hello, you beautiful people, and happy MF new year!
I hope that 2019 brings you all the health, wealth, and smooches you can handle xo
Now, onto business; I haven’t blogged in about 8 months, and I’m telling you right now-there’s no way I can jam all of the awesomeness I’ve experienced in that time, into one little post. So instead, I’m going to try to graze over it, and chat about the highlights :)
May was kind of the official kick-off to Wedding Season for me, but I was able to do a few other sessions as well. Family, engagement, and collaboration sessions, plus meetings wherever I could squeeze them in.
I also put a beautiful chair in a creek and asked my friends to bring their babies for some photos-sometimes I get an idea in mind and need to work it out-I’m so thankful my friends humor me and let me indulge in my weird shit, while photographing them and their little ones.
It’s easy to capture their love and sweetness (and maybe, just maybe, if I’m lucky, a temper tantrum;))
It was getting busy, but I had no idea what was to come…..
June was the first month that I had 3 weddings booked. It was a little insane, as 2 of them took me out of town (which can make for a long day) but I love the opportunity to have a little time to myself before/after a wedding, mostly to crank up my stereo and sing as loud as I can with no one else in the car (my poor children)
I kind of figured 3 weddings/month would be a good limit, as editing photos is by far the most time consuming part of my job. I love editing, don’t get me wrong, but as each wedding requires 10 hours minimum, I knew I would be pushing it for time.
I drove out to Banff, to the Buffalo Mountain park lodge-it was probably one of my most scenic locations, and it took my breath away. I was so happy to be able to spend more time in the mountains and relish in the upcoming summer warmth.
*fun fact-did you know? Banff and all mountain parks require a special permit for a calgary-based small businesses. And they are not cheap! Just over $200 for only ONE day-compared to Canmore, which offers a 3 day license for just over $100.
I closed out the month with a wedding that I had been so anxiously awaiting. It was my *second favourite of the year. Im allowed to say that, right? It was my number one, until I took off to BC in September. But more on that later...
I met with Louise and her family last year, and I knew immediately that it was going to be a great day, based on their easy going mannerism and the way we all got along. Everyone made me feel so welcome, it was like they were family. I adore you, Vincents!!!
The ceremony location was out at the Coutts center in Nanton, a spot I had heard only good things about. It did not disappoint-the variety of backdrops for me, as a photographer, was staggering. Louise and Damon are such a stunning couple, and so in love, it was so simple for me to capture the chemistry and adoration between them.
I also took one of my top 3 favourite photos of 2018 that day-
July brought me something incredible-my very own studio.
The NVRLND building is located in the heart of YYC, in an old, derelict building that had been rumoured to be a brothel, just a few years ago. It had been transformed in to a collective for creatives; every room houses a different artist-all types-under one roof. It was affordable and clean; a blank slate, so I jumped on it.
Finally a space to be able to spew all my girlie, boho, weirdness all over the place, with no rules. I am also able to store most of my props, furniture, backdrops, and decor pieces, and still have room for a bar (the coffee kind, and a maybe little champagne)
one of my closest friends, Lindz (of Raelee Beauty Services)
I also had 3 weddings in July, but only 1 was a full day, the other 2 being just a few hours each.
It was busy, as I was also trying to make use of the new space, so I did some boudoir/dudeoir sessions to get used to the light.
I had also asked friends to recommend some charity events to me that needed a photog, and was connected with Jason, a local barber who had started an organization-streetcuts barber-to give away free haircuts to the less fortunate. I love being able to help out whenever I can, and it was a great fit as Jay and I got along really well! I also headed down to okotoks to help him out with a charity barber competition, and met some AMAZING people! I had so much fun, I didn’t want to leave ;)
One of the weddings I was part of in June, was a 30 year anniversary vow renewal. To be clear, Blaine and Maryann renewed their vows, on the exact day they first got married, 30 years earlier. This was such a special affair, with another couple I was so blessed to meet. From the instant we sat down for coffee, there were hugs and laughs, and such a feeling of friendship, like I had known them my whole life. We had such a great conversation that first day, and I was so excited to see them renew their vows. I will forever have a little spot in my heart for them, and will always feel lucky they chose me.
