Tag Archives: floral

Whistler Wedding Photography | Nita Lake Lodge | Aimee & Michael

By Pascale Anouk | Published November 26, 2012

Within 5 minutes of our first conversation Aimee had decided I was going to be the 5th guest at her wedding.  It was going to be a very intimate celebration at the gorgeous Nita Lake Lodge, simply Aimee and Michael and two of Michael’s children. Regardless of the fact that this was going to be a very small intimate celebration, Aimee had decided that no corners were going to be cut on what they both cherish so for the next few months after her enquiry, I slowly started to get to know a little more about the two of them and their love story. After having  just coming back from living overseas for 12 years, Aimee decided try eHarmony for 6 months.  After a whirl wind of “interesting dates” and 2 weeks left on her subscription, and convince that this was “bogus” she received a message from Mike.

He claims that he “found” her – and after two weeks of writing emails back and forth (his voice in the emails made her smile and laugh aloud) he suggested that they meet. More concern about the way one looks while rock climbing and the view that Mike may get while spotting her, she agreed being such an addict of anything outdoor related.

They met at Great Falls – beautiful rapids, hiking and climbing – and they had an 8 hour date of climbing followed by drinks at the local Irish pub.  They talked for hours and later on said it was the most relaxed they had ever felt with someone.  Stealed the evening with a kiss and the rest as they say is history!
How did he propose and what made you say yes? 
After a full day at my parents home, Mike and I were driving home. He leaned over,  said to me, “I had a great talk with your dad…” Oh, I said, what did you all talk about? He said, “I asked for your hand in marriage” – Ha!Ha! I said – really? seriously..what did you all discuss?? “No, I am serious…”
By this time, I was in full shock! He had mentioned marriage a few months before, but I had said that I wanted him to ask formal permission from my dad… No way! he exclaimed – I have been married twice before! I am not 25 anymore and feel silly asking your dad.
Hmmm, I smiled. I do not care if you are 25 or 52 – it is important to me.  And that was the end of our conversation! And honestly, I did not think any more about it.  But when Mike brought it up in the car and then pulled me to him (very much in the same fashion as when he kissed me for the first time) – and asked, “will you marry me?” Tears welled up in my eyes and I looked at him and said, “the better question is…will you marry ME??!!” He laughed and then I said, “yes, yes, I will marry you!”
How did Whistler become your number one choice of where to tie the knot? 
Mike and I had gone on vacation to Whistler for his birthday, September 2010. We loved it so much – the people, food, scenery, that I told him one day as we were hiking around Whistler, that if we EVER got married, I wanted to come here and do it!
What was your criteria when looking for your dress and how did you know once you found it?
For my dress, I wanted something that would WOW me. I was orginally looking for a vibrant blue dress as Mike is color-disabled but he can see electric blues. Since we were planning on getting married, outside on the docks, I wanted something natural. flow-y and something that looked-like me. One of our anesthesiologists at work suggested I try this little, not-well-know boutique up in Maryland. So, I went one Saturday with my BFF, Tanya (the one who came as a surprise to Whistler) and we were trying dresses on when I put this goddess-like, flow-y, strapless (have never worn strapless ever!) dress and it took my breath away!! It was THE dress!! Tanya made a very astute observation that not only was the dress incredible – it did not take away from me – it was beautiful but understated at the same time.
Describe your design elements and the inspiration behind them. 
We were going for an all casual, all comfortable outdoor wedding. We were banking on wonderful weather (which we did have) but knew that if it were less than ideal, we were just going to have to roll with it. I made sure that the Moore’s were well fed before, during and after the wedding, as they get a bit grumpy due to low blood sugar and I wanted everyone to be all smiles for our special day!
Is there a part of your wedding that at first you didn’t think much of it but in retrospect was a very pleasant surprise?
Everyone that I spoke with before getting married would tell me tales of stressful events… the dress had a stain on it, the groom was late, the weather was not so great… and our wedding went off beautifully!! Everyone from Farfella hair salon, to the staff at Nita Lake, to our amazing photographer (yes, Pascale – you!!) made it a glorious day and wedding event!! I had to put my faith in people that I did not know, trust in the human spirit – and all in all it worked out!
Any funny stories or moments?
From Tanya’s surprise visit for the wedding, to Mike’s color-blind episode in bringing his black blazer as opposed to his blue one for the ceremony.
What struck me as funny though was Mike’s reaction to the day…”what do I do??” he kept asking me…. I then gave him the itinerary we had planned out for the photos and looked him directly in the eye and said “follow this…it will not steer you wrong!” And it did not!!!
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?
Breathe, just breathe…
Photography: YOU!!
Venue & Food: Nita Lake Lodge
Flowers: Senka Florist
Shoes: Brides: Cowboy boots from DSW
Jewelry for bride and bridesmaid: The Loft (Ann Taylor)
Hair and make-up: Farfella Salon(Cassandra Horsman, hair and Emily Matthews, Make-up… AMAZING!!!!)
Rings: Brides – John Hardy jewelry: Kali design; Groom: simple Titanium band – both at Fink’s Jewelers
Posted in Wedding | Also tagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Squamish Family Photographer | A simple moment

By Pascale Anouk | Published June 12, 2012

We all have our little special moments with our families.  One of mine was a few months ago.  A gorgeous plant was given to me by my parents.  The moment my daughter saw it she made up her mind that it was her soother plant.

Let me explain…running out of ideas to convince her to stop using the pacifier, I made up a story involving a special plant, giving the soothers to new babies and being a big girl.  This is how the story unfolded for her to move into being a big girl.

Every day is filled with special moments, we just need to make sure we pay attention to them.

Posted in Pascale's World | Also tagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

Whistler Wedding Photographer | Hilton Hotel | Joanna & Dave

By Pascale Anouk | Published May 4, 2012

If you follow our blog, you’ll have just enjoyed Joanna and Dave’s E-Session. I’m so happy now to finally be able to share their wedding day photos. It was such a fun day and their little girl was so precious.

Thank you for letting me be a part of such an important day. Congratulations to you and your growing family.

Be sure to read some wise words from Joanna below!

How did he propose? 

Dave proposed on Valentine’s Day on top of the STORY BRIDGE in Brisbane whislt I was 14 weeks pregnant. We were featured in the 7 oclock news as a Valentines Special. Ever since I moved to Australia we knew we never wanted to be apart.

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

We first met in Whistler and really liked the area. We also needed an excuse to get his family and friends over to experience Whistler and the Canadian snow/ mountains. What better way to get them over! We also wanted a wedding that was different than a beach wedding everyone does here in Australia.

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

I had a budget. I wanted something nice but simple because I was planning on wearing a cape. I didn’t really know that I wanted that particular dress- but loved it once all the pieces were together.

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?

Keep the guest list small, you don’t want to spend your day talking to everyone and feeling pressured that you need to make the rounds. A larger guest list doesn’t mean you will have a better time. It’s the quickest day in your life so make sure there is plenty of time for everything and time to reflect, relax and enjoy every moment. Time is key…

Posted in Wedding | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Whistler Wedding Photographer | Nita Lake Lodge | Miwah & Jonathan

By Pascale Anouk | Published April 23, 2012

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.)

Posted in Wedding | Also tagged , , , , Leave a comment

Whistler Wedding Photographer | Fairmont Chateau Whistler | Gina & Chris

By Pascale Anouk | Published April 5, 2012

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

Posted in Wedding | Also tagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment