Posts Tagged ‘calgary award winning photographer’

Maya & Zaafir | Sneak Peek | Calgary Indian Wedding Photographer

July 27th, 2011

Here’s a sneak peek of Maya & Zaafir’s Hindu and Ismaili wedding photography here in Calgary.  Alicia and I got some really amazing images of these 2 beautiful love birds.  There’s so much I’d love to tell you about this truly unique couple and I can’t wait to share.  Right now they are back in [...]

 

Here’s a sneak peek of Maya & Zaafir’s Hindu and Ismaili wedding photography here in Calgary.  Alicia and I got some really amazing images of these 2 beautiful love birds.  There’s so much I’d love to tell you about this truly unique couple and I can’t wait to share.  Right now they are back in Palo Alto, CA where they both reside and attend Stanford University.  Check back soon to see more.  For now, this tease is for M&Z.

 

breaker

Jennifer & Ben | Calgary Heritage Park Wedding

October 6th, 2010

At the end of August, I had the honor of covering Jenn & Ben’s wedding.  Some of you may remember them from our unique e-session that we shot at the Westjet Hangar at the Calgary International Airport.  Well, they finally got married, but this time Ryan couldn’t make it due to a family emergency, so [...]

 

At the end of August, I had the honor of covering Jenn & Ben’s wedding.  Some of you may remember them from our unique e-session that we shot at the Westjet Hangar at the Calgary International Airport.  Well, they finally got married, but this time Ryan couldn’t make it due to a family emergency, so I called upon my good friend and Calgary family photographer, Bao To to come assist me.  As usual, I started the day off at J&B’s house, which is pretty much down the street from me.  It sure is nice to leave my house 5 mins before I am supposed to be somewhere!  When I arrived all the groomsmen were ready and so was Ben, who was looking mightily handsome.  Once I was done in Panorama Hills, I headed down to Woodbine in south Calgary, where Jenn was getting ready in the house she grew up in.  There, I met up with Bao, and we started doing the coverage of the girls.  The house was a buzz with a lot of energy when we arrived.  After some fun getting ready photos, we had Jenn’s dad wait downstairs.  Jenn then came down and her dad saw her for the first time in her bridal dress in grand fashion!  She looked simply stunning and you can tell on everyone’s face that that was the consensus.

The wedding ceremony was held on a green space behind Jenn’s childhood home in Woodbine.  The weather was perfect for an outdoor ceremony, which was a nice sweet one.  After their vows we headed straight up to Heritage Park, where the wedding reception was being held.  We shot all our photos of J&B and their wedding party right there until reception time.  Their reception was held at the Wainright Hotel in true western fashion.

Jenn & Ben, I had an amazing time covering your wedding and I know Bao did as well.  You guys are truly a match made in heaven.  I am so happy and proud that you love your photos so much.  There’s nothing more a wedding photographer  could ever ask for.  I am so glad you found me and took the leap to book me, otherwise I never would have met you both.  I’m looking forward to more Flames games together!!  Congratulations!

breaker

Doreen & Gilbert | Playa Del Carmen, Mexico | Calgary Destination Wedding Photographer

October 1st, 2010

The long awaited and frequently asked for set is finally ready to be shown to the world.  D&G finally saw their photos last night after a long anticipated wait from their destination wedding.  D&G had their wedding at the fabulous 5 star resort, The Royal, back in the middle of August.  I met everyone at [...]

 

The long awaited and frequently asked for set is finally ready to be shown to the world.  D&G finally saw their photos last night after a long anticipated wait from their destination wedding.  D&G had their wedding at the fabulous 5 star resort, The Royal, back in the middle of August.  I met everyone at the Calgary International Airport, and I flew down with all of D&G’s wedding party, friends and family.  From the moment we all met at the airport, I knew it was going to be an exciting week.

