Whistler Wedding Photographer | Nita Lake Lodge | Miwah & Jonathan

What was your criteria when looking for your dress and how did you know once you found it?

Something couture that had a wow factor, I wanted something a little different and unique however wasn’t too crazy.  The moment I tried on my dress,  turned around and looked in the mirror I knew it was the one.  The gasps from my sister and best friend sealed the deal.  It was the first dress I tried on and my partner coincidentally called me from overseas to see how things were just as I had turned around to look in the mirror. Still to this day, he laughs at the words that came out of my mouth “Oh my god I just saw a snow princess!” 

Describe your design elements and the inspiration behind them.

With less than 2 months to plan two wedding celebrations, one in New Zealand and one in Whistler, we weren’t that fussed with all the little things.  We decided to go with the flow and get creative as we went.  I guess our number one design element really was to create the picturesque wedding image that we both had which was to be married at sunrise on-top of Whistler and to have dog sleds pull us away after the wedding since we both love dogs.   

What was the number one piece of advice given to you while planning your wedding and what would you pass on to newly engaged brides to help them in the coming months?

Come up with the three must haves on your wedding day individually and make sure you get them; everything else just go with the flow.  And always remember that a wedding is about coming together with your soulmate for the rest of your life.  The day is simply a celebration of that don’t get caught up in the little things and if you get told no for something think outside the box.

Best photographer ever: Gadbois Photography – Especially for all those brides planning to do destination weddings. Her advice and knowledge of the local market is amazing and she’s an awesome person to work with which makes it a truly great experience.

Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals

Wedding Rings: Varoujan Jewellers

Reception Venue: Nita Lake Lodge

Wedding Jewellery: Pearls from “Volle jewellery”

Tuxedo: Jeff Banks

Wedding wax seals and stationary:  Florentine Australia

Dog Sledding: Canadian Dog Sled Adventure (a very carefully and responsibly selected company.)

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Whistler Wedding Photographer | Whistler | Miwah & Jonathan | Part 2

How did he propose and what made you say yes?

He proposed to me at sunrise on a cliff edge that overlooked the Sydney harbour.  It was a place where I usually go do yoga or meditate by myself at sunrise before big competitions I may have coming up.  He said we were going for a morning power walk with our two little pups Missy and Malty at 6am after only coming home from work at 3am that day.  I thought he was really needing to let off some steam so agreed to go walking with him though I had only gone to sleep at 3am.  When he proposed at Sunrise I was completely surprised as for what made me say yes? There was definitely never going to be a no to the love of my life.

How did Whistler become your number one choice of where to tie the knot?

We originally planned to hire a castle in Southern France and hold our wedding there in the winter as we really wanted something magical with a snow setting – seeing we both didn’t really like the heat.  Living in Sydney with 40 degrees celsius summer days getting away from the heat was on our list of wants for our wedding.  Everything was actually lined up for France however due to some issues with family members not being able to get to France we had to change our plans and go back to the think box. With it being November already and our planned wedding to be held in January this was really leaving it to the last minute.  So my partner and I got out notebooks and both wrote a list of what we wanted our wedding day to be and what were our three top must haves.  Then we jumped on the net to do some research and look at possible other locations Calgary – Canada, South Island in New Zealand, Norway then we found Whistler- Canada.  I had been there previously and the words I had always used to describe it was “Santa’s magical wonderland” also the fact it had the Inukshuk as it’s symbol suited us to a T seeing we were best friends who had come together after 10 years.

The poem on our invite was:

It’s been 10 years from the start,
We share one soul, we share one heart, 
Today I marry my best friend,
 
Our bond complete, it has no end,
With these rings we share together,
Love so close to last forever.

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Whistler Wedding Photographer | Whistler Mountain | Miwah & Jonathan

It was an early morning and it was a perfect one. Preparing to be at the top of the mountain at 8:15am takes dedication for some who are just going up for a day of skiing. For Miwah, it was the time to be awake, ready and waiting to meet her groom at the end of the aisle outside Mountain top. Stay tuned for the next post that includes Miwah’s words on their love story and her wise words to future brides.

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Whistler Wedding Photographer | Top Shoes of 2011

What girl doesn’t appreciate stylin’ shoes? In my line of work, shoes are always photographed and these days, they’re getting funkier and bolder. Or drop dead gorgeous! Take a walk through my top 5 from 2011.

 

5th Place: Cat in the hat!

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4th Place: Keeping it real with a new twist on the old faithful.

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3rd Place: A girls best friend…sexy diamond lace.

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2nd Place: A little green apple and a whole lot of personality.

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1st Place: If there was ever a day to justify this splurge, it’s on your wedding day. Go girls go!

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I have to say 2012 is shaping up pretty nicely. Here’s a strong contender for the top 5. How not to sacrifice comfort for fashion or fashion for comfort. The best of both worlds which this lovely bride was so thankful for given that it was a mere -17 degrees at the top of the mountain!

