FRESH

little cherub violet

2012-01-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

Could there be a more cherub-like face than little Violet's? FRESH was so blessed to meet Miss V for our cherub-styled shoot. Hopefully it will move people to think of their own inspiration for portrait sessions.

What childhood story or modern movie moves you?

FRESH would love to work with people to do more styled sessions, inspired by children, parents and bridal couples' stories. What's your story?

mixed tape; behind scenes film

2012-01-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

Hello world, this is photo-shoot-day me, stripped down, sans mascara and sporting a giant smile on the day of our Taxidermy-styled Bridals shoot. Despite my awkwardness in front of the camera, I'm loving the fact that you're getting "in" on our process and can see some of the behind-the-scenes. You get to see, for instance, how involved Joey was, the artist behind the phenomenal bridal pieces. How interactive and collaborative our shoot is. And how there is laughter, shared.

There is so much more to be said for our styled sessions, like partners that make us look good, like months of research and prop collection, like juggling schedules and hauling heavy furniture. But at the end of it all, how storylines and context and beauty all comes together and seems somehow effortless "like throwing on vintage dresses" and voila!

Of course, it is a passion. That might play a teensy-weensie role.

Please see right hand side of the FRESH blog for more awesome films to watch by passionate newbie film-maker Ben Olsen. Like what you see? 20|12 FRESH brides, please inquire about Ben's cinematography for your amazing day! Ben is partnering with FRESH to offer multi-media wedding films like you've never seen before. You know, like, FRESH;)

levi . jude

2012-01-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

How I adore a handsome family in stripes!

I loved spending time with Kevin [sometimes-FRESH-assistant] and lovely wife Tiffany, Jude 2 and baby Levi, 2 1/2weeks. And not just because they're such a good-looking family! They are humble, self-sacrificing, and don't speak about themselves except when asked, pointedly.
And then there's Tiff's smile.
Despite life being a little crazy uncertain for this family [just sold their house, moved, will move again and again in the near future], they hold onto the things that are eternal and their boys that make them smile. There is Jude, chatty but serious in nature, who played with Kevin's childhood truck and caught onto the "picture-candy" rather quickly. And there is squishy baby Levi, who only closed his eyes with mama's hand-knit cap on his head.
Now leave them some love to bring more smiles to their faces!

highlights: 2011 couples

2012-01-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Julie . Jeffrey featured Style Me Pretty Canada

Becky . Jeremy featured Style Me Pretty Canada

Tracy . Jeff featured Weddings in BC

Ashleigh . Cory featured Weddings in BC

Congratulations 20/11 couples! You have added much beauty and inspiration to my year. Thank you for showing me your heart and letting me fall a little bit in love with each of you, through the lens.
* starred image while shooting for Lana Fedora

beauty school marathon; women's portraits

2012-01-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

Presenting FRESH's Beauty School Marathon, Feb 1st!

Little Love Note: I embrace the moniker Beauty School for women's portraits because it's important for every woman to feel beautiful, inside AND outside of the "boudoir"! And what woman couldn't use a little education on her own beauty?

Please share with your lovelies; the Beauty School Marathon would be a blast for a girlfriends-day-out!

FRESH Beauty School portraits:
on location heritage inn
~ 30 min make-up artist, lashes
~ 35 min shoot
time, talent of your professionals
session | post-production hours
photo-ready cd of images to print | copy | share
custom, artful post-production of imagery
feature on FRESHsite - your prerogative!
$229 + tax
add $199 for boutique photo-book

Limited bookings available!

Makes a great present for she or he, just in time for Valentine's Day!

*Also looking for long, lean but curvy [don't hate me], blonde model for same day*

polka dots & baby-bits

2012-01-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

You might recognize these rock stars of the blog: beautiful mama and her Jade, 2 and and new Miss Miah, 1mos in polka-dots. I have been photographing mama since her first bump-session; see the latest HERE. I just love seeing the "finished product" - read Jade and Miah!
There have been quite the collection of beautiful mama's & newborns to hit the blog as of late. Many families have taken advantage of a discount when booking FRESHmaternity and newborn sessions together. This also makes for a thoughtful shower gift for friends to contribute towards.
I still keep wondering when the "quiet season" begins;)
Thank you lovely mama, Jade & Miah, for having me in your home, and the Mr for making me a latte before artfully slipping out the back door!

baby oliver; christmas eve

2012-01-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

Baby Oliver made it in time for Christmas; hoot hoot!
What a gift for this adorable family, including big monkey-brother Simon [whom I could eat on toast he's so cute!]. Good thing too - for mama, dealing with newborn - because he's rather vivacious. [And guard your coffee mug because he will drink your java - or salsa or pretty much anything!]
Little brother Oliver was a week old for our Christmas Eve shoot. It's fun to think of all the adventures, Christmas mornings and wrestling matches these brothers will share.
See mama's most recent maternity and family sessions HERE and HERE. And all the very best with your gorgeous boys!

tammy's christmas

2012-01-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

meet a really cool family
in a really cool house
in a really cool town [read, intentional bias here]
hope your christmas looked a little like this! because family + snow + quaint mountain town + laughs is really quite magical.

beautiful, blessed Christ-mas

2011-12-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

BICO baby Owen- see more HERE

Have a beautiful, blessed Christ-mas everyone! Thank you for your faithful following, friend-ing and facebook commenting this year. You have added much beauty to my life! Might be a little quiet on the blog while I party it up with family.

