Clam Harbour Sandcastle Competition

One of my favorite beaches on mainland Nova Scotia is Clam Harbour Beach. I learned in August of 2012 that one of my favorite days to go there is the day of the Clam Harbour Beach Sand Castle Festival. This year the sun was glorious, and it was a perfect day for those taking part as well as for those spectating like me.

My afternoon arrival meant I was greeted at the gate with the winning competitors, prizes and beach towels in hand, packing up shop. This worked out in my favor, as all the castles were left behind, almost like they were waiting for me to show up with my camera. People were posing with their creations and children were playing among the towers, but that just made for more of a festive atmosphere in my shots.

 

 

Some just spoke for themselves.

 

 

 

 

Some of my favorites (OMG, STEWIE!!!!) weren't sand castles at all!

 

 

*drumroll*

 

(For some size perspective, he was taller than me when I was kneeling beside him) 

The detail in some of the sculptures was quite impressive and all were, I have no doubt, a labour of love. It took an hour or more to walk the entire beach to properly see them all, and then of course, I had my own labour of love to work on a little.

Mmm... early evening beach sun...

 

 

Not just another day at the beach!

Halifax Busker Festival

Every year at the end of July and into early August, downtown Halifax explodes with jugglers, contortionists, magicians, dancers, and fire eaters. No, it's not just another Saturday night at the Dome, it's the Halifax International Busker Festival, and it brings all manner of the weird and wonderful to our waterfront.

August 6, 2012 saw me there with them, camouflaged among the camera-toting tourists, hoping for that perfect moment. To my delight, there were many.

First up, this guy. I love how he included the little girl in his show!

   

There was also this guy:

 

and these guys: 

and some human-statue types, who completely fascinate me for some reason.

    

 There were also some less showy (but no less talented) folks taking to the boardwalk to get in on the festivities.

 and there were bouncy castles for the kids, and some other fun for those brave enough to handle it.

As with any festival, the vendors were out in full swing, attracting your eye with colorful wares and ice cold drinks. I loved all the colors and textures laid out on the booths!



 

 Lastly, of course, what would a busker festival be without a guy who eats fire?

Especially one who totally seems to enjoy it!

Christa and Mike

 

I will always remember Christa and Mike's wedding as "that one where the power went out." Yup, true story.

But first... the beginning.

You're going to recognize a lot of people in this wedding party. I've shot the wedding of the maid of honour, who shared a bridesmaid, a junior bridesmaid, and a flower girl with Christa. They're a close group of girls, and I love revisiting them every time one or another gets married: it's guaranteed to be a blast!

Christa works as a hairdresser in downtown Sydney, Nova Scotia. I started there with the bridal party and watched the magic begin.

 

 

   

Even on her wedding day, Christa was not deterred from doing what she loves.

Neither was her daughter Ava.

Finishing touches at the salon...

...and moving on to...

these guys?

The ceremony was to be held in the beautiful Louisbourg Playhouse. It was built as part of a movie set for the Walt Disney movie Squanto: A Warrior's Tale and donated to the town after filming. It is small and beautiful in its simplicity, and on this day, it had no power. The entire town of Louisbourg was in darkness, but after only a ten-minute or so delay, Christa decided the show must go on and agreed to get married in the dark.

Someone had the forethought to light candles. It was beautiful, but I was losing my mind a bit. I wasn't prepared to shoot in the dark, and I wasn't sold on the idea of using flash in such a beautiful and romantic setting. I need not have panicked. The light from the doors was hauntingly romantic, and I couldn't have asked for a better setting for mood.


 

 

And then, as just as the vows were about to begin, Nova Scotia Power Corp. came to the rescue, and the theatre lights came on! After a good ribbing from the justice of the peace about Mike having a lightbulb moment, I got this:

...and quite possibly my favorite wedding kiss photo I've ever done.

 

Done!

Louisbourg, although tiny, has some amazing backdrops for photos. I was loving this wall and the old train tunnel it housed.
 

 

      

 

Then it was into Christa's dad's antique Chevy Malibu for a drive to Catalone for some beach scenery.

 

      

 

BAM! Nailed it like rock stars!

 

 

And I loved this suggestion from the wedding party:

 

What a gorgeous bunch!

Last stop before the reception: back to the house for some food and family and a quick shot to send to those who couldn't make the trek across the country to the ceremony:

 

 

Then, there was this.
The Albert Bridge firehall had been transformed into something spectacular. A candy bar, a cupcake bar, a buffet dinner, and streamers, lights, and amazing decorations everywhere. A truly awesome job by the decorators!

    

As expected, there was no shortage of people mingling and not once was the dance floor clear through the whole night. It was a fantastic time, and an amazing event and I am very thankful to Christa and Mike for asking me to be a part of it all.