k

A special thanks to Megan Strating who was a second shooter extraodinaire during the week, was my memory and organizer for the week, and enjoyed her first-ever dip in the ocean.

K

Though I didn’t post any images from the market (I had to draw the line somewhere!), I couldn’t resist posting these.  Wendy thought it would be great to get a photograph of her and Shane with the cute little spider monkey… until it devoured the flowers on one side of her head and spit out his half-eaten grape on her shoulder.  Then the monkey wasn’t so cute.

K

I just got home from Tulum, Mexico where I was photographing a wedding, and Britton and Lex were guests at the wedding, who also happen to be engaged.  Britton contacted me a few months ago asking about the possibility of shooting an engagement session for her and Lex sometime during the week at Dreams Tulum Resort.  I was all for it – having been to Tulum last year, I knew the area was rich in locations.  I didn’t however anticipate just how much fun it would be to photograph these two.  Britton is all about photographs – a girl after my own heart.  And Lex…. well, I don’t think he really knew what he was in for.  He was a game for anything though, and went along with everything that was asked of him, even when Britton decided they should jump in the water fully clothed – in he went.  Then, when she asked him to try to attempt an underwater kiss, he only mildly objected (“WHAT?  I have to open my eyes under water??”).  Attempt after attempt, they tried to master it, but it proved quite tricky.  And while it wasn’t the graceful photograph we hoped for, there was a lot of laughter (for me), and water up the noses (for them).  Despite Lex trying to use Brit as a life buoy, we ended up with some great photographs and great memories of the two of them from their trip to Tulum.  Britton and Lex, it was so much fun getting to know the two of you, and congratulations on your engagement!  Knowing your personalities, I have no doubt your own Mexico wedding will be a celebration of grand proportions!

k

Enjoy!

M.

Yes…I finally got married!  After nearly 10 years with my partner, Karen, and 6 years of engagement with mutually no desire to plan a wedding, we decided that a beach elopement was so “us”!  Having fallen in love with Tofino on vacation a few years back, we knew that it was the perfect setting for us to say “I do”.  Already in British Columbia for my sister’s wedding in Whistler, we prolonged our stay and married just 6 days after her nuptials.  We rented an amazing beach house on Chesterman’s Beach in Tofino, which backed directly onto the sand with the ocean at our feet…the perfect location for a quaint ceremony.  Instead of a traditional white dress, I chose a flowy, beachy turquoise green dress that I absolutely loved from BCBG Max Azria. My hair and makeup was done by Jessica of “Salty Dolls” and the beautiful bouquet and accent flowers were created by the talented Heather of “Heathers The Flowershop” in Gastown, Vancouver, assisted by my sister, Ashleigh, who works and apprentices at the shop.  Our ceremony was short, sweet and perfect.  I walked out to meet Karen on the beach while our friends Elaine and Marife serenaded our small group of eleven with their ukuleles, which added to the ambiance and intimacy.  Following the ceremony, Karen and I hit the beach with Krista to take advantage of the breathless scenery surrounding us.  The sun peaked out just in time for our photos while the rest of the group relaxed and started preparations for our dinner. Here are some of the amazing highlights from our special day.  It was a day I will never forget.

An amazing BBQ dinner was cooked up by the guys while our photos were being taken on the beach.  The menu included grilled fresh salmon with mango chutney, filet mignon,  baked potatoes, and caesar salad.  The ladies pitched in to help create the beautiful beach inspired table setting with some DIY details I put together before the wedding. My sister Ashleigh surprised us with a little wedding cake, which she and her boyfriend Hayden sourced out from the Wickaninnish Inn down the road (they were kind enough to give her the top of a cake they had prepared for another wedding, happening the next day, knowing they had time to replace it.  Thank you Wickaninnish Inn!).  Extra flowers were used to adorn the chocolate mousse cake which helped tie it in with our other details.  Everything came together so beautifully and so perfectly, we couldn’t have planned it any better if we did it months ahead of time.  Then, just prior to dinner, Karen and I had a HUGE announcement to make…a secret we had been holding for three and a half months…

After dinner, we all changed into more comfortable clothes for a group outing on the beach.  We walked, we laughed, and we wrote messages in the sand.  Collectively we watched the sun set over the ocean as the tide rolled in on this most amazing wedding day.  To our wonderful family and friends who unfortunately were not present with us, we thank you for your continued love and support and we wish we could have shared this day with you all.

Another special thanks to all those who helped make this day so special.

Firstly, Krista, my Verve Photo Co. business partner and friend, for her amazing photography,  and for helping to make my vision a photographic reality!  Heather of Heather’s The Flower Shop for her beautiful artistic floral design, and for going above and beyond all expectation!  Jessica of Salty Dolls for making me feel beautiful with her hair and makeup services.  Our Wedding Officiant Gael Duchene for performing our beautiful beach wedding ceremony.Snippet and Ink: Daily Wedding Inspiration for featuring my wedding on their fabulous blog.  And lastly the Wickaninnish Inn for the most delicious wedding cake I have ever tasted!

To Cat and Jason…congrats!  I’m so happy for the two of you; I was honoured to be such a big part of your wedding day.

M.

The day after Virginia and Sonny’s wedding, we all decided to forgo relaxing on the beach in favour of an artistic photo shoot in some authentic Mexican locations.  We started the session on the beach, and then ventured into the town of Tulum, a market area, and ended with our favourite, a breathtaking turquoise blue cenote.  We got an amazing variety of photographs, and Virginia and Sonny rocked the shoot, despite the +40 temperature while wearing full wedding attire.  Ending the shoot in the cool cenote was definitely the smart choice – although the dress was heavier than expected in the water, and all we can say is thank goodness for inner tubes and fast swimming locals.  We had an absolutely phenomenal day and can’t wait to do it again.  Any takers?

k + m

M.

What an amazing start to Verve’s wedding season!  After shooting in the Riviera Maya and Dominican Republic just weeks prior, we both headed back to Mexico for Virginia & Sonny’s wedding at the Dreams Resort in Tulum, Mexico.

With the sun shining and the heat and humidity enveloping us all, Virginia (accompanied by her mother) walked down the aisle lined of starfish towards an anxious Sonny.   Their vows were cute, humorous and personalized to one another adding a special touch to the ceremony. Cocktails followed their service on a terrace overlooking the resort as we took the newlyweds and wedding party for some fun photos around the oceanfront property.  Who knew the reception would be such a riot!  With synchronized dance moves by the wedding party and some crazy masks and balloons,  the festivities had everyone on their feet making for some hilarious party shots.  Congratulations to Virginia and Sonny! We had an amazing time with you, your family and your friends.  Keep watching our blog for Virginia and Sonny’s unique “Trash the Dress” photo session shot in some interesting locations…