This spring, I had the great pleasure of doing an engagement shoot for a lovely couple ~ Ashleigh and James. We shot in two locations on Cypress Mountain in North Vancouver.

To order prints (or to see all the photographs from the engagement shoot) please contact Ashleigh or James for the password to access the online ordering system.

The most appealing feature of this venue is the amazing view of Vancouver and the grounds at the Queen Elizabeth Park. This particular wedding had many out-of-town guests who kept looking out of the windows marveling at the view.

To make reservations at Seasons, call (604) 874-8008. You can also visit this website to find out more about Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park.

I love this idea that saw on ecouterre.com, to coordinate the bridal party’s apparel by using a natural dye recipe. Sasha Duerr shows how she let the bridesmaids choose whatever white dress they wanted, and used foraged fennel to create a cohesive look. Check out the slideshow.

Photo courtesy of ecouterre.com.

Engagement photographs are a fantastic way for you and your fiance to get to know me and get comfortable in front of the camera. The style of your shoot can be anything from fun and casual to formal and dramatic. Letting me know what the look is that you want to achieve will help me give you better advice on how to “style” your shoot.

Here are some tips to help you get ready…

1. Apply makeup liberally
Wearing make-up (slightly more then you would say, to work) can do a lot to enhance the photographs. Stick with neutral tones, light lips and dark eyes. Lots of mascara and eye liner (applied well) will make your eyes pop.
2. Sexy hair
Wear your hair down and if you can spurge, get a stylist to do a blow out for you. If you colour or highlight your hair try to have a touch up a week or two before the shoot.
3. Take time to pamper yourself
After your morning shower on the day of your e-shoot, moisturize your skin from head to toe (encourage your fiance to as well.)  You can even bring moisturizer with you and make sure that any areas that will be exposed in your photographs are well moisturized right before the shoot. Taking time to have a bath, do a home facial, or whatever makes you feel great is a perfect way to get in the mood for your e-shoot.
4. Simple Clothes
Wear something that you feel beautiful and comfortable in that will show you off.  Chose something that will blend well with the surroundings for the shoot. For instance, if we’re doing a shoot on the beach, white, tan and light blue are great shades to wear. Try to keep it simple with solid shades or very fine prints and just two or three shades between the two of you. Don’t forget to wear your engagement ring!
4. Stay away from trouble
Please try to avoid wearing t-shirts /hoodies with patterns, logos or images, old worn shoes, very tight clothing and tinted glasses.
5. Strive for a romantic mood
Hang out with your fiance (have lunch or drinks together) before the shoot to make sure that you are in ultimate love-zone and that if either of you have any concerns about the shoot… or life… or anything, it’s all worked out beforehand and all you want to do is be in love with one another in front of my camera.

Hope that’s helpful. I would love to hear from any of you too. What worked for your engagement shoot and what didn’t? What do you wish you would have known? Leave a comment or email info{at}picturemywedding.ca.

Photobooths at weddings are awesome!

I’m getting lots of bookings for photobooths in 2011 so I wanted to provide more info on how to set up the photobooth ideas for making it look fantastic. I’d love to hear ideas from any of you as well. Leave a comment or email info[at]picturemywedding.ca.

This 101 sheet called Photobooth backdrops & frontprops is a great place to start. It shows you how photobooths are set up, what size the backdrop should be and what else you might want.

Fun props that guests can wear are a great way to give the photographs a specific feel like “vintage” or “carnival” or “beach” or whatever. Here’s a list of prop ideas: long strings of pearls, vintage hats, silly glasses (frames only so you can see people’s eyes), gloves, feather boas, purses, cigarette holders, broaches, a vintage camera, scarves, wigs, and fur stoles. This photobooth by Abigail Seymour had great props.

As a photographer, I’ve learned that timing can be a tricky thing with photobooths because some guests don’t realize it’s happening until after it’s done and we want to make sure that everyone has a chance. Here are some ideas to make sure this doesn’t happen:
1. Hand out a vintage carnival ticket in the ceremony program with the details for the photoboth.
2. Display a big paper/cardboard clock by the photobooth to show how much time is left before it wraps up. The photographer can change the hands of the clock as the end approaches.
3. Keep the photobooth open for the first 15-30 minutes of your reception and have the MC announce that it’s “now or never” for the photobooth at the beginning of the reception to give guests one last chance.

Additional resources:
Chic Map’s Tips
A seaside themed photobooth
How-to: white garland backdrop
How-to: printed lace backdrop

I had a wonderful time with Carmon and Marlon a few weeks ago shooting their wedding in Toronto. The ceremony was at the Polish Full Gospel Church and the reception was at the The Assembly Hall Community Cultural Centre.

To see a selection of photographs from this wedding, press the fullscreen button in the slideshow.

You need to have flash player installed to see this gallery. If you are having any trouble viewing the gallery, please try the alternate version.

To order prints, please contact Carmen or Marlon for the password to access the online ordering system.

If you are having any trouble watching the slideshow below try this version or the extended version.

Enjoy the photographs!

Last night Lizz & Aaron had their rehearsal and dinner and Aaron’s family home in Toronto. It was a warm summer evening with great music, amazing food and wonderful company.

Press the fullscreen button in the slideshow above to see some of the photographs from this e-shoot or you can see the extended version with more photos.

You need to have flash player installed to see this gallery. If you are having any trouble viewing the gallery, please try the alternate version.

To order prints, please contact Aaron or Lizz for the password to access the online ordering system.

Last Saturday I did Brigid and Bradley’s engagement shoot on a cold -27 (with windchill) day. It was good practice for their wedding in February. Brigid and Bradley were wonderful to shoot with and I’m really looking forward to their wedding.

Press the fullscreen button in the slideshow above to see some of the photographs from this e-shoot or you can see the extended version with more photos.

You need to have flash player installed to see this gallery. If you are having any trouble viewing the gallery, please try the alternate version.

To order prints, please contact Brigid or Bradley for the password to access the online ordering system.