trimming tree; handmade glitter-bomb

2011-12-18T20:40:00.000-08:00

I would love a white Christmas tree; for two years now. But I just can't take the - heading out into nature to hand-pick our fresh-from-the-forest tree - experience, complete with steaming thermos hot chocolate, away from the kids [and hubs, for that matter]. So I bought some snow-in-a-can and flocked the tree this year. I don't think I could buy enough canned snow. A new love.
And if offers, Bam, instant compromise. Peace on earth, right?
I also trimmed with delicate, "curly", knitter's wool, added feathers to glass baubles and sprinkled with silver glitter wherever possible. I deem it the year of the handmade glitter-bomb! What does your tree look like?

beauty school; k*II

2011-12-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

Surprise!; Ms K was over 30wks pregnant with her first child - a boy - for our Beauty School portraits. The II posts were from ONE session [see I - HERE]. We weren't even strategic about hiding k's baby bump. I had to be mindful about showing it due to her small frame. Rough, right?

The first frame is in her "ratty old sweater" - as she puts it - that has sustained and kept her comfortable this pregnancy. Precious. Congratulations on your little miracle Ms K; hope I get to meet him when he makes his arrival.

beauty school; k*

2011-12-18T14:30:00.000-08:00

There are so many ways to hide. There are so many ways not to feel.

There are so many ways to deny what is real. - Sara Groves, Just Showed Up

There's a surprise in store for Ms K's next post. Check back for the big "reveal" of the surprise in post II. [If you know, mum's the word!] Honestly, there were so many keepers from this session, they just can't be contained.

Thanks, Ms K - who claims she's always felt like the "cute" one in the crowd - for reminding me why I love to shoot FRESH's Beauty School. I hope your images make you feel that you are more than just "cute"!

baby chloe's here

2011-12-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

Really like these frames.
Really like this family.
Really like their choice of name.
Pretty sure their Christmas is going to be merry with their new little Chloe under the tree. [She was 10 days old here.] In the last frame she's hanging out on her mama's blanket [her baby blanket]. And the knit sweater and bonnet was her daddy's as a baby. Have I mentioned I'm a sucker for personal details?

heather's family

2011-12-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

A bonfire in the snow, a mountain view and a game of monopoly [later inside] with Heather's adorable family.

baby lynkon's debut

2011-12-10T11:18:00.001-08:00

After 16x under-6yr old's, in 6hrs at the Baby it's Cold Outside; annual kids' portrait event, I present baby Lynkon. At 1mos, Lynkon was my youngest guest. But he complied with wardrobe and prop changes like a pro. Sometimes it's nice when they don't talk yet;) Congratulations on your beautiful boy Desiree and Joel! [And thanks for the FRESH Gift Certificate Nicola; it was a thoughtful, lasting and reciprocal gift!]

sherri's boys

2011-12-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

Sherri, you can stop cyber-stalking now. Here are they are. I love how they look so serious and even-tempered and still! As if all that clowning and floor-rolling and candy-popping and sweating wasn't necessary after all.

featured; style me pretty canada II

2011-12-09T11:23:00.001-08:00

See Julie & Jeff on Style Me Pretty Canada HERE

From the Bride…While we reside in Calgary, we chose to wed at the St Eugene Mission Resort, nestled in the British Columbia Rocky Mountains and close to my hometown of Kimberley, British Columbia. My family may have had an advantage, but with guests from Hong Kong, Australia, England and Toronto, it seems travel would have been inevitable for the groom’s side. It made us feel so very loved to have people come from all corners of the globe for our wedding!

We chose a whimsical garden-party theme (think English country garden with ladies in hats) with a peacock color scheme of blues and purples. The venue, with its ivy-covered stone facade, natural tree lined aisle and mountain setting, provided the perfect backdrop to our ceremony. The wind was a welcome relief on a hot summer’s day and had the added benefit of ruffling peacock feathers and keeping lush leaves in perpetual motion.

Our reception was held in outdoor tents at the resort. The dinner featured local BC wines from the Okanagan Valley, and locally sourced bison rib eye steaks as well as handpicked huckleberries from the nearby mountains. All the reception decor was DIY – with the help of some lovely relatives and friends. My sister and MOH designed and executed the head table backdrop single handedly, my mother made the ring bearer’s pillows by hand, and one of my bridesmaids designed the entire candy buffet. We brought our own string lighting and strung it up inside the tents, and I created my own Manzanita branch centerpieces with hanging votive candles and little perched millinery birds. The whole wedding was more work than I ever imagined, and more perfect than I ever dreamed.

Ceremony + Reception Venue: St. Eugene Golf Resort / Wedding Gown: Martina Ilana / Earrings:MeadowbelleMarket / Birdcage Veil: Sassy Millinery / Bridesmaid Dresses: Thread / Bridesmaid Fascinators: Gildedshadows / Groom’s Attire: Paul Smith / Tie: Handmade from tailor in Thailand / Make-up: Friend, Sharah / Hair: Pat Johnson / Floral Design: MJ’s Floral Designs / DJ: Just Music / Caterer: St. Eugene Golf Resort / Wedding Photography: FRESH Photography / Guitarist: Don Glasrud / Cupcakes: Sweet Revenge Bakery

Julie & Jeff on the FRESHblog HERE
HERE & HERE

baby oooooo-wen

2011-12-08T10:43:00.001-08:00

owwww-so-cute baby Owen, 3mos.
His auntie made the beautiful navy blanket and hat. Do you not just want to gobble him up?

