Here a couple photos of Jennifer and Paul who had their wedding near De Winton just south of Calgary. Paul and I go way back and there’s lots of history with us. More of that when their full wedding set is ready for the blog. For now, enjoy these 2 shots. We got some really good stuff of these 2, plus we debut our HootBooth at their wedding. A user controlled photo booth that the guests used and took hundreds of hilarious photos.
This past week I had 4 awesome albums arrive from Finao and I had to take some photos to show all of you. One album was Sowon and Dean’s whose wedding I did the photography for in Edmonton. Another album has been shipped off to Amsterdam in the Netherlands for Jillian and Rob who had their destination wedding in beautiful Banff. I took drive around Calgary and hand delivered Crystal and Ali’s and Jenn and Khang’s wedding album to them personally. There’s nothing better than when a couple sees their finished album for the first time. These albums are the end product of all the hard work we put into the photography. From the minute the client meets me for a consultation, I show them and tell them how important an album is and how it will last a life time. Sometimes it’s hard for people to imagine or understand what I mean, until they see their own album in their hands. That’s when they realized the money they invested into me becomes priceless.
With so many cover options that I can offer with Finao, every wedding album is unique. Every couple chooses different covers and leathers that fit their style and leave the design to me!
Tuyet & Rick booked me for what seemed like a long time ago. Their original plans were to get married here in Calgary last June. But they both decided maybe a destination wedding was going to be more fun, so plans were made to have the wedding in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. When they alerted me of the changes, they said “don’t worry, Johnny, you’re our photographer, so we’re bringing you with us!” My first destination wedding!! I was stoked obviously. I was so excited it was Tuyet and Rick, that I was doing destination wedding photography for. We get along like we were old friends so I knew I would really enjoy my week with them, their friends/family and their 2 kids Jada and Anthony.
There were 26 of us and we stayed at the beautiful and relaxing Grand Oasis Marien. The resort was clean and well kept. The staff were super friendly and locals were very welcoming. Of course drinks were included and as always, the first night was the binge night! Tuyet & Rick and their friends can drink and drink lots! The whole week I spent with them was a blast and I really got to know everyone on the trip very well. I am sure we will all stay in touch and hopefully have some sort of reunion, because I already miss them all!
Thank you so much T&R for bringing me to the Dominican Republic to capture your incredible wedding. I had an amazing experience that I will never forget and I am so honored to call you guys friends and not just clients.
Meaghan and Craig are two people who are so much in love with each other. Ever since Meaghan was a little girl, she always knew she wanted to get married around Christmas time. Christmas was definitely M&C’s favorite time of year and it provided a spectacular feel to their winter wedding.
The day started at Craig and Meaghan’s house, where Craig has been living alone since they bought the place. All of Craig’s boys were there getting ready and we had some fun photographing them. The house was still a bit empty, which was a good thing for us wedding photographers. Afterwards, we went to Meaghan’s parent’s house where we found the girls getting ready. You could tell Meaghan’s mom was very excited when she was tying up Meaghan’s dress. I don’t believe I ever stopped seeing her smile the whole time we were there.
The ceremony as held at the beautiful St. Barnabus Church near downtown Calgary. St. Barbabus has awesome architecture inside and wonderful amounts of natural light flooding in. Ryan and I took every advantage of that on this day. The ceremony was lively and full of energy, as expected with M&C. When it came time for the vows, Craig got down on one knee in front of his bride, which drew a permanent smile of Meaghan’s face and all the friends and family who came to witness.
It was almost already dark by the time the ceremony was over, as this day was the second shortest day of the year. We headed down to Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary to do our photos and shot around Calgary’s City Hall. The reception was at the Calgary Golf and Country club, which was an amazing high end venue, with Christmas decorations everywhere. A perfect setting and ending to M&C’s Christmas wedding.
Congratulations M&C. You both were truly meant for each other. I feel very blessed to be the one who was chosen to create memories for the both of you. I wish you all the best and nothing less.
