[family: Alice & Jayda]

I love a client who knows what she wants ... and Alice knew that she wanted pics done as soon as possible.  She called, she emailed ... and we made it happen in the small window of opportunity that presented itself.

And it happened to not be raining too ... bonus *grin*.

She knew some of my past clients, and when I posted on my RHP Facebook page, that I would be be offering a discount to single parents - and Alice leapt at it ... she didn't have much time ...  

Alice is from Taiwan and her little girl, Jayda, is going to be heading there this summer to live with Alice's family.  There, she'll be learning the language and making family relationships over the six weeks of living there.

While that's happening, Alice will be taking advantage of the extra time - and heading back to school for nursing.  It's going to be crazy - and Alice is ready for the challenge.

I loved working with these two ...  Alice in an incredible mother, and the bond between these two was lovely.  Jayda was a great listener, super polite and full of 6-year-old joy *smile*.  And Alice, well - her style and poise made me a little envious *grin* and with her intelligent conversation - time just flew.

Alice, Jayda, thank you for spending the afternoon with me and trusting me with your special moments.  I wish you a wonderful summer, full of new adventures ... and a safe return to the fall. 

For all enquiries, please contact me by going to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and clicking "get.in.touch."  Thanks!

[engagement: Mat & Angela]

When I tell you this ... you probably wouldn't even believe me.  Or maybe you'll think that I made a true story just a little bit better ... 

Nope.  It's all true.

It was late spring, I was in grade 7, and all the elementary schools in our district were heading to Granville Island for the Vancouver Children's Festival.  I remember it clearly - these things are a big deal to a 12 year old girl.  It promised to be the coolest field-trip ever, and my friend was even more excited than I.  She had a crush on a boy from the other elementary school ... and that was the first time I ever heard Mat's name.

That fall we all headed to Jr. High, and Mat's locker was almost across from mine.  We had a few classes together - and he quickly became my friend.

I didn't finish school with this group - and I never really thought that anyone there would remember me.  I mean, finishing up grade 9 and then changing schools and never seeing anyone again?  Not a recipe for making life-long friends.  But ... as technology would have it - Facebook changed everything, and friends from way-back-when got all caught up like no time had passed at all.

When Mat's Facebook relationship status changed to "engaged" - I dropped him a silly wall note and said, "hey - I know of a photographer ... ".  And would you believe ... within a few weeks, he, his incredibly lovely fiance, Angela,  and I - were sharing chai tea lattes at a local coffee shop.

Honestly ... our initial meeting wasn't all about wedding plans *smile*.  Angela graciously let our talk wander to "who" and "what" and "when" ... it was the strangest and coolest thing.   Kinda hard to think that all these years later, I would be their wedding photographer.

I learned their story, their wedding plans ... and got a real feel for how these two worked together.  Their love and respect for each other was obvious ... 

I was beYOND excited.

With their wedding in September, Mat and Angela decided that May would be a great time for engagement pics.  So a couple of days ago, we headed to Campbell Valley park - and it was literally just the three of us.  It was sunny, warm, quiet ... it was perfect. 

Mat and Angela had met fourteen years ago ... and when you know it's a good thing, you know it's a good thing.  And now they were ready to make it official ... it was time to plan a wedding.

I loved ... LOVED ... hanging with these two.  Yeah, I could go on about Mat and the impact that his kindness had on my awkward jr. high life ... but I could equally go on and on about Angela - with only having had a few hours with her.  She is incredible.  Seriously.  Easy going, her smile is contagious ... and her deep love for Mat, and he for her ... well - it sure made for easy picture taking *grin*.

I love it when good things happen to good people ... 

Mat, Angela - what a privilege to be chosen by you.  I had so much fun laughing and learning with you.  To say that I can't wait for your special day, is an understatement.  It's going to be incredible.  Not just because weddings are generally a pretty great event, but because you two know how blessed you are. The depth of your commitment to each other is going to  reap so much joy ... I'm so excited for you two as you continue your incredible journey.

WHOO HOO!!

Hey Mat ... Mr. A would've liked this, no??  *grin*.

For all enquiries, please contact me by clicking my RedHanded Photography site HERE and go to "get.in.touch.".  Thanks so much!!

[portraits: Brea & Baby Ella .]

There really is no greater compliment than returning business ... or even better, having new clientele from references ... how great is that??  Love it.  And I just love this new little bundle,  fresh off of the plane from Australia ... 

Nicole has let me be apart of capturing her little Natalia since she was first born.  We've had a couple of photoshoots in her little life, and when Nicole's friend was arriving from Nicole's homeland of Australia, Nicole was quick to see if I was able to fit Brea and Ella in.

Why ... of course!

Ella wasn't a newborn ... but she was also too new to sit up and move about on her own.  So we propped her up, gave her some toys and made sure to act like crazies behind the camera.  Still ... smiles were minimal ... jet-lag was winning, but little Ella was a trouper.  

Nicole and Brea had been friends since before they were teenagers ... so to have their little girls - not even a week apart in age - hanging out together ... well, it was super special.  And I thought these two moms would just burst.  And honestly - I really don't blame them.  How cute are they??

... yup.  Jet-lag was trying to take its hold.

So we headed outside for a few more shots.  The two moms really wanted some pics of the four of them together ... unfortunately, the little bundles weren't being super cooperative - but that just makes for more memorable pics *grin*.

Nicole, thank you so much - for your continued belief in what I do and how I do it.  And for introducing me to someone so valuable in your life.  Brea - what a privilege it was to snap these images for you ... thank you for letting me be a part of this!   And I trust that your visit to Canada will be one full of incredible memories ... 

For all enquiries, please go to my RedHanded Photography website HERE and click "get.in.touch."  Please note that bookings are almost full for June/July/August ... first come, first served *wink*.   Thanks for your understanding ...