The weather in Calgary had not been very summery all year so when we arrived in Mexico, it was nice to feel some 30 degree heat.  When we arrived at the Royal, I could see why they chose to have their wedding here.  The resort was gorgeous and as we the week went on, we were treated to true 5 star service and dining.  We had a few days before the big event, so it gave everyone time to settle down.  I headed off the resort to go scouting for the engagement session and wedding shoot.

On the day of the wedding, D&G had a short traditional Chinese tea ceremony in the main courtyard of the resort.  From there you could feel the buzz and excitement from everyone, as the wedding ceremony neared.  I started off the prep photos with the boys, like I usually do and then headed off to see Doreen and her girls.

The ceremony, in true Mexican Destination Wedding tradition, was held on the beach.  Because all beaches in Mexico are considered public, many onlookers gathered around to watch the ceremony.  This does not make photographers like me happy, but what can you do?  The ceremony was so nice.  The vows they both read to each other were very heart warming.  You could only say “awww” when you heard it and feel nothing but jubilation for them both.

I had a little bit of time to shoot off some photos of the bridal party and some of D&G before the sun went down.

The reception was held right on the beach as a storm over Cozumel started to head our way.  When it did arrive, it came in hard and fast, but by then the Royal staff had already moved all of us inside.

A couple days later, I had to finish off the photo shoot of D&G.  I had scouted all over the area surrounding the resort, but it was packed with tourist everywhere.  I decided to rent a car and we drove  around until we found something that I liked.  We did drive around for a bit but eventually we found an area where mansions were being built.  I thought to myself how great would it be if I could shoot inside one being constructed.  So we went searching for prospects.  Low and behold we found the perfect one!  Using my slick Spanish skills I was able to get us permission to shoot in the house.  It was the perfect place for us to finish off our photos.

Congratulations Doreen & Gilbert.  I am so grateful that our paths have crossed, otherwise I never would have met the both of you.  You both are truly amazing and inspiring people.  All your friends were amazing and I really felt like part of the crew when we were down there.  I definitely can say I made many new friends in one week, but best of all, I became friends with you guys.  Congrats and thanks again for having me be such a huge part of your wedding week!

This post is a big post, there are a lot of images, so if you are looking at this on a mobile device, I apologize in advanced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

breaker

Jennifer & Ben | Sneak Peek | Calgary Wedding Photography

September 6th, 2010

Jennifer and Ben got married at Heritage Park a couple Saturday’s ago.  We have more goodness of these 2 together, but for now, here’s a taste of what’s to come!!

 

Jennifer and Ben got married at Heritage Park a couple Saturday’s ago.  We have more goodness of these 2 together, but for now, here’s a taste of what’s to come!!

breaker

Introducing Doreen & Gilbert | Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Engagement Session

August 25th, 2010

I am very happy to introduce to everyone, Doreen & Gilbert, whose wedding I just got back from in Playa Del Carmen Mexico.  They had a destination wedding in Mexico and brought 30 of their family members and close friends from Calgary.  They already had their wedding last Wednesday, but will be having one more [...]

 

I am very happy to introduce to everyone, Doreen & Gilbert, whose wedding I just got back from in Playa Del Carmen Mexico.  They had a destination wedding in Mexico and brought 30 of their family members and close friends from Calgary.  They already had their wedding last Wednesday, but will be having one more reception at the Hotel Art in downtown Calgary this weekend.  These engagement photos were photographed on the Monday before the wedding.  We had a blast walking around the resort area near Quintina Avenida and later in the evening we went to the beach to finish up some hot shots of these two.  What a privilege it is to able to be a wedding photographer, but when a client trusts you to take you on a destination wedding to spend a week with their family and friends, it makes me feel all warm and tingly inside.  Here are Doreen and Gilbert.  Check back soon to see the rest of their Mexican Destination Wedding.

breaker

Here’s a sneak peek of Sara & Drew’s wedding that I am still working on.

breaker

Shannon & Edward 07.02.10. | Al Ahzar Shriners | Calgary Wedding Photography

August 4th, 2010

Shannon and Edward got married in July on a beautiful day.  Shannon and Edward actually live in Vancouver right now where Edward is doing residency at a hospital downtown.  Shannon works nearby at the Children’s Hospital as a nurse.  They met in Edmonton where they both lived, at a hospital in St. Albert.  The day [...]

