Sean & Andre

Not too many weddings I've shot come with a title.

Sean and Andre, however, appropriately named theirs "The Big Gay Wedding" and it caught on like wildfire.

Their guests came from far and wide to help celebrate. Sean's family, including his 87-year-old grandmother, joined them from England. There were guests from Australia, China, and all across Canada.

The wedding itself was beautiful, and the reception, which was held at Halifax's historic Pier 21, was an event in itself.

There were a few tears....

...some new friendships...

and a lot,

A lot,

A LOT

of dancing. :)

On a more serious note, Sean and Andre did not get to this point without fighting many battles that most of us do not have to face. I have a friend who has been with his partner for almost as long as I have been alive, yet they can not be recognized legally as spouses. Without getting political, that seems a little sad to me, especially having watched Sean and Andre gather with their family and friends to celebrate the beautiful union they have created.

Maybe someday EVERYONE will be able to marry the one they love.

Music to my Eyes

In the winter of 2006, The GooGoo Dolls rocked Halifax. The show was amazing, leaving my heart pounding, my ears ringing, and my shutter finger itchy. The variable lighting, the air of excitement, and the insatiable need to get just a little bit closer all combined to give me the challenge of capturing that perfect moment, without the stress that comes with knowing someone is waiting on the other end to see what I was able to come up with.

No, indeed, my concert pics are all for me.

Daughtry opened for Nickelback on Citadel Hill on the Canada Day weekend in 2007. I had seen Nickelback a few times already, so Chris was the lead act for me!

Three weeks later, we took a road trip that culminated in Charlottetown, PEI, in the middle of a muddy field, surrounded by thousands of rain-soaked rock fans, and about 100 feet from Steve Tyler and Aerosmith.

Labour Day weekend of the same year saw me satisfying my inner country girl with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on Magnetic Hill in Moncton.

But my personal favorite thus far came just this year, back on Magnetic Hill on June 27, when Bon Jovi blew us all out of the water with two straight hours celebrating his 27 years in the music business.

There are all kinds of crazy concerts going on this summer in Atlantic Canada. This very weekend will see Sir Paul McCartney performing his only North American tour date right here in our beautiful city. Seven days later, Gene Simmons and the legendary Kiss take their spot on our stage. August will see Our Lady Peace, Chickenfoot, Finger 11, and others in front of my lens. Daughtry has been to PEI, and ACDC will touch base in Moncton. I unfortunately won't get to see most of them. My Saturdays are filled with weddings and vacation visits. But you can rest assured, I'll be sharpening my elbows and fighting my way into viewing distance for at least one more this year, and anyone reading will get to share my front row seat!