OFF THE PAGE photography blog

New Website and BLOG!

2008-11-03T16:54:00.000-08:00

Yes, the time has finally come to announce my New Website! Why a new one, you may ask?

Because I wanted a Website that was an Interactive one where you could ask me questions and I would post the answers for you and others to see and learn! But most importantly because I wanted a Website that had a BLOG right inside it!

And with the Design Savvy of Yoko Chapman of Pulp and Circumstance, the Web Marketing and Programming Knowledge of Alex Morrison and Curtis Tilley of X-Lab Interactive Design, I finally have it!

If you used to subscribe to this blog, you must know that you will no longer get notifications here. You will need to change your RSS feeds to point to http://www.my-winnipeg-wedding-photographer.com/blog.html

So go ahead, check it out and sign up for my Newsletter at

www.offthepagephotography.com or www.mywinnipegweddingphotographer.com

Thank you for your patience!

Make sure to check out my latest blog entry on there too!

We interrupt our regular program...

2008-10-31T20:53:00.000-07:00

I know you're waiting! I took your pictures and you've seen NOTHING! NADA!!!

Well, let me tell you I got something wonderful coming next week andit's WORTH WAITING FOR!

You'll see what I mean! For a little tease, be sure that your images will be well represented!

For now though I must keep you in suspense.

Rest assured, I got you covered!

-p

Thanks Marlene for this great shot of me working and wearing a pink feather boa! Now, isn't that just ME???

Attention all Professional Photographers in Winnipeg

2008-10-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Don't try this at home!

2008-10-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Or at least, don't do it yourself!

I wouldn't...

So I called my dear dear friend Steve to do it for me! The family session, that is!!! It's nearly impossible to find a day when we're all together. My husband is out of town 90% of the year and when he's in town I'm usually at a conference or shooting like a Mad Brazillian Woman!

So when the one hour of Perfect Alignment came to be, Steve was there and he managed to get my kids to look at the camera and still have fun in the process!

I "stole" the images right off of his blog, so I made sure to leave his logo on there.

Thank you Steve! I'm soooo proud to have you as my friend and so thankful that you could do this for us!

I also want to send a little shout out to my sweet sexy friend Marlene who was having way too much fun in Africa and couldn't be here at the time of the "Perfect Alignment" to photograph our family as previously planned.

Please check her blog here and tell her you want to buy some of her Africa images! They are incredible!

Cheryl, Rob and the Boys! Family Session 2008

2008-10-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

Cheryl has been one of my blog stalkers for a very long time! And we have been planning her family pictures for a long time also!

When our schedules finally aligned and the weather forecast graciously obliged, we headed out to Harborview and had some serious Portrait Session Fun! Didn't we Rob?

Cheryl was full of ideas and both of our ideas combined resulted in some awesome memories to last till the end of time!

First thing I did was strike a deal with the boys (Phoenix & Hudson) to make sure that they would do whatever I asked. I told them they could climb this tree if they listened to me afterwards.

You never know how these things are going to go because every parent knows that striking a bargain with your kids can easily backfire.

In our case, it worked!

Here's proof.

Tree climbing...

Wonderful family memories!

I just love Phoenix's expressions!

Hudson shows what he really thinks of me! Boring!

That's better...

Lucas is an exchange student from Brazil that's living in Cheryl & Rob's house and he is most definitely part of the family.

The boys wanted to throw leaves up in the air... and Rob wasn't too impressed as you can see by the fact that he wanted this to be over AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Swinging Hudson.

Boys being Boys!

Now for my favorite series... The football game silhouette.

Rob and his boys!

Thanks Cheryl, for trusting me with your memories!

Check out your slideshow!

Sophie's Bat Mitzvah

2008-10-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

I met Alison (Sophie's mom) a few months before Sophie's grand event and I knew that it would be a classy - and meaningful day.

But I could have never dreamed that Sophie was all that her mother said and SO MUCH MORE! Alison told me she was beautiful and had a great theatrical personality, but when I met her I was completely taken by just HOW gorgeous she was, with her perfectly naturally curly hair and her personality so interesting, polite and incredibly confident.

Her ceremony was very meaningful and Sophie conducted it with reverence and confidence. Her speech revealed just how grown up she really is and what a great woman she's about to become.

I was also glad to have a few minutes with Sophie all to myself. I wanted to capture her beauty for years and years to come... So we can look back at it one day when I photograph her wedding!

What do you say Sophie?

All I have to say is, that I hope my girls turn out like you! You will be a dream teenager and I wish you all the best in the years to come!

Enough said. Now on to the gorgeous princess.

Her auntie decorated the place and made the flower arrangements.

I love this shot... Sophie is keeling over laughing as the "women" in her laugh are blurred out in the background...

Here she is with her also very theatrical cousins!

For family and friends wanting to order and view all images of Sophie's Bat Mitzvah pictures, click here to be notified when their online gallery is launched!

Also take a loot at Sophie's quick slideshow Click here!

Out of this World Lifestyle Session: Carol & Denis, 40 Years and Counting!

2008-10-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

(Warning, long journal entry, but the story makes the pictures!)

Everyday when I get up, I know I'm blessed. I'm blessed more than I even know and I KNOW!

I have an amazing husband that would do absolutely anything for me, two gorgeous girls that are the most precious thing in my life, a wonderful family all around and a job that I love.

Sure, there's hard times and there's times when all I do is work, but I know that what I do is more than just "take pictures". I have the opportunity to capture stories and leave a legacy for generations to come.

(I know I sound cheesy, but those of you who know me, also know that I AM CHEESY!!!)

So, last year when Simone called me up, she said that her parents had been married for 40 years and had a really "neat" living situation and she would like me to do a Lifestyle Session for them.
A Lifestyle session is so much more than a Portrait Session... It's like a Portrait Session on Steroids! (not really, please!)

I waited for Carol to call me and she did! She gave me directions to her place and said: "don't expect a house. We don't live in a house."

For the record, stuff like that gets me really excited!

When I arrived I saw a large large LARGE garage with an industrial size garage door and a regular house door beside it. Carol & Denis emerged from the little door and greeted me warmly.

I was fascinated when I walked in. White, shinny tile flooring with a big... well, look:

Yep, big HUGE Semi Cab attached to a 5th Wheel Trailer.

That's where they live! In the Trailer, inside a nice warm, clean garage with a laundry and kitchen and their bedroom and closet are IN THE TRAILER! Then, after Christmas, they close their trailer doors and open the big garage door and head out to Texas for the harshest part of winter.

But do you know what struck me instantly as I walked in? There was no stuff! None!

There was a large dining table with chairs and a big screen tv. That's it! Oh, and so much love!

What a life!

Yesterday I went back there to show them their slideshow in DVD format since they don't have high speed internet out in the country. We sat down, had tea and cookies and watched the slideshow together.

Carol then told me how nervous they both were the morning of the photoshoot, not knowing what to expect, but then in her words: "as soon as you walked through the door, Patty, I relaxed and you made us feel so good".

Well, what can I say... I'm blessed. I'm blessed to love my job, to think that what I do makes a difference.

Here's what else I know: these pictures are something that Carol & Denis and their kids and grandkids will treasure forever and ever.

Enough talking. On to the pictures.

Here's Denis styling on his GoldWing.

Almost 41 years and loving each other so strongly! Beautiful!

Couldn't pass up the boot shot!

Now we're talking!

Denis plays guitar and we had to get some guitar shots. Carol says she can listen to him playing the guitar and singing all the time.

So I wanted to do some shots of Denis with his guitar in the field.

Here's his Roadie.

These are my absolute favorite.

When I told them that I would make them a slideshow set to music, Carol asked me if Denis could sing for that. YES YES YES!

So, what you hear is Denis' voice throughout. And his beautiful guitar playing.

Simone, I'd like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity to meet your parents and capture this memory for you all.

Now, on to the slideshow! Click here!

It's a Perfect Surprise!

2008-10-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Genny at The Perfect Surprise called me up the other day and said: "I heard you're wonderful and I need you!" Music to my ears really!!!

She was having a "Sex & The City" Fundraiser for the Arthritis Society as well as launching her business! So she asked me to photograph the event which included an airing of the Sex & The City movie at the Park Theatre and fabulous draws for door prizes as well as a prize for the Best in Character! There were all kinds of gorgeous girls dressed up as their favorite Sex and The City characters!

Click Play below to see the slideshow or click here to see it in full screen!

Ashley & Mike's Slideshow!

2008-10-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's Ashley & Mike's Slideshow! Click here!

For family and friends wanting to order and view all images of Ashley & Mike's Wedding pictures, click here to be notified when their online gallery is launched!

Leticia & Dean: Married at The Gates! October 5th, 2008

2008-10-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

She called me up and said my favorite magic words: "You were referred to us by..." and "We also had already found you on the web..."

This time they were referred to me by one of my favorite blog stalkers, my sister in law, Bronwyn who is also a big fan of my work (or maybe it's just because she gets free pictures?)... Hard to tell, but hey, thank you Bronwyn!!!

When Leticia called me, she and Dean were living in Toronto but would be having their wedding here in Winnipeg, to celebrate with family at The Gates, Sunday Brunch style! YUM!

I was so excited for many reasons, but also because half way through the conversation she started speaking Brazilian Portuguese to me! I KNOW!!! How exciting is that?

