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If you follow this blog you will see some familiar faces below at this amazing Jewish wedding. ( : The bride, groom and their bridal party wore black and white which was complimented by a delicious array of colours wherever one looked, from the ketubah to the bouquets and parasols. On one of the warmest days this summer, guests were treated to a lemonade stand near the ceremony site (a choice of pink or yellow), parasols and fans which came very much in handy for breezes and for props in dancing down in the lower level of Hycroft. Note the gorgeous warm light on the ballroom walls which makes the room golden in photos! One of the best ways to dress up a room is with accent lighting—it makes all the difference in photographs, and I wish I saw more of it at receptions. Other bonuses included a groom’s cake and sparkler send off for the couple at the end of the night!

I started off photographing Lauren’s details in the forest outside her parents’ home. Kudos to the ladies who suspended the dress in the trees while I shot. Thank you!

Visual instructions recorded for lacing and bustling = smart. So often people can’t remember how on the day of! I would learn it myself to be of help but every dress is a little different.

This star of David has long belonged to Lauren’s mother and made a perfect “something borrowed.” The couple were married under the bride’s grandfather’s tallit which was suspended under the chuppah.

The bride walks around the groom seven times in a traditional Jewish ceremony.

Right after the ceremony Lauren and Aron disappeared for a little while and privately exchanged vows which they had written–a wonderful way to spend your first few moments as a married couple.

Wedding planner: Harumi Signature Weddings and Events
Ceremony and reception site: Hycroft Manor
Caterer: Culinary Capers
Music: Gabriel Mark Hasselbach
Cake: Jill Shumka from The Uncommon Cake
Favors: Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates
Decor and rentals: Colin Upright from Upright Decor
Flowers: Darlene Meyers-Jackson from Bouquets Floral
Videography: Erik of Love Story Media
Photobooth: Photobooth Vancouver
Invitations and stationary: Letterpress by Traction Press Los Angeles
Makeup: Chantale Walker for MAC Makeup
Hair: Michael Shaun Corby for Alterna Professional Haircare
Wedding gown: Angelina Bridal Couture for Mon Amie Bridal in Costa Mesa, CA

A lot of clever planning and careful choosing went into what has been described as “the cutest wedding ever” and I was of course delighted to document it! I keep my little nest of chocolate eggs in their bright blue foil above my desk—and considering my feelings toward chocolate, even I am amazed at how much I must like that little nest. We began shooting portraits before at Catherine’s old elementary school, which was her suggestion. I absolutely love it when couples can suggest sites which have some significance to them or a look that they’re going for—a place for me to start—and something new to work with which I may not have discovered otherwise! I was also pretty pleased about the balloons and stuffed crow.

Catherine has put together a little list of her resources that I am happy to be able to share with you, as it represents a lot of research and good taste. Enjoy!

Ceremony & Reception Site: Cecil Green Park House
Catering: Wescadia
Marriage Commissioner: Kelly Ip
Cake & Cupcakes: Kaeko Kano at Kreation
Hair: Luis Maduro at Jason David Salon
Makeup: Jennifer Ng jenniferswng@shaw.ca
Wedding Dress: Demetrios Couture from R&J Wedding Bell
Reception Dress (the short dress): Shu Lami from Oliver and Lily
Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik from Browns
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: BCBG Runway Collection
Bridesmaid’s Shoes: Nine West
Groom’s Suit: Prada from Holt Renfrew
Groom’s Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo from Holt Renfrew
Groomsmen’s Suits: Zara
Flowers: Lina Dang at The Flower Girl Event Planning and Designs
Linens (Chair Covers, Table Cloths): Upright Decor
Invitations: Lina Dang at The Flower Girl Event Planning and Designs
Reception Stationary: Homemade
Favors: Nests from Wedding Things with Lindt chocolate eggs
Ceremony Music: Whiskey Jar band
Reception Music: Friends
Rings: Friend

I first met Buffie as a bride’s maid at her sister Laura’s Okanagan wedding two years ago. This is when I was introduced to a remarkable group of friends who have since become familiar faces on my monitors! It has been such an honour and a pleasure to photograph five of these close friends as brides. The only downside to working with them is in juxtaposition– showing up repeatedly in my black/grey Jacob outfit, pony tail and fanny pack, entering a room of radiant women with social grace and lots of friends! I have much to learn. ( :

This first shot will give you some idea of the weddings happening in a fairly short period. The rings are getting a morning clean in Windex (?) I believe.

*this* is how to make a bed.

The girls hid in a condo just across from Brix. Mike looks to their window just before the ceremony.

This tree was covered in sawdust but Buffie and Mike were into it. I was so happy to hear that our portrait session was a highlight of the day—a time for them to be (almost) alone together and breathe some fresh air out in the trees.

Brix is a difficult venue for shooting. The only way I could catch reaction to the speeches (which were spot lit with a big tungsten lamp) was to perch on the edge of a stage and shoot up. The angle and proximity nixed flash. These were shot at 20th sec F1.4 iso 3200. As in … pushing it.

Buffie did her own makeup with some consultation with friends. Her flowers were from Kits Market on the corner of Yew and 1st, and by all accounts a steal. Her hair was done by the brilliant Lauren (who is going to give me her contact info soon!). I have seen Lauren’s work several times this summer and it is ‘shocking.’

I have to admit to being a bit nervous when an internationally-exhibited artist contacted me from London about shooting his wedding. I thoroughly enjoyed myself at Hycroft, however, sharing in a day of not only affection, but Shakespeare, live music, flowers by Steven’s mother, stationary by the artist himself, heavenly portrait light and the longest dinner table I have ever seen!