jack . walter; soccer & squeezes

2011-12-07T14:06:00.001-08:00

My family met Jack's family the first year we attempted organized sport for our kids, soccer. It was pretty hilarious watching 2yr olds run after a ball, pass to the other team and abandon the ball to pick flowers. It was also one of the last, for Ryder;)
Emily, can you believe our little boys on the soccer field are already six year old's? Reading and learning and going to full-day school. They warned me that it goes fast, but one can never fully appreciate the rate at which time passes until they raise a living measuring-stick.
Thanks for all the sweet dimpled grins Jack and Walter, and for the reminder of precious family. Just days before their Baby it's Cold Outside; kids' portrait session, their dad was in a 10-car accident that wrote off their vehicle. Gratefully, he walked away and was even there to help with our session. But just that quickly, everything could have been different.
Give your loved ones a squeeze today!

taxidermy bridals III & team

2011-12-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

The final installment of the Taxidermy Bridals. Bam!

Please visit the premiere post HERE and also HERE to follow the story-line. Thanks to all the fans who helped our team celebrate at the Rock Cut the other night. I was a little intimidated with the crowd and probably explained less of the process than I should have. It's not everyday that people dress in vintage wedding dresses, accessorized by taxidermy art and artifacts, and hang out in an outdoor living-room, scale mountains and make movies about it all.

One visitor expressed that she wished we would have offered a Q&A. If you have questions, please check out the previous posts first and use the comments section below. I'll do my best to explain the madness that is the creative process. And if you have questions for any of the other artists, I'd be happy to pass it along. Thanks for your overwhelming support!

And another awe-some Ben Olsen video:

Shine Salon from ben olsen on Vimeo.

Please visit our professional partners in crime:
Photography - FRESH Photography
Styling - FRESH Photography
Cinematography - Ben Olsen
Cakery - Sweet Dreams Cakery
Hair Stylist - Stephanie of Shine Salon
Makeup Artist - Makeup by Emily Kjelshus
Mixed Media Artist, Assistant - Joey Conundrum
Models - Lisa, Sam, Tamer
Furniture - Trail's Treasure Chest

finley lynn returns

2011-12-07T10:25:00.001-08:00

Baby girl Finley is so precious, proving herself quite stoic, like her dad. And the sure way to make her laugh was neither classic cartoon voices nor peek-a-boo, but taking away her toys. Yes, she laughs when you take her toys away, even her favorite frog! We captured some of those smiles and giggles at the Baby it's Cold Outside; kids' portrait event, but my favorite remain her intense eyes and serious face. As mom says "so Finley!"
It was a reunion for Finley Lynn and I; her newborn images can be viewed HERE. I just want to express what a privilege and honor it is to be a family's chosen photographer. And such a bonding experience to share their milestones!

prosper . meadow rock the poses!

2011-12-03T16:29:00.001-08:00

Just so you know, I don't ask children to fold their hands on their sister's head. That was all Prosper's doing at our Baby it's Cold Outside; kids' portrait event. But Prosper, my man, it looks good on you!
Pose credit #1 - Prosper
Pose cred #4 - Meadow

grace . sophie

2011-12-01T10:00:00.001-08:00

How's this to kick off December?
Big sister Grace was a doll for our Baby it's Cold Outside; kids' portrait event. She had a million sweet faces while holding her dolly of a baby sister, Sophie. Together they make one creamy dessert for the eyes.

the sweetest thing II

2011-11-30T18:12:00.000-08:00

Read about and see more of Carole's FRESH family HERE.

UPDATE - Congratulations Carole, Justin and Jasmine on your baby GIRL!
Chloe Ariel - 8lbs 7 oz

tea & taxidermy bridals

2011-11-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Story

Our 3 wishful brides - with divergent lives and paths, reflected by their blonde, brunette and auburn hair - have met circumstantially at an abandoned home. Their hearts, in a similar state - neglected but not yet abandoned - are bound by common hope and longing to meet their beloved, their Sparrow. The word "sparrow" being a Native American symbol of desire and fertility.

Brother Sparrow - Agnes Obel

Voices in the street, footsteps in the concrete / Guess I hear just every sound on the ground

From my window view, I know a color blue / that can bite so very hard, the day apart
Picture FRESH as water clear / days have passed without you here

Street lights dancing on the dark across the park / Waiting for a word from you, waiting for a sign or two
Footsteps on the city ground, you know the sound
Brother Sparrow, come tomorrow to my window
Brother Sparrow, come tomorrow to my window
Not hearing word nor receiving sign, the trio is discontent to sit and wait. They set out on a pilgrimage, climbing mountainous terrain to increase their view over the river valley. And that is where they leave us, having scaled great heights, taking permanent watch over the area, waiting for sight of their beloved.

