Kateryna + Brooklyn’s wedding day was filled to overflowing with love, joy and tradition…including more than a few nods to her Russian heritage. Brooklyn and the guys arrived to Kateryna’s mom’s home, where friends had gathered to witness him  “buy” his bride. After his successful purchase (and a champagne toast) it was off to Holy Rosary Cathedral for their beautiful Catholic ceremony.

After bridal party photos at Stanley Park, it was time for their reception at Vancouver’s gorgeous Sutton Place Hotel! Of course, the room and gorgeous decor paled in comparison to the stunning bride and her groom!

I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a livelier reception, with games, couple trivia, vodka toasts, and the traditional giving of bread and salt to the couple by the mother of the bride. And then there was the dancing…oh my goodness! At just five years old, Kateryna’s daughter Sofia is already a pro on the dance floor! I could learn a thing or two from her for sure.

Kateryna + Brooklyn, it was a delight to capture your wedding day memories for you…thank you for having me along! Here are just a few of my favourites from the day…

Vendors:

Bride’s gown: Sophia Tolli | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bride’s + bridesmaids hair: Ego Hair Salon | Makeup: Nilou Makeup | Flowers: Tala Florist | Bridesmaids gowns: David’s Bridal | Groom + Groomsmen suits: Moores Clothing | Venue: Sutton Place Hotel | Cake: The Cake + Giraffe | Second photographer: Nelson Bergen | Videographer: Erik BaldwinsonView full post »

Sometimes, when we miss an opportunity, God puts another one in our path. That’s what happened for Krista + Javen, who first met at Westside Church one Sunday during Communion.

Krista remembers Javen was with a friend, seated in the row in front of her. When she got back to her row, she found Javen and his friend praying in the row where she had been seated. Afterward, she says, they joked with one another about playing musical chairs in church. When the service ended, Javen looked for Krista but, not wanting to interrupt Javen and his friend, she had already left.

Fast forward a few months…Krista + Javen were both using Bumble and connected again, though they didn’t realize right away that they had already met earlier. The two were a little surprised to find a fellow Christian on a dating site. Then Javen mentioned that he sometimes attended Westside with his friend and Krista realized that he was the one she had run into that Sunday during Communion.

On their first get together, they walked around False Creek and the more they talked the more they discovered they had a lot in common. Javen told her he still couldn’t believe she was really the one from that day at Westside. “God gave us another chance to meet,” Krista says.

I had the privilege of meeting these two lovelies at Mandi + Pat’s Fraser River Lodge wedding last summer, where Krista helped her friends out by serving as the day-of wedding coordinator. What struck me most about Krista is how kind, caring, and genuine she is…and that there’s deep joy that emanates from within. She has a delightful laugh and a knack for making others around her feel valued and appreciated. And Javen is very much like that as well.

Although at the time, the pair had only been dating for a few months it was plain to see there was something unique and wonderful between Krista + Javen. From the outset, they put God at the centre of their lives and that really solidified things for them. They built their relationship on the firm foundation of their mutual faith.

After they’d been dating for a little over a year, Javen asked Krista to marry him and now these two are planning their Best Day Ever—and the life that will follow—with Christ as their cornerstone.

Krista + Javen, I couldn’t be happier for the two of you…and I’m beyond honoured to capture your engagement and wedding day memories! Blessings to you as you begin your new life together! Here are just a few of my faves from your Whytecliff Park engagement session:

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Emma + Devin are two of the most unique and wonderful humans you could meet. Just ask their gorgeous furbabies Lila, Malcolm and new puppy Sully, who, not surprisingly, played a big part in their intimate wedding celebration at Tuscan Farm Gardens last week.

This incredible day was a perfect reflection of this delightful pair: welcoming, joyful and full of life, with just the right amount of sparkle. Just ahead of the ceremony, Emma + Devin had their first look at the stunning ceremony venue. Though they needed umbrellas for a wee bit, the rain stopped in time for portraits in the lavender fields and allowed Emma to have her wish: to be married outdoors in the lovely garden area. Surrounded by their closest family, and with Lila and Malcolm serving as ring bearers, these two promised one another forever.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed Tuscan Farm Gardens’ lavender lemonade and Emma’s homemade lavender shortbread cookies. With family photos and a few more portraits done, we were off to Emma + Devin’s home for the most amazing meal, lovingly prepared by the bride and her mom (with contributions from Devin’s mom and sister)! After serving up scrumptious salmon Wellington, beef shortribs and risotto cakes, Emma served the two wedding cakes she baked herself…a lemon cake with lemon custard and a chocolate stout cake. Delicious!

Emma + Devin, thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing me to capture your wedding day memories…and for making me feel like part of the family. Congratulations!

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It’s said that love is a friendship set on fire and that sentiment couldn’t be more true for Cristina + Eugene.

These two have known eachother since junior high, when 13-year-old Eugene had his heart broken by Cristina, who, back then, just wanted to be friends. Not one to let a little heartbreak get in the way of a good friendship, Eugene agreed. In fact, he and Cristina became inseparable, spending time with one another and with a core group of friends who remain close to this day. About five years ago, Cristina + Eugene discovered that their friendship had grown to something more and they began dating.

On a beautiful Saturday, surrounded by their families and that same core group of friends, Cristina + Eugene said “I Do” in a heartfelt, traditional Catholic ceremony. Cristina’s brothers had the honour of walking her down the aisle, in honour of their late father.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their bridal party (who als0 happen to be their dearest lifelong friends), were off to Deer Lake Park, a place that holds a lot of meaning for Cristina + Eugene. Then it was off to their reception, where their many friends teased them and told funny stories but also toasted their happiness.

Cristina + Eugene, it was an honour to capture your day!

Vendors: Bride’s gown: Bliss Bridal | Hair: Krave Studio | Rings: Peoples Jewellers | Shoes: Le Chateau | Flowers: Petite Florist | Ceremony venue: St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church | Reception venue: Burnaby Hall | Caterer: Coast Country Catering

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A bride and groom take a stroll near the Teahouse in Stanley Park.

Just a day after their stunning Hindu wedding, Amrita + Myles celebrated with a nod to their Canadian roots in an intimate affair at the Teahouse Restaurant in Stanley Park. This day began with the couple exchanging some personal vows, just the two of them. What fitting testament to the love they’ve shared for the past eight years, which has only continued to grow stronger over time. How special that they took the time to share a private moment together amidst the busyness of their wedding celebrations.

You don’t have to be around Amrita + Myles for very long before you realize that their family and friends truly are everything to them. Amrita’s two sisters, who were bridesmaids, are among her closest friends, and Myles’ cousin Jason not only served as a groomsman for both weddings, but also as the officiant for this one!

That kind of generosity is something Amrita + Myles don’t take for granted. They take every opportunity to express the deep love and gratitude they have not only for one another, but also for those around them. They, and their families and friends, know how to make everyone they meet (including their wedding vendors) feel like part of the circle.

Being around these two truly is a joy! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Amrita + Myles, for having me along to celebrate with you!

Vendors:

Venue: Teahouse in Stanley Park | Dress: Lisa’s Bridal | Hair: Je M’adore Beauty | Makeup: Haus of Queens | Suit: Moore’s Clothing | Flowers: Niki Trading Ltd. | Cake: Amora Baking

Sharing their personal vowsView full post »