I am so happy and honored that I made the Honorable Mention list for JuneBug Weddings Best of the Best of 2011!!  I am over the moon to have my name on this list.

Here is the photo that I submitted for the Ceremony section.

Here is the link to see some incredible photos.

Thank you again JuneBug Weddings for this amazing honor.

Last Wednesday were the 2011 Professional BC Wedding Awards where I was the runner up for Best Overall Wedding Photographer for all of British Columbia.   Even though I didn’t come in first … the feeling that night is one I will not soon forget.  I was in a theatre filled with the most amazing talent shmoozing and networking with people that I had either just met, haven’t seen for a while or people I consider close friends in the industry.   I was so nervous.  Most of the awards were already handed out when I was chatting away and discussing the photos that were up on the screen when my name appeared with one of my photos for Best Overall Wedding Photographer…I think I lost all color in my face and my heart was racing … I heard some of my friends screaming … I remember turning around to look at my husband for support … only to see how proud he was of me … that was an even better feeling and made me a smidge calmer.  Although the extremely talented Sakura won … I couldn’t be prouder of the work I did at Roseanne & Derek’s wedding and for them trusting me with so much creative freedom.  Truly … madly … deeply … do I love what I do!!!!!!!!

Here are the photos of mine that were submitted for the competition (in no particular order).

A huge thank you to Michael Wachniak for second shooting this amazing wedding with me.  It’s always so fun shooting with him.  Mike won for best group shot at the awards that night as well…very proud of him!

Thanks to Steff Kobialki & Justin Eckersall for creating and hosting these wonderful awards.  Such a fun night and it is amazing to be recognized in our industry for what we do.

To see the full list of winners and finalists … please go to the Professional BC Wedding Awards blog to see some truly talented people with mad skills

Renee was referred to me by our chiropractor.  When Steve, Renee & I decided to meet to discuss their wedding … we were instant friends.  I felt like I had known this couple for a long time.  Everything was so easy.  Over the year we have gotten to know each other even better and I was completely over the moon that I was photographing my new friends wedding.  They are such a lovely couple and so incredibly sweet with each other.

We started getting ready shots at the Loden Hotel.  It is such a beautiful venue.  They also had their relaxed and super cool reception there.  The beautiful ceremony was held at the Cleveland Park with the most stunning backdrop for a wedding!!

We went to Gastown for some shots before the ceremony.  I have to say … her brother on the left cracked me up!  He couldn’t wait to start doing some Zoolander poses…he was ready to go

A HUGE “thank you” to Vanessa Ng for being such a hoot that day and for getting some great shots!  I loved working with you girl!  Evan Orion from Flower-z did an amazing job yet again!!  I loved the pinwheels throughout the whole wedding.  They were along the aisle at the ceremony … in the favors … and on the cupcake table.  Renee won a contest with one of our engagement photos so the awesome Reflection Events were there to help set everything up.

Shooting Kyle & Stacey’s engagement session, I got a chance to get to know the couple and see how sweet they were with each other.  I was really excited to photograph their wedding as I had never been to Agassiz before.  Despite the torrential downpour the day before we had clear skies for their wedding day.  The Fraser River Lodge was so pretty.  I’d like to thank Kim Mallory  for second shooting for me.

Stacey’s jewelry was beautiful.

Why have one pair of shoes when you can have TWO!?!  I love these blue Badgley Mischka!!

The details were lovely.  Stacey’s favors were homemade soap that her mother made and wrapped with the wedding colors.  Smelled wonderful!

It started pouring rain during the slideshow … I was able to get some cool reflections with the lights and rain.

It is always such an honor when a fellow photographer refers you to their good friends.  I was very nervous waiting to meet Derek & Roseanne … until they sat down.  They are such a joy to be around and incredibly warm and welcoming.  They are the type of people that you just want to keep hanging out with.  Their love for each other is amazing to see…it is just so natural for them.  I was so honored to be a part of your day.

They met at Sasamat Camp in Belcarra, so how fitting that they get married there.  Despite the torrential downpour … nothing could dampen their spirit.  Thank goodness the clouds gave it a rest for an itty bitty time frame … we were able to jump in a canoe…sit on the dock…hit the forest for some pretty cool shots.  You guys are the best to photograph!   Thank you for trusting my vision for your special day.

The bride made her own birdcage veil with a broach that her grandfather bought her … all of the wedding details were done by the bride … very talented lady.

their rings were sooooooooo unique!  they had their thumb prints engraved on the inside of their wedding bands.  Custom bands by Brent & Jess Williams.

I love how emotional his mother is in the background watching them dance … so beautiful.

The most beautiful wedding gown ever was from Ellebay Bridal, the designers of the dress were Merly Bayona & her daughter Gaby Bayona, Suits were from Mexx, flowers from Paradise Garden, Hair & Makeup by Lindsay Jang, music by DJ Cuzo, Jewlery from Roseanne’s mother (diamond bracelet + silver cuff bracelet), mother in law (2 peach pearl bracelets) and grandpa (cameo earrings + brooch in veil), Engagement ring= birks

I have never done this before but while editing these photos I noticed that my second shooter extraordinaire (Michael Wachniak) took some photos of me in action … had to share

Mike captured me doing this …

I was in the canoe capturing this …

Mike …

Me …

Second Shooting for Michael Wachniak, Venue:  The Falls Golf Resort in Chilliwack, BC, Dress:  The Bridal Gallery (designer: Mikaella), Suits:  Western Tux, Flowers:  Lavish Floral & Gifts, DJ: Phat Boyz, Makeup: Tia Logan, Hair: Zen Studios, Decor:Valley Weddings, Cake: Christine’s Creative Cakes

In June I had the pleasure of photographing a pretty great couple.  Sven & Laura are very easy to be around and a ton of fun to joke around with.  I really had a riot teasing Sven during the formal photos at Ambleside Beach and getting that little smirk from him.  I look forward to doing your trash the dress session when you get back from your honeymoon.

The wedding took place at Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver and they had the amazing Marilyn Knipp as their officiant.  I love seeing her at ceremonies … they are always so animated and full of love and laughter.

It was so nice to be seated with one of my past bride & grooms (Lauren & Kristina) and get caught up.  Congrats on your baby girl … can’t wait to meet her

A big thanks to Nick Beaulieu for second shooting with me that day.

I was going through my images from Saturday’s wedding when I came across this image

Ceremony & Reception:  UBC Boathouse, Flowers: Elegance Flowers, Dress: Angeline Bridal, Veil: Everything but the Groom, Videography: Motiontide Media, Hotel: Coast Coal Harbor, Second Shooting with Michael Wachniak

This wedding has been a long time coming

Also wanted to say a HUGE “Thank you” to Daniela Ciuffa for coming all the way to Toronto to help me out with this wedding.  You are the best Bella!!!  xo

all the flowers were incredible!

Venue:  Steam Whistle Brewery