Taxidermy Wedding from ben olsen on Vimeo.

please view full-frame

The Inspiration
The Oddly Beautiful Taxidermy-inspired Bridals were a creative, collaborative effort of local artists. FRESH brain-childs two such styled bridal sessions a year, partnering with trusted professionals to showcase, share and live our passion. We're mostly creatives from a small mountain town, fighting boredom in the off-season. The October Bridals were originally inspired by the mixed-media sculpture of - former Shack Shoot model - Joey Conundrum and found vintage dresses and conceptualized by FRESH.
It's a personal goal to challenge myself creatively, technically and professionally on a regular basis. Stepping out of my comfort into an explosion of autumn color and shadow has, I think, pushed all of us artists in a positive direction. For it is usually when we step out - in faith, out of the box, off the cliff - that one's potential is reached.
The Players
With gratitude to my wonderful partners [listed below] who, with such enthusiasm, embraced and indulged my crazy antics once again. I Stand on the Shoulders of Giants.
[FRESH bridal portraits offer you another day to be BRIDE! Separate date [more time & creativity, less calendar & budget conflicts!] For a full catalogue of bridal portrait sessions, creatively-constructed and client-based, please see HERE. Prior to / following wedding date or unique gift /anniversary.] :And check back for more plus a behind-the-scenes post on our vendors.
Visit - and say hello - to my professional partners in crime. Their collaboration is my vote-of-confidence!
Photography - FRESH Photography
Concept, Styling - FRESH Photography
Cinematography - Ben Olsen
Cakery - Sweet Dreams Cakery
Hair Stylist - Stephanie of Shine Salon
Makeup Artist - Makeup by Emily Kjelshus
Mixed Media Artist, Assistant - Joey Conundrum
Models - Lisa Frisk, Sam Zielsdorf, Tamer Vockeroth
Furniture - Trail's Treasure Chest

the sweetest thing

2011-11-23T11:34:00.001-08:00

This - is the sweetest thing.

The first official snow-day for a mountain resort town is pretty special. Nothing beats the blanket of snow covering - fallen leaves, yet to be raked, tired gardens and hopeful peaks - and resting in the evergreen's outstretched arms. Nothing.

And while mama intended an autumn shoot, this adventurous family embraced snow's early arrival with open arms. Carole was skiing until the end of her pregnancy with first-born, Jasmine [first FRESHmaternity session HERE] and Justin is in the industry. Justin is so sweet and tender towards his "girls" - which you can see by the way he looks at them both - and especially accommodating considering he was up working the night before our shoot. Thank you Justin!

And Carole was not only adventurous with skiing, but also in scheduling her maternity shoots. She was only 2wks away from her dates with both her first and now second sessions. And yes, she is a gorgeous mama with a delicate little bump - stay tuned for a mini-maternity session up next. Also sweet are Jasmine's floral coat with coordinating hat, her bunny that made a special appearance, and the beautiful French language that flows out of that lovely little child's mouth!
UPDATE - Congratulations Carole, Justin and Jasmine on your baby GIRL!
Chloe Ariel - 8lbs 7 oz. Adore your choice of names.

candice & her boys in blue

2011-11-21T20:44:00.001-08:00

My camera has a crush on this family!
Candice and her boys in blue had such a great attitude about their FRESH family session. Candice was well prepared in styling her already beautiful family, choosing one dominant color - blue - accented with neutrals gray and black.
I admit, when I first learned about her 5yr old twin boys, I was a little scared. I pictured 2 of my hyper-active Ryder's, unable to sit still. Ever. And I may have hesitated at their door.
But if I've learned anything from teaching high school, it's that people - like dogs - smell fear. I've also learned to walk right up to the door of fear, turn the handle, and pass right on through to the other side.
It's just how I want to live.
And when I walked through the door of Candice's home, I walked straight into the warm embraces, smiles and cuteness of two preppy-clothed little gentlemen. One of which invited me back with a "Come back soon now!"
Melt. my. heart. Such is the reward of taking on challenges: adventure, experience, love.
Lucien and Isaiah continued to be liberal with their kisses for mama and hugs for dad, even as the weather turned chilly. This family was so cute, in fact, that it could not be contained to one post. So, more to come from this, simply stunning family.

candice & her boys in blue II

2011-11-21T19:12:00.001-08:00

You armed me with strength for battle... - Psalm 18:39

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

18:32 and the following verses, are the gifts of God to the spiritual warrior ... We should love the Lord, our Strength, and our Salvation; we should call on him in every trouble, and praise him for every deliverance ... If we belong to him, he conquers and reigns for us ... for evermore. Amen.

scroll down [older posts or click header] for more of beautiful candice and her boys in blue

featured Style Me Pretty

2011-11-16T09:08:00.001-08:00

see feature HERE

Becky and Jeremy's Mad-Men-inspired June wedding has gained quite a bit of attention. Most recently, it has been featured on Canada's boutique wedding site Style Me Pretty Canada. With a look back to their original posts, HERE I, HERE II, HERE III however, I realized their awesome vendors and some behind-the-scenes bride-notes weren't included. They're too good not to note; enjoy!

DEETS

Wedding date: June 17, 2011

Wedding theme/motif: Late 50's

Approximate number of wedding guests: 35

Your best moment: My favorite moment that stands out was when our neighbors sang us a song which they said was a Rossland wedding tradition. It was really cute and thoughtful!

His best moment:

Wedding song: I walked down the aisle to Harvest Moon by Neil Young. Honestly, I wasn't even going to have a song and at the last minute this one popped into my head. I have always loved this song.

Favourite wedding detail (favour, cake, food, band, etc.): Food - Our friend is a chef and she offered to do the food as a gift to us. I let her make whatever she wanted to and it was so fantastic!

Advice to others: . Find people/vendors you can trust and let them do their jobs. Just enjoy your day. So much work goes into a wedding and the day goes by so fast. Make sure you have time to take it all in and enjoy yourself.

Most unexpected moment: When my grandmother almost passed out and had to go by ambulance to Trail! She was ok and even came back for cake and a dance.

