After this wedding I told John it was just as it should be. He says I always that. I loved this wedding for so many reasons, because Shawna and Chris are obviously totally connected, they dance with the same rythme, they look at each other with a sideways glance at the same time, they don’t need to finish their sentences for the other two know what they are trying to say, they operate as a unit.
They feel that they hit the jackpot, that they make each other's life. Truly. You can see it and feel it when you are around them. They are so at ease around each other that you feel at ease when you are with them.

 The reasons I adore these two are many and were evident on their day. In all honestly, the day started out a little stressful for both of them. Chris had much to organize, and even thought it was a bit overwhelming at times, he kept his grace and kept his eye on the prize – marrying Shawna. I am pretty sure Chris, if you decide one day to change careers, you could be an event manager.

Shawna, had a bit of a rough go in the morning, it was a tight schedule, she sat on a chocolate chip cookie (she is a mom to a toddler after all,) and things she needed weren’t there. But she did exactly what I would have done, had a bit of stress-relieving cry, mixed with some "I can’t believe I a getting married to the love of my life cries" and moved on. Shawna wears her emotions on her sleeve, and for that I adore her.

Reminder to future brides - wear a button down shirt to get your hair done, so you don't have to do this:

Like I told you, Shawna and Chris don't do things halfway:

Thank you Shawna and Chris, for making us part of your day.

What a long, glorious day. Errands, kid time, work time and some alone time (it was kind of supposed to be date night, but I asked John if for date night I could be home in the house alone - ah, the romance.)

Feelin' really good about this week.

So, Day 19 was not a chip (thanks for all the chip related emails.) My mom commented the following:"I think this is the Henry Mountain Range in Southern Utah in the early morning under less-than-spectacular-light-conditions in the very early morning. But it could possibly be a partly eaten local stale donut photographed by someone with a really creative eye."

Yay mom, what I liked about it was that it did look like a badly taken photograph of a mountain range.

But it really was this:

A little Tannadice Farm Bacon - definitely a new fave around here.

It is Daria's birthday today so I thought I would get a little blog post up for her. Last week I stopped in at their home for a little play session with her boys. I have many a fave from this session but I saw this series and thought "when these two are in their 40's this series will be meaningful." It is totally timeless and completely part of their day to day life, a little cereal break.

I have had the absolute pleasure of photographing these boys as they grow up, and I have to say they are two of the most adorable brothers, they never fail to entertain and fascinate me. 

Daria, I hope you are having a wonderful, restful joyous Birthday week - you are an amazing, talenting woman.  Sending you big hugs!

Do you know what I am?

What a glorious Sunday, oh wait, it's Monday. Well Sunday is my Saturday, so that makes Monday my Sunday.

With a friend who is visiting from out of town I headed downtown to show her the new studio and cruise around 5th Street. We popped into a 30 day of eating local event at Zen Zero and I grabbed a local smoothie made from Ashberry Farm Strawberries, Watrin Apple Juice, Eatmore Spinach and local Mint. It is my new favorite smoothie (hint hint zen zero, please make this a regular offering.)

Then it was off to the lake and now, some make-believing it is Sunday night chill time. 

Alison and Josh's wedding and relationship is how I think many people dream a wedding to be it to be - overflowing with friendship, and bursting with respect and their wedding day, which had a huge dose of colorful joy, reflected that perfectly.

Held in Royston at the house Alison grew up in, the environment was meaningful and welcoming.

Alison walked down the aisle and I could hear Josh say wow as she looked so incredibly stunning.

During the ceremony I watched as all the couples slowly moved their hand over to their love and hung on. Everyone was moved, as the pastor, who had also baptized Alison and married her parents, talked about how meaningful it was that these two found each other.

After the ceremony we played around the neighbourhood with the stunning and super chilled wedding party and caught the romance of Alison and Josh.

The reception carried on in the spirit of the ceremony, with lovely, joyful, meaningful words said and not just during the speeches either. As I roamed around the ceremony I could hear people talking about how wonderful these two were and how they were meant to be together.

Their day, and their marriage, is the type of thing people dream of.

Alison, checking out the wedding prep action:

Thank you Alison and Josh!

I handed the camera over to Mikhayla, who is thirteen for today's shoot and she, along with the assistance of her sister Gabrielle, blew me away.

Some local peas, which are one of our favorite summer snacks.

One of the first things you learn about when you move to the Comox Valley is the Cumberland Bakery Donut. It is fair to say it is legendary.

I had three to photograph, but after they sat on the shelf for a day, the three became two. According to John they evaporate if they sit around, and of course John is to be trusted on these issues.

Thank you Cumberland donut for making John so happy.

On another note, I still have to blog last weekends wedding and it should happen on Monday.

Have a great weekend, Karen

Oh my goodness - how I loved photographing this little one! She has such a beautiful unique look, truly captivating. Her parents were super enthusiastic about the session, so an asap blog post was in order.

This first one, is one she is going to look back on years from now and smile.

Setting myself the goal of photographing local food for 30 days has it's perks. We have been buying and eating local more than usual, and in the process have mixed up our usual shopping habits. Most days I have been motivated to seek something out.

Most days.

Yesterday I had no idea what I would photograph today, and I have the kind of day doesn't leave me time or motivation to get on it.

Apparently that's what neighbours are for.

Now, I have blogged about my neighbours before and I am going to do it again - because they deserve top billing.  Through our over the fence conversation we have developed a great rapport and I appreciate them just for that.

But, yesterday our neighbour relationship went to a whole new level.

If you read the blog you know I am now on a wheat free, sugar free diet - and temporarily knocking out the dairy as well.  This of course led me to complain a bit to the neighbours.

Well, last night when I got home there on the kitchen counter was two containers, one full of the most amazing  lamb curry (local meat,) and the other full of lovely rice.

I sat there eating it and felt warm and fuzzy. I felt so nurtered - my wonderful neighbours made me this delicious dairy free meal just for me. and that folks I think leads me to my favorite thing about food.

Food is a gift on so many levels. The love one puts into creating it can make another feel so good.

Now folks, I have something to ask of you. If you haven't been to Greenwood Pies and tried their new curries head on down. Christine things you should try the butter chicken, but for me it is all about the prawns or the lamb.