It turns out that her mom met her dad here and they moved to Brazil where they had Leticia, then moved back here 12 years ago...

Dean described at the reception how they met.

He was in Grade 8 when she moved here and was introduced to the class. His knees buckled and somehow he knew that she would be at his side for the rest of his life.

So after much seeking, he finally got her. They've been together for a long long time and this past weekend they joined each other in matrimony!

Does that make you tear up? It does for me! I'm such a suck for weddings and beautiful stories...

Oh the beauty of love...

There was SO much beauty at this wedding!!!

Starting the Spanish Dress... I've never seen anything like this!

The Ring just complimented the whole vintage feel...

And Dean had a gift for his Lily... and a note that I couldn't read because my eyes were WET!!

STUNNING flowers by In Full Bloom.

Da Boyz and their cigars.

The girls having fun... (or perhaps MAKING fun of me lying on the ground)

Bronwyn, Alana, Leticia, Vicky and Shelly.

Cake Deliciousness by Chocolate Zen!!! I actually had wedding cake this time! It was UNREAL!

I just love the setting at The Gates on Roblin. It's absolutely beautiful and there are so many different locations for pictures! Truly worth it!

Now, to quote Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally, "I don't think it's a matter of opinion". Leticia is truly and unbelievably beautiful! No doubt about it!

Here Dean is lovingly stoking Leticia's belly - in love with her and baby Lucas!

And here is the lucky man!

Dean is just so sweet (and handsome!) and he was joking with me throughout the pictures that he really wanted a shot of himself looking up to the sky! So, you bet! Here it is!

Now he's just goofy!

A little shop talk... Ever since I've gotten my D700, I've been blown away by the shallow depth of field that it has at 2.8 and I've been COMPLETELY ADDICTED to shooting my 70-200mm lens at 200 all the time (at 2.8) as if it were prime. I don't even move the zoom on it AT ALL!

Ok, all done shop talk. Don't you just love this shot? I DO I DO I DO!

I have a million versions of this shot... and I just love how Leticia looks like a prairie princess here..

And in the following 3 shots you'll see that Dean just COULDN'T keep away from Leticia!

You didn't think I was actually going to pass up a little flare, did you?

I wanted to showcase Leticia's dress... So I asked her to twirl for me. According to her sister Victoria, as a little girl, she loved wearing pretty ballerina dresses and twirling, so I knew she'd be too happy to oblige.

Then I moved her to where I knew the Sun would show through...

I love the fact that she has her eyes closed in this shot... It's like she's enjoying the moment.

I love Dean's expression.

Dean really wanted this shot... Here you go!

For family and friends wanting to order and view all images of Leticia & Dean's pictures, click here to be notified when their online gallery is launched and get a $5.00 credit towards your pictures!

Thank you Leticia & Dean & families! It was so wonderful to meet you all and I'm looking forward to going through all the millions of pictures that I took on Sunday! Stay tuned for the slideshow!

Monika & Mike! Engaged!

2008-10-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

(Ok, you're thinking this might just be BLOGGING day! And You're RIGHT!!! That's what happens on a rainy day! Don't leave anyone out though, make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom and see Hazel and Jessie's slideshow too!)

You might recognize Monika & Mike from such posts as this one regarding their Super Duper Green Wedding coming up next August! They looked so good in their allegedly grubby clothes doing their gardening, that I knew I was in for a treat during their engagement shoot!

And I was! I had so much fun! And I hope you two did as well!

Thanks again for picking me! We're going to have fun at the wedding!

Here's some images and check out the link to the slideshow in the bottom of the post!

Isn't this so pretty!

Oh yeah!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this one, with the Sun Reflection on the water coming through the park bench!

Whoa honey!

Mike is still getting used to me being right in his face like that with my 50mm lens.

There's something about this shot!!!

The thing about my clients laughing like that is that I never know if they're laughing at me hiding behind the bushes to get this shot, or at something each other said...

Gorgeous...

I love how you can see a bunch of ducks with their "tails" up in the air as they dive for "fishies"!

Wow, what a day! It sure was worth it sitting here without lunch to get through these amazing shots today!

Thanks for waiting guys!

For family and friends wanting to order and view all images of Monika & Mike's pictures, click here to be notified when their online gallery is launched and get a $5.00 credit towards your pictures!

Here's the Slideshow!

Michael & Lisa! Engaged!

2008-10-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

It wasn't on a dating site, but it was definitely on the Internet...

Most of my clients come from the Internet or Referrals... And I LOVE it that way! They already know what to expect and they know they'll be happy with the end results!

That's how it was with Michael & Lisa. They surveyed a "million" sites (I'm so exaggerated!) and decided to give me a call!

So we met at one of my favorite parks and had a ball!

Thanks Mike and Lisa for inviting me into your lives, listening to all my crazy ideas, and kissing "on demand" as much as possible!

Here's a few shots! Links to the slideshow are also below!

Here's a "normal" shot.

These guys are soooo tall and have gorgeous long legs! I couldn't pass this up!

Blurry walking feet. Gotta love it.

I always say that a little flare never hurts anyone!

Flaring Nose Kisses!

We had already done some "Monkey Bars" shots and when I changed the angle and asked Mike to "do it again", this was his reaction! Then he told me that he only had one more "climb" left in him!

It sure was worth it eh?

LOVE this!

Nice Rock Lisa!

For family and friends wanting to order and view all images of Michael & Lisa's pictures, click here to be notified when their online gallery is launched and get a $5.00 credit towards your pictures!

Here's the Slideshow!

Hey CJ!! Check out your family pictures!

2008-10-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

She's a stalker. But a good stalker.

I have a LOT of stalkers (you know who you are!), but she's been "blog/facebook" stalking me for a long long time!!!

So when she called me and asked me to do family pictures for her, I was really happy to be able to oblige!

She and Michael are soooo in love, it's wonderful! And their son, Toby, was really really a great subject! Not to mention the puppies!

Here it is, CJ, enjoy your pictures!

And here's your slideshow!!

Hazel & Jessie's Slideshow

2008-10-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

I finally got to finish editing the thousands of images from Hazel & Jessie's wedding and I've made a little slideshow!

If you are friends of family members of Hazel and Jessie's and you haven't registered to view their images online, click here and you'll be notified! You'll also receive a $5.00 credit towards your order!

Now, here's the Slideshow!

OFF THE PAGE photography GRAND OPENING!

2008-10-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Please note that on this Thursday, October 9th, we (off the page photography and greenvites eco-stationery) will be having our Grand Opening at 268 Tache Ave from 1pm to 9pm!

Here's the invitation and I hope to see you all here!

Ashley & Mike: Married!!! Sep 26, 2008

2008-10-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

She was a bridesmaid in her brother's wedding party 5 years ago (Josh & Leah), and I know she had this princess dream that one day her prince would come and it would be her turn.

So when she and Mike came over to meet with me, I just knew that she had found her prince and he loved her more than anything!

The cool thing is that I've known these two since they were young teenagers!!! Ashley's brother is my brother's close friend, and Mike has been playing drums in our church since he was like 12, I'm sure!

He's the most amazing drummer you've ever heard!!! Right up there with Ringo!

Their wedding day was beautiful. We met up in Ashley's parent's farm in Anola and did most of the pictures there, then headed out to the city for some family and formal shots.

So on to the pictures!

All you need is...

Here, the handsome Mike waits for his bride.

They meet up just down the path from her parent's house.

The "meadow princess".

Here Alvin (Ashley's dad) shows off!

Don't you just love this shot?

All the farm animals were having a hay day! Oreo (the dog) wanted to be in every shot - as you can see... And the reason the boys are laughing so much is because the cat had his bum right on my head as I lay down to take this shot...

This sure is farm fun!

Boys...

Aren't they gorgeous?

Here's Ashley with her sister Leah (Josh's wife). They don't consider themselves "in-laws".

And here she is with her new sister Phoebe (I like to call Phoebe "Mary Poppins" - she's the world's most amazing babysitter)

Nothing like a line-up of girls...

Now back in the city for some rooftop goodness...

I love how high the boys are jumping here... I wanted to get some serious motion blur here...

But Simon wouldn't have any of it... No siree... He was just going to stand there and hold his Blue Jay...

This is a first for me. We arrived at the Leg and there were chairs by the fountain! What the heck, and why not?

Now, to the three couples who were at the wedding, that had me as their wedding photographer!

Josh & Leah! 2003!

Andrew and Theresa! 2003!

Jeremy & Megan, 2006... Oooh, is that a bump?

Here's their giveaways... Cereal and a decorated domino...

Cake topper...

And here they are, cutting their cake! Cupcakes for dessert! Yum!

For family and friends wanting to order and view all images of Ashley & Mike's Wedding pictures, click here to be notified when their online gallery is launched!

Mara & Ryan: Engaged!

2008-10-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

Mara came to me like most of my clients: referred by someone whose wedding I had done. She's gorgeous and smart!!! Ryan is gorgeous and smart too! I love these kinds of clients (all my clients are very gorgeous and smart obviously!!)

It was so good to meet up at the park and spend some time together, getting used to each other - me and them I mean... I'm sure they're used to each other already :)

The start was a little shy and hard to get used to the camera, but by the end we were all having a good time... Ok, most of us were having a good time...