The day in 3 words: Heartwarming, Fun, Thoughtful

Honeymoon: We went on a mini-moon to the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, WA for 3 days. We didn't have the time for a big getaway but wanted to have a couple of days, just the two of us, after all the craziness of the wedding. We relaxed, ate room service and went to the spa. It was fantastic! Such a beautiful old hotel. We are planning a trip to Italy for sometime next year

VENDORS

Photographer: FRESHphotography, assistant Lauren Gilhula

Ceremony location: Sweet Dreams Heritage Inn, Rossland, British Columbia (our home)

Reception location: Sweet Dreams Heritage Inn

Bridal gown: Ordered off of Etsy - Very Tres Chic by Paula Stanton

Bridal party attire: No bridal party

Groom’s tux: Tommy Hillfiger suit from Macy's

Cake: Sweet Dreams Cakery, Rossland, British Columbia (Bride)

Caterer: Juliana Gola (friend)

Favours: Cookie hearts from Sweet Dreams Cakery (Bride)

Wedding planners: friend and neighbor Reva Richter-Strachen

Music: Personal play list on our computer

Hair and makeup: hair - Natalie @ Cedar Avenue Salon in Trail, B.C. / Makeup - Emily Kjelshus

Flowers: Bouquet, bouteniers, corsages and 2 large arrangements from Kootenay Floral & Gifts / rest of the flower were from Safeway and arranged by our neighbor Reva and Jeremy's mother Sylvia in jars Reva painted.

Others: Shoes for bride, groom, sisters and mother of the bride - John Fluevog

taxidermy bridals sneaker peaker

2011-11-13T21:58:00.001-08:00

iheartfaces.com

sneakiest of peeks - taxidermy bridal shoot

2011-11-10T12:26:00.001-08:00

Last month we played.

baby it's cold outside '11

2011-11-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

ribbon backdrop for Baby It's Cold Outside; kids portrait event

[without dresser] white | ivory colors w/ distressed barnwood floor

We were in Spokane for a family weekend of hotel pool swimming [aka hot-tubbing for mom], pumpkin-spice latte sipping and shopping. Although the American Thanksgiving is still forthcoming, that doesn't stop retailers from starting up on Christmas. We saw Santas with surfboards, Santa toilet-seat covers and naked Santas in bubble-baths. Besides these images, I also heard a disturbing stat about spending. The former reminding me of the latter.

We need not worry about the debt crisis, apparently, or Occupy ____ fill-in-the-blank, because American's found it in their wallets to spend 3.5 million on Halloween costumes this year.

For their pets.

Yep, crisis averted. Still, maybe worth considering a simple Christmas this year. A few beautiful captures to adorn your walls and fulfill your Christmas to-buy-for list.

[New dresser filling in as model for the Baby It's Cold Outside event. Consider it your "YOU ARE HERE" sign.]

Thank you to West Kootenay Family magazine and Delicious Baby & Toddler for your sponsorship.

And for your listening pleasure:

And yes, it was cold outside, but not nearly as cold as our little mountain town where it is snowing. Again!

bump in stripes & swamp

2011-11-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

Reposted from former FRESHphoto-session:
"Janet was my nurse when I had my last babe and it did not go well. There were times when her kindness and strength kept me going and I've never forgotten her. Thank you for doing such a wonderful tribute so such a lovely lady and her beautiful baby boy! " K

Janet, beautiful nurse and mama, loves fall. So glad we got out and did these [also see HERE] for her before the snow fell a week later. All the very best with baby #2! May you feel the collective strength and kindness of former patients as you progress with your own family goals.

marriage wish

2011-11-07T10:11:00.000-08:00

link HERE to see BLACK photo-challenge from IHF

apple-picking & picket fences, meow!

2011-11-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Backyard shenanigans with one of my favorite families.
You know those times when you have a plan? And then the plan doesn't materialize for one reason or another? And then the thing that wasn't your plan, actually works out better than your plan? Yeah, that was this session.
We weren't meant to shoot in the yard. But that was before I spotted the apple tree, and the picket fence, and witnessed little Simon running around his familiar surroundings all while the family cat kept watch. We deemed it to be good, just where we were, and stayed put. [As much "staying-put" as a two year old allows.]
More of mama's maternity session - where we did venture past the yard - coming up! And yes, apples are ripe, pumpkins are ripe and baby's just about ripe now too;)

scientists hit the bog

2011-11-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

I should have to pay this family for being in front of my lens.
Michelle, Mike and kids Logan and Lily were such an inspiring family to work with. Besides being so very attractive [not to be missed: Logan's freckles, Lily's dimples] they are full of love and affection for one another. And - thanks to mama's photography - beautifully natural in front of the camera.
With such a pretty autumn backdrop, I was "bullied" into infusing a great deal of color into their imagery. "Dear Fall, you are kicking my processing in the arse." Love Me.
Let me know what you think and leave some love for this delicious little family won't you?

artful blogging magazine; little love notes

2011-10-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

Large post; larger honor!
Blogging - which I started as a means of connecting with family & friends when we moved our little family - has grown to combine several passions. I love to write and design and, of course, photograph beautiful things. And the culmination of these pursuits, my blog, has been featured in print!
While American friends can pick up the Winter edition of Artful Blogging magazine [now available], this post is dedicated to local peeps, and a means of sharing with fellow Canadians, a beautiful publication which isn't available locally. Please click on individual pages to enlarge and, if you like, read my story "Little Love Notes". You may just find yourself within the pages.
Thank you for the honor Artful Blogging, and for indulging me friends of FRESH. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Little Love Notes

I was the shy girl who wrote little love notes on scraps of coloredpaper and hid them under my parents’ pillows. Bubble-lettered “I love you’s” decorated with chicken-scratched-cats.

