Stephanie Lauren Photography – Page 3 – Stephanie Lauren Photography

May 12, 2015

Sarah Sovereign | Chilliwack Portrait Photography

Have you ever met someone you fell madly in love with instantly. Sarah Sovereign is my twin, my only regret is that we didn’t meet decades ago!

Sarah is a Uber talented lifestyle photographer and a truly sincere human being! Her wicked sense of humor is effortless and our witty dialogue would carry on without pause if we weren’t busy heading to our booked photo sessions.

In the last month of our newly blossomed friendship we have laughed lots, shared or dreams and goals, and encouraged eachother with handmade letters and mail art.

I am so blessed by Sarah and as they say “this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

I can’t wait to see where our creativity takes us!

Sarah Sovereign, Chilliwack Portrait Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2015.

January 20, 2015

Rebirth of a Forest | Yellowknife Fine Art Photography

In the summer of 2014 Yellowknife was ravaged by forest fires, claiming more than 893,000 hectares of forest. As a resident I breathed in the heavy smoke that permeated throughout our city. Whole weeks went by with low visibility and highway closures. With only one way in and one way out residents braved the scorched highway when it permitted and saw first hand the fires blaze like a natural disaster sweeping across the terrain, sometimes even leaping across the highway itself.

There were moments of sheer confusion when, in a city of constant summer sun, the clouds turned the city pitch black and thunder and lightning bellowed as rain mixed with ash stained peoples shirts a grey hue. In a matter of an hour the pitch black darkness lifted and the sky was an eerie orange.

I didn’t get to see first hand the affects the fire had on our landscape until Ian and I had to move back to BC. We drove down the highway and it had a post apocalyptic look, as underground heat remaining from the fire’s long put out, still smoldered up from the ground and small flames flickered every kilometer or so.

I knew in September that I wanted to do a fine art photography piece that showed the resilience of nature, her strength and tenacity to regrow after devastation.

In the Northwest Territories there was talk about the sadness of such a great loss of forest life, but there were also great encouragements that “fire sometimes burns away the bad and the weak, leaving temporary desolation, but then the Fireweed grows. A beautiful plant that through destruction blooms.”

I wanted this piece to be about Rebirth out of Desolation. An encouragement that in all things there is a greater plan.

Erykah Tam, Yellowknife Fine Art Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography

October 22, 2014

Fall Mini Sessions | Chilliwack Portrait Photography

Yes its official, I am now living in Chilliwack again, and as a “hello home” and “thank you for your years of support” I am offering Fall Mini Sessions for a great discount on my original package price.

As a part of the package I will be offering 30 minute sessions at a location provided upon booking, and 15 high resolution digital images as well as a gallery for private download and sharing features to social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and so on. Add On’s such as Holiday Cards and Prints will be available at an additional cost.

If you need a family portrait, photos with you and the one you love, or are expecting; I am booking mini sessions for this upcoming weekend, October 25th and 26th as well as November 1st (and now offering Sunday November the 2nd as well).

If you are wanting to book your session drop me a line, send me a text or give me a call. Spaces are first come, first serve and are LIMITED.

Much love to my hometown,

Stephanie Lauren

604.378.4678
info@stephanielaurenphotography.com

October 21, 2014

Ben & Nicole | Chilliwack Wedding Photography

There are people you come across in your life that fast become like family. Ben and Nicole were introduced to me through his parents, Sue and Roland.

Sue and Roland have been a longtime source of encouragement, love, and support to myself. When Ian came into my life they showed that same unwavering love to us both.

Ben and Nicole are a lot like his parents. Their heart for others is unrelenting, and their love for each other is humbling. Being apart of their wedding day was a true honor as the private affair was only a select amount of family members, I understood that those who couldn’t attend till their much larger wedding next year would want to re-live the day through these photographs.

Ian and I both wish Ben and Nicole a lifetime of love and laughter with their future child.

To view the entire gallery click HERE.

Ben and Nicole Penner, Chilliwack Elopement Photography, British Columbia Photography, 2014.

To view the entire gallery click HERE.

September 15, 2014

Mike & Arielle | Yellowknife Portrait Photography

Friends Become Family

Michael and Arielle have been close friends of my husband from long before I even met Ian. While Michael and Ian have followed very similar career paths, their differences are what make for such a strong friendship.

Today we decided (since both of our husbands are in town, Ian and Mike are usually on opposite camp rotations) that today would be the perfect time to do their photo session. On this golden afternoon we wanted to thank Mike and Arielle for all their hard work in our wedding this january, with Mike being Ian’s best man, and Arielle being responsible for our yummy reception cupcakes.

Thank You Mike and Arielle!

If you like my photos, please feel free to share, leave a comment, or contact me about booking your own session. Don’t forget to like my page if you want to see more photos like this!

Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.