This is the image I usually get in the beginning as my couples are not too sure what to do...

Look at her eyes!

Those eyes again!

Let's stay on the path folks!

For family and friends wanting to order and view all images of Mara & Ryan's Engagement session, click here to be notified when their online gallery is launched!

Now the slideshow! Click here!

It's not everyday...

2008-10-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

This photography community is something else... You would think that we would be tripping all over each other, wanting to "win out" the couples, families and whomever else...

But it's not really like that.

We're friends. Good friends. We help each other with technical issues, and we refer people to those we trust can do a good job. We even have coffee together once in a while...

I feel so blessed by all that I'm given and it's not everyday that I'm able to give a little back.

So when Trevor asked me to photograph him for some headshots that he needed, I was too happy to oblige.

Trevor has been a good friend and together with some others, like Steve, Alex, Jeremy, oh the list goes on, he's made a real impact in who I am and how much I love what I do. So here's a tiny little something back.

I love this shot... It's the shot right before the "real" shoot begins and he's just "psyching" himself up for it. It just shows you that we (photographers) don't feel that comfortable on the other side of the lens...

This was so funny, because Trevor just posed himself. I didn't even have to tell him what to do... I'm so used to telling people what to do, it was kinda weird...

Thanks Trevor for trusting me with this! Enjoy!

Shannon & Scott: Engaged!

2008-10-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

She's beautiful. Not a matter of opinion either... Not just beautiful... Beautiful stance, dancer posture, and stellar posing...

Scott... a dream. Handsome man and totally in love... You can see it when he looks at her... He's definitely in LOVE!!! It also helps that Scott loves photography... He was not afraid of the camera and played along with absolutely everything I suggested. I basically just had to point the camera at them and get creative with composition and they did all the rest...

It's my second time photographing Shannon, as she was in a wedding party that I photographed a couple of years ago, when her cousin Cheryl (and Jay) got married. It's a huge compliment when a bridesmaid hires me to do her own wedding. It means that

Thank you Shannon and Scott for choosing me to capture your beautiful selves! I can't wait till August!

For family and friends wanting to order and view all images of Shannon and Scott's Engagement session, click here to be notified when their online gallery is launched!

Here's your slideshow!

It's Family Photos Season!

2008-09-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

Fall arrives with a vengeance in Winnipeg! It seems like overnight on September 1st someone decides to turn off the Summer Season and announce the arrival of Fall...

And with the arrival of Fall, there's also the arrival of Family Sessions, Engagement Sessions and you name it!

The fall leaves are just so beautiful!

Here's some highlights from last weekend:

Lisa & Marty, who got married last year called me for a family session and not only was it soooo awesome to see them again, it was great to see the whole family, even Fanner who just LOVES to have his picture taken!

Then I headed over to Elaine's and made sure that she had some awesome family legacy to hang on her walls!

I love how she and Rick are having a little moment here in between shots...

All 3 kids, looking gorgeous!

I was just blown away with Elaine's front yard... So gorgeous!

Funny thing is, I almost didn't upload Rick's image by accident. Wouldn't it be funny if he didn't make it to the blog but their dog did?

I'd be in big TROUBLE!

Thank you everyone!

If you're wanting family pictures done before the snow flies, call me asap, I only have a couple of spots left!

Jessie & Hazel: MARRIED! September 13, 2008

2008-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Jessie is a teddy bear. No two ways about it. Loving, caring and so kind!

Hazel is a barbie doll. But a real barbie doll. Gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS! And loving and caring and so kind toooooo!!!!

They had the wonderful privilege of having their daughter Kayla at the wedding. She is the sweetest kid and soooo behaved!

When Jessie and Hazel hired me almost two years ago, I was so excited (surprise!) and I'm truly grateful that they picked me! Their wedding party was so awesome and they really cooperated to make sure the day ran smoothly! Their family was ever so sweet! It's no wonder they turned out to be such wonderful people!

Thank you Jessie and Hazel! It was such a pleasure spending the whole day with you two.

Here's the shots to prove it!

I love this series:

I don't remember if I told you .... She's (you guessed it) GORGEOUS!

And this one comes by it honestly...

I just love the feel of this shot... even with her eyes closed...

By now, you've realized I was a little obsessive...

And the ever so yummy cake by Belle Cake and Candy! YUM!

Here's the best man's car... on loan for a few shots!

Here's the MAN!

Going Green All The Way

2008-09-18T08:43:00.001-07:00

Going Green is a big deal for me.

It's hard to go COMPLETELY Green in this day and age, but I feel I need to do as much as I can, as often as possible. So with that in mind, I have been making changes in the way I do business, to decrease my carbon footprint: I've changed all my packaging, proofing methods and several other things in order to make a positive impact on the environment.

So when Monika & Mike contacted me and asked me to photograph the Very Green wedding, I was ecstatic! This is before I even found out that we're related. Far removed cousins, but cousins nonetheless...

Monika & Mike have traveled the globe together and have planted trees together and are very actively seeking greener options in their lives. So a green wedding was the only way to tie the knot!

So green in fact that they'll be growing their own flowers, making their own food (yum!), getting gold bands made of recycled gold (no diamonds) and Monika's dress will be made of Fair Trade Silk!

Aren't you so excited about that? I certainly AM!!!

So I will be documenting their progress here and there, and I ask you to join me on this little adventure! I think we can all learn a little from these two!

I went over to Monika's parent's house yesterday as they were preparing to plant some of their flowers. This is how I knew that I had arrived at the right place. Monika's bumper sticker:

This is what their flowers will look like next year! They will be varieties of Echinacea.

Here Mike starts getting the ground ready. (Note: I am all thumbs, but none of them are green as far as gardening goes, so I won't even try to get the gardening terms right!)

Being from Brazil originally, and seeing flowers blooming year round, never ever dying, I am always amazed at how nature can die like this and then resuscitate in the Spring.

Monika even looks gorgeous in her gardening outfit!

Don't you love the way they're looking at each other? They might have been saying "Isn't our photographer nuts?" Yes, yes and yes!

I love Mike's sweater! He's studying to be a Massage Therapist, so yes, he'll be reading a lot allright!

Awww, the love birds...

I couldn't resist.

Congratulations you two! All the best with your planning! I'm looking forward to doing your Engagement Pictures soon!

Baby Jackson arrives and sets the score! Boys: 6 x Girls: 5

2008-09-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

If you follow my blog at all, you know that my husband's family is huge! As of last Saturday, there were 24 of us: Mom and Dad, 6 kids and their spouses and 10 grandchildren: 5 boys and 5 girls.

We knew the tiebreaker was on its way: Krista and Eddie were pregnant and due any minute! And "any minute" it was! Baby Jackson was born in the wee hours of Sunday morning, beautiful, healthy and very much a BOY!

I've been to the hospital to hold him a couple of times, and I snagged a few quick shots of him right away when he was very very hungry! Proud Papa, Ed, was holding him and teasing him by rubbing his nose on his cheeks, but he just knew that there was no food on that nose! No siree!!!

Mommy didn't want pictures yet... So we'll wait till they're home and we'll snag some family pics very soon...

Congrats Krista and Ed, your family is beautiful!

Here Jackson looks like Krista, when she's frowning at me... or any of her sister in law's...

Grabbing daddy's "peach fuzz" er... goatee..

My favorite!

Then he realizes that this just isn't where the food comes from!

I love this shot of Ed. Boge boys make the most amazing dads... it's unreal. I knew you would make a good dad, Eddie. And already you're up there in the ranks of the world's best dads!

Yeah Baby! Trash That Dress! Sandra & Elliot - 2008

2008-09-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Sandra & Elliot got married in June and they were away on her honeymoon when I did a "Trash The Dress" session with some friends and I got this email from her right away saying that she wanted to do that for sure!!!

So we managed to line up our schedules and off we went to her favorite place in the planet: which just happened to be the same area we our original TTD was done a couple of months before.

I tell you, she wanted the weather to be crazy, she wanted rain, she wanted to be full of sand!

She didn't get the crazy weather, but she got to do whatever the heck she wanted.

What fun!!!!

Here are some images from the shoot... It starts out innocent and then it goes Sandra-crazy!

Elliot, you're a good man! And you have some crazy times ahead of you yet!

Brace Yourself!

Watch this awesome video of the shots we got!

Rick & Vanessa Slideshow

2008-09-12T12:05:00.001-07:00

Here's Rick and Vanessa's slideshow!

Enjoy!

Rick & Vanessa August 23, 2008

Sometimes it's all about me... and Marlene of course...

2008-09-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you won't believe the next few words I have for you: I HATE being photographed! I KNOW!!!! I won't let my clients say that at all! I always think I'm not photogenic but I forget that when you give a professional a camera, they'll come out with amazing images...

That was the case when I went out for lunch with my friend Marlene on "Marlene Day" and handed her my camera. We were at Pasquale's and the food was out of this world!!!

So she came up with these images! She even makes ME look good!

We were under a red umbrella hence the red hue... Anyhoo, yes I'm goofy! What did you think?

And here is Marlene herself!

Thanks for lunch Marlene!!! Let's do it again!

Angie & Chris!!! Married September 6, 2008

2008-09-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

Angie and Chris got married this past Saturday in their backyard... Small wedding, beautiful day, GORGEOUS couple!