Today, I find them everywhere.

I see love notes in the light, illuminating a porcelainskinned woman as she sits in the sun-drenched afternoon, framed by paned windowsand Juliette balcony. Scanning mysurroundings include sitting room punctuating a narrow hall, 19^thcentury fixtures, pink lacy curtains stippling daylight, dressing room withantique oak wardrobe, a ruffley bedspread and tea-length white dress with blushcrinoline peeking through. Giant summer peonyblooms in blushing shades of pink and orange are set against accordion radiatoron worn wood floors.

I breathe in the light of love of this time and space,mentally preparing myself for the bustle that is forthcoming. My friend isabout to marry.

The day, riddled with little love notes.

In an age of extended engagements, event planners and professionaldecorators, the bride afforded a slim preparation time, employed passionatecronies, and invited only those from her latest dinner party. Her wedding is to take place in her home,which happens to be a historic Bed & Breakfast and Cakery in a smallmountain town, wearing a hand-crafted Etsy design. Andthe host-cum-pastry-chef has made her own wedding cakes. An elaborate record table of red velvet,vanilla frosted crème and chocolate ganoche goodness awaits.

This wedding, I reflect, is sure to be an authentic, home-spun celebration of lovewith a close community. The ultimatelove note. And no less than my goals formy blog FRESH.

To find - and be – myself.

To DIY, redefining ‘home’ and adding whimsy.

To seek and find community.

I have had to find myself again; get back to the note-writinggirl. After three decades, one wouldthink themselves done with the foggy business of identity. But moving an urban professional into a rurallandscape, far from the nearest GrandeCaramel Macchiato, attaché case, and lifetime of entries in the black bookprovided yet another opportunity for growth and redefinition.

This time, I will maketime for the love notes. To notice themwhen offered, to author them when not, and to cherish them.

My little blog FRESH is a collection of love notes - inwritten and visual narration – to my children and clients alike. A heartfelt connection to people. There is little distinction between home andprofessional-life because I aim for a personal connection in both arenas.
Sharing The Story of Me, the lovenotes, not only help me stay on track, [I have been known to read my own blogto get to know myself better] but it also earns the trust of those around me. To encourage honesty and share feeling – with myself and others’ - meansI can get at people’s essence, their interconnectedness, their stories. But to earn their trust and vulnerability, Ifirst need to offer mine.

A chapter of my story would read DIY Before DIY was Cool. Before having children, I used to photograph and refinish vintage furnishingsand frames in my spare time. [I’mattracted to pretty things with patina, a recurring theme at FRESH.]

Transitioning away from the world of Education to my“hobbies” of Photography and Styling meant a continuation of self-teaching. I figuredout camera and code and built a blog when it was much less user-friendly. But it has also meant I am able to live mypassions out loud. I style photo-shoots,capture and write stories and design posts.

Little did I know, that in doing so, my blog wouldsimultaneously facilitate self-discovery andserve as a vehicle to contact, build and sustain community when I needed itmost. All-the-while, the little shy girlin me can still compose and express her feelings in private and curiously waitfor how her message is to be received.

Connection is the goal. I now have e-friends from as far away as New Zealand, share ongoing dialoguewith old friends and update far-away family with our latest love notes.

I try to recognize those living entries to The Book of Awesome when they come myway or make entries in other peoples’ book too. By doing so, I hope to add an element of whimsy to our collectivelives. To see things a littledifferently, share inspiration or say something that has been left unsaid.

I love how my bride-friend showed her affinity for whimsyand community. Rather than host herfirst-dance on polished floors in formal living room, her party danced to Harvest Moon in dusty garden shed,drinking from paper cups under white Chinese lanterns. Which proves, where we are most comfortable,is together.

[Note to self: Together is how I choose to live - insertchicken-scratched cat here-]

eight is enough

2011-10-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

baby girl cameron

jonas

isaak - far left, eldest

roland

elias

snack attack

Brad & Lynette are the kind of admirable parents that let their kids be kids. They share their minivan with four boys, one baby girl and a hyperactive dog. Since eight would have been more than enough for our ambitious plans, we let the dog sit this one out. I met the Cranbrook family at the ferry dock, their side of Kootenay Bay, where their beautiful waterfront vacation home had just reached completion. So nice, in fact, I felt like asking if they need a live-in nanny.
Almost.
I was delighted to see the adorable family tumble out of the van in coordinating stripes, vests and toques. Attention to wardrobe helps elevate ones imagery -and relate subjects - as evidenced by Lynette's family. She has great taste, also demonstrated in her online shop Polka Dot Pond, which specializes in eco-friendly items for young families.
We frolicked at the beach, scaled some hay bales, threw some rocks and built towers with wooden blocks on a summer-like October day. And on the ferry-ride home, I had to smile with the thought that "work" brought me out on such a sunny trip on the water to meet such a delightful family.
Work.
Yeah right!

if there were a greeting card

2011-10-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

If there were a greeting card for fall.

kootenay photographer; g[rad] david

2011-10-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

David.
David in his favorite shirt.
David in his favorite shirt with his favorite girl, Alex.
Congratulations on your 2012 g[rad] year David!

kootenay maternity photographer; love this family!

