December 31, 2012

Backyard Beauty: The Same

Living in the Phoenix area is so drastically different than Manitoba. It is so easy to notice and point out all of these differences; but, like so many life situations, it is good to focus on what is the same.

What connects us. What we have in common. How, in so many ways, we and where we live
are the same. That the differences really aren't that big.

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December 21, 2012

Seattle.

I love this city. Everything about it - the moody skies, the old brick buildings, the steep streets, the market, the antiques, the coffee, the vibe.

Seattle. You've stolen a place in my heart.

This was my second time visiting and it only made me fall more in love. Seattle, as seen through my iPhone camera.

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December 19, 2012

Married: Elliot & Kelly

This is a wedding I second shoot with Modern Pixel Photography.

This couple had their day planned, organized, and every last detail on a list. They were ready. Prepared. Everything thought of. But; the most impressive, is that the entire day of they were focused on what was important. Why they, and all their guests, were there.

Their love. Their promise to stand by one another, forever.

And, their day reflected their love so well. It was classic, elegant, beautiful. So honoured to be part of their day.

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View Modern Pixel's full blog post here.

December 17, 2012

Sir Paul McCartney

The Beatles were as much a part of my childhood as any toy or game or book. They were actually more than all of that because their music surrounded and covered everything. Their music seeps out of almost every childhood memory.

They are my dad's favourite band. Really, they are a part of him. You can't describe my dad without mentioning The Beatles. Their music was always on - we had many a family dance party in the living room. I knew all the words to 'Love Me Do' before I could read. So, really, The Beatles are a part of me and my siblings too.

It has been a life long dream of mine to see Paul McCartney in concert. A dream that I wasn't sure would ever come true.

And then, I found out he was playing in Vancouver - I knew this would be my one and only chance. There really was never an option of not going. It was almost as if the stars aligned and gave us the perfect opportunity to make it happen. The perfect timing, the perfect city, the perfect everything. And so, we made a slight detour on our way down to Phoenix. Just, you know, a 14 hour detour.

Standing outside BC Place, it hadn't quite hit me yet. Inside the building looking up at a concert poster with his picture on it, I couldn't quite believe it. Sitting in our seats looking at the empty stage, I was in shock this was about to happen. When he walked out on stage, it hit me. This was happening. My dream came true.

But; also, I was living out my dad's dream. To him, his daughter going to the concert was one and the same with going himself.

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It was better than I could have imagined. He played so many of the 'oldies' and put on such an amazing show. Close to the end of the concert, he sat down at the piano and played 'Let It Be' and tears started rolling down my cheeks. Tears of immense happiness, tears full of so many memories, tears for my dad - knowing how happy he would be that I was there, in that moment.

Amazing, amazing, amazing night.

December 14, 2012

Family Photography: The Carriere's

This year I had the absolute pleasure of second shooting with Modern Pixel Photography - the amazing couple behind the lens is Mike & Lisa. And, they are awesome. No really, super awesome.

In March their little family grew by two ridiculously adorable boys. When I found out they had to yet to capture their family all together since the addition of these cuties - I immediately insisted that had to change. I volunteered my services - okay, okay, forced them into a photo shoot. There really was no choice. It's so easy for photographers to put documenting their own families on the back burner BUT that's what second shooters are for! I couldn't let it go on any longer - they desperately NEEDED family photos!!!

It was such a joy to spend the afternoon with this wonderful family.

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The above photo makes me laugh so hard - its as if they are saying 'Dad, stop it. You are embarrassing us.'
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