Zoey is a breathtaking dog, she is a Blue Heeler/Border Collie Cross. The perfect mixture of good behaviour, steadfast adoration of her owners, and a very smart canine overall.

September 5, 2014

The weight of my wings | Yellowknife Portrait Photography

“They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

This verse has been a favourite of mine for countless years and a source of inspiration for my photo-shoot with Gwich’in model, Nigit’Stil. I had bought the feathers many months ago in hopes to bring my dream to life; when Nigit’Stil echoed my idea in creative conversation I knew she had to be my face for the series.

The night before our session I planned out lighting, make-up, and composition. I have a deep passion for photography, but not many people know my love for makeup artistry which I do like to stretch my muscles in these creative situations. I really love how it translated so fluidly with my vision to include feathers in lieu of her eyebrows. It is truly a blessing to have a fellow artist like Nigit’Stil have full faith in my creative direction.

I hope you enjoy the creative vision for my series of images entitled “The weight of my wings”.

Nigit Stil, Gwich'in, Indigenous, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Creative Portraiture, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014. — Nigit Stil, Gwich’in, Indigenous, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Creative Portraiture, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.

After our indoor portraits Nigit Stil and I ventured out into the brush of Yellowknife. I specifically wanted to have two very different styles within this photo-shoot. The first being a cascading entanglement of feathers and hair, and the second to be a magnificent nest of brown curls and feathers. I was very happy with the conversion that took no less than 5 minutes to pin up.

Is Nigit Stil not the most elegant example of Northern Beauty you seen? Her warm compassionate soul echoes through into each portrait I captured.

There is nothing greater than the last image of a session taking your breath away completely. This last portrait below was taken as I was disassembling my studio lighting, I saw this pose and took what is one of my most favourite creative portraits to date!

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 27, 2014

Shawn & Denika | Yellowknife Wedding Photography

Being a wedding photographer, sometimes it feels like I have the priviledge of making lifelong friends with just the click of a shutter. From the first moment a bride contacts me with her heart a flutter; ideas pouring from her fingertips onto our Contact Us form, to the interactions back and forth by email which always remind me of giddy schoolgirls passing notes in class about a boy they liked.

I get to go on coffee dates, have a fun filled evening of appetizers and drinks, chat about “the details” and reminise on how our men proposed. It warms my heart every time a bride first contacts me to the moment I deliver her images; we become kindred friends.

Denika contacted me the winter of 2013 after viewing my work with her uncle, a fellow photographer and friend. While I was busily planning my own wedding and knee deep in preparation to move to Yellowknife, Denika knew I was going to be living in her home town and it made her decision a simple “Yes!”

I was truly honoured to be asked to be a part of this magical moment in Denika’s life, and have her as my first Yellowknife bride.

Shawn and Denika have been together for 5 years; what an amazing journey they have made thus far: Denika told me that she had started planning her wedding a year previous to this date when they found out they were expecting their beautiful baby girl. On July the 26th 2013, she went into labour and on the 27th little baby Kaiyer was born into this world.

Denika went on to say “July 26th of this year [2013] I went into labour, so we felt a life event was fitting for next year as well.”

So, on the very day her life changed one year previous, Denika woke again with joy and anticipation. Today, she would marry the man whom her soul loves deeply.

This is their wedding story:

Shawn & Denika Brennan, Yellowknife Wedding Photography, Northwest Territories, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.

This is Kaiyer, who just a day after their wedding would turn 1. With a wedding and a birthday planned all on the same weekend; Kaiyer, mommy, and daddy had one BIG weekend planned.

Shawn stood tall as he waited for Denika at the site of their “first look” photos. Shawn radiated pure happiness!

Their first look kiss was so sweet. So many moments in their relationship had lead to this kiss.

Shawn and Denika bought one another gifts, and as Denika opened a small box she made a giddy sound. Shawn had bought her a beautiful double strand pearl bracelet. Shawn was equally impressed by his wife’s gift to him, a stunning Bulova watch.

Shawn had a custom ring made with Yellowknife Gold, it was a stunning ring that complimented her diamonds.

Denika wanted her bouquet to hold something old, a memento. The lace wound around her bouqeut was from her mothers original wedding dress. I absolutely adore when brides incorporate their past into their future!

Shawn’s grooms-men were a riot, and the reception definitely confirmed their grade ‘A’ humor.

Denika kept her side of the bridal party tight knit. With her sisters as bridesmaids and her brother as her “man of honour”.

As the bridal party waited for the geusts to arrive, Denika and her bridesmaid (and man of honour) sat in the sheer tent that stood at the top of the aisle. A little mummy and me time with Kaiyer was needed, and snuggles followed.

Their officiant was none other than the Mayor of Yellowknife, Mark Heyck.

And then it all began…

One family, joined in unity.

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.

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