Whistler Wedding Photographer

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Whistler Family Photographer | The Gadbois’

I had a tall order that went something like this:

  1. A daughter who enjoyed skiing.
  2. Healthy parents that still skied when said daughter was old enough to hold an edge.
  3. A gorgeous sunny day.
  4. Epic snow conditions.

Somehow with the stars aligning my tall order came true and I have been able to check this one off my list of wishes. The day was perfect. A little playtime, some rehydration with snow licking, an energy boost with m&m’s, blue skies and memories that will be as vivid a decade from now as they are today. I guess mom’s and dad’s will always have a knack for making dreams come true…I can only hope to do the same for my little girl.

 

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Whistler Street Photographer | Stewart BC

Part of my family lives in Stewart BC and we get there as often as we can to visit. Our last visit, just a few months ago had the usual snow and staggering scenery. And as freezing as it looks, it actually isn’t much colder than here. Just incredible amounts of snow. Wherever I go, so does my camera and I’ve been sitting on these photos until now.

Recently, Global TV has been doing a feature on small BC towns and a morning not too long ago was dedicated to Stewart where they used some of my work to showcase it. Despite our stunning sunshine here these days, it felt like a hint to sit back and appreciate other parts of our Province and how beautiful they are. Most of which are in such deep contrast to the Corridor.

And now…back to our sunny, warm Spring day!

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Whistler Wedding Photographer | Fairmont Chateau Whistler | Gina & Chris

Yes, the long awaited final instalment of this most amazing, precious love story. We were able to catch up with the newlyweds to ask them a few questions. After indulging yourself in all the details of this beautiful day, take a read through what they learned and are sharing with others.

What’s your engagement story?

Like many couples, chris and I are always busy during the week. We decided to find things we both love that get us outside which lead us to paddle boarding. We packed up the car and head to Middle beach lodge in tofino. After playing on our boards in the waves we sat on a log in the sand and chris asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes and we celebrated with champagne in the sun,sand and surf. Anyone who knows chris knows why I said yes. He is simply the best!!!

Why did you choose Whistler?

My parents have had a cabin up at whistler since the late 70s. Almost all of my childhood memories are based there. Chris and I both love whistler all year round and know that it is a place where we will create many more memories with family and friends. 

How did you know when you found ‘the dress’?

The dress was simple for me. I had no idea what I wanted but I knew that I found it in the first shop I went into. I walked out and started dancing in it with a big goofy smile on my face. I looked at my mom and we both knew I found the perfect dress. It made me feel beautiful on the outside but more importantly it also highlighted my inner beauty.

What was the inspiration behind the design of your wedding?

Chris and I wanted a relaxed atmosphere that captured the beauty of our surroundings without over powering it. We also very important that our guests feel like they were at complete ease with freedom to create there own special memories. Rustic elegance was our vibe and between our photographer and planner we nailed it!

What words of wisdom would you share with other bride’s just getting started down the path of planning?

I am sure every bride said the same thing but it is ‘soak up every last second’ It seriously goes by so quickly so create the space to take a breather with you hubby and just absorb even if it is only for 5 minutes.

Venue: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Wedding Planner & Table Decor: Celebrate

Photographer: Gadbois Photography

Floral: Rembrandt

Wedding Favor Treats: Sugar Momma Pastries

Tent Liner & Custom Built Tables: Rental Network

Chairs: Sabre Rentals

Linens: La Tavola

Dress: Pattis Bridal

Jewelry: Rita D

Hair & Make Up: Brenda Bakker

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Whistler Commercial Photographer | Album Cover | Jeff Fry

When the call came in for this one, I could hardly wait. Definitely different and very definitely fun. Here’s just a small teaser with more to come shortly. By the way…he’s headed out on tour soon…probably something you don’t want to miss.

Whistler Commercial Photographer

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Whistler Family Photographer | The Carter’s

Just a short little teaser of an awesome shoot I did the other day. A few years back, Jodi and Todd hired me to photograph their wedding and now not too long afterwards they have their second “Coconut” on the way. More to come, but a little sweetness that I had to share for today.

Whistler Family Photographer

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Whistler Family Photographer | The Little Things

I guess being with mom while she works doesn’t quite compare to making crafts or playing house. But she humored me for a bit before passing out into a deep sleep for her afternoon nap right there on the floor. I finished up my work and took a quiet moment with my daughter as she lay there so peacefully and it struck me that as much as we think and say how quickly she is growing up, that in fact she is still so little. Do they grow up faster in our minds because we constantly say they are?

Her waking hours are filled with non-stop movement, words and a little 3 year old attitude and so it’s hard sometimes to remember. But as I spend much of my time capturing little infants and counting fingers and toes it made me wonder why we don’t also do that with 3 year olds? So I took the moment because knowing her it wouldn’t be long before she is on the move again and my counting would have to quickly end.

Whistler Family Photographer

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