Just another reason why I love what I do....

I don't really think I need to expand on this at all. But just let me say that in spite of doubts that eventually pop into my head I'm so thankful that this is my job!  Finding those moments and catching with my camera makes it so worthwhile.  Isn't Janise gorgeous?

They Didn't Need a Reason to Get Close- Mike and Janise - Pincher Creek, AB Wedding

Mike and Janise?  Troopers that's for sure.  We had all been praying that Sunday wouldn't be windy.  You see Pincher Creek is surrounded by windmills.  It's called the wind energy capital of Canada and for good reason.  The horizon is full of windmills and it looks amazing!  But winter, wind and weddings don't mix well.  Thankfully the Lord decided that a winter wedding was enough and didn't involve the wind on Sunday.  It was a beautiful clear day; a crisp, cold day.  Not one time did I need to ask them to get closer....but...I'm thinking it was for other reasons than the cold!

I always love spending a little quality time with just the bride and groom on their wedding day.  I'm kinda like a third wheel with a lens catching the little glances, touches and smiles shared between them.  Last Sunday wasn't any different, in spite of the cold weather these two were like all my other couples......loving the time alone.  I enjoy watching my newly married couple spend a few quiet moments alone during their wedding day.  Their faces full of joy and hope filled eyes are a delight to observe and shoot. 

Mike and Janise, thank you for letting me share in your day.  It was a pleasure and honor to document your day. 

Janise....what a girl!  She'd throw on a blanket and we'd pull it off

after I'd set up, snap our shots and she'd throw it back on. 

I'm thinking that this blanket could be the "something old" for the day.

 

It Kind of Felt Like Home - A Real Country Wedding - Mike and Janise

When I knew I was going to Pincher Creek for Mike and Janise's wedding I was so excited.  Why?  Well first of all, their's was my first wedding of 2011 and I love that area of Alberta.  I remember my Dad saying that you'd have a hard time finding a prettier place to ranch and farm.  And after being there again this last weekend....I concur!!  It is beautiful!  And I know it will only get prettier as the spring thaw starts.  I felt right at home as I drove through the town as it reminded me of my hometown in Saskatchewan (mind you we didn't have the views or a Walmart) but the size and content was the same.  I loved driving around the country checking out where I was to be during the wedding day and scouting some amazing photo locations.    Driving the gravel roads I came across some beautiful vistas that I hope to someday get back and shoot with a little more time (bride and groom or not!).   

I don't think Mike and Janise were planning a specific theme to their day it just happened from who they are and where they come from.  It was a relaxed day full of love, Jesus, laughter and family and I think that's those are the best things to focus on.  Those that helped bring this day together were a talented bunch!  The bouquets and floral arrangements were done by Janise's cousin who used to work in a florist's shop as a part time job.  Another cousin worked her magic on everyone's hair and I must add that she isn't trained.....just liked to play with hair.  Janise's mom made the girl's shawls, another cousin played at the wedding ceremony.  Talk about do it yourself!

It was a great day and I hope you enjoy this post highlighting portions of the day.  More photos coming tomorrow! 

 

 

  

Deza's Bridal Fashion Shoot - Part 2

I was welcomed as soon as I walked in the door.  A smile lit Deza's face and she was so full of joy and passion as she showed me around her bridal salon.  She knows every single dress in the store and can take one look at you and suggest the perfect dress for your shape.  I never did ask her what would work for me, maybe because I'd be disappointed that my favorite was not for me!  When Deza left Kosovo years ago she also left behind a successful wedding design and dress salon and started over here in Canada. And from what I've seen I'd say with great success!

This woman knows dresses!  In the times I've spent with her and hearing how she speaks about design and fabric, I allways walk away a little more educated on the whole process of wedding gowns. She imports the most beautiful gowns from Europe and alters them also.  She still does design gowns, but you need to speak to her personally about that as she doesn't advertise.  

I'm already looking forward to my next visit where I hope I'll get to see her in action....helping brides and working with alterations.  You seriously need to check out Deza's Bridal! 

So...back to the shoot.  Below is just a sampling of what was shot that afternoon and as I said in the previous post I'm already looking forward to the next time and the possibility of heading outdoors!

Enjoy!