The Azuridge, Priddis Alberta
The ceremony itself was out in Priddis, at a venue called the Azuridge. I had shot a wedding there last year, but had a terrible experience. I was happy to see the staff had been shuffled around and the service was back where it should be-impeccable.
Just when I thought I couldn't be any busier, I shot 5 (yes, for realz) FIVE weddings in August. 3 full day and 2 smaller packages.
It. Was. Insane.
At this point, I had fallen behind, for the first time ever, on deadlines. There are no words for me to express my remorse, and my regret, for those clients who received their photos up to 6 days late. (most were 3-4, but still) Almost everyone was understanding and sweet, thankfully, but it didn't help my sky-rocketing stress levels to know I was not fulfilling my end of the deal. I had never been in that situation before, and it was crushing. All I could do was offer everyone a wedding album or free session to make up for it.
I thought 90 days was adequate, but I didn't take into account that I had a baby, one that was crawling and teething and requiring so much more of my time, mostly for snuggles. I also have a problem saying no. Obviously.
Remy and Me
Photo taken by my husband
There were many, many times when I asked myself "Why did I start a business? Why didn’t I just do the SAHM thing, and let that be enough? Why would I take on all this work, and struggle, and stress?’
I felt like a failure, even though everyone told me I was excelling. Anytime I’d chat with a friend, they’d say
‘wow! your business is really taking off!’
I’d smile, and NOT tell them how I wasn’t sleeping enough, I wasn’t getting to the gym as often as I was used to, how my house was always a little bit messy, and to be honest, I was falling apart.
It was a weird time.
Then I would remember; I do it because I love it. I do it because I need to work-to be creative and meet people and share energy, and to feel like I'm doing something important; something that matters, to me and to others.
I do it because I want my husband back in Calgary, and I need to bring home a little bacon for that to happen.
And, more than anything, 'cuz I just love to turn on my camera.
So, 5 weddings in August, right.
lets break this down-
H&K, a wonderful, sweet couple, with a unique love story, got married at Gathered, a remarkable location just outside the city. It was very similar to where my husband & I got married; a working farm with a shack for the food to be cooked, and a gorgeous, clear tent, filled with edison-type hanging bulbs. So simple and rustic and elegant-plus the best frigging corn bread I've ever had in my life. Not to mention some pretty outstanding donuts-made fresh-to finish off the night.
This is one of my most recommended locations in and around Calgary, hands down.
The next day, it was all about E&B, music nerds like me, at one of the coolest DT wedding venues. Brian also gave his bride the best (and I mean Best) show at the reception, that I will probably ever see. An angle grinder, some Ginuwine, and some Channing Tatum-inspired moves. It was absolutely unreal-a moment I will never forget. Then topped off with MJ? Yeah, I was done. Throw in a killer lip-sync battle, and this was probably one of the best receptions I saw all summer. Nice work Brian!
I also managed to snap another of my favourite photos of 2018 at this wedding; Beatles inspired, of course.
then! K&C. This wedding had the most popular wedding date of the year (08-18-18) and had been booked early on the previous spring. These guys had the biggest wedding party I had ever worked with, and it was such a great time! Despite the smoke in the air from the fires in BC, Kayla and Colin made the best of the day!
I would have to say, this bridal party was my favourite, because it was so big, and they all made it so much fun to be around them all day! My cheeks hurt from laughing by the end of the night :)
B&J, and M&K both had smaller weddings, coincidentally at the same location in bridgeland, in DT calgary. Brian & Jess had a pop-up wedding-my first! We met with the officiant, chose a spot in the community garden, and went for it! It was short and sweet, and I was in awe to see such a unique ceremony. Brian and Jess are also fitness instructors at my gym, so I’ve known them for a few years, and loved them (even when cursing their names while grinding away at Goodlife)
I actually managed to even do a few other sessions in Aug, including my own family, because, you know, I like to push myself to the absolute limit. Or I’m a sucker for punishment, whatever.
September. Ahhhhh, september.
The kids went back to school, the baby found a regular nap schedule, and I found some time to get caught up. I also managed to squeeze in 2 weddings, a 40 year old cake smash in the mountains (YESSS!) and a trip back home to BC to visit friends and family. Another bucket list item was checked off when I got to photograph a gender reveal for my cousin and his family. (its a GIRL!)
