Lifestyle – Page 2 – Stephanie Lauren Photography

August 9, 2014

Cody & Paige | Fraser Valley Wedding Photography

The flight to Chilliwack felt different this time for me; for the first time since moving to Yellowknife in January of this year, I had a sense of misplacement. I had three previous wedding photography engagements in BC that needed to be fulfilled between January and August, and each time I travelled back I’d say: “I’m coming home”.

This time however, something had shifted. As I sat in the terminal waiting for my flight out of the smoke-filled city of Yellowknife, I felt I was leaving home. I had finally settled into my new life in the North and was excited about the new season that is about to start for Stephanie Lauren Photography. Change of home aside, I was as excited as ever to make the trip to my true original home town to spend time with family and photograph my last summer wedding.

Cody and Paige’s wedding was a very special day for me. Seven months earlier Cody’s mother Sheila of Sheila Armstrong Photography and sister Stephanie of Lemon & Lavender Photography had photographed our wedding, and the results were amazing.

Back in January when Sheila and I spoke before my wedding we talked about her son’s upcoming marriage to his high school sweetheart, and in the end we were honoured to photograph unforgettable moments in each other’s lives.

Now, a little about the Bride and Groom:

Cody and Paige met in the seventh grade. Cody was smitten immediately, and eventually their friendship would blossom into a great love story that would produce the greatest addition to their life, baby Hunter.

Not even three months prior to the wedding Cody and Paige welcomed their beautiful baby boy into the world. Paige said to Cody during her vows, “you have already gave me the greatest gift of my life”. The sincerity of their love is humbling and the immense joy they share is infectious to those that surround them.

Thank you for sharing your story with me Cody and Paige!

Cody & Paige Armstrong, Stephanie Lauren Photography, Rosedale Wedding Photography, Fraser Valley Wedding Photography, British Columbia Wedding Photography, 2014.

The girls all gathered at Paige’s grandparents home, a beautiful and rustic loft-style home. I couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop to photograph the bridal preparations.

Cody and his groomsmen got ready at his parents’ new farm property, where the ceremony was to take place in the open field out back. Their shared moments of laughter and morning golf had them mischievous and playful for pictures.

You know these men are a group of confident athletes by their request to have a GQ shirtless group shot.

Cody’s mom Sheila was busy finishing all the last details of the decorations and food, but took some quality time to help her son get ready. If ever you could see the overwhelming love of a mother, it is surely in the embrace of her son on his wedding day.

Paige stood gazing at her dress, the moment was finally here, her forever was about to start.

Once they saw each other for the first time…

After their first look, Cody surprised Paige with a beautiful eternity bracelet; she held back happy tears and was beyond elated with his gift.

After Cody and Paige’s first look and bridal portraits, we headed back inside to cool down. Hunter was happily cradled in his grandma’s arms and everyone was excited for the group pictures.

The Ceremony and Reception were held at Cody’s parents’ farm, a beautiful property looking out on Mt. Cheam. Rustic hay bale seating made for a true country wedding in the warm community of Rosedale.

July 21, 2014

Folk on the Rocks | Yellowknife Event Photography

Have you had a chance to check out our Folk on the Rocks photo galleries? We have 2 days worth of photo’s ready for purchase. Go check them out and share your photos with your friends by following the picture below to our on-line galleries!

Folk on the Rocks, Strombella's, FOTR, Yellowknife Event Photography, Northwest Territories, 2014 — Folk on the Rocks, Strombella’s, FOTR, Yellowknife Event Photography, Northwest Territories, 2014

July 2, 2014

Canada Day Photos for Purchase | Yellowknife Event Photography

Happy Belated Canada Day to everyone!

I had the immense pleasure of photographing the faces of our fine city at yesterday’s festivities. From the parade to the farmers market and live music I met new people, joined in the laughter, and introduced myself to my community.

On behalf of my business I’d like to introduce myself. My names is Stephanie Lauren Wills and I am the owner and photographer of Stephanie Lauren Photography. Originally from Chilliwack BC, I have 6+ years photography experience. I hope that in the future you remember my name and face when you plan your next family portrait, wedding, graduation pictures, or any other need you may have. Feel free to drop me a line via the CONTACT US page.

I love people, and I definitely fell further in love with you yesterday! Thank you for visiting my site, and if you would like to view the images I have for purchase simply click the image below and it will take you to the gallery of images for purchase.

Stephanie Lauren Photography, Yellowknife Event Photography, Somba Ke Park, Downtown Yellowknife, Canada Day, 2014.

June 9, 2014

Joan | Yellowknife Portrait Photography

I absolutely love when photographers get together and create. This evening, and I say evening when it was really 9pm (Yes at 9pm it is still sunny and stunning out) a group of photographers and myself went out on a photo walk. Thanks to our Zumba Model Joan, we were all graced with a vivacious personality that shone through each image. Thank you to Samantha Stuart Photography who set it all up, there is nothing I love more than a group of people who share the same passion getting together.

