Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Already October

Time has flown and it's already mid-October. I finished up my last 2009 wedding on September 12 and now I'm already booking next summer. Autumn is always the time for engagement shoots and family photos, so I'm going at a different pace right now which is refreshing.

If you are interested in doing a family session before the snow flies, I am putting on a two week special for a family of four, local to Salmon Arm, 1 hour session for $250. This special will end the November 7th. Call me 250 803 6329 or email me for details and to book.

In the beginning of October Steve and I taught a basic photography class with 10 local students. I had a blast! I posted many of my students photos on facebook...to see just friend me "Marijanel Knight".

The class was awesome because I got to see how creative and unique each individual is. We went out on a shooting field trip and not two shots were alike. Tomorrow I'm sharing on how to shoot still life at the Vernon Photography Club.

Have a wonderful October everyone!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

quick update

My summer has gotten away on me, and I haven't been able to keep up with blogging. But the good thing is, I HAVE been able to keep up to my business and I'm right on track. You've probably discovered by now there are lots of new galleries to see under weddings, and in the grad section you'll see I photographed the Vernon Panthers Basketball team, and under newborns you'll see baby Matthew. It's been a crazy, busy but glorious summer. I have loved every single one of my clients, shoots, and experiences I've had! As of today I'm shooting my 22nd of 23 weddings this summer! To even say that makes me feel tired, but while I'm doing it I feel more alive than ever.
I apologize to my faithful blog readers that I haven't posted in so long. Blogging is a luxury to me, and during my super busy time I aim to stay connected with my children and family, and so all the other work gets done and blogging gets put on hold. I'll start up again soon, I promise.
In the meantime, keep checking out the galleries! Last week I posted Brandon and Becky who got married up at Sunpeaks, and this past week I posted Jason and Stefanie who had a beautiful "Apple of my Eye" theme.

More to come soon!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

James and Karoline

Today I opened a beautiful new wedding gallery named "James and Karoline" whom I photographed August long weekend in Abbottsford BC.

Back in May I had the honor of photographing a couple named Stan and Barb, you may recall my blog or their gallery. After receiving their wedding package from me Stan and Barb contacted me asking if I'd consider coming to Abbottsford to photograph Karoline, their daughter's wedding. I was thrilled to!

It was so much fun being part of their family again! This is a photo of Barb and Karoline, mother and daughter, and both being two of my 2009 brides!



Also here is a photo of James, Karoline and their adorable daughter Brooke, who we all call Sugar Pops. I used some textures on this photo, including a vintage frame texture to create a unique art piece.





Little Brooke is such a sweetie, and if you look through James and Karoline's online gallery you will see how Brooke got right up on the stage during their vows! It was a priceless photo moment!

Karoline and James, it was so fun to be a surprise for you. You are a lovely couple, with a beautiful family and daughter. Congratulations on your marriage and I wish you all the happiness and blessings this life can possibly hold.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Jonathan and Brandee

July was whirlwind of weddings, but so much fun I can't describe. We have met and worked with so many amazing people, and made so many memories along the way! August welcomes me with a much more relaxed pace, and I even have some time off when Steve and I are going to take the kids on a little summer holiday.

Last weekend Steve and I did out of town weddings, we first drove to Abbotsford to photograph Karoline and James (gallery coming soon). Then we drove back through the beautiful mountains to Penticton. I've only been to Penticton in colder weather and so this was a complete discovery for me of what a hopping resort town it is! I couldn't even count the amount of people floating down the little river.

It was not floating down the river that brought us to Penticton (though at hottest part of the day I'm sure the Bridal Party was tempted) but instead it was Jonathan and Brandee's beautiful Linden Garden's wedding and Penticton Lakeside Resort reception.



On Sunday morning I met up with Brandee and her bridesmaids at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Not only did Brandee have the anticipation for her long awaited wedding day, but the excitement of a top secret surprise she's been saving up for and planning for years....giving her new husband, Jonathan, his dream Harley Davidson!

I love how I get to be included in crazy and life-changing surprises! We could hear the Harley being brought in to Linden Gardens (the ceremony site) while we were shooting the wedding party. We all had the jitters feeling the excitement of pulling the surprise off. We wondered if hearing the motor gave it away, but Jonathan didn't seem to have a clue. Steve ran off ahead to plant himself in the bushes to get Jon's reaction. I walked leisurely behind the couple acting like nothing was happening.

We walked over a little bridge and there at the front of the ceremony site was a Harley Davidson with a big pink bow. It took a minute and all the sudden we could all hear, "Shuuuuuut UUUUUP!" The photo below is a series of Jon's facial expressions as he discovered the amazing gift Brandee gave him!



I love this shot where Brandee threw her arms into the air saying, "I love you!" and Jonathan, in absolute shock, just stood there hugging her.



Later in the day, after the shock of the motorcycle subsided, we went to the pierre for romantic photos. The session on the pierre are my favorite set of the day. By then the heat wave was over, and the light was soft and warm, and the mood was so relaxed. I love the relationship that I captured in those moments! (and by the way you two, I FINALLY got the Barbie joke)







Brandee, talking to you on the phone the week before your wedding and hearing all the twists and turns of events leading up to your wedding made me see what a dedicated, loyal and sold-out wife you are. I love the way you support Jon and care about his dreams...I think the bike is just a teeny tiny reflection of that, just a material symbol. The scope of your love and giving-spirit goes so much deeper than that! Thanks for choosing me, I count it a joy!



Jon, I mean what I said as we were all saying goodbye after your reception...I hope that all your dreams happen! I admire your hard work and determination, and in the photo below (which is one of my faves!) I see how you are like a rock for Brandee, a great quality in a husband!