Angie has this movie star look about her and her smile lights up the room...

Chris was just happy to get to kiss her all day long... Everytime I asked him to get "a little closer" he was happy to oblige... I had to remind him here and there that he was NOT alone with the beautiful girl...

I loved meeting these two and I was so ecstatic when Angie asked me to photograph her day... Not only is she gorgeous (did I mention that already...) but she's also got a beautiful personality!

Their kids Adam and Sam were also a hoot! Sam was a sweetheart and I took a million pictures of him!

Here's a few details:

The rings:

Here's a few of the millions of pictures I took of Sam.

Here's Adam!

And here Chris and Angie:

I just love her laugh...

I became seriously obsessed with a wood pile that they had in their backyard...

See?

Some prairie goodness...

Then Angie requested that her sons be photographed with her dad and Chris...

Don't you just love the moment they're having here?

Here's a couple of details that I loved at their house...

I love daisies... they're the friendliest flower...

And the infamous wood pile...

Angie and Chris, it was so wonderful to be there with you on your wedding day...

Here's a little slideshow of some of the highlights...

Angie & Chris

Happy Birthday Olivia!

2008-09-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of the year when I visit Olivia yet again!!! I love my Olivia time! I get to see how much she's grown and then I get to tell her Auntie Sue all the things she did for me that she doesn't do for her!!!

Ok, I'm not really that mean, but I do love seeing Olivia and I really enjoyed getting to watch her grow this past year... She's all personality!!!

She gets her good looks from mom and dad but she definitely gets her personality from her Auntie Sue...

Don't you just love that hair?

Oooooh...

I love how she curls up her toes when she's excited!

Seriously!!! Just the cutest thing!

Thank you Silvia and Kirk for letting me document this important time for you!

Laura & Luc (and of course Hanna!!!)

2008-09-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

Laura and Luc were at Sandra & Elliot's wedding, and LOVED Sandra's pictures! So much so that they came into my studio and booked me on the spot!! (I'm thinking they REALLY loved Sandra's pictures!)

And I instantly fell in love with them! Luc is a tall teddy bear that loves Laura more than anything and Laura is a gorgeous little Energizer Bunny and YOU KNOW I love people like that! It was INSTANT chemistry!

So a few days ago when we did their engagement photos I was absolutely blown away by how they are together... These two are soooo in love!

Oh, and they have little Hanna, their daughter, who absolutely could have stolen the show... She's just soooo gorgeous! Don't you just love her?

Here's the gorgeous Energizer Bunny!

At one point Luc dared her to give HIM a piggy-back ride and she sure showed him!!!!

Dancing in the Park.

Oooooh, hello! I'm still here!!!!

Thank you Laura and Luc for becoming my friends and inviting me to the most important day of your lives! People like you make me believe that I'm on the right track, and that I'll always love my job!!!

Oh, and here's your slideshow!

Laura, Luc and Hanna

What people do on weekends...

2008-09-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've heard that when people are not getting married, they have a normal life on Summer Weekends.

Seriously, can you believe that? I actually forget what that's like... And given that "normal" doesn't sound the least bit appealing, I decided to get into the Wedding World!!! I wanted action action action!!! Go go go!!! And if you know me, you understand!

BUT!!! I do crave time with my kids and my husband... ok, the rest of the family too, so about a year and a half ago (yes, I have to plan that far ahead), I decided to take the September long weekend off!

Off I headed out to the lake with the kids in tow. My cousin Lelia was coming in from Alberta, and some of our friends were going to drop in as well... In other words, "normal" was NOT going to happen!

So we took out the Green Hornet (old boat that's been in Jascha's family since the 70's) and decided to water ski as much as we could!

Here's some shots...

Here's my brother Ivo doing something funny with his hand on the tube (it's ok, he never reads this blog). Lovissa (my niece) needed a little help at first but later on the day she conquered her fear and went on the tube without daddy!

Here's my favorite! Gabriela getting up on the skis for the first time ever! Up right on the first try!

And she's a gonner!

Here's a very proud daddy holding his Gabster!

Shaking from top to bottom!

Then her cousin Olivia got up too! And so did Olivia's mom, Angela, but I didn't put any of the pictures here... You know, she looked hot in a two piece, but I don't want to get in trouble...

And here is Sexy Stuff (Jascha) doing his thing...

Dropping a ski...

Telling my dad to go faster faster FASTER!!! Did I mention we're a lot alike? As in INTENSE!!!

Coming in...

And here's a final shot of my nephew Jordan, who loves driving the boat... He also says faster faster faster... But THAT he gets from his mom and dad!!!

Ahh, good times... Now, back to the daily craze!

ps- I also got up on skis for the first time in my life... What a fun time!!! I couldn't lift my arms yesterday but that's ok...

Thompson Family Portraits 2008

2008-09-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

Michelle was referred to me by my good friend Karen, and my new good friend Gail.

They had family pictures taken last year and they love the little book of memories that I made for them, so they gave Michelle and Cam a session as their anniversary present.

I was so excited to meet Michelle as she's also my good friend Kathryn's friend... What a small world!

When I came out to her house last Monday night, I also met her kids who are visiting from Toronto. Here are some shots that I got that night.

Ok, first and foremost, I have to admit that I have a secret crush on Jack Black. I think he's absolutely hilarious and super super cute! Not exactly a secret crush anymore now is it? It's not the kind of crush that I'd leave my husband for him or anything (that's Bono!!! - but Jascha knows that...)

In any case, Jamie (Michelle's son) looks like a young, skinny and cuter Jack Black!!! And he even makes all these Jack Black faces... Hilarious!

We had a blast!

Don't you agree?

Here's the family in front of the orange door!

I wonder where Jamie gets his goofiness from...

Awww...

Jodi also looking amazing!

Apparently "barefooted-ness" is a family trait...

This is my favorite shot!

And here's Jamie...

Oooh...

Now, don't you love Jodi's BLUE BLUE eyes?? Femme Fatale!

Gorgeous Michelle!

Cam, looking great!

Here's a little slideshow!

Thanks guys for inviting me to your home and Happy 40th Anniversary! It's so wonderful to see people staying together for as long as you have! I wish you many more years together!

Vanessa & Rick! Married! August 23, 2008!

2008-08-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

August 23rd, 2008 will always stay in my memory as our coldest day in the Summer! Who knew?

But fortunately it'll also be remembered as Vanessa and Rick's wedding! When I met these guys, they brought their mom along to our meeting and I just love Anna! She's nuts and she makes the best homemade sausage this side of Italy!

I also loved Vanessa and Rick of course... We wouldn't be here if I didn't. Yes, you heard it: I LOVE my clients! I'm so cheesy but it's true!!!!

Anywho, let's start the day with this amazing spread that Anna put out!! Getting Ready pictures go way better when there's yummy Italian food to go with it!

Salvatore (Rick's dad made these beauties - I had two!!!)

He made these also!

Here's a shot just outside St Mary's Cathedral, the most beautiful church in all of Winnipeg!

We were supposed to be inside for family pictures, but hey, if the Bride and Groom aren't there and the photographer isn't there, then they can't start on their own, can they?

This bride has such unique beauty!

When a bride says: "Sure, I'll lie on the ground", you just KNOW she means business! (Yes, I had a blanket for her!)

Vanessa wanted the Tunnel, and her girls were very good about it! It was freezing!

Da Boyz!

Steven (far right) said this should be the Tux Ad.

Isn't she lovely? Yes, I had a small obsession, as you'll notice in the next few shots... Vanessa's mom is Philippino and her dad is from Trinidad, which accounts for this crazy amazing look about her...

And Rick is cute too!!!

Salvatore also baked the nut-free cake! (Side note, there was a nut in there, she just happened to be taking the picture! hahahaha, I crack myself up!)

One of the crazy awesome things that happened this day was that Jared came out to help me! Jared is one of my crazy clients that got married in August of 2005 and he has the most awesome wife (Michelle) and daughter (Siena) whom I've also photographed (see this post).

Thank you Jared, you were crazy fun to work with!

Here's one of the candids that Jared grabbed. Good stuff!

Rick and Vanessa, thanks so much for hiring me to tell your story. I loved being a part of your day and hope that we'll always stay friends!

Have a great time in Jamaica, sorry I couldn't go with you... I'll need a little more notice next time!

Lisa & Kensley! Married August 16, 2008!

2008-08-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

I met Lisa and Kensley over the phone! And it was love at first call! I know I always say this about my clients but it's perfectly true! Lisa had been referred to me by a colleague and she went straight to my blog to see my recent work and try to get to know me.

Smart move! The best way to get to know your photographer IS by checking out their blog. It's there that you see what their personality is like and what you can expect on your wedding day!

I loved speaking to her on the phone and also loved that I was open for her date! I had originally booked that date off for our family holidays, but something came up and we moved our holidays to a different date, so I was suddenly open on August 16, 2008! And I sure was happy about that!

It was the hottest Saturday of the year and we had such a blast! There were many friends from BC and family from all over Canada as well as Jamaica! The family was nuts (just how I like it) and the friends were ever more nuts (bring it on!)...

Here's some images from the day.

This is the beautiful flower girl Isabel:

Boys will be boys:

These girls were crazy! She-Ra was always doing something nutty! Here she is in the middle with the bride doing I have no idea what

The beautiful couple!

