Have you ever been so excited that you feel like you’re vibrating with anticipation? Today was one of those days!
I arrive at Sky Helicopters Hangar an hour early, talk to the team, and align our ‘story’ so we were all on the same page in case she gets suspicious. Spoiler Alert, she didn’t catch on and it was breathtaking!
Kimberly writes:
” We met in the month of September 2022 in the church, from the first moment he saw me enter the church he felt in his heart that I was his wife, he invited me out and I accepted, our first date was spectacular it was a very romantic day where he declared his love to me in a restaurant facing the beach and then we went to see the sunset, the following week we both knew that we were made for each other and so we began to build our love every day, without imagining that on May 22, 2023, when I got on the helicopter, I was going to become his future wife”
There is just something about this first photo waiting in the lobby. The pure joy that Kimberly gives off is infectious and I couldn’t wait to see how much brighter she’d glow in the light of his proposal.
When the weather directed us to a beautiful riverbed Marlon took the lead and helped Kimberly venture further into the landscape with all the chivalry you’d expect from a man in love.
When Marlon knelt down on those uneven rocks she came alive!
Like two kids in love.
There is nothing like the thrill of a helicopter flight, now top that with a ring!
Ok, nothing like a helicopter ride, a ring, and a bottle of bubbly.
Can I just say how gorgeous this ring is? Because I am, this is stunning!
Marlon may have booked the most beautiful and off-the-grid proposal, but it was Kimberly who would float for the rest of the day.
Capturing Unbreakable Bonds | The Caswell Family Session
As a photographer, my lens has been fortunate to capture countless moments of love, joy, and connection. Each family I have had the privilege to photograph has their own unique story, but the Caswell family holds a special place in my heart. Their journey through life, love, and resilience is truly inspirational, and I am honoured to share their story with you through my lens.
The Caswell family, hailing from Chilliwack and Alberta, is a living testament to the power of love and unity. Not only a large and tight-knit family, their family has also faced significant challenges together. Their collective spirit and unwavering support for one another are awe-inspiring, and it’s an honour to witness their journey and document their moments of togetherness.
One of the pivotal moments in the Caswell family’s story was when they experienced a life-changing accident involving one of their beloved grandsons. He had to relearn how to talk and walk, and the family rallied around him in unwavering support. This difficult time tested their strength but ultimately brought them closer together. In fact, the brothers of Levi stood around to support him to stand for these family portraits, a touching sight of brotherhood in action.
Through my lens, I’ve had the privilege to capture the Caswell family in their purest moments. I have photographed their big group shots, where the sheer number of family members is a testament to their legacy. These images portray the essence of togetherness, as they stand shoulder to shoulder, showing that no matter the distance that separates them, their hearts are forever entwined.
Candid shots of family laughing are some of my favorite moments to capture. The Caswell family has laughter is infectious, and it’s clear that their humor and joy are strong bonds that hold them together. The genuine happiness that flows through their family is evident.
In addition to the big group shots and candid laughter, I’ve also had the privilege to capture some special moments within the family. It’s in these intimate moments that you truly see the heart of this family.
The Caswell family’s story is one of perseverance. They have walked through the fire of life’s challenges, emerging stronger and more closely knit. My time spent photographing them has given me a glimpse into a family that cherishes each other, no matter the distance that separates them. Through their trials and triumphs, they serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of love and togetherness.
As a photographer, I am grateful to have been a part of their journey and to have captured the moments that make their story so extraordinary. The Caswell family is a reminder that, no matter the obstacles, with love, resilience, and a sense of humour, you can overcome anything that comes your way.
The photos I’ve shared here are just a small glimpse into their family’s remarkable journey, and I hope they inspire you as much as they have inspired me. It’s a privilege to share their story through my lens.
There is always magic in the snow covered ski village up at SilverStar Mountain Resort. The bright colored buildings, the smell of a wood burning firepit in the center square for skiers to warm up. But today, today the marriage of Derek and Monica brought with it the warmth of family gathering to celebrate the union of best friends, parents, and wholly individual personalities complimenting each other as one couple.
On the day of the wedding I drove up the hill from our Vernon Apartment and found myself on mental autopilot up the hill while day dreaming about the photos I was going to take. As you climb the hill the snow covered trees and small peeks down into the valley make you think about fairy tale winter wonderlands. I knew we had to use this insanely breathtaking backdrop for their photos. I had my fingers crossed they would be just as game as I was braving the cold air!
As the day started I met Monica in her hotel room, it was abuzz with laughter and inside jokes shared between the dearest of friends. Her grown children dressed dapperly in suits, they looked at their mom with the admiration of her inner and outer beauty. Their family dogs scurrying around everyone’s feet as they got ready.
