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!

Halifax

This spring saw some incredibly summer-like days far earlier than we here in Nova Scotia are accustomed to. I, for one, saw an opportunity to break out the T1i and get in some practice time, and a good excuse to get out into the sunshine!

My first stop was the waterfront on my lunch break from work. Apparently I wasn't the only one determined to soak up some rays.

Even the pigeons seemed just a little bit happier...

Some city scenery and the MacDonald Bridge that spans the harbour and connects Halifax with Dartmouth...

And another warm and sunny day found me on Citadel Hill, because what would a post of Halifax be without some clock tower shots?

In the city with the most pubs and bars per capita than any in Canada, you never know what you'll see on Barrington Street, especially on St. Patrick's Day!

And, of course, there was a day at the skateboard park, because I can think of nowhere better to hone up on 'anticipating the moment' shots.

Many thanks to these lovely locals who, some knowingly and some unknowingly, helped me enjoy doing my thing simply by doing theirs! Keep an eye on the folks around you; you never know if it might be me behind that Canon!

Inspiration

Creative inspiration comes from everywhere.

I was struck with this one while walking through the grocery store, believe it or not. That's where I found, on sale in the floral department for a measly seven bucks, the brightest bouquet of daisies I had ever seen.

I think the orange is my favorite...

... or was it the blue...

 

...pink was pretty...

... but the green was SO COOL looking!

These days, I just choose Option "E"... for all of the above. :)

Spring

In March, a beautiful fuschia potted daisy appeared on the desk of a co-worker. I fell hopelessly in love with it's size and color and, although it lasted for a good two weeks there in the office, I still felt the need to hang onto that incredible flower for just a little while longer...