Jeannine & Steve

Jeannine and Steve's wedding on August 1 was the first wedding I've ever done where I didn't know anybody: not the bride, not the groom, not the wedding party, not a single guest. I thought that would make me more nervous, but everyone seemed so relaxed, it was hard not to fall right into step!

And speaking of step...

One of my own little secrets about this wedding was my back-up camera. I shot the ceremony mainly with my DiMage A2, which had become like an extension of my body after all the shooting I've done with it. For the posed shots, however, when I had a bit of time to think, I broke out the T1i, which I casually didn't mention I'd only bought days before!

Jeannine was walked down the aisle by her beautiful mom.

And Steve seemed very happy to see them!

The chapel was tiny and intimate, and the altar was lit by a huge window and a few well-placed ceiling lights. Perfect.

After some limousine mechanical setbacks and a minor broken glass incident, we found ourselves at Halifax's beautiful Public Gardens for some fun and formal shots.

Jeannine wanted a shot with all of her nieces and nephews. I thought, "oh boy, a bunch of teenagers? This is going to be trouble" but told them all to pile up around this huge tree.
I swear, this is exactly where they stood. I didn't have to move a single body, or pose a single limb.

Sweet.

I love, love, LOVE this one of Jeannine and her girls, who were all about swinging on lamp posts and striking catwalk poses for me in the park.

The drive from the park to the waterfront where the reception was to be held brought another pleasant surprise. I had completely forgotten that August 1 is a civic holiday in Halifax.... a civic holiday with FIREWORKS.
I probably came near to causing an accident when the radio announcer broadcast his reminder. I couldn't wait to get to the new mister and missus and beg and plead with them to PLEASE let me get some fireworks shots!!! Fortunately, they were all for it and there was no embarrassing begging needed. What a fantastic way to end a night... and kick off a whole new beginning!

Thanks so much Jeannine and Steve for letting me be such a big part of your special day! All the best for many long years of happiness to come. :)

Alberta 2009

For vacation this year, we skipped the camping trip to Cape Breton and headed across the country to Alberta to visit family and take in some sights. I had heard of the beauty of the Rockies and the Prairies and couldn't wait to get a handle on my new Canon T1i

I was not disappointed.

Sheep River Falls was one of our first stops. "Just a teaser," my cousin told me.
Sweet.

If you wait patiently enough in Alberta, someone will drive into your photo on their John Deere at just the right angle.

Somewhere near Longview, Alberta.
No one had an answer for me on this one, but I thought it was fun stuff.

Okotoks.

Boundary Ranch where we went horseback riding into the mountains. Check out Inside Out Experience for a great day trip!

I'm not even joking. These little dudes picked the most picturesque spot on the Kananaskis to chow on some grass on the side of the road.

The hoodoos at Horseshoe Canyon just outside of Drumheller. Heh... hoodoos... I didn't even make that word up. :)

Banff National Park.

Favorite.

Patriotism at the top of the Banff Gondola.

Stunning Lake Louise

And this beauty was somewhere between Crowsnest Pass and the British Columbia border. I couldn't have specially ordered a more perfect train.

We spent one day at the Calgary Zoo. This tiny little fellow, called a Cotton-Top Tamarin, won my vote for cutest creature EVER.

I could see no better way to send ourselves back east than to witness the splendor of Globalfest and it's international fireworks competition. China's display was a fitting end on our last full night in the west.

Many thanks to the Quinns for letting us take over their little piece of heaven for a week, and especially to Stacey for being the best cousin and tour guide a girl could ask for! Can't wait until next time: it can't come soon enough!

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!

Amanda: Graduation

June 25 found me back in Cape Breton to witness a moment of family triumph. My sister, the youngest of the three of us, graduated high school. I was absolutely in love with her prom dress, and her date, D.J., whom I had not previously met, was Prince Charming through and through.

 

The poor girl's cheeks must have been sore from smiling for so many cameras. But we did get this priceless number out of her when she was reminded that she'd never EVER have to step foot in a classroom if she didn't choose to again.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Congratulations, Amanda! And to all of the graduating class of 2009, the world is in YOUR hands. Change it.