I love her natural smile!!

This could be a watch ad:

I love this next series. I didn't have to tell them what to do at all, they just hammed it up for the camera!

Here Kensley (the personal trainer) is bench-pressing his bride... Is it called bench pressing?

Kensley wanted to be surrounded by tropical plants...

What's more tropical than banana trees?

Good old Legisative Buildings!

Thank you Lisa and Kensley for the wonderful hot day!!! I can't wait to visit you guys in Vancouver and go out for Sushi!!!

Kelly & Rob's Slideshow is here!

2008-08-19T15:26:00.001-07:00

Check out Kelly and Rob's Slideshow right here!!!

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer Video Tip #1 - Chemistry

2008-08-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Today I introduce to you my pet project! It's the first in a series of videos designed to help people make the right decisions when choosing their Wedding Photographer.

You'll also see videos about how to plan your wedding day photos and much much more.

Today being "Marlene Day" - a day when I get together with my friend Marlene Fast, to learn and share ideas and essentially get a lot of work done, I asked her to be my videographer and record the first video of my "How to Choose a Wedding Photographer" series.

So thank you Marlene, for holding the camera and keeping me focused and also a big thank you to Trevor who is always inspiring me and who said: Just do it already!

So here it is! Stay tuned for more and PLEASE leave me a comment on what you think of it. (be nice....)

Press Play!

Mike & Tanyse! Married by the Beach! August 09, 2008!

2008-08-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, I love ALL my clients. Call me cheesy or hopeless romantic, but I do believe that everything happens for a reason and that you meet certain people because they're meant to be in your life.

That's how it was with Mike at first. He was in a wedding party of a wedding I did a couple of years ago, Alissa & Andrew Beach - June 10, 2006. We had such a blast that day and I guess I stuck on his mind. I didn't meet Tanyse at the time, so I had no idea that Mike would be calling me so soon.

A year or so after Alissa and Andrew's wedding I got a call and I remember Mike saying that he had been in Andrew's wedding party, was his business partner, etc and I remembered him immediately!

The conversation went something like, we're not even shopping around. We like you and we want you to capture our day.

Nice. I love it when that happens. And when I met Tanyse I knew that their wedding would be crazy fun! I also knew that Mike was smitten! Tanyse is the epitome of Natural Beauty! And she's smart and creative!

They got married at Misty Lake Lodge just North of Gimli, Mb. It's such a gorgeous setting, right on the beach. We could hear the waves during the ceremony... It made me think of what it must be like to get married in Hawaii or California. Seriously!!!

Here's the lovely gorgeous couple!

I love what the clouds are doing here!

Then we headed out to Gimli for some shots there. No, we didn't get into the water, but I think Tanyse would have gone in if I asked.

Here's the whole gang!

I love how the dresses match the sky that day!

A little flare here and there never hurt anyone...

Sunny??? You bet!

Thank you Mike and Tanyse! You guys are amazing and you'll be great together! I hope that we continue to be friends and let's go to the Beach again with that Cutlass!

08.08.08 - Kelly & Rob tie the knot!

2008-08-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Kelly!

I LOVE Rob!

And I'm not the only one who thinks that Rob and Kelly are a DREAM together!

I met Kelly years ago and fell in love with her instantly! She's classy and beautiful and knows exactly what she wants! So I was thrilled to see her number on my caller ID last year and even more thrilled that I was open on her date!

Ok, so I was EVEN more excited when I finally got to meet the man of her dreams! Rob is a kind, loving man who loves Kelly more than anything!

Their wedding was incredibly classy and Kelly had a hand in every single detail!

Here's Kelly's super original bouquet!

The gorgeous couple just couldn't keep their lips apart!

Gorgeous Kelly!

I love how this building has swirls on the window!

Did I tell you how GORGEOUS she is?

Here's the girls hanging out. Julie will LOVE this shot! She LOVES photos of herself and has promised me that she'll take me to Vegas with her whenever she decides to get married!

Go girl!

L to R: Julie, Kelly, Debbie and Candice!

I love how Torin (front) is the only one looking straight at me:

The decorations were done by Madeline's Weddings and as always, they were stunning!

The cake done by Dessert Sinsations! Yum!

Thank You Kelly and Rob for calling me! I felt absolutely privileged to be there on this amazing day!

All the best in your life together!

Celebrity Stalking

2008-08-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

That's my mom's name for him: Celebrity. She often comes by and says simply that: Hi Celebrity.

People say you should treat celebrity like your next door neighbour and treat your next door neighbour like celebrity.

I have a little problem: my neighbour IS a celebrity. Steve Bell - Christian singer and songwriter.

About three years ago or so (feels like just yesterday) our old neighbours moved out and "The Bells" moved in. I had no idea who that would be until Steve came to my door to borrow a flashlight and I had a really embarrassing school-girl hissy fit! I behaved like a teenager who had just ran into Ashton Kutcher or something.

Anywho, all embarrassment aside - and years of therapy for Steve, I'm sure, he and his wife Nanci are still our neighbours.

Nanci is simply a stellar cook and gardener and neighbour all around. My kids love tea parties with "Mrs. Bell" and I love finding her weeding my garden!

Steve is allright too. I haven't caught him practicing his guitar outside or anything, but hey, I'll make sure to keep you posted if I do.

Last week we had them over for supper - it was soup with beet leaves that I stole from Nanci's garden when they were out of town. I had just purchased my 50mm lens (1.4) and I was taking some candid shots of everyone around the table.

I took this shot of Steve:

I emailed it to him and apparently they're using it for some stuff. Pretty cool!

He's just lucky I'm not really a freak - or paparazzi - though watch out Steve, I do have a long lens. If I'm ever broke and need some extra cash I can always blackmail you with some shots of you mowing the lawn or something, though I hardly doubt the "Christian Press" would pay me any money for that!!

Shayla & Riley: Married! August 2, 2008!

2008-08-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

Shayla & Riley are one of those couples that I met sooooo long ago, almost two years ago when they booked me for their wedding... And though we have kept in touch through facebook we haven't really had to see each other throughout the year...

So it was a great joy to see these guys again! I had forgotten just how gorgeous they were!

We had one of those "Patty" days where it threatens to rain all day but it never really ruins the pictures!

They had some great ideas of what they wanted to do on their wedding day, like visit the old place of work where they met, go to the Bridge where he proposed and finally end up where her parents had their wedding pictures taken years ago...

These two are crazy in love and had to fight back tears of joy and wonder everytime they looked at each other.

Here's some shots that we got on Saturday:

The classic shoe shot: Shayla had worn these quite a bit before the wedding day just to make sure that she could boogie all night in them! They even had a really cool dance routine planned for the reception!

Here's their joy when first seeing each other...

Working the counter at SportMart on Pembina Hwy... What's Riley doing?

The girls were real sports when they agreed to go for a walk down the bridge even though it was starting to drizzle a bit.

A cozy lovely moment right where Riley proposed in the middle of winter almost two years ago...

These two were so good at dipping, I got tonnes of good shots of that...

I just loved Shayla's gloves and flowers.

Shayla has the curliest hair you've ever seen, but wore it fairly straight to the wedding... It looked so good!

Boys:

The girls were singing Spice Girls songs using their flowers as microphones. I swear I didn't make them do that!

I LOVE this shot!

Then we headed off to Fannystelle where Father MacKenzie married these two. It's the cutest little church I've ever seen! So quaint and such beautiful architecture!

Cakes by Maria.

Bridges Golf Course, of course.

Getting some air!

Thanks Riley and Shayla for hiring me to capture your crazy wonderful day! Have fun in Europe! Too bad I was too busy to go along, but maybe next time?

Oh and here's the slideshow! Shayla & Riley's Wedding In Winnipeg

ps - To all my blog stalkers, notice something different? Stay tuned for a whole new look (logo, website) coming soon!

Christine & John: Married! July 26, 2008!

2008-07-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

When we met it was one of those things... Love at first laugh...

We connected and we "fell in love". As in love as clients and their photographers get, I guess... When you think of it, it really is a love story... I'm there ALL DAY! I see you get dressed, meet up for the first time, I see his tears when you're walking down the aisle...

I'm essentially involved in your most intimate moments of the day!

Nope, not THOSE moments... But everything before that!

I remember Christine and John had come to see me right before The Wonderful Wedding Show in 2007 and then they ran up to me at the show and told me that they would like to book me for their wedding.

Good thing too. A million other people (I'm soooo exaggerated!) called me for their date after that and when I told Christine, she said: "A-ha! She's all mine!"

I LOVE that reaction! I told her I'd post that on my blog!

Anywho, onto the pictures! These two really hammed it up for the camera and we spent most of the day at The Forks enjoying the crazy heat!

Here they are, Christine and John, madly in love...

Sassy...

They actually got married at The St Boniface Cathedral. I've shot there MANY times, but have never been in a wedding there...

And this is the spot at The Forks where John got down on one knee...

Hot Stuff here:

The boys called this The Cover shot: (for their "Rock Band" band)

I love this one: The sun makes them squinty, I know... but this is the story of their day: It was hot and we were at the Bridge.

What a pretty pretty girl!

Lovely!

Christine, I'm glad you got me too!

Happy Marriage honey! Make the best of every single day!