2011-10-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Love this family!
We met for mama's first maternity, newborn babe, one-year old and now second maternity session. And I think she grows more radiant with each babe! I love to hang out with past clients, getting updates about their lives, and sharing their milestones. Congratulations beautiful family. All the best with bebe deux and I can't wait to see what lovely mix of genes you pass along.

kootenay photographer; pj road trip

2011-10-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

road trip past polka-dotted lake

kootenay wedding photographer; Nk'Mip bridal portraits

2011-10-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Bridal Portraits from her perspective:

Tonight, I donned my wedding dress (it still fits after 11 years, '3 kids'!) and 'headed' out into the Osoyoos desert ... 'for bridal portraits'. I got honked at, received several congratulations, many many stares and a little girl said I was pretty. I feel like a princess. - Kristen

FRESH bridal portraits offer you another day to be BRIDE, whether it be a few days or 11 years' post-wedding! The separate and dedicated date allow for generosity of time, creativity and location changes. Or - if you're like Kris - you may wish to cut off the cap-sleeves you weren't so fond of first-time around.

FRESH has offered the option of Bridal Portraits in response to wedding clients' date and budget conflicts. We regret having to inform eager brides that we are booked for their date and we fully respect budgets. Bridal Portraits is a way to work together, regardless of constraints by calendar or coin-purse.

The added benefit is stress reduction on one's wedding day, allowing couples to focus on each other and their guests. Gift certificates also make for unique gift options [anniversary, Christmas].

Special thanks to the picturesque Nk'Mip Resort for hosting.

kootenay baby photographer; amelia violet comes early!

2011-10-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

She isn't supposed to be here.
Yet she is 3wks old! Introducing Amelia Violet who just had to come early.

kootenay baby photographer; baby it's cold outside

2011-10-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

kootenay wedding photographer; photobooth

2011-10-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

Love this image from recent FRESHwed.
FRESH Photobooth is always a good time!

kootenay wedding photographer; bridal portraits

2011-10-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

this one's next up. love, right?
i'm being thankful in vancouver but wanted to share. tricky turkey, i know. i'm abundantly thankful for more friends than time on this coastal venture. for work that is my passion. for children that are my teachers. for a husband that is my professional organizer, business adviser and best friend [stopping at the style-advice; he's no good in that arena]. for my maker that is still making me. thank god!
a happy thanksgiving to you & yours. what are you thankful for?

kootenay product photographer; route3 magazine

2011-10-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Locals, pick up a Route3 magazine to view FRESH Photography's first publication!
Also see page 9 and 11 to read about our lovely West Kootenay bakers Becky of Sweet Dreams Cakery [Rossland], Melissa of Epiphany Cakes [Nelson], and Lisa of Lucky Cupcakes [Nelson] and more FRESH imagery. Congratulations ladies!
I suppose FRESH can officially add product photography to our repertoire!

Epiphany Cakes

kootenay baby photographer; summer belle

2011-10-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Darling 3 mos Summer Belle is daughter to two brave and adoring parents. Mom and Dad have transplanted their sunny Californian lives to the desirable resort town of Christina Lake where they are thrilled to enjoy a generous square-footage where they work from home, a yard for the dogs and Summer's grandparents nearby.
The rest of us are just trying to figure out a way to get to the lake on the weekend! Congratulations on your big move, your new baby to squeeze and embracing the Canadian life, eh?

kootenay photographer; change

2011-09-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

change is coming.
do you see it?
one yellow tree
harkening fall.

kootenay wedding photographer; julie . jeffrey III

2011-09-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

Such a fan of those little white lights, I'd like to plan a whole party around them. Also a fan of Julie and Jeffrey. Thanks for the wonderful day of visual inspiration. Wedded bliss!

kootenay wedding photographer; julie . jeffrey II

2011-09-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Too Much.
Julie and Jeffrey's day was a reflection of their beauty and grace, love and intelligence, design and character, laughter and tears, sunshine and florals, fine food and friendships. It was a joy to witness.
See Julie & Jeffrey's premier post for more info and hold on for one more from the speech pathologist and the dentist. You want to see their amazing details, don't you?

kootenay wedding photographer; julie . jeffery

2011-09-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

Julie and Jeffrey are just the kind of people I like to work with every weekend, all year long. They are design-inspired without being slaves to fashion, they are detail-oriented without micromanaging and they are beautiful without realizing it.
And by beautiful, I mean, it's causing huge problems with the image-culling process. They look great in every frame! Plus they chose a stunning location, executed a sophisticated theme and had pretty guests too. Rough, I know!
While they reside in Calgary, J&J chose to wed at the St Eugene Mission Resort & Spa, close to Julie's home-town of Kimberley, BC. The bride's family may have had an advantage, but with guests from Hong Kong, Australia, Toronto etc, it seems travel would have been inevitable for the groom's side. It's such a testament to a couple's character when people travel great distance for their wedding. Plus, it must make them feel very loved.
And Julie and Jeffrey are so very easy to love!
I loved the couple's elegant garden-party theme [think English country garden with ladies in hats] with peacock color scheme in blues and purples. The wind was a welcome relief on a hot summers day and had the added benefit of ruffling peacock feathers and keeping lush leaves in perpetual motion. St Eugene's, with it's natural tree-lined aisle and beautiful architectural background, makes it one of my favourite venues in the Kootenays. See below for J&J's awesome team of wedding vendors. It's with cred to the following people, that Julie could look so relaxed, enjoy her day, and look like such a model for her wedding imagery! More to come.

