I am out of town until September 11th.

Category: Engagements   |   View all recent posts

K atrina and Mitch had their first date at The Calgary Stampede so I thought it was very fitting that they wanted their engagement photos taken there. I hadn't been in years and I have to say it was really exciting and inspiring for me to have a completely different location to photograph at. I LOVE colour and The Stampede had no shortage of that to play with.

I thought it was too perfect when Katrina pointed out that there was a stand with Mitch's name on it.

I had so much fun photographing Katrina and Mitch, they rocked it!

You may have heard about the massive rain storm at The Stampede on Monday. We took shelter in the bingo tent and waited it out until the rain was more manageable.

Colour is always hugely inspiring for me so the thought of getting to photograph at The Calgary Stampede was very exciting. I am also really inspired by other's enthusiasm. Katrina's enthusiasm shined in her e-mails to me and I knew we were in for a fun morning together and Katrina and Mitch did not disappoint. Having grown up in Calgary I have fond memories of my Mum taking my brother and I to the Stampede. Of touring the city in search of early morning pancake breakfasts and seeing the city transformed. The Stampede officially takes place at the grounds but in the weeks before suddenly straw bales and wooden fences with rope start appearing in strange places like the inside of a bank. Suddenly people show up to work in cowboy hats and boots. It was fun to take in the Stampede excitement with Katrina and Mitch. Katrina has only ever missed 2 Stampedes so she was the perfect hostess.

I am really thrilled to see that Laura and Kenya's engagement photographs are featured on Style Me Pretty today. If you are not already familiar with Style Me Pretty it is an inspiring wedding blog filled with eye candy and details from real weddings.

I absolutely love engagement sessions because they give me the unique opportunity to get to know my couples a bit better before their wedding day. Engagement shoots are fun because they are focused on a couple hanging out without the stress of a wedding day schedule or worry about getting a wedding dress dirty. Clea and Ron's shoot was wonderful because it was so personal. They flew me to Denver and invited me into their home to capture them as a couple. Clea and Ron have a beautiful romance. They love playing cards together, traveling and enjoying good food. Oh my the food in Denver is delicious!! I had never been outside of the Denver airport before and I have to say I love the city. Clea and Ron live in a gorgeous neighbourhood that is filled with trees, flowers and sweet historic brick homes that have been preserved beautifully. It became my favourite neighbourhood as soon as I walked their street. Clea is an opera singer and I could just barely hear her singing as she got ready for our shoot. I am hoping their wedding day will involve some impromptu singing performances from friends. Clea and Ron thank you for your hospitality and an incredible day with you. I loved our meals together where I got to ask you more about what you're passionate about. I'm looking forward to seeing you both on your wedding day.

Laura's porcelain skin and red hair with green eyes are just STUNNING! Laura looked incredible. Stephanie Roy did the GORGEOUS make-up and hair for Laura. Check out my vendor's page by clicking on "vendors" above to see more of Stephanie's bridal hair and make-up.

There are some days that are just a gift and this day was one of them. From the dreamy clouds to the Vintage Train Car that surprised us at the train station our photo time together went beautifully. Laura and Kenya's courtship story involves a love of travel so it is fitting that they are having a travel themed wedding this summer. I wanted to incorporate travel into their engagement portrait. When we decided on the train station I suggested that Laura consider a retro 40's/50's look to create something unique. I was absolutely beyond thrilled to see what Laura came up with. They both look so stylish and elegant. Kenya arrived in Canada with a blue suitcase so to tie in with that moment in their lives they found vintage blue suitcases to include that will also make an appearance in their wedding day decor. I really love when couples find ways to personalize their photographs. The Bentley proved again to be an amazing photo prop and also gave Laura and Kenya the experience of getting to be chauffeured to the lake through a romantic mountain road. Laura and Kenya thank you dearly for your amazing styling but most of all for the energy and enthusiasm you brought to your shoot. I had so much fun, you really inspired me! People who made their day extra special; Royal Canadian Pacific Vintage Train Car Gerrard and Paul from Highland Executive Chauffeur who brought their 1952 Bentley Stephanie Roy who co-owns Symiotics salon for the gorgeous hair and make-up

What makes a shoot a dream shoot for me? A couple in love, beautiful styling, a vintage traincar that surprised us at the train station, a sweet sweet couple, dreamy clouds, a vintage silver Bentley and a picnic by a mountain lake. This is the first photograph that I've had the chance to see from this dream come true for me engagement shoot. I can't wait to share more with you. Thank you dearly Laura and Kenya for your beautiful styling, for being up for anything, for your enthusiasm and all the energy you brought to the shoot. You inspired me!

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