June 9, 2014

Landel Family | Yellowknife Family Photography

“Sourire”, Marie would say in soft spoken French to her beautiful little girl Camille, “Smile for Stephanie”.

I had met Marie-Eve on a photo walk a few weeks prior and instantly fell in love with her soft and inviting personality. The wife and mother to a precious little family.

I found so much joy in photographing them in this beautiful summer bloom that Yellowknife is in. Thank you for the opportunity to showcase your family.

Landel Family, Yellowknife Family Photography, Northwest Territories, 2014.

When the formal photos were over Camille was beaming about the cupcake Mommy and Daddy had promised her. “Gateau?” she politely asked in French.

June 3, 2014

Jon & Chelsea | Abbotsford Wedding Photography

She was the joyful doe eyed cousin I grew up with on the farm at Nana’s, I was her older cousin but we played together just the same. Her family eventually moved away to Grand Prairie but we always stayed in touch when family came to visit.

Jon and Chelsea first met when she was just 16, as the years flew by she fell madly in love with him. True Alberta blood runs through both their veins and their destination wedding in BC was full of sentimental moments, including her Nana’s home where she got ready for the day.

I am so blessed to have been asked to photograph her wedding and I wish them a lifetime full of love and laughter together. Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Millwater.

Jon and Chelsea Millwater, Abbotsford Wedding Photography, British Columbia, 2014.

I’m pretty sure my cousin Luke looks just like TinTin. ↓

June 2, 2014

Laura | Chilliwack Portrait Photography

Laura Muir is a close family friend who I have shared many laughs with throughout the years. After photographing her sons graduation 2 years ago; she had talked to me about the possibility of a private portrait session. As life often does; we both got busy and I eventually moved away. With the trip down this week she was adamant that we meet up and finally do the photo-session.

Laura is a constant joy to those who meet her, her humor livens any conversation, and her compassion is true to a fault. I was honoured to spend the afternoon with her, and overjoyed with the summer sun that glowed on her beautiful face!

Laura Muir, Prospera Centre, Chilliwack Portrait Photography, British Columbia, 2014.

May 18, 2014

Spring Awakened | Yellowknife Fine Art Photography

The beauty of Yellowknife is found in its rolling hills; painted with a warm cinnamon hued brush and evergreen trees perched atop monolithic rock formations. Upon moving to Yellowknife I joked about the constant state of white, how I had become color-blind in the constant winter slumber. As the sun melted away the blankets of snow I saw the true character of the landscape and I was instantly inspired.

Sadetlo is a beautiful Yellowknife model; and when I asked her to join me on an impromptu photo shoot capitalizing on the beauty of nature she was excited to play with the vision I had. Nature and the human form combine in this series of images, influenced by the setting sun and moody clouds, this session centered on the Awakening of Spring shows the initial thaw of a cold world coming back to life.

April 16, 2014

Long John Jamboree | Yellowknife Event Photography

The Long John Jamboree. From intricate ice sculptures to the Snow Kings Ice Castle you cant walk a foot without experiencing the culture and personality of Yellowknife and its residents!

For those with a sweet tooth there is the “sugar shack” where you can experience the tradition of maple sugar melted down and laid upon a bed of snow. Simply roll your popsicle stick while it is still soft and it gradually hardens into a hard candy to enjoy for hours. I may or may not have chipped my tooth on this sugar goodness.

The weekend consisted of me volunteering for Great Slave Helicopters rides. There was a flurry of families, friends, and students signing their forms and going through safety briefings and patiently waiting in warmed tents for their ride in a helicopter.

And then I went up!

Photographed below was a birds eye view of the Jamboree

The famous mine that has since been closed down looked amazing from up in the sky.

After my helicopter ride I wandered around the newly finished sculptures. Varying from a merman, a sci-fi cowboy (at least that’s what I thought it was) and a stunning winter stag, I was in awe of the sheer detail.

I knew I had to venture over to the ice castle, as it is destroyed after the festival. It was an awesome display of architecture using snow and ice.

The Snow King himself took the stage to recite a poem he had wrote, about underwear, Long John underwear to be exact.

The Ice castle is complete with its own closed in court yard, with a Snow King statue and a ice slide for both young and old.

I knew I was surrounded by Canadian nostalgia when I was walking back to the Jamboree tents, I heard children’s laughter erupt from an outdoor ice rink.

March 15, 2014

Mexican Getaway | Personal Photography

Ian and I both love photography, so when we went on our honeymoon we knew we would both be competing for our camera… we both shot these pictures, most of the landscape and sunsets were Ian’s handiwork, and on our excursions I tried to shoot Mexican lifestyle shots. So enjoy!