We had the pleasure of photographing Crystal and Ali inside the stunning Lougheed house a couple Satruday’s ago. As promised to the wonderful couple, I said I would put up a sneak peek for them. Here it is! Check back later for more!
Grace and Chris went on super long honeymoon in Hawaii, thanks to my recommendation. Of course they loved it there, I mean who doesn’t? Their wedding was last month and I can finally share the photos from their day on the blog. The ceremony was a very nice one at the Hillhurst United Church in Kensingston. After the ceremony is when we had our fun and did their wedding day photos in downtown Calgary. We had fun just walking around looking for shooting opportunities and we found lots! The reception was held at the Sheraton Eau Claire and the ballroom was transformed into a beautiful wedding venue. They had the one of the coolest and most different centerpieces I have seen and photographed this year. It was simple, but elegant.
Congrats on your wedding you guys! You 2 were made for each other. Thanks for having Ryan and I capture your beautiful day!
Here’s a quick sneak peek of Nancy & Thuan’s trash the dress from last week!! I will post more once they have seen their photos!
It seems like forever now since Jennifer and Mark booked me and we did their engagement pictures at Confederation Park in Calgary. Mark found me on a forum that I frequent more than I should admit. That awesome forum is Calgary Puck where us hardcore Calgary Flames fan gather and talk hockey. These 2 are the one of the sweetest couples I have met and after our e-session in the fall, I couldn’t wait for their big day. Ryan and I started the day as usual at the groom’s house. We found a cool backdrop that was pretty much a roof on ground level. I know it sounds weird, but when you look at the photo, you’ll see what I mean. Once we finished shooting the boys we headed to Jennifer’s place. When we walked in, she was visibly nervous. Who can blame her? It’s about to finally happen in a few hours!!
The outdoor ceremony was held at the Red Deer Lake Community Centre on a cloudy Saturday afternoon. It had rained all week and I was worried my no rain streak was going to be in jeopardy. But, my “4 year never had to shoot a wedding in the rain” streak continued. The overcast sky gave us beautiful soft light all day. The ceremony was short and very sweet. When it was all said and done, we headed over to Spruce Meadows to do our portraits and we got so much good stuff of this sweet good looking couple.
Congrats Jenn & Mark. May your lives be filled with happiness and good fortune (omg I sounds Asian). Thank you so much for having me be an important part of your special day. I can’t wait to take to you guys to a Flames game when the season starts! Go Flames Go!
When I met these 2 gorgeous people, I knew I couldn’t wait to photograph their wedding day. Cindy & Jeff look good together and they are really into each other too! We went out to one of Calgary’s untouched inner city nature reserves, Nose Hill Park, to do our wedding photos. On any given day, you could see deer, foxes, hawks, porcupines, skunks on Nose Hill. There are even endemic plants that are not found anywhere in the world, except onNose Hill Park. We took advantage of the foilage and beautiful open spaces.
Cindy & Jeff had one of the best wedding receptions I have been to in the last little while. The Calgary Polish Center was decorated and transformed into a beautiful banquet hall. There was lots of dancing, drinking and people having a great time celebrating the union of these 2 awesome people. Thank you so much for having me at your wedding and creating memories for you. Congratulations!
Another good friend of mine got married this year. This time it was Narisa and Jameel’s wedding. Jameel used to come into my old car shop all the time to buy rims and accessories for his ride. Jameel owns a sure print here in Calgary and he has printed my brochures, posters and business cards for me. Through all our business transactions, we also became friends. Beautiful Narisa’s family runs New York Fashions and in June she graciously lent me a stunning wedding dress for my Calgary Just To Inspire wedding photography workshop. The wedding was really a 3 day affair, but due to prior commitments I was only able to do the last day coverage for them, which was the most fun anyway! The day started with us doing our creative wedding photos and in the evening the reception was held at the Carriage House Inn just off of McLeod Trail. The East Indian food was fantastic and as expected, lots of dancing partying!! I love East Indian weddings!! Congrats you guys. you were both made for each other without a doubt. You’re gonna make beautiful babies!! I can’t wait for them!