The Assistant

2008-07-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

Stephanie J has been assisting me for two years on and off now... I can't believe it's been that long!

She makes me laugh... She holds all my gear... She carries "The Blanket"... The Water... The Tripod... AND gets alternate angle shots here and there when I let her ;)

This past weekend she came out to John & Christine's wedding (stay tuned for that post next!) after having worked her "real" job all week, running camps at Prov, and doing whatever else she does...

So I thought it might be a good idea to do a little tribute to her...

Here she is carrying my gear:

Doing a one person dip while I test light and depth of field.

Doing the SJ land surf!

Regular SJ:

So I did some "headshots" for her in the end of the day...

LOVE that crazy hair!

Thanks SJ! You're awesome!

Deanna & Drayton Slideshow

2008-07-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the slideshow for Deanna & Drayton's wedding!

Enjoy!

www.offthepage.ca/slideshows/cook_wedding

Melodie & TJ's Slideshow!

2008-07-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hey TJ & Melodie!!! Your slideshow is up and running!

Check it out here but don't forget to press play!!!

http://offthepage.ca/slideshows/michalchukwedding/

A post on taking time off and taking the camera wherever I go...

2008-07-27T21:28:00.002-07:00

All photographers would agree with me that it takes discipline to take your camera with you wherever you go. After all, when work is done, we like to leave our tools at home... My camera is my tool... Like a bobcat to a contractor, a wrench to a plumber... (you can tell my husband is in construction - that's all the parallels that I can draw...)

So when I'm off, I usually leave her at home (yes, it's a she and her name is ... never mind). But then a whole year can go by and I have no pictures of my kids to show for it...

So last year I made a conscious decision that I need to photograph my days off so they don't go by unnoticed (they are few and far between after all).

So here it is: last night after I photographed John & Christine's wedding, I set off to the lake where my sweet Mother in Law, Hildi, watched the kids for me while I worked. Both our husbands are working out of town somewhere up North, I'm not sure where... So we banded together...

When I got there, the girls were enjoying the new trampoline and were eager to show me their new moves that Uncle Jamie taught them (thanks a lot Uncle Jamie... my turn will come).

This morning after we left the lake we went to celebrate Tante Krista's 30th birthday at the horse tracks - they had a petting zoo and pony rides there today...

Here's some images:

Sabrina being cautious...

But not Gabriela...

Oops, here she goes...

Scary stuff if you're a mom...

Off to the races!

Pony rides.

My little Gabster has a serious obsession with animals of all kinds...

Sabrina got to hold a fresh egg... I also shot this with my super wide angle which made her head look like an egg too... I know, not good...

My niece Arabella, suntanned and freck-ly

Then it was time for the bbq and hoola hoops!

Even the preggo birthday girl gave it a try...

While some others (Jamie) just relaxed...

Below is Hildi... See what you're missing Dad? She's looking hot!

Austin looks so angelic here, but watch out! He can take anyone out in two seconds flat!

Here's his mom, one of my faithful Blog Stalkers... Looking good Bronwyn...

Uncle Eddie giving the instructions on the water balloon fight...

Sebastian was hiding balls in the garden...

Here's proof:

One more:

Lisa and Christopher smooching:

Look at those teeth!

Braeden:

The birthday girls and some of the nieces: there's one missing, she was recovering from an "Austin" wound...

Happy Birthday Krista! Enjoy this summer and I can't wait to do your maternity shoot!

Ghislaine and Bronwyn, don't even think about leaving this post without commenting...

2008-07-27T21:28:00.001-07:00

Lisa & Colin: Engaged & Subjected to Pigeons... and who knows what else...

2008-07-24T12:40:00.001-07:00

I met Lisa and Colin at my best friend, Kathryn's wedding reception last year in Winnipeg. Kathryn & Dante had their wedding in BC - the mountain and vineyard shots you see on my website.

At their reception in Winnipeg I was both the photographer and the MC. It was nuts!

We had this spaghetti dance contest (don't ask) and Lisa and Colin won! I had a shot of them dancing, so Colin ordered it and used it to propose to Lisa just a few months later... saying something along the lines of "how about we make this our engagement shot?"... then falling on one knee and popping the question!

Sweet! OFF THE PAGE was there!

So I was super delighted when Lisa contacted me to ask if I would shoot their wedding. Obviously they already knew my work and knew me (or my loud mouth as an MC!).

I'm so stoked guys! And so excited with the engagement shots that we got here. The location was a little sketchy with pigeons hiding in the rafters (we hope it was pigeons anyway...) Colin kept getting spooked... But it was all fine in the end...

Here they are:

Below: Colin a little suspicious of the pigeons...

I love this one... What the heck is that noise?

Blue eyes!

Below: I'm too sexy for my shirt!

I absolutely love this one!

Ant there's something about the one below that is timeless:

At this point (below) someone drove by and shouted "Patty Boge Rules!"

Why do they call it Trash The Dress anyway?

2008-07-24T07:40:00.001-07:00

John Michael Cooper, an amazing photographer in Vegas, started a cult. It's a "ceremony" of sorts where the Bride, after her wedding, says goodbye to her wedding dress. By doing that she's supposedly saying to her husband: "I'm with you forever and I'm never going to need this dress again"...

He calls this ceremony "Trash The Dress".

I've been telling my brides about this for a while now, but no one has had the courage yet to take me up on something like this...

So when my friend Trevor Brucki called us (Myself, Steve Hiebert of Personal Expressions Photography and Jeremy Dueck) and asked if we wanted to go out to the beach and do this with him, we agreed in a split second.

The bride is Kristy and her husband is Blair. Kristy is amazing and was such a super model! Blair is completely in love and kept calling himself "The Background"...

Guys you were amazing and I loved loved loved working with you two!

Thanks Trevor, call me anytime!

Here's miss Hot Stuff!

Here's Steve, getting ready for the shot.

Jeremy:

All four of us, thanks to Lisa (Kristy's mom) for taking this shot!

Good to see I'm not the only one who's always lying on the ground to take pictures!

I love this one I took of Kristy leaning on the Valiant!

Trevor and Jer coming in close... And me in the shadows...

Trevor and Jer.

Kristy on the log:

Right after this shot Trevor straightened up and as he did I think he stepped on some slippery rocks and just about wiped out... As the three of us looked from our spots, holding our breath, he recovered and never fell... Afterwards I thought "why didn't we have our cameras ready to take the shot if Trev took the plunge?"

Because there was no way we wanted to record such a tragic event as that camera and that lens hit the water...

He was ok after all and he had plenty of backup gear!

Now, a film camera in the water... classy!

I just love this shot of Kristy and Blair...

Legs over the railing.

Romantic end of the day.

Check out these guys' blogs, some of them have something up and some will soon!!!

Trevor (http://trevorbrucki.blogspot.com/)
Steve (http://www.personalexpressionsphotography.blogspot.com/)
Jeremy (http://jeremydueck.blogspot.com/)

A big Thank You to Lisa and Stan for cooking up some seriously amazing Pickerel dinner for us after the shoot...

You guys are all amazing!

TJ & Melodie: I'm so excited you two are married! July 19, 2008!

2008-07-23T21:43:00.001-07:00

TJ & Melodie hired me two years ago!!!

They were in a wedding party in 2005 - Melodie's brother Bradley got married to Randi and that's how we met.

I remember TJ telling me that he would call me one day!! And he did! In 2006 TJ reserved his date! It's so cool when that happens... These two are so in love it's crazy...

I had the privilege of staying the reception here too, so I got to hear these amazing stories about how TJ worked out of town (he's an electrician) 12 hours a day, then drove home and worked on Melodie's home based salon for hours... Apparently he has a lot of energy!

That's why we get along so well!!! Actually TJ has so much energy that he makes me look lethargic... If that's possible.

Melodie is the absolute sweetest person, most loving and giving - the kind of person that you meet and you just want to be best friends with...

Needless to say, I cried a lot at this wedding...

I'm such a suck, I always cry at weddings, but this was like my little sister was getting married or something...

Thanks guys. I had a wonderful time with you two!

Now, onto some shots...

My assistant Joey came out to help me for this wedding and here he is holding up the wireless flash for me!

And here's the shot:

These girls were awesome and hilarious! No doubt Tannis (left) was making some joke about... who knows? She's nuts!

Here's the pretty princess...

These boys were also laughing their heads off all day!

Pipes:

Here's the whole gang!

I didn't really have to pose them... They just knew what to do! I love it when that happens!

Cheers!

Tj, my friend, you're one lucky guy!!!

At the end of the day, Tannis (of course) wanted a picture with Joey... The girls love Joey!

Tj's been waiting for this shot for 3 years! The boys were surprised when we arrived at the Park and I said "Ok, boys, shoes off and pull up your pants!" But hey, whatever TJ wants, TJ gets!

Here's me with Dan (TJ's brother). I actually don't like being in pictures, since I always make the same face...

Now, I just about fell over when I saw who the first person was on the dance floor...

Yes!!! It was Dancing Gabe! Way to go Gabe!

Thanks again TJ & Melodie. May God bless you richly in your life together! It'll be a crazy fun roller coster ride. But then again, why not?

Ivy & Ryan: Engaged and completely crazy!

2008-07-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's love at first sight.

Sometimes it's a chemical reaction that sweeps through your body and leaves you breathless.