 

Shannon and Edward got married in July on a beautiful day.  Shannon and Edward actually live in Vancouver right now where Edward is doing residency at a hospital downtown.  Shannon works nearby at the Children’s Hospital as a nurse.  They met in Edmonton where they both lived, at a hospital in St. Albert.  The day started with Ryan and I meeting everyone at the Sheraton in the west side of Calgary.  We arrived to find the wedding party pretty much ready to go for their photos.

The wedding ceremony and reception was held at the Al Ahzar Shriners.  The ceremony took place outdoor with a nice overcast sky above us, which gave us awesome shadowless and squintless photos.  After the ceremony S&E gave us a lot of time with them and we shot a ton for them.  As wedding photographers, we also ask our couples for the most time as possible.  And every time we do get all that time, we end up with lots of excellent photos for the album.  We spent most of our time shooting right by the Al Azhar Shriners.  When a change of scenery was needed, we went into Bowness and got some photos there as well.  During the shooting, I really noticed how much in love Shannon and Edward really are.  It was so easy to work with them and the connection was so real.  They couldn’t stop smiling or holding each other all day.

Congratulation you guys.  It was a huge pleasure to have had the honor of creating these life long memories for you both.  I wish all the best for you both in your marriage and your blossoming careers.

breaker

Here is a quick sneak peek for Shannon and Edward whose wedding we photographed on July 2nd.  Check back in a few days for the full wedding post.

 

breaker

Amber & Aaron 06.12.10. | Calgary Fairmont Palliser Wedding

July 22nd, 2010

Amber and Aaron found me on Calgarypuck forums where Aaron and I are avid Flames fans. I got to know Amber and Aaron well over the last little while leading up to their wedding and I absolutely love these two. They had their stunning wedding at downtown Calgary’s Fairmont Palliser Hotel. I met Aaron and [...]

 

Amber and Aaron found me on Calgarypuck forums where Aaron and I are avid Flames fans. I got to know Amber and Aaron well over the last little while leading up to their wedding and I absolutely love these two. They had their stunning wedding at downtown Calgary’s Fairmont Palliser Hotel. I met Aaron and his boys in the house he grew up in for his prep photos. It was a neighborhood in Calgary, that in my 30+ years living here, I had never seen. It was a very quiet, older neighborhood where all the lawns were manicured. His boys were a fun bunch so that really set us up for a super fun day. As soon as I got all the photos I needed, I had to go meet Amber at Hedkandi by the Hotel Arts where her hair was getting done. It was a cool looking and hip salon with lots of people there. After we headed to the Palliser to shoot some details including Amber’s stunning dress in their huge suite. When Amber came out with her dress on I was all smiles as she was so gorgeous and made my job so much easier.

The wedding ceremony took place at Sacred Heart Church on 14th street. The ceremony was very nice as we ran around and photographed as many different angles and moments as we could. Amber and Aaron were all smiles through the whole thing, as was expected.

It was shooting time after the ceremony, so we headed back to the Palliser to stay close to their reception. We got some really cool shots of A&A and their wedding party on the parkade by the Calgary Tower. After we shot there, we headed inside to look for some protection from the blistering sun. With a venue like the Palliser, we had to take advantage of the grand beauty of it, so we ran around all over the hotel making photos. It was very easy working with them as their connection was very obvious. They were very much in love with each other.