My first wedding of the month was at the Lougheed house, an old, historic building in DT. It was a venue I had been DYING to shoot at, and was overjoyed when Allison and Rob hired me. Their love story was one of my favourites-they had dated in high school, and were madly in love; Ally, a good girl and Rob, her bad-boy boyfriend with the sweet car. As most teenage relationships go, they had a fight and broke up at a party one night, and lost touch for 20+ years, only to reunite, and fall madly in love, all over again.
Talk about your sweet love story!
Moving on to my most favourite wedding of the year-Jen and Sean had the most romantic engagement story I had ever heard, and just sitting with them, you could see that their chemistry was off the charts.
I had referred one of my closest friends-Lindsey-for hair and makeup, so her and I headed out of town one friday afternoon, down the 93 to BC. It had been so long since I had driven that road, I had forgot how beautiful it was. We were able to stop for photos along the way, which was so fun!
We went to the resort and met up with another one of my best friends, France, as she was watching the boys the next day while I worked. We cruised around beautiful Fairmont, ate delicious food, and enjoyed the scenery.
The wedding day was perfect-Jen and Sean are easily two of the most relaxed and laid back couples I had ever worked with, so everything went smoothly with no stress. The ceremony was at the Fairmont resort, overlooking the valley. Stunning views and more wonderful people to keep the mood upbeat and stress free. And, Jen and Sean’s first kiss, was THE BEST FIRST KISS I HAVE EVER SEEN!!
So to recap; road trip to BC, hanging with two of my besties and my kids, perfect weather and an amazing couple, with killer food and a gorgeous venue.
this is why it was my favourite.
Bazang!
I rounded out the month with some fall-minis at confederation park, and geared up for October, my first wedding-free month since February. I had some more family sessions and an engagement shoot in Big Hill Springs. I also crammed in some fashion work for a local high-end second hand store. It was so remarkable to spend time with fellow boss-babes and collaborate on something we all love! I made some great connections, one in particular with a gal who I’ll be working with on a monthly basis-Danielle is a stylist who puts her whole heart into everything she does.
I also got to leave town with my husband.
Jeff and I hadn’t been alone for more than 20 hours, in EIGHT frigging years-Im not even kidding. it was pure bliss to have him all to myself, uninterrupted, for 4 days, and in NYC, no less.
We ate, we drank, we shopped, we went on a romantic carriage ride in central park, went to a comedy show in times square, got caught in the rain, got a little bit drunk in Grand Central Station with a chilhood friend, saw the 911 memorial, and smooched our faces off. It was my most favourite adventure of the whole year.
photo by: Valentin Collective, NYC
November brought another trip out of the country when I went to Cancun for a destination wedding with Lindsey, Monte, and their friends and family.
It was just a quick 5 day trip, as I had a wedding to get back to in YYC, but we made the best of the short time frame.
Bride and brother in-law, doing the Titanic thing!
The ceremony almost got rained out, but luckily it only lasted a few minutes and the sun came out again!
I have to say, this group of people were amazing-I felt so welcomed and invited by everyone, I was so sad to say goodbye. One of the hard parts of this part of my job is getting know people, and spending some real quality time with them, only to return home and realize I barely have enough time for my usual friends, let alone a fabulous group of 20, fun, hilarious people. These guys tho, stellar group.
I finished off the year with 3 more weddings, including another in Mexico, (I know, I’m super lucky) and another in Canmore. All 3 of these were again, filled with great folks, all kind and lovely.
I also set up a few Christmas sets in studio and ran minis and full sessions-they turned out ok, and I learned a lot.
*Note to self, get lights*
My family was able to join me in December on the Mexico trip, which was a change of pace, but fun! We had some pretty incredible times, and not only did my boys get better at swimming, we released baby turtles into the ocean at sunset. It was one of the most memorable, awe-inspiring moments of my entire life.
…which brings me to my third and final most favourite photo of 2018…..
If you’ve read this far, (and I’m wondering how many do!) I’d like to thank you, from the bottom of my tired-ass heart. This has been, by fucking far, the most challenging year of my life, but also the most rewarding. I busted my ass, harder than I thought I could, and barely managed to hold on.
Its been a wild god-damned ride, but one I am grateful for.
PS. thank god for coffee, and smooches.
nothing but love,
Reens xo