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Lynette and Arjuna’s wedding was held mid-morning on Saturday, June 22, 2009 while a soft breeze drifted in off Deer Lake up to the wedding table. They said their vows upon the sloping green lawn of the Hart House restaurant in front of family and friends who traveled to Vancouver from as far away as Florida and Scotland to witness the marriage. Upon being pronounced husband and wife, bubble machines spilled forth a stream of dancing iridescent orbs that completely filled the air in celebration.

Lynette and Arjuna planned their unique wedding and handled all the details. They wanted their day to reflect their special bond: love for each other, scotch, swing dance, laughter and their ability to relax and enjoy life and each other. A feeling of true friendship, happiness and love permeated the heartfelt ceremony.

Lynette being a food scientist and Arjuna a former chef (now a carpenter) royally treated family and guests to a delectable luncheon, which reflected their culinary sophistication. Party favors of imported Scotch specially blended and labeled for the bride and groom at a distillery in Scotland were distributed to all at the end of the reception.

After enjoying the sumptuous feast, dancing and socializing, Lynette and Arjuna departed early into the afternoon sunshine for their honeymoon in Kelowna. I took one last look of the bowl of pears arranged with flowers sitting by the front door and left knowing these two, indeed, were a perfect pair.

The stunning couple seen in this photo graciously posing as if they were seasoned models working the cameras are actually parents-to-be celebrating their life together and the life they prepare to welcome into the world. They hired me to do portraits that would capture all the love, excitement and happiness they feel at this most significant moment as they become a family of three. It is a time they wish to remember forever.

The day of our shoot was a gift of a Vancouver spring day: promising, warm and bright. We met in Stanley Park to do our photo shoot; it is a location that never disappoints in its majestic natural backdrop opportunities. We took our time and traveled about to few choice locations to enjoy the beautiful afternoon light.

After our portrait session they were on their way to the Juno Awards where front-row seats awaited.

We wish Rachelle and Shane and their new baby all the best in their days and years ahead. We know their baby will be well loved and blessed! As they say, the best gifts come in small packages. I can’t wait to see this one.

Steve and Angie decided 2009 would be the year they would get married – and they did just that – again and again and again.

It all began last fall when they officially became engaged. They announced they would have a spring destination wedding in Mexico. Invitations were sent out, the date was booked into guest’s calendars and all the ladies went shopping for their dresses.

April 2, 2009: Steve and Angie welcomed their guests to their intimate wedding ceremony held upon a white sandy beach with the turquoise sea softly lapping at their feet. Angie took her guests breath away as she made her entrance sheathed in a sparkling off white gown and joined Steve to exchange their vows.

Gossip has it, though, that Steve and Angie had legalized their union in Canada at a quiet city hall event prior to April. Details were so hush, hush secret that nothing can absolutely be confirmed. Our sources are pretty certain that the civil ceremony occurred early last winter.

Spring turned into summer and Steve and Angie were at it again. More wedding invitations were mailed out.

On Saturday, June 27th under a cloudless sun drenched Ontario afternoon, Steve and Angie hosted their third and final (as far as we know) wedding aboard the Empress of Canada. It was a wonderful party boat of a celebration spilling over with laughter and drinks as family and friends reunited from as far away as England, California and Queens, NY to officially toast the happy couple.

A new house and a new life together – Steve and Angie now seem too busy with other things to plan any more weddings.

Who knows for sure what date they will pick to celebrate for their anniversary. All we know is that union is thrice blessed and rock solid.

The 2009 summer calendar has officially turned into autumn and as we move into the new season, I find myself reflecting upon the crazy past few months. My schedule whisked me back and forth between Vancouver and Toronto more than a couple of times. I am now concentrating on expanding into Toronto over the next year. The past few months have given me the opportunity to create some lovely portraits and cover many beautiful, tender weddings.

As far as moving goes, I am still catching my breath. And as far as cities go, I am finding Toronto amazing and invigorating. I can’t help but feel a pang in my heart when I remember the stunning beauty that is Vancouver but each place is rich in its own rewards and I plan to explore Toronto with vigor. I am also looking forward to reconnecting with my friends in the blogosphere by bringing you photo stories of my summer past and images from the days and events that lie ahead.

Wishing all of you warm and happy summer memories!

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.

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