And when all that craziness walks into my studio, I can't help but fall in love too.

That's how it was with these two. That's how it always is with all my clients.

I'm not a really laid back type of person. I'm more a type A with exclamation marks (A!!!!). It takes a crazy person to understand. So when people walk into my studio, they either LOVE me or think I'm nuts.

But I'm Brazilian and I am a little nuts.

And that's why Ivy and Ryan loved me at first encounter! I guess I'm not ashamed to say it that way!

Ivy and Ryan are so cool! And they'll be getting married next year supported by an entourage of 36 people! Yikes!

I have to say: I'm looking forward to it guys. You exude LOVE and I'm glad to be here and feed off this rush!

Ryan proposed to Ivy at Blue Diamond Farms, where they had been going strawberry picking for 5 years... It was only fitting that we capture their ENGAGEMENT session there too...

Their wedding colours are yellow and red, so we tried to incorporate that as much as we could.

This is them, naturally...

I love how fun this is!

These two love canola fields and the colours are perfect here!

Mr GQ! I love how there's an "I" embroidered on his sweater... For his Ivy girl!

More yellows and reds!

As a thank you for driving out to "Timbacktu" with them, they gave me their strawberry pickings to take home... If I had known I would have made them pick for two hours straight!!!

Thanks for everything guys! Can't wait till the wedding!

Family Portraits Gallore!

2008-07-21T08:36:00.001-07:00

Last week was a popular week for family pictures, so in order to keep you posted on EVERYTHING that I do, here's some shots!

Steve's Family:

Gail's Family!!

Gear for sale

2008-07-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!

I'm just posting to see if any of you would like to buy some gear! I'm selling some of my stuff to get new stuff, and if you're interested in some used, but cared for Nikon gear, just let me know.

I have:

2 Nikon d70 camera bodies,
1 17-55mm lens f2.8
1 Nikon d200 camera body

Make me an offer, I'm open to ideas for price.

Email me at pattyboge@gmail.com

Deanna & Drayton: Married! July 12, 2008

2008-07-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Deanna was referred to me last year by my amazing assistant, Tamara, who is an incredible artist and who sacrificed her summer last year to help me with weddings.

Thank you Tamara, for now and for then. You are a gift in my life and I'll always treasure your amazing talent.

Deanna & Drayton had the kind of weather that you just hope will NEVER happen on your wedding day: stormy, windy and rain that's coming at you sideways!

BUT Deanna also had serious backup plans! She and her mom, Karen made sure that we had enough venues and plenty of time for pictures (almost 3 hours for the bride and groom shots)! That kind of forethought can make the difference between a relaxed and a frustrating day.

So, with rain from all sides, we decided to stick to the indoor locations:

Tamara captured this candid shot as I prepared them for some other shots from a different angle:

Sexy!

She "planted" a kiss on him... Or He on her... hard to tell from where I was...

Deanna is absolutely stunning and her gown was absolutely gorgeous!

Tamara also grabbed this sweet number as I moved in from a different angle.

Here's the lucky guy! Handsome and IN LOVE!!!

We brought in some studio lights for some cool effects...

Deanna came up with this idea and I am always happy when that happens!

Here's my take on it.

Drayton, you're not going anywhere, buddy!

Boys and their coffee...

Sweet kisses!

Legs, legs, legs...

This cake, made by Dessert Sinsations is the most decadent thing I've ever seen! Ever!

Thank you Deanna & Drayton for picking me! I had a blast despite the weather! Wish you all the best that life can bring! Stay tuned for your slideshow!

Thank you Tamara! You are my sunshine!

Leslie & Martyn: Married! June 29, 2008!

2008-07-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

Leslie was referred to me by one of my couples last year, Laura & Shechar, who are just incredible and smart and beautiful... So I knew that Leslie would also be amazing!

When we met, we hit it off right away. She's fun and wanted her wedding pictures to reflect that 100%.

Her day was perfect. Sunny, puffy clouds, and a lot of happiness!

Here's the happy couple hanging out at The Forks:

Faraway kisses...

The happy guy!

"Training"

Now, isn't she gorgeous?

Leslie has the most infectious laugh!

I love this shot of Martyn's dad giving him a smooch just before he goes under the Chuppah.

Thanks Leslie & Martyn for a great hot day! Watch for your slideshow coming up soon! Many many more shots to come....

Here's a shot of Joey, who assisted me on this wedding, posing as a model for the light tests before the family shots... Thanks Joey!

Sandra & Elliot! Married: June 28, 2008!

2008-07-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

(Still catching up on posts since I went on holidays next week, so stay tuned to see images from more recent weddings soooooon!)

Sandra & Elliot are absolutely amazing! Crazy and downright in LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! If you've ever met Sandra, you know that LOVE LOVE LOVE is the best way to describe her...

On her wedding day, it was raining... Pouring to be exact. I was extremely worried since they really didn't have a backup plan, and umbrellas just weren't going to cut it. And even if it stopped raining, the wind was enough to drive anyone crazy!

Well, unless you were already crazy to begin with. Which was the case. Between her and I there's enough craziness to go around twice.

So, the rain stopped, the wind picked up and Sandra LOVED IT!!!

I was also extremely blessed to have my good friend Marlene come out to help me shoot.

Marlene is extremely talented, and has been in business for 30 YEARS!!! I swear she started when she was 2.

It was so great having her there, posing them for me from time to time, since I don't usually do a lot of posing. A great change of pace and I really enjoyed it.

For example, she set up this shot:

Sandra's stairway, centered and narrow, made for exquisite lighting.

Seriously...

Here, she and Coolidge are singing away...

She is so expressive... Check out this shot of the ceremony!

Here she is singing to her groom, with her girls for Kidonan East Collegiate.

Sandra & Elliot got married at Captain Kennedy Teahouse in St Andrews and we walked around the property for some shots.

Marlene snagged this one:

And this was my angle...

Another one of Marlene's

While I snapped this one.

Marlene's angle:

My angle:

Then we went driving around St Andrews.

This is my absolute favorite!

Ring Shots on Red Vinyl:

Skinners:

Here are the favours and the stones with the guests names. I made these little tags for them to tie around the favours and it gave the guests instructions on how to view their pictures online.

The speeches were hilarious:

Their first dance, magical...

Thank you Sandra & Elliot for letting me be with you ALL DAY LONG!!! I had a blast and Marlene did too... Read all about it on her blog.

View Sandra & Elliot's highlights slideshow here.

Jared & Michelle: STILL crazy in love & Sienna joins the scene!

2008-07-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

Friday, the 27th of June was 2005 Wedding Couples Reunion Day! Not really, but it just happened that two couples that got married on that year had family sessions on that day.

Here's one of my all time favorite crazy couples: Jared and Michelle... Michelle has this crazy awesome dragon tattooed on her back and Jared is such a nice nice nice guy! A great looking couple too!

When I first met them it was clear as daylight that Jared was IN LOVE with Michelle. She is his goddess, his muse, his everything...

Now, when I see them together, the 3 of them, I see that Jared has a new crazy love: Sienna! He looks at her the way he looks at Michelle: in complete awe and wonderment! She's joined the likes of her DROP DEAD GORGEOUS mom in the muse category.

And she loves her daddy! Nose kisses are the best, aren't they?

I love this relationship here:

I have some shots of their wedding where Jared is making this very same face.

Oh my...

She's making a bee line for me! And my camera gear!

This is truly a gorgeous family!!! Michelle looks amazing! You should NOT look that good right after having a baby!

Here's that awe and wonderment...

I just love these guys...

Ratna & Matt - annual get together with Patty, aka family session 2008!

2008-07-11T12:31:00.001-07:00

Ratna & Matt hired me for their wedding in 2005, when I had just started out. They were referred to me by my good friend Trevor and they are also one of those people I was talking about in the previous post: They have come into my life and we've become friends over time.

In fact, once a year around the time of their anniversary (June 4, which is also my anniversary), we get together for family pictures. This year we waited until her dad came to visit from India.

The mosquitoes were nasty, but we're tough and we got some great stuff...

Thanks Ratna & Matt for the yearly adventures. You guys have become friends to me and I hope to photograph many more years of good times! Ratna, it was great to meet your dad. One of these days I'll have to venture out to visit him so he can take me on a photo safari of his homeland!!!

Thank You Tanya.

2008-07-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

You know, I've said it before how much I love my job. I love the creative side of it, I love the people that I meet, who forever come into my life and forever change my life.

For example, one of those couples, Tanya and Chris have sent me 5 couples in the past year and that to me is a huge sign that they love my work. But if that wasn't enough, then last night I got an email from Tanya.

In her words:

"When I was a kid we went to this old guys house for family pictures. He was a zillion years old. Everyone referred to him as the family photographer. I would not be surprised if this guy was at our family’s funeral’s. When I think about how stunning our wedding pictures are and what wonderful memories you have preserved I can not help but feel that you are our "family photographer" I hope that you will be able to take some maternity and baby shots. We already know we want a really interesting piece for the nursery and something special for the announcements. I am very excited. This is way better than a wedding!

Until we talk again, I hope the rest of your summer is great! Don't forget to breathe.

You biggest fans
Tanya and Chris"

Here's their slideshow.

Thank You Tanya & Chris, you made my day.

