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• Stanley Park Portraits Capture Little Angelina in Full Joy
• Once Upon A Time
• On the Road to See Barack Obama in Ottawa
• Happy Valentine’s Day!
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• A Photographer Discovers Toronto
• Celebrity Vancouver Sportswriter Weds His Sweetheart
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• Andrea and Tyler Celebrate Their Engagement in Steveston

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Just about everything Angelina does is adorable but trying to capture that cuteness on camera is anything but simple. She exuberantly put her photographer through some rigorous paces in Stanley Park one morning a couple of months ago during our photo shoot. She was quick to discover that her little legs could effectively outrun and dodge the capabilities that any sophisticated photographer or camera auto-focusing system could accommodate or keep up with — much to everyone’s amusement!

Mom and Dad, after enjoying some hearty laughs, finally took pity on me and pulled out THE bubble bottle. Talk about instant magic! Dad quickly lifted the wand and launched a shimmering stream of silvery bubbles into the morning light. Angelina was captivated immediately and simply became transfixed. Luckily for me, I was ready and we were blessed to get this precious photo of childhood innocence — to the delight of her parents.

We continued our session with some sweet Mommy and me images. Mom was expecting her second daughter when these photos were taken. Despite being days away from giving birth, Mom Rosa is as radiant and as photogenic as ever. She and her husband have since welcomed their second lovely baby girl, Brianna, into the world. They have granted me a photo session in July and I look forward to sharing those images later this summer.

Finally I was able to capture Rosa, Herman and Angelina all together as they strolled through the warm spring sunshine. The gorgeous cherry blossoms have since blown away but we can look to these photos to remember the beauty of the special time and the happiness the simple things in life provides.

And far away tucked into a tiny hamlet was the bejeweled kingdom known as the Junction. Within the kingdom was a castle and there lived a fairy princess whose name was Layla. Layla’s younger brother was known throughout the land as the Bear, and Bear loved his sister Layla dearly. One snowy Saturday afternoon Princess Layla’s parents invited a lucky photographer into the royal chambers to capture, in family portraits, the magic and love their children bestowed upon their lives. By waving her magic wand, Layla turned the grey winter afternoon into the freshness and light of a warm spring day.  Layla’s heart and personality lent a luminous sunshine that gleamed into burnished gold everything she touched from her lavish gown and regal crown to her home and family. She seemed to fly through the halls with wit and laughter and her sparkling slippers barely touched the floor.

Bear shrieked with excitement and spontaneously grabbed a pair of his sister’s magic shoes, but alas as they did not fit he could not fly along with her. Layla alighted and gently took him by the hand and together they jumped upon her bed high into the air, something they were both able to do very well as if they had been practicing together for years. Princess Layla and the Bear spent many merry hours playing in their castle with the royal pets, singing, dancing and laughing the cold away. The lucky photographer captured it all on camera! Their parents, family and subjects loved the photos, agreed that their children indeed looked enchanting and proudly displayed them for all to see. And, as all good fairytales go, they all lived happily ever after.

Abe Lincoln had some trouble figuring out digital technology, but with just a click you can see photos from Barack Obama’s visit to Ottawa. (Photos by Julia Pelish)

Canadians for Obama along with Democrats Abroad Canada chartered a bus on Thursday, February 19 for a road trip from Toronto to Ottawa. It was an opportunity to welcome just about everyone’s favourite citizen from south of the border, U.S. President Barack Obama, who chose Canada for his first international trip while in office.

The bus departed from York Mills subway station at a very early 6:15 a.m. and yes, the bus was filled. We rolled into Ottawa around noon only to discover that we had arrived too late to see the president’s arrival but luckily Obama spirit was everywhere. Thousands gathered on Parliament Hill in celebration of his visit, waving flags, wearing Obama T-shirts and carrying banners. It may be hard to believe but I am telling you the truth, we did manage to meet the exceedingly social former U.S. President – Honest Abe Lincoln. He was well briefed and charmingly conversational on all present-day current events. The ladies were more than impressed!

Canadians for Obama really went all out and made the day special with well-planned events. They hosted a rally at the First Baptist Church where we were treated to an inspirational and diverse array of talented musicians and speakers. Afterwards the group gathered at the Human Rights Memorial for reflections and tributes. The final event was a “Yes We Span” Obama Bridge Walk across the Laurier Bridge sponsored by Democrats Abroad Canada and its Ottawa-Gatineau chapter.

Around 3:30 p.m. we could not help but hear the rumbling of security helicopters through the softly falling snow. There was no doubt that the president was on his way back to Air Force One and to Washington D.C. Not missing our cue, we trekked back to the bus and sped onwards to Toronto.

