I thought I’d revisit one of my favourite photos I’ve ever taken, even if it was taken with my old Digital Rebel and kit lens, re-edited tonight. Whenever I hear Irish music, I always think of the month I spent in Ireland last April. It makes me wish I could go back. I can’t even watch the movie Once because it makes me miss Dublin too much, even though it’s a beautiful movie with gorgeous music.

This photo was taken at the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland, which reminds me a lot of the west coast of Canada – rainy, windy, and cloudy, but beautiful. The beaches are similar to our rocky beaches on Vancouver Island, but the grass is much, much greener. I think my dream wedding would be at O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs of Moher, maybe an elopement with an awesome reception back home after. I would love to photograph a wedding in Ireland, especially at the Cliffs, but anywhere really.

Claude hired me from Winnipeg to take some family portraits in Victoria, when he came to visit his new grandchild.  It’s always interesting to finally meet people at their portrait sessions when I hadn’t met them before.  This whole family (and their dog) was very friendly and fun.  They didn’t want traditional “gathering around a rock” family portraits and had a bunch of great ideas of their own.  The sun was a bit harsh that day, but I tried to use it to my advantage.  I’m actually a big fan of bright white skies and sun flare.  And I love getting that sparkling ocean in my photos.

On Wednesday, Amy and Rachel got married in the garden at the Laurel Point Inn.  They travelled from Puyallup, Washington to have their wedding in Victoria, along with several members of their family and friends.  I think they were the smiliest couple I’ve ever seen after a wedding ceremony.  They headed back home and had a reception on Saturday, where I hear they were planning to share some of their photos.  I hope everyone enjoyed them and felt like they were there.  I loved being a part of such an intimate event.

I had my first ever newborn shoot on Sunday with Cassie and her 1.5 week old baby Kobe. Her son Hayden also came along, but was a bit camera shy. I was pretty nervous to try this new genre of portrait photography, especially since I don’t have a lot of experience with babies in general. My friend Irene came along to help out and hold a reflector for me. It was great to have an extra pair of hands and set of eyes to make sure the baby didn’t roll into the river or anything.

The focus was supposed to be on baby shots, but I definitely have a weakness for mama and baby shots. I love photos where people are interacting with one another, especially when those people clearly love each other so much.

I was the second photographer at Jen and Mike’s wedding for the amazing Karen McNeil a couple of weeks ago.   It was at Merridale Cider, which is really pretty and totally worth the drive.   It was my first time as a second shooter, and it was a great learning experience.  I was assigned to shoot the guys getting ready.  They kept asking me questions, like “are these pants high enough?” or “how do I do this pocket square?” and I replied, “I don’t know. I’m usually with the bride!”  And I still don’t know how to put a boutenniere on.

Here are some of my favourite shots from the day.  The guys started at the Oceanfront Grand Resort, which is set in an gorgeous location.

Thanks to Karen for inviting me to shoot with her, and thanks to everyone at the wedding for being so darn photogenic.