Amber & Aaron’s wedding theme was inspired by Cirque Du Soleil and man did they ever pull it off with the help of Mary Swaffield and her staff from Lavish – Wedding Planning & Design. There was so many details that I had to get my good friends Shelley and Jeff Weber to come help shoot detail shots for me so nothing was missed. As soon as we all walked into the ballroom our jaws dropped. We could not believe what Lavish had just pulled off. Without a doubt, the most spectacular reception room I have ever seen in my whole life. Nothing was missed when it came to designing this room. The lighting in the room was exquisite. The wedding favors were Mardi Gras masks imported directly from New Orleans for all their guests. They had an ice sculpture made with their initials on it where martins were chilled by pouring through the top of the ice sculpture, coming out at the bottom into a glass. And then, there was the entertainment. The MC was a professional MC and magician. They had a fire breather and contortionist as well. And if that wasn’t enough, they also flew in from Nashville, the famous country band Six West, who kept the entertainment going for their guests.

It was quite the party that night and it looked like every body there was having the time of their lives. Then came the “midnight snack”. Kobe beef sliders, poutine, ginger beef and sweet sour pork all packed in little chinese take out boxes so that people can take it home with them if they chose to.

We got to work with our friends, Luke & Ryan again from Imago Weddings.  Head over to Imago Weddings’ blog to see the teaser video for A&A’s wedding.

Congrats Amber and Aaron. Wow, what can I say? Your wedding was nothing like I have ever experienced. I am very thankful to have been a part of this. You guys pulled it off and I am sure your guest will never attend a wedding like that ever again. Let’s go to some Flames games next year! Now below is the most photos I have ever posted from a wedding on my blog. There’s just so much that it had to all be shown!

breaker

Jennifer & Jason 06.26.10. | Calgary Hyatt Wedding Photography

July 22nd, 2010

Jennifer and Jason finally got married on June 26th at the Hyatt in downtown Calgary.  The day started as usual with the boys prep, where I met Jason and his boys in their hotel room.  Jen had surprised Jason with an Apple iPad as a gift.  She told me in advanced she wanted me to [...]

 

Jennifer and Jason finally got married on June 26th at the Hyatt in downtown Calgary.  The day started as usual with the boys prep, where I met Jason and his boys in their hotel room.  Jen had surprised Jason with an Apple iPad as a gift.  She told me in advanced she wanted me to get photos of him reading the note she left him on the iPad.  It was such a sweet note that I think made Jason’s heart melt.  I think he wanted to cry, but his boys were there and you know…. guys don’t do that in front of other guys.  After shooting the boys, it was the girl’s turn.  I met them a floor away in their room.  Their room was a buzz as all the girls were getting ready.  I shot Jennifer’s portraits right there on the hotel room bed.  She looked absolutely gorgeous with her birdcage veil and her specular dress on.  I didn’t want to stop shooting her, but we had to wrap up.

The wedding ceremony took place right at the Hyatt in the same ballroom where the reception would be held.  Jason came in like no other groom I have ever seen, giving low fives to all the people sitting in the aisle.  Awesome!  Jen of course walked down the aisle with her father and you could see the happiness in Jason’s eyes.  The ceremony was short and sweet and they left and the same grand way as they entered.

It was a beautiful day on this day and the sun was shining.  We walked along Stephen Avenue and it was packed with people.  Of course Jen and Jason turned a lot of heads and received a lot of congrats from random strangers.  Our first stop was Murietta’s restaurant for some drinks and snacks.  We shot some photos of them and their crazy wedding party while we were there.  But after that it was down to business.  Ryan and I took Jen & Jason away from the chaos that was Stephen Avenue.  We saw 4 other weddings down there on that day, and if any of you know me, I always avoid other weddings and crowds of people. We found our own secluded quiet spot downtown that was perfect for some romantic portraits.

When we came back to the Hyatt to shoot the reception details, we saw the most creative seating assignment “chart” we had ever seen.  The pictures say it all!

Congrats you guys.  I had such an awesome time getting to know you both and being a big part of your day.  Your wedding was fabulous and you both looked stunning and gorgeous with each other.