February 14th is celebrated as Valentine’s Day in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, France, Australia and the U.K. On this day lovers are not shy about showing their feelings. Did you know that in the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be? They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

Some more interesting facts about love and Valentine’s Day:

Read more

Scene outside of Grand Central Station. (Photo by Julia Pelish)
New York City, even during the briefest of visits, can be a visual enticement and uplifting experience. I had the opportunity to return home this past weekend and we stopped into Pershing Square Café on 42nd Street across from Grand Central Station to meet up with some old friends.It seemed that no sooner had we sat down that we decided we had better cut out and start the drive home due to the brewing snowstorm that wreaked havoc on the roadways. It was great to be back after a two-year absence and I look forward to returning soon.

A winter scene on Lake Ontario. (Photo by Julia Pelish)
With the holidays upon us, I wanted to make sure I wish everyone a merry, joyous and fabulous weekend. I hope you revel in every minute of your celebrations. If I was fortunate enough to take your photograph this year, thank you again for choosing me to be the photographer of your special event.
For everyone in Metro Vancouver and Greater Toronto, happy holidays and the best wishes for fantastic 2009!

The Beaches are one of the many delightful areas in Toronto. (Photos by Julia Pelish)

What a great, big, exciting city Toronto is!

I’m spending some time here expanding my business and reconnecting with friends and family on my husband’s side. Although I’ve been here many times before, I always blew into town for a family occasion then departed in a hurry. For the past month, though, I’ve had some time to linger and explore Toronto’s many dynamic and tucked-away neighbourhoods, as well as discover the more famous parts of town for the first time.

One of those areas is the Beaches, where I visited last week and took some photos near Lake Ontario. It was snowing and I thought of that Blue Rodeo song “It Hasn’t Hit Me Yet”. I’m not Canadian (yet), but I do have my Canadian moments now and then!

I’ll be back in Vancouver shortly. But in the mean time if you’re in Toronto and looking for a photographer, send me an email and we’ll connect!

View overlooking the R.C. Harris water treatment facility in the east end of Toronto.

Mike and Brook have eyes only for each other. (Photos by Julia Pelish)
The last weekend in October is traditionally a big one for sports fans. The World Series begins, the NHL, NFL and European soccer seasons are in full swing, and the NBA is about to tip off. It’s hard for some of us ladies to get our men off the couch, let alone into a suit and out the door for the whole day.

Not only was my most recent bride, Brook, able to do just that, she got her guy to the altar, too. That’s quite a feat when you consider he is celebrity sportswriter Mike Halford, one of the featured writers of the Orland Kurtenblog.

Mike is known for his witty writing on the Canucks and other subjects and has traveled to places like St. Petersburg, Russia and Costa Rica to cover mixed martial arts events. He doesn’t have a big head about it. In fact, he was very gallant during the entire ceremony and photo shoot.

Brook, as you can tell, looked stunning in her dress and her smile brought a warmth to the cool autumn evening. The ceremony was held at Dunbar Evangelical Lutheran Church followed by the reception in Point Grey at the Brock House, where guests toasted the happy couple and wished them bon voyage to London and Paris, where they will honeymoon.

Hayley wanted to give her fiancé a pre-wedding gift he wouldn’t forget and to do that she knew she had to push the limits. She wanted an intimate portrait to give him before their wedding day this summer, but was concerned about making sure the photograph appeared tasteful.

When she approached me, I explained there is a delicate balance between posing for a photograph that is sexy and elegant and something that she could view as regrettable in the future. Our discussion made both of us understand that we were on the same page as far as our vision for the shoot.

We decided to take the pictures on location at clothing-optional Wreck Beach. With the early-morning sun providing a backdrop, Hayley appeared breathtaking. Although she was topless, we made sure to provide strategic cover for her from the camera’s lens. The results, I hope, show a sophisticated take on the intimate portrait.

As Hayley said, she didn’t know how long she was going to look so good. That fact and her wedding were reasons for her to celebrate her appearance, while maintaining her dignity and sense of tact. The beautiful bride reported back to me that her husband was absolutely thrilled with his gift and that their wedding day was perfect.

Andrea and Tyler in Garry Point Park during their engagement portrait session. (Photos by Julia Pelish)

With their wedding less than a year away, Andrea and Tyler wanted to get their engagement portraits photographed while the sun was still out, rather than risk waiting for the spring. That decision turned out to be an outstanding one.

A glorious sunset in Steveston provided the backdrop on Friday night for the happy couple. After some shots on the boardwalk in the fishing village, we moved to Garry Point Park, where we got some dreamy shots in the field and on the beach.