Deza's Bridal Fashion Shoot - Part 1

Imagine a room full of beautiful gowns....some huge and puffy, others over the top with bling, some with frills and ruffles and others simple and graceful in design each of them beautiful in their own way.  Well I got to spend an afternoon amidst all those gowns and loved it!  I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that most little girls love the idea of weddings.  Little girls? Big girls too!  Everytime I walk into a bridal salon I always find the gown that I would buy if I was looking.  And Deza's didn't disappoint me!  The first time I popped in to scope out things I found my dress right away.

"Oh...these gowns just arrived.  2011 bridal gowns....do you like them?"  Do I like them?  No...I love them!  I was immediately drawn to one gown in particular gracing one of the mannequins.  Definitely would have made my "try on" list when I was engaged. 

I had the pleasure and honor of spending an afternoon with a great group of women...(and Aaron) playing with dresses and my camera!  I was more than a little nervous about this whole afternoon as it was my first fashion shoot and since I'm comfortable shooting in natural light it was a stretch to shoot with lighting, but it worked great!

Deza's Bridal hosted us and closed down her salon for the day to let us take over for the day (must to the dismay of her customers!).  Trena of Trena Laine polished all of our models lovely faces and Kassandra of Accentric Salon and Spa created their amazing hairstyles.  Janine Stevenson, an up and coming fashion stylist helped create the atmosphere for the afternoon which ended up being a big party! 

Thank you to everyone who made this afternoon become reality.  I'm already looking forward to our next shoot!

This post is the warm up to the actual shoot....you need to see behind the scenes first!

 The lovely and talented Deza. (More on her in the next post!)

A new place to shop!

A little shout out to Anthropologie and there new bridal line BHLDN.  LOVE IT!!!!  I know I'll go back and drool more later, but these were some of my faves right away!

Soooooo....if any of my 2011 brides are still looking for their gown....check out Anthropologie!

I LOVE this dress....love...LOVE it!  No I'm not exagerating.....LOVE IT!!!!

Valentine's Day Contest

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to run a little contest. Just the Two of Us sessions are just that...just the two of you....and me! These are for couples wanting to update and capture their lives without the white dress, tux or new flashy engagement ring.  It's a chance to document a different stage of life, but it's more than documenting.  Why not spend a little time together hanging out, enjoying each others company and just being.

Sooooooo...... in celebration of Valentine’s Day I will be giving away a Just the Two of Us session. All you need to do is like my facebook page.  If you already like the page, just comment on the contest post and you're entered!  Encourage others to like the fan page which gives you more opportunities to win. Just make sure that they mention your name in their post! The more people that note that you forwarded them to the page the greater the chances of winning!  Contest ends February 14th....winner announced February 15th.  Photos to be taken in 2011 at location agreed upon. 

Contest is open to residents of Calgary (and area) BUT.....I will be in Prince George in the fall and in the Unity, Sk area the beginning of August for those non-Calgarians wishing to enter.  If I am already shooting your wedding and engagement photos we can talk about a different time for photos!

Maybe you want some professional photos taken of you and the one you love to document this time in your life.  I'd love to be part of it!

I call them mine

I'm rather possessive......you see once I shoot your photos you are mine in a sense.  I can call you my bride....in the photography sense.  And I love my brides!!!  I always walk away from a wedding feeling richer for having the opportunity to spend time with some amazing couples.  I call them my friends and am so thankful for each and every one of them.  But...who are these people that I lay claim to?  Why do I consider them friends?

My brides are fun!  They enjoy themselves and they make the most of every opportunity that their wedding day offers.  They work it for the camera and end up giving me some amazing shots to work with!  They are up for any and all crazy suggestions that may be made, but even better?  They laugh at my jokes!  They are relaxed and because of that I'm even more relaxed!  They say some of the funniest things in those moments when they aren't aware that I may be listening.  I have heard some funny funny stuff over the last couple years.  I won't go into great details, but let me say that I can still tear up with laughter when I think about "A535 is the signature scent of my wedding day."

Thankfully there exists a connection with my brides....a camaraderie is formed over coffee and perusing photos which gets cemented during the engagement shoot.  Time and time again I am so thankful that I get that extra time in advance getting to know my bride and groom, it totally makes the wedding day a lot easier, because we have had some time together and it's not a complete stranger poking their camera in their faces as they get dressed, walk down the aisle, kiss and hug family members.

I'm grateful for the relationships that have been formed with my brides and am excited about making some new friends in 2011.  If you are looking for a wedding photographer, check out my website for more details. www.ckoop.com

Here's a few shots of my brides from the last 3 years that maybe didn't make the blog or website.  Aren't they gorgeous?