  Not only do you have loving parents, but loving Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles and so many beautiful little cousins.  I have no doubt that all of their hearts have expanded recently to make room for your precious little soul.

And I mustn't forget to mention that your parents have wonderful friends as well.  Your mom's friend Andrea organized this photo session and presented your mom with a gift certificate from all of her friends at a recent baby shower.  You will benefit from the network of loving, thoughtful friendships that your parents have nurtured.

When you look at these photos as a young boy, and later as a grown man, you will see that you were loved and adored.  It's in the way your parents look at you, and hold you, and react to each other.  Never doubt that you were welcomed into this world with love.

With love,
Your privileged photographer.

Say hello to Sawyer! | Comox Valley Newborn Photographer

Allie and I first met at 'Diaper Gym,' when we were both pregnant mothers, chasing our toddlers around the gym at the Rec. Centre.  Our eldest daughters became fast friends, as did we.  After almost six years of knowing Allie, I can honestly say that she is as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside and she and her husband Colin make the most BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN!!!

Allie's beautiful son Sawyer was born on Mothers Day and I couldn't wait to get him into the studio.  Allie wanted classic portraits of her son without props and fancy backgrounds; exactly my style!

The three of us had a lovely time together, and I was so glad that I had suggested spreading the newborn session over two days.  The photos I took of Sawyer with the rest of his family took place later.

This session was all about Sawyer.

Musicfest Makes me Happy!!! | Comox Valley Photographer

Vancouver Island Musicfest might just be my favourite weekend of the year.

I have been enjoying the festival for years as an audience member, but these past two years I have volunteered as a photographer on the Musicfest Media crew, and my enjoyment of the festival has surpassed all expectations.

To be able to enjoy live, collaborative performances by accomplished musicians in an atmosphere of joy and peace and kindess with a camera in my hand is my idea of a GOOD TIME!!!  (It was also a bit of a thrill to have a bit of a buzz surround a couple of my photos during the weekend of the festival.  I was contacted to do an interview on jet fm as well as have my images posted on the cbc website.) 

KD Lang had us all spellbound when she sang, "Halleluhiah," Friday night.  Her voice was pure silk.  You can tell by these images that she's a performer who leaves her heart out on the stage.  

  

Another highlight was the fabulous Emmylou Harris who shone as bright as the star she is.  I heard from other media crew members that she was a kind and generous musician, traveling around to all of the stages throughout the day to listen to other artists and offer words of encouragement.

I'd read a lot about The Sheepdogs prior to the festival because of the Rolling Stones buzz that surrounded them, so I had pretty high expectations.  My favourite performances of theirs were on the Grierson stage.

To be on a stellar volunteer crew, with the talented Susan Wood at the helm, was icing on the cake.   Thank you to everyone who had anything to do with this amazing festival, especially the musicians.  I feel so blessed to have witnessed your magic.

Third Time Mama | Comox Valley Maternity Photographer

When my friend Allie approached me about taking some maternity and newborn shots for her third pregnancy, I felt very honoured.  I knew that she hadn't had photographs taken of her blooming belly with her two previous pregnancies, and I was thrilled to document her beauty.

We went for a walk in the woods behind Allie's house; a place she visits daily with her dog and her daughters.  Her youngest daughter Kirra was with us for the first few minutes of our session, and I took a few snaps of her interacting with Allie.  When she picked one of the wildflowers to show her mom it was one of those perfect, spontaneous moments that photographers live for!

Allie's husband and dog arrived to collect Kirra and soon we were on our own.  As I was photographing Allie in all of her pregnant splendour, I felt compelled to zoom in and fill the frame with her face. Yes-she is a loving mother, and yes-she is a beautiful pregnant woman, but she is also a stunning woman.

After our time in the woods, we decided to take a few photos in my studio before calling it a wrap.  (Stay tuned for the newborn photos where Allie's gorgeous little boy makes his debut!)

My July | Comox Valley Portrait Photographer

This summer, my husband and I decided that I wouldn't book any photography sessions during the month of July so that he could guide a three-week rafting trip (work,) and plan a week-long kayak trip (play.)  It was a tough decision business-wise, given that summer is a portrait photographer's busiest season, but it meant that my main goal for the month was to enjoy my daughters, and that was such a gift!

(I did manage to sneak in some volunteer photography work at the Vancouver Island Music Festival, but I'll save that for another post!)

Now that my month-long holiday with my daughters has come to an end, I'm looking forward to the sessions I have next month, but I thought I would share a personal photo of my daughters before I transition back into work-mode.

I think any parent would be hard-pressed to describe the love they feel for their children, but the quotation that continues to pop into my head when I think of my girls is from the Bard himself, "The more I love, the more I have to give."

I feel as though my daughters have had the same impact on me as The Whos down in Whoville had on The Grinch.  You know the visual I'm referring to, when The Grinch's heart grows three sizes, then pops right out of his chest?  That's how I feel.  Unlike the Grinch, I was a loving, happy person prior to having children, but my daughters have forever changed me.  I'm softer in the middle.

So...my accountant may not like my July; but I sure did!

Reunion time!!! | Comox Valley Photographer

My 30th high-school reunion takes place this August and I honestly cannot believe that I've lived thirty years since the day I wore that fabulous, floor-length, pale pink, lacy gown to receive my diploma.  Holy Hannah!

What really tickles me, is that when I left the Comox Valley at age 17, I never thought I'd be living here again.  I knew that I'd return to visit friends and family, but I naively felt that I'd outgrown this small town.  I wanted to travel the world!

And travel I did!  I've set foot on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica, and where did it land me???  Right back in the Comox Valley!

I graduated with some exceptional people; many of whom I'm still in touch with today, and I wanted to offer a special family portrait package to my fellow graduates who might be coming into town this summer to spend time with family during the week of our reunion.

My session fee is $125, and from that point, you can choose a print package (8x10's starting at $35,) or you can choose a digital package (a disc of 20 images is $200.)  All taxes are included.

I had the honour of photographing the Kleiner family at their gorgeous Black Creek property last summer, and I thought I'd give you a sample of the shots we came up with.  I think Harry is very happy to have these photos.

If anyone is interested in booking a session with me in August, please contact me as soon as possible as my summer dates are nearly booked!  You can reach me via my facebook page, by commenting on this blog post, or through my website @ www.pantusophotography.com..

See you at the reunion, Grads of 82!!!