Back from Holidays: Jonathon & Katie's Slideshow!

2008-07-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, back from Holidays!! Working like crazy, but I managed to finish Jon & Katie's Slideshow.

See it here.

Away on Holidays

2008-06-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many self-employed "suckers" read my blog. I can say that, because I'm self employed, so I'm a sucker myself. If you ARE self employed you know that Holidays are great, but also dreaded...

You have to work 24 hours a day before you go on Holidays and then you have to work 24 hours a day after you come back, just to catch up...

So, my friends, my clients and whoever you are, stalking my blog through RSS feeds... I'M GOING ON HOLIDAYS!!!

First I shoot two weddings, Sandra & Elliot, then Leslie & Martyn. THEN, I go on holidays.

I won't have a phone, or email, so help me God.

So if you need me, feel free to call and email, but please note that I won't be responding until July 9th.

Yikes!

I am excited though, because my hubby has been out of town for two months and will be out of town for two more months after we get back, so I will really make an effort to spend as much family time as I can in the next 10 days.

I know, how dare I take time off. But hey, the bright side of being an entrepreneur is that I get to take a day off here and there. And most of all, I get to choose, everyday, which 14 hours of the day I will work!

I will, I will... triumph!!! (movie reference here... can you guess?)

Ciao!

Vanessa & Rick: Getting Married Soon!

2008-06-26T11:54:00.001-07:00

When Vanessa and Rick came over for the first time, they brought Rick's mom with them.

It was love at first laugh... I just fell in love with that lady and a few weeks later I did her anniversary pictures. What an amazing family... To be honest I think she told Rick that if he didn't hire me to do his wedding she would never make Italian Sausage for him again.

Rick obviously could never live with that (neither could I, since I did have some of her homemade goodness and fell in love with her even more!)

I'm so excited to be doing this wedding... These guys LOVE being in front of the camera and LOVE LOVE LOVE each other!

Here's a typical shot of them: I love Rick's expression.

I love this series...

Mmmm, delicious...

Can't wait till August guys!

View the slideshow here.

Katie & Jonathon: Married June 21, 2008

2008-06-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Katie is so sweet. Jonathon is soooo dedicated! He's going to be an accountant, and she's a dental hygienist. She was really busy with her new job this past year, so he did ALL of the planning.

I don't usually get contacted by the groom, but Jonathon was right in there, planning every little thing, tying every single ribbon and making sure that all of Katie's wishes and needs were met.

What a guy.

This also says a lot for Katie. The fact that she really trusts her man, really knows her man and can live with the decisions that he makes.

Don't get me wrong, she made a lot of the decisions too...

They are so good together and it really showed.

Here's the bride holding the flowers that Jon sent to her at the hairdresser's with a note saying "I love you".... and a few more things that I won't post on here.

Katie's dad, Dave, drives busses for Fehr-Way Tours and he was able to get this sweet White Ride for us to be driven around all day and not have to worry about parking. Thank you Dave and thank you Fehr-Way Tours!

The "Oreo-cookie" shot: L to R: Andrew, Kim, Robbie, Rachelle, Dirk, Sarah Joy, Jonathon, Katie, Thomas, Laura, Max, Ashley, Blair and Shawna. (Whew, I still remembered!)

Katie was going with the flow the whole day, working it for the camera. I LOVE it when that happens.

Magic!

Dancing around Jon at the Leg.

She loves DQ and HAD to have a Blizzard.

Did I mention she LOVES DQ?

The building says Robinson & Webber. Their last names (except Jonathon's is Weber).

Congratulations guys! Your day was awesome! I'm glad I was there!

So, a priest, a nun and a photographer walk into this bar...

2008-06-24T14:11:00.001-07:00

Not a bar really. A Wedding Reception instead.

Katie and Jon's Wedding Reception.

I have to tell you I haven't laughed so hard at a wedding in a long long time!

Katie and Jon put me at the same table as their fabulous, hilarious priest and their crazy Nun cousin, Sister Darlene. I knew when I sat down, that this would be a night to remember...

My sides were splitting from laughing so hard at their stories growing up in the same town. The stories just kept pouring all through dinner... Too bad the priest didn't stay for the dance. We could have had some shots like the ones of Sister Darlene below, dancing to "I Will Survive"... What a night!

Doesn't she look like fun? Here she is dancing with Jonathon:

I love the speeches. It's like you've asked me to come into your living room and be part of this intimate family moment, when people tell your stories, and display old pictures.

Here's Jon and Katie.

The first dance. Magical.

The girls get sassy. L to R: Sarah Joy, Shawna, Ashley and Rachelle.

Hmm, what song might they be dancing to? Rasputin? Be careful... Don't break a leg!

It's like you can guess the songs, just by the gestures: Shout!

I'm too sexy.

And finally: the beautiful cake.

More images tomorrow guys! Stay tuned!

Not to mention any names...

2008-06-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

Once in a while a bride hires me to start early.

I'm not talking 10am early, I'm talking 7:30am early! Yikes!

But hey, it gives me more time with the bride and I'm able to hang out with the girls at the salon, and in the end we have a blast!

That was the story this past weekend: Katie asked me to be there early so we could hang out at the salon and have coffee, chat it up and get some candid girl shots.

HOWEVER, when we got there the hairdresser (and manager - the only keyholder - you get the picture) was not there! Nope, we couldn't get in, couldn't start with a different hairdresser, nothing...

Not for a whole hour...

Here we are, all the way in Kenaston Village Mall, waiting and waiting...

Katie was super awesome about it, not freaking out... Even though this is her WEDDING DAY and we were on a tight schedule...

But Jonathon was livid! Apparently this place had already "accidentally" deleted her from the appointment book the month before...

So I told him I would post this for him and that could be his little revenge. I won't mention any names though...

You would think that the manager would have at least have done Katie's hair for free...

Kicking it then and Kicking it now

2008-06-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

I usually try not to post too often, just so you guys have a couple of days to digest each post (ever notice how I like to talk in food terms?)... But today I was double-backing up old personal drives and I found this little number!!

Oh, I cracked up. This is my sister in law, Lori from Kickit Dance Studio, which I mentioned in yesterday's post.

When she and Robert came back from doing a 6 month stint working on a cruise ship (2004), she assisted me with a few weddings.

One time we were out in Niverville, doing a wedding and the fields were so amazing, that we decided to do some impromptu headshots amidst the Canola!

Don't you just love these?

Just a few months later they FINALLY got engaged and I ended up doing their wedding in 2005.

Thanks Lori for assisting me that summer. That sure was fun!

She gets a lot of air for a little person! ;)

Twice a week, all the way across town..

2008-06-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday night, every Saturday morning, myself and/or my husband drive all the way across the city to go to dance class... Not me, well, me, yes but mostly the kids.

My brother and sister in law (Robert and Lori) own a fabulous dance studio in Waverley Heights (Kickit Dance Studio), which is in my opinion, the best in town.

"Is it worth the drive?" you might ask! But I tell you it is! Not only are they incredibly talented, their school is great and the crowd there is a lot of fun, but they are also family! And family supports family, it's just how it goes! I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.

The kids just love them and they learn so much! It's good to dance...

As a matter of fact, I rejoined the adult tap class this year with my mother in law and another sister in law and made some crazy wonderful friends! We really bonded! We performed Abba's Waterloo at the recital on June 11! This is our class in costume.

Looking good!

We performed well too! The crowd went wild! I bet you they were mostly feeling sorry for us. Very few of us have ever tapped before, so it was quite the adventure being there on stage with so many talented super duper young dancers.

Anywho, as a end of season gift, I did what anyone should do: called up my cookie girls (Sweet Impressions) and asked them to do me this little favour...

I know that Robert and Lori will probably not eat them, but they will be really good if they do!

Lori & Patrick: Married on June 14, 2008!

2008-06-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

She's a Health Inspector.

He's an Engineer.

She worked in Brandon and so did he.

He had a house party and Jaqueline brought her over to his house.

They played Twister.

She liked his moves and the rest is history...

Patrick loves cycling, in fact he's been to Europe with his friends, cycling from place to place, and even cycled parts of the Tour de France.

We met early in the morning at Assiniboine Park for some cycling shots.

It's not everyday that boys want to be photographed in Spandex, so I couldn't say no...

Here's Brady, Patrick and Al:

Al's dad lent them his Beautiful Vintage Chrysler

I love the way she looks at him... She's in love!

Here are the girls: Jessica, Lori and Dana.

Best boys and pretty girl: Matt, Al & Lori. I think in this shot Matt said something like: "hey, you're not married yet!"

After the ceremony the skies opened up and we were able to do a lot of stuff outside!

For their favours, Lori & Patrick handed out personal coffee packs from Green Bean. Mmmm... The coffee is amazing, I tried! And it's organic! What a great idea for favours!

Here's Lori's Grandma. She's almost Ninety and she looks incredible! In this shot she was telling me how she is a Great Grandmother to 14 or 15 kids! Isn't that amazing!

Ok, seriously, these boys were in farm country, but they pulled all the stops when it came to doing the charades to get the bride and groom to kiss!

Here's Danielle, I have no idea what she's doing!

The speeches were funny...

And emotional...

We got out right after dinner for some sunset shots...

Lori dancing with her dad.

Here's my friend Stephanie who helped me out! She's nuts!!!