[family: The Janssens Family]

It didn't look so good ... the clouds were angry and it had been drizzling for days.  So, I called up Annika and suggested that we postpone our family photoshoot for a day that was a bit more camera-friendly.

And then ... as the day wore on, it became obvious that it was going to be a GREAT day to capture this incredible family ... and so we headed to (where else??) Fort Langley.  Man, families LOVE it there ... and there are so many places to get creative ...

What amazed me from the start, was how great Al and Annika's kids were ... they were absolute angels. The moved and did exactly as I instructed - I even had to encourage them to let loose a little *grin* ... how sweet is that?  So polite, so lovely ...

Al and Annika go to our church ... in fact, we sit in the same section and see each other often.  We've all been married for double digits (wow.  just typing that is crazy) ... and family is so so so important to them.  So when they chose me to be the one take their family photos, I was crazy excited.  And as always, a little nervous.  

But there was nothing to be nervous about ... they were models.  I couldn't get a bad image if I tried ... and the longer we shot, the more comfortable everyone became ...

We kept going from here to there, and snapping different posed photos ... and I think that these images represent them so well ... you can see the love.

... the love, with a dash of crazy.  *grin*.

I'm SO glad that we ventured out that afternoon ... thank you so much, Al and Annika, for letting me be the one to snap your family's pics ... not only are you beautiful on the outside, but your love, respect and commitment to each other is so lovely on the inside.

For all enquiries, please contact me at RedHanded Photography and click "contact".

Thanks!

[event: Howard Birthday Celebration]

A few weeks back, I got a phonecall from a "lifer".  You know, a person that you've known forever - and when you see them, it's like no time has passed - and you know you'll see them again.  A lifer.  And my friend.

Brenda emailed me with a request to have me come to her mother-in-law's 70th birthday party, being held at the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.  Since it was a week-day event, I quickly made arrangements with my hubby for our kids ... and bingo:  I was in.

I wasn't sure what to expect ... I mean, I knew that it would be great - but a 70th birthday party?  Not sure ... haven't been to many of those *grin*.  But let me tell you, if you ever get a chance - you really should go to one *smile*.

The plan was fairly simple.  It was going to be a luncheon with incredibly prepared food, a room full of immediate family and close girlfriends, some speeches and tributes ... really, the most perfect formula for a great afternoon.

Patti arrived early, and was ready to greet her family and guests with such love and enthusiasm.  Each time I heard a squeel of delight, I knew another great moment was happening ... and it was continuous, with every single friend getting the same big hug and smile ... 

What I wasn't expecting was the incredible sense of friendship.  These ladies were all giggles and smiles, reminiscing about highschool and old boyfriends.  And it seemed that a lot of introductions began with different ladies grinning with different friends saying, "I used to date her husband" - and then roars of laughter.  Man, it put such a smile on my face.  These ladies were incredible.

We thought it was only fitting to have a group pic taken ... and that's when Patti's husband brought out the "lips".  Oh yes.  Red retro lips.  And each woman gladly wore theirs ... once they calmed down *grin*.

There were touching tributes by Patti's sons and husband, and a video presentation like none other ... had me in such stitches that I couldn't breathe ... 

It was so clear that Patti cared deeply about each gal.  She was the perfect hostess, walking to each table, ensuring that she had a moment with each cherished friend ... 

And the guys graciously took the back-burner and shared their meal separately from the girls ... so cute.

I think that this day will stand out in all of their memories for a long time to come.  I know it will for me - because it was such a privilege to see a woman do it SO right.  Her family adored her, her friends couldn't get enough of her ... she laughed and held herself with such charisma.  She was stunning and lovely, and not afraid to make fun of herself.  It was easy to see why she was held with such honour ...

And in true hostess fashion, each guest got a little treasure of their own ... impeccably decorated.

A MASSIVE thank you to Rob and Brenda for including me ... I'm certain that I got the best end of the deal *grin* ... what an incredible family you have and I enjoyed every moment.

For all inquiries please contact me at my RedHanded Photography site and click "contact".

Thanks!

[wedding: Tony & Ashlee]

A September wedding can be full of summer things, or fall things.  And Tony and Ashlee's wedding was full of everything urban and fashionable.  With the ceremony and reception held at "Brix" - a place that I became super familiar with for Jason and Cindy's wedding - this was a city wedding for sure. 

And Ashlee's bridesmaids wore the MOST fantastic Betsy Johnson dresses and blinged out bracelets ... just had to throw that in ... I was wishing I could borrow one *grin* ...  

I had met Tony and Ashlee a few months back, and I was so excited to hear all about their "downtown" wedding.  Tony didn't say much at our meeting, except to let me know that picture taking wasn't exactly his favourite thing in the world *smile*.  So, I made it my mission to win him over by the end of the day ... 

But time was short between the ceremony and reception - so Tony and Ashlee decided to have some pics done before the ceremony.  And I'm SO glad they did ...  we headed over to Granville Island and had a chance to get some great shots - and laugh a lot.

This bridal party was SO fun.  SO SO fun ...

The ceremony was simple and intimate, with family pics taken immediately afterwards ... and then - the par-tay ...

I've been to a lot of receptions, and each one is unique in their own way.  But Tony and Ashlee's ... wow.  Their friends and family were bursting with personality, with the most hilarious speeches, poems, songs - yes, songs ... everyone was having such a great time.

So thank YOU, Tony and Ashlee, for letting me and my camera be apart of this incredible day.  The rain held off for you, and the people you shared your day with truly brought the sunshine in.  Sounds corny ... but it's true *grin*.  

For all inquiries, please contact me at my RedHanded Photography site and click "contact".  

Thanks!