If the day of the ceremony is anything like the night of the engagement shoot, Andrea and Tyler are certain to have one spectacular wedding album. One thing’s for sure, they’ll be well prepared. They have just about every detail already taken care of, although there’s some debate about whether Mali and Hailie — Andrea’s two shih tzus — should be a part of the July wedding. My advice for Tyler: Don’t get in the doghouse before the marriage begins!

The Slingshot is a hair-raiser and then some. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

The PNE wrapped up Monday night after 17 soggy-but-still-fun days in Vancouver. Among the thrills was the Slingshot, a terrifying ride that launched two people at a time high, high off the ground at the speed of a missile then snatched them back down toward the ground the way a bungee would.Looked like a scream, but that’s not for me! I stuck to the ferris wheel. From up there I could get a picture without fear of my camera flying off! The grounds, which were decorated with Apex Tents, benefited, as usual, from the stunning backdrop of the North Shore mountains. Plus, on the day I went, the crowds rolled in, making for even more dramatic images.

Some facts about the 2008 PNE:

- It was the 98th annual edition of the fair

- 753,298 people attended, about 150,000 below organizers expectations

- 70 millimetres of rain fell during the 17 days

- Rain fell on 10 of the 17 days

- Approximately $4 million was budgeted for the entertainment.

A funny thing happened on the way to the altar for Kelsey and Calum (right). Instead of cold feet, the bride got a cold one with bridesmaid Ally. (Photos by Julia Pelish)

Were you at The Five Point pub on Main toasting the bride as she enjoyed one last drink as a single woman on Friday? Or did you happen to be one of the passersby who did a doubletake when you spotted the bridal party snacking at Unforgettable Pizza less than an hour before the ceremony? Or were you among the many fortunate attendees at the wedding of Kelsey and Calum who laughed and celebrated their spontaneity and refreshing approach to their big day?

Some brides and grooms just know how to have fun. And few have done it better than these two.

Rather than a limousine, they strolled along 10th Street to Main and then south to Heritage Hall, site of the ceremony and reception. Along the way, we documented their arrival with urban wedding photographs that I hope captured their unique joie de vivre. Once at Heritage Hall, the couple did what they seem to do best — laugh. And then they danced and kissed and hugged, and clearly made their celebration a treat for their guests.

The attendees came from across North America, including as far away as New York and Nova Scotia, and some even arrived from overseas. In the end, Kelsey and Calum could close the night safely knowing they got married with class, style and originality.

If attitude is everything, this couple has it all already, and can only look forward to more spectacular days ahead.

Chris and Nicole were a classic bride and groom. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Weddings are special occasions no matter who’s getting married, but some are a little extra special because of who attends. That was the case when Chris and Nicole exchanged vows at Cecil Green Park House, the beautiful manor on the grounds of the University of British Columbia.

A pair of transplanted Ontarians, Chris and Nicole were able to reconnect with many families and friends who traveled from around the country to witness the elegant ceremony. Along with brothers, sisters and parents, the contingent included Nicole’s Aunt Edith, a 94-year-old from the Maritimes.

The guests were treated to a July wedding underneath spectacular late-afternoon blue skies. Nicole was striking in a sophisticated dress while Chris was debonnaire in his groom’s suit. The attractive couple met at the University of Guelph in southern Ontario and traveled west together. They live in downtown Vancouver and can look forward to many years of happiness and more wonderful times to share with family and friends.

Thomas, Susan, Bryan and Cameron enjoy the sunset over English Bay. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Eleven years of marriage, two beautiful children and a new business to nurture. For Bryan and Susan Wadsworth there’s lots to celebrate, and that’s just what they did a few days prior to their anniversary as we gathered for a family portrait in Vancouver.

Decked in blue jeans and white shirts, the Wadsworths were groomed with the radiant sunlight of a summer sunset on Spanish Banks. Cameron took time out from his baseball training that’s sure to see him become the next British Columbian to join Justin Morneau and Jason Bay in the major leagues. He posed with his mom, dad and little brother, Thomas, who dug himself out of the sand just long enough for me to capture his big, bright grin.

The clan is off to Maine to celebrate with family before returning in time for the start of school.

Monique and Karsten enjoyed a marvelous garden wedding. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

It’s a delight to photograph kind people who clearly love each other and are bound to do great things in this world. I was fortunate to have a free Saturday a few weeks ago and that Monique and Karsten were in need of a wedding photographer after their original plans for a vendor fell through.Both are PhD. candidates at UBC and besides being an attractive couple they carry themselves with the sort of humility that puts everyone at ease. The distinguished doctoral students held their ceremony at the gorgeous setting at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens on July 12. Their family – many of whom traveled from Europe and other parts of Canada to attend – witnessed a heartfelt wedding prior to a lovely reception in honour of the couple.Best of luck, Monique and Karsten, on a glorious future and many happy years together!

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