Virginia & Tommy

Late last year I received a Facebook message from my friend Virginia.

"I know you knew this was coming, Terri, and I want you to be my wedding photographer." Huzzah! Tommy and Virginia were high school sweethearts, who reunited at another wedding I shot a few years back. On July 31, 2010, they were married in Sydney, Cape Breton.

I got the chance to hang out with the boys first, which is not something I get to do often, so I reveled in the opportunity and we had a lot of fun!

 Then it was off to the hotel where the beautiful bride was preparing for her walk down the aisle.

And finally to St. Joseph's Church for the ceremony. St. Joseph's is laid out differently than most churches in that it is wide as opposed to long. As a photographer, this makes me very happy because I am always close to the action, but easily out of the limelight.

 

 

The parents had rented the new Mr. and Mrs. a convertible mustang for their drive to Catalone for photos. Naturally, they rocked it!

and this could be my favorite groom photo EVER.

 There's not much to see in Catalone. That is, unless you're a photographer! Naturally, as soon as the wedding party started crossing the bridge, along comes 7-8 cars wanting to pass over its one lane. We had cat calls of "Don't Do It!" and "Jump now while you still can!" and folks hopping out of their vehicles for pictures of the pictures. Most folks were good-natured in their wait and got a birds-eye view of this favorite of mine being created:

A few good props are also useful for formal wedding photos. This hat was a souvenir from Tommy's bachelor party. The beer in their hands was the start of an evening I'm sure none of them will forget.

I wish all the best to Virginia and Tommy, and long and happy lives together. They are so well-suited to each other that I can not imagine any other possible outcome. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of it!

Sarah and Michael

I originally met Sarah when she co-starred as Maid of Honour at Jillian and Mark's wedding. She and Jillian have been friends forever, so I had heard so much about her by this point, I was more than excited to shoot her big day as well.

The girls got ready for the ceremony at Sarah's parents' beautiful home in Clayton Park in Halifax. The whole family was there: younger sister Tessa helped with the make-up, brother Adam mowed the lawn for photos, and older sister Danielle kept everyone in check.

The church was gorgeous, with just the right amount of light.

And the bride, of course, was stunning.

 

I was absolutely delighted to find the groom and his groomsmen wearing kilts. Also delightful was this little corner outside the church with a bush of the very flower that Sarah had chosen to decorate her ceremony.

Some fun with the girls.

And with the boys.

Instead of a limo, Sarah and Michael rented three hot-red Dodge Chargers to carry their wedding party around. Sarah was nervous about climbing onto the hood of the car, but I am so glad she did!

I loved her amazing full-length veil!!!

Immediately upon leaving the church, Michael turned to Sarah for a high five. It's the cutest thing ever when the bride and groom have a 'thing' that they do, so I was thrilled when they continued throughout the day.

After the photos at the park came a stroll on the Halifax waterfront. My original plan was to wait for some of these background folks to move along, but clearly that wasn't happening. Turns out, I think they add just a little more magic to the shot.

And then back out at night for a little mood lighting.

It is without hesitation that I declare Sarah and Michael's reception the best I have ever seen. The DJ opened with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", which is always guaranteed to get some feet hopping, and the dance floor didn't clear once all night. In this case, that included pretty much everyone, from Sarah's grandmother to this little breakdancing tyke.

With so many family and friends coming to Nova Scotia from "away" I hope Sarah and Michael's gang had as good a time as I did. Many wishes for many long, happy years for the two of you, and the best of luck in everything!

Hey Jude

Back in June I was reunited with a friend who had moved away and now returned to the city: the ever-lovely Samantha. In Sam's time away, her life had changed pretty dramatically, including the birth of her first child, the equally as lovely Judah.

Now if you know me at all, you know that children aren't... let's say, my 'forte', but ironically, they are probably my very favorite subject to shoot. So when Sam asked if we could do a mom and son session, my insides tumbled on their little roller-coaster of emotion and then I said, "of course!" and set about crossing my fingers for a well-behaved baby.

Was I in for a treat!

 

 

As with any 8-month-old on a hot afternoon, there were moments when the waterworks threatened to burst onto the scene. I told myself I was prepared, but there was no need. At the first sign of distress, Sam would come to my aid with the opening line of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" or the "Alphabet Song" and like magic, Judah's whole face would light up. It was absolutely amazing: I have never seen a connection like that between a child so young and a parent.

Quick costume change and TA DA! Just-as-adorable 'Safari Judah'.

But seriously, how could you not fall in love with a face like this?

Or a cute little bum like this, for that matter?

I left the shoot feeling like it had ended way too soon. I am forever grateful to Samantha and Judah for the opportunity to share a little piece of their heaven with them. Hopefully we can do it again soon!