LONG BEACH LODGE ELOPEMENT : STEFANIE + KEITH

I've said it before, but I'll say it again...I love elopements!  Like a lot.  There's just something very special about an intimate ceremony.  Just the two of them and their love for each other.  It just gets to me!  Especially when I get to shoot them with my best friend.  Hey, Adina, that's you!

So, naturally, like every wedding with Adina I blog, the day started with - you guessed it - rain.  But, by nothing but pure luck, the rain subsided in time for the ocean side ceremony.  When we arrived at the Long Beach Lodge Resort in Tofino on a cold Tuesday in September, Stefanie and Keith were quietly enjoying their last moments of single life with each other.  Blissful and happy.  Like it should be.  We slowly gathered up details and quietly photographed them as they sat on the bed eating lunch and watching tv.  Just two people, in love.

The day continued with a ceremony on the beach, surrounded by surfers taking advantage of the windy weather, hiking up trails to find the most amazing spots, a trip to TacoFino and of course, lots of love.  Like always, a special thank you to Adina for bringing me along with her.  It's always such a joy working and catching up with this wonderful human.  We always have the best time.

Stefanie and Keith, I wish you nothing but the happiest for you both as you enter this new chapter of your lives together.  Here's to love, here's to happiness an here's to you.  Much love, J.

Stefanie donned this absolutely gorgeous Jenny Yoo dress that she put together with a simple gold belt found on one of my favourite online stores, Etsy. 

She completed her look with these stunning earrings from Kate Spade.

Stefanie made her own bouquet and Keith's boutineer.  How great is she?!

Moments before their first kiss.  Like really, they are too adorable.

I swear, Tofino is seriously the most beautiful place on Earth!  I could shoot here all day if they'd let me.

Stunners.

Oh, Stefanie, do go onn!

These two were an absolute delight to spend the day with.

Ack!  Stop it with your cuteness you two!

True love.

 
We ended the day at TacoFino because these two are just that awesome!  If you are ever in Tofino, be sure to stop by, it's pretty amazing.

They make ordering tacos look good ;)

Happy Friday!

27 THINGS : HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

After spending the long weekend in Vancouver this past weekend as I turned yet another year older, I've come to realize a couple things.  Like, how much I rely on coffee to get me through the day or that my cat is arguably my best friend.  

Here are a few other things that I have learned, come to realize, etc. in the past twenty seven years...

1. Sunglasses, bright lipstick and a great necklace look good with any outfit.
2. Life is too short to not take risks.
3. Buy less, choose well.
4. Wash your face every night, even if you're tired.
5. Life will still go on even though no new Doctor Who episodes will air this year.
6. Cat videos cure all of life's problems.
7. Coffee is always the answer, but I could also say the same for wine.
8. I hate doing the laundry.
9. Be you, even if other people think you're weird.
10. Eyeshadow primer will save your life.
11. It's ok to have a wardrobe made completely out of black.  Bring it on Morticia Addams.
12. Always invest in a great pair of shoes.  Your feet will thank you.
13. Surround yourself with people who pull you up not push you down.
14. Dry shampoo is the best thing ever.
15. I'll never get sick of the Backstreet Boys, N'Sync or the Spice Girls.  Deal with it.
16. Reach out/talk to strangers...you just might surprise yourself.
17. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
18. Make time to read a good book.
19. Chase after your dreams, even if it scares you.
20. I need time to process decisions or changes to plans.
21. Tea is sometimes just as good as coffee.
22. There's always room for desert.
23. It's ok to get another year older...it only makes you wiser.
24. You're never too old to wear scrunchies or to jump in puddles when it rains.
25. There's always room to explore new things.
26. You wont find me without at least 3 tubes of lipstick in my purse.
27. Being a wedding photographer is the best job ever!

Thank you to all the amazing people in my life who made turning twenty-seven that much more special. xo

WHEN IN DOUBT, BUY A FISH

Life has been crazzzzzy lately and I realized I haven't been spending my time on the things I enjoy, such as blogging (I miss you guys), shooting for fun and enjoying the little things in life.  My birthday is next Monday, so I thought it would only be fitting to spend my last week as a 26 year old only doing things I find fun!  Work can wait until I am a boring 27 year old, but until then #partyon

Last week, I was complaining to my friends how boring and uninteresting my life is -welcome to the life of a photographer people ;)- so after my work session at Starbucks, I decided to go to the pet shop and buy some things for Chachi.  Why yes, I am one of those people who treats their pets like sweet precious children.  While I was making my way across the store, I caught the glimpse of the most gorgeous fish.  He had a white face, blue body and the tips of his fins and tail were delicately painted hot pink and that colour combination was enough to steal this 90s girl's heart.  So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce to you my new fish : Prince Phillipe.  

Happy Wednesday!