Well you two! We've had an absolute blast with you! I have to post one more fun action shot shot I took during your reception after you won the ball game. There's no doubt you two are winners! Congratulations, and may all your dreams come true!!!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Kelly and Jenelle

On last Saturday, July 25th, I photographed Kelly and Jenelle's wedding in Kelowna. We started the day at Predator Ridge in Vernon, where the girls got ready, then went on to the ceremony location which was Kopje Park in Winfield. By the end of the day we had toured downtown Kelowna and ended up at Harvest Golf course for the couples beautiful and most delicious dinner. (You're right about that tomato salad Kelly, I had never had that salad before let alone ever imagined it'd be so yummy!!!)

Steve Dunsmoor of Dunsmoor Photographic was able to assist me for this wedding and he was able not only behind the camera but in navigating us through downtown Kelowna! We had fun with colored walls!




Steve was also kind enough to borrow a Vespa (fancy name for scooter) for us. The photo below was a really fun idea Steve had, I wasn't expecting it...I snapped the photo just after I said, "Jenelle lean back!" and Steve said, "Kelly, jump after her!" it all came together in one snapshot and actually surprised me! (Thanks for that Steve!) Don't worry Kelly, I don't think she'll get too far...I think she was just taking off to catch YOU!





After the colorful walls we headed to the marina where I took another series with yachts behind Kelly and Jenelle (I'll feature some in their gallery in about a week), and then after that we hit the firehall. At this time a storm started to roll in and the wind was blowing...my shutter speed was slowing down from how dark it was getting...and I found it was creating such a great effect with Jenelle's veil being a bit blurred and everything else in focus!




Congratulations Mr and Mrs Konrad! Spending last Saturday with you was a pleasure and a joy! All that time ago we met and did your engagement shoot, it's hard to believe your day is here and gone! But...the photos will remain forever, to be shown to the generation to come! I'm so glad I was your photographer, and I think you make the kind of amazing couple that's just what the world needs! You two will do great things together! (by the way, you have amazing friends and family...a one of a kind group of groomsmen too! :) Had a blast with ya'll)


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Anna and Stephen

Last Saturday I got to stay close to home, only driving 20 minutes up the road from my house, to photograph Anna and Stephen who flew halfway around the world! Anna and Stephen planned their wedding, held at Quaaout Lodge on Little Shuswap Lake, all the way from England!

We experienced a windy day, which made for some breathtaking photos, and was a welcome change from the intense sun of July. I love the series of photos taken where Anna's pink sash is blowing in the wind and they're standing in the tall reeds growing by the lake.



Anna and Stephen, I'm so glad I got to meet you both and spend your special day with you. Anna, I'm so happy you found me all the way from England! Stephen, English husbands named Stephen are the best kind (I have one of my very own) so Anna's a blessed woman! I wish you both all the happiness and love that life can bring!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

A Wonderful Weekend of Weddings

I typically like to blog every wedding I shoot on it's own with several photos, but as my summer is getting busier, I may be combining some weddings in one blog, as I am today.

This weekend was a popular weekend for weddings in the Okanagan! I had the privilege of photographing three of them! I never stop being amazed at the fact that no matter how many weddings I shoot, every single one is unique with a flavor all of it's own. They can't even be compared! I've learned that more than the flowers, rings, and variety of dresses it is really the people who sets every wedding apart from another. Every bride and groom has a distinct relationship and love, that I am honored to capture, and that I enjoy working with...the couples themselves are what make their wedding unforgettable.

Rob and Allison, July 10, 2009- You are an unforgettable couple to me, because of the depth of your commitment that I feel and see in your eyes and actions toward eachother. Allison, you and your mom have both been so much fun to get to know during the planning...from the invitation design to being let in on the secret of the song "All you Need is Love". Rob, I know we just met for the first time on Friday, but by the end of the cocktail party you felt like an old friend, thanks for putting your heart into the photography! I loved the details of your wedding from the two flags, Canadian and Australian, flown together, to the blessing of the hands, and the red shoes! I really loved seeing your response to "All you Need is Love"...and that song is so true...All you need is Love and you two definitely have it!



Anne and Tyler- July 11, 2009- Even though I'm entirely focused on taking pictures, I always hear everything the officiant says during the ceremony, and there was one moment during your ceremony, Anne and Tyler, where it was like the whole world stopped, lingered, and came into focus. That was the moment that Myron said, "This IS the perfect moment, this IS the perfect day", because your lives and love were being sealed together, and really that is all that really matters.

Anne, you are such a lovely woman, so caring and sincere, I'm so glad I've gotten to know you! And then to lace you up in such an amazing gown...you were perfection...inside and out. (by the way, when you were signing your register I overheard one of your friends whisper to another "God, I wish I had that dress") Tyler, you're a lot of fun and yet your tender heart is also plain to see! I wish you both love that keeps on growing deeper and stronger every day...you have eachother...and THAT'S what really matters!



Marc and Jessica- July 12, 2009-Back when we did your engagement photos July 12th seemed like a long time away...now it's passed and your two are HUSBAND AND WIFE. Yes, that's right Marc you have a W-I-F-E! And you married her at KoooopJeeee Park! (I've been practicing how to say it right, just for you) Jessica, you are just the sweetest! There's really no other way to put it! I chose to blog the first photo of you that grabbed my heart, and that was the one I showed you during our beach walk...I love the contentment I see in you two when you are with eachother. I want to say how you two complete eachother, but I'm remembering how your vows said, "You don't complete me, you make me MORE." It's true. You're a perfect match! Thanks for such a great day...and even including us in your picnic!