As family gathered in the ballroom faces were a glow with happiness to be included in such a important day. Derek beamed from ear to ear as he watched each bridesmaid make their way to the alter, then with baited breath and the pull back of the sheer drapped fabric Monica gracefully moved toward him with all the anticipation and excitement a smile can hold.
Between meaningful words shared and spoken over their marriage, Derek and Monica married their best friend.
After the ceremony the family spilled out into the foyer of the ballroom. I love this part of a wedding because there is so much love poured out onto the couple. Embraces mingling with congratulations.
There is one image that brings me back everytime I think about it, and for Monica she see’s at as more than a photo but a memory frozen in time. The hug shared between her and her mother. In 2019 her mother would pass away and she remembered her through this candid moment.
After the family photos were finished we ventured out into the village to take some of my favourite bridal party portraiture. There is nothing better than the dreamy winterscape as your backdrop.
I laugh when I look back at this picture. When you look at them you don’t see the 100’s of skiiers moving in and out behind them. I spent time strategically positioning them in the moment, but still edited out a lot of the bustling ski hill behind them. Another reason it pays to have a photographer well versed in photo editing, you will never regret it, and if they’re really good you wont even notice in the finished images that they ever did a thing.
I instantly fell in love with the photos of just Derek and Monica, the bright cool light that illuminated the snow and their faces, the way they looked at each other, sharing sweet and silly moments with one another.
I also adore when my clients incorporate their fur babies in their photos. The hilarity of this wedding was that their fur babies were shivering Weiner dogs ready to be done with it all, eagerly pulling their leashes to be picked up and snuggled by family standing behind me.
As the sun went down and the village became a deep blue hue I imagined backlit photos would create cinematic portraits for this couple, and I was not wrong. Between a champ of a groomsmen being our “voice operated” lightstand we were able to capture some truly stunning images.
Snowflakes and side profile silhouettes took my breath away on the back of the camera, when I took to editing them they excited me like nothing else. I was sharing them with my bride and groom with so much joy I couldn’t contain it. When a creative heart gets to exercise their vision and see it unfold beautifully their heart soars!
The reception was just as fun as the beginning of the day, drinks and laughter shared with family and friends.
Speeches spoke about how loved and adored this couple was by their friends.
As the night went on the dance floor opened and Derek took Monica’s hand, they waltzed around the floor. Monica looked like a queen framed in her man’s arms.
As family and friends took to the floor the fun really unfolded and I captured some really fun personalities in full swing.
Derek and Monica’s wedding is one for the books, the type of memories that have that nostaglic glow.
When I asked Monica what she felt about her experience having her wedding photographed by someone who looks for the candid and real moments she said this:
“Working with Stephanie to plan and execute a wedding session was the easiest part of my planning. Meeting her and instantly connecting with her i knew her vision would make our day. She is completely professional and at the same time will put you at ease with her knowledge and amazing talent. She braved the snow and cold to bring our winter wedding photos to life. She understood how important having not only our extended family but our four legged family included. These are not just pictures but memories for a life time. Stephanie captured them all and more. Capturing candid moments of laughter and joy that being you back to that exact moment when you look at them. Her talent definitely made the whole day the best memories for us.”
Thank you Derek and Monica for trusting me with your most important memories. I will always think about you with inviting smiles and authentic laughter. May the many years that come fill you with as much joy and love as it did the day you said “I DO”.
The weekend was planned, a baby shower for Arielle and her growing bump.
The day was March 12th, the day before my flight to Calgary. This was also the weekend that a great deal of Canadians cancelled their non-essential flights, this was pre-quarantine life. It was incredibly hard to make the call but we decided it was best if I didn’t fly to the baby-shower. Unfortunately that meant not only did I miss the beautiful party but I was also not able to do a maternity shoot for them.
Arielle and I decided to make the session happen remotely no matter what, with the help of her friend April who respected social distancing while I directed the expecting parents and suggested settings for the camera.
It was such a joy to help her from afar, thanks to April again for helping photograph, Mike Taekema for sending me all the RAWS for post processing, and Arielle for being such a positive mama! I can’t wait to virtually meet their baby later this month and hopefully in person later this year!
The sweetest moment…. I’m sure she’s thinking “You’ll be my baby, and i’ll be your Zoe.”
A year ago we were preparing for her September Wedding, now we are awaiting her September Baby.
The maternity pictures I had the opportunity to photograph for her are some of my favorite. Share some love with Tiffany and her baby girl by leaving a like, love or comment below!