Ceremony, Reception Venue - St Eugene Mission Resort & Spa
Gown - Martina Ilana
Accessories - vintage earrings, birdcage veil from Sassy Millinery
Groom - Paul Smith suit, handmade ties, Thailand
Makeup - friend, Sharah
Hair - Pat Johnson
Flowers - MJ's Floral & Gifts
Officiant - Pastor Ron Foubister
DJ - Just Music
Caterer - St Eugene Mission Resort & Spa
Photographer - FRESH Photography

kootenay wedding photographer; working on tonight

2011-09-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

kootenay wedding photographer; robyn . matt II

2011-09-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

The shack the track and the wooden slats.
Scroll down to see more of Robyn and Matt's sun-kissed Bridal Portraits.

kootenay wedding photographer; robyn . matt bridal portraits

2011-09-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

May sleep envelop you as a bed sheet floating gently down, tickling your skin and removing every worry.

Reminding you to consider only this moment. - Jeb Dickerson

Matt + Robyn [aka Cow-Eyes] are hearts, personified. Like chambers walking down the sidewalk or aorta's sitting around sipping coffee.
They were considerate when I forgot about my holiday plans. [Who forgets their holiday?] They were concerned about my time. And they were thumping wildly each time they looked each others' way. A beautiful thing to see.
I also enjoyed Robyn's lengthy lashes [self-proclaimed, Cow-Eyes] and the way they sparkled and smiled. She has proven herself a girl with great taste: first Matt, a kind and generous soul in lilac and grey, then that dress! And shoes; can't forget the shoes.
With their help, I dressed a little shabby chic bed in a field of tall grass, sundried like her bridal bouquet, near the family property in Grand Forks. There we were thrilled to bathe in golden light, the couple resting in each others' arms with a weeping willow overlooking it all.
These two lovelies, married this summer, are pursuing their education at UVIC but their Kootenay ties remain strong. Their choice for Bridal Portraits reflect their active, outdoorsy lifestyle. We were able to get adventurous, stopping when we saw something lovely and befitting like the shake and shingle home where an elderly man was watering the lawn, bewildered. [I'd like to add, in his underwear, but that would be gratuitous.]
Stay tuned to see what else we came up with for this gorgeous twosome!

kootenay maternity photographer; kim . jesse

2011-09-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

Kim and Jesse are the kind of people you want to know. They are good; they are kind; they are terribly considerate.
And they won't make your meatloaf cold.
If invited to a dinner party, they will be on time and bring a dessert, despite strict orders to just bring yourselves. Who doesn't need more friends like Kim and Jesse?
I was fortunate to share a summer's evening with them, to document this amazing time in their lives. Kim was at 32/40wks with their first child. Although they think they're having a little girl, Kim - in the medical profession - knows not to assume.
It was only afterwards that I noticed the list of girls' names atop the couple in the first frame. And I think even the skies were pink in agreement.

kootenay wedding photographer; working on tonight

2011-09-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

This is developing into true love.

I do have an affinity for the others. Families, children, commercial work. Like a little heart-shaped sachet in my drawer, enriching my life with sweet aroma.
But when the drawer is closed, it's possible to forget the scent.
In contrast, Bridal Portraits leave their imprint. [Portraits of bridal couple on date, other than wedding ie: week after, holiday | destination, honeymoon, anniversary, re-commitment ceremony, just because, gift etc]
Learning about the couple helps us collaborate on look and location. Without having to be concerned about a wedding itinerary, we have time to dedicate to our creative pursuit. We have mind space and geographic space to change locations unencumbered by wedding venue. The couple blesses me with a great amount of creative control. And, for the budget-conscious bride, it costs less than wedding coverage. Win!
Now to spread the word.
And wait until you see more of Robyn and Matt's Bridal Portraits, married this summer. You will be in love as well!

kootenay family photographer; danielle, nelson

2011-09-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

It's been 2 years since Danielle's FRESHwed. It was memorable for a number of reasons: 1) the couple was so kind; their bridal party so fun! 2) her gown was breathtaking and 3) thieves stole -amongst my photo equipment - our images. Even now painful to recount, we had photo-toured Danielle's hometown of Nelson, in search of landmark images and memories to take back to married life in Alberta. Thank goodness there were still images to compile a rather healthy wedding album.
I'm so pleased to revisit this couple, now new parents to little Hunter, for an extended family session and share a summer's afternoon at Lakeside Park. All the best to you, sweet and generous family. We have shared life's highlights and are bonded by a joyful response to adversity. What a great example you are setting for your little man!

kootenay wedding photographer; tracy . brad III

2011-09-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

When the lights go out!
Scroll down for more of Tracy and Brad's summer home nuptials on Kootenay Lake.

kootenay family photographer: love wins

2011-09-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

These 2 made me laugh and cry this morning. Ryder [grade 1] came in our room early, rooster-tail-hair and already dressed. Then his prayer request was that God make him listen. Dear Lord please! Then a lovely grandmotherly type had to tell me I'd be OK when we unfolded from a very tight hug, flooding my eyes and blurring my vision for a mommy moment.
It's my first day of full-time school. Except, it's not a full day.
Anais [grade 3] called her knee-high socks and boot combo The Irish Look. Then she proceeded to tell Ryder that she would be looking out for him and kissed him, hand beneath his chin.
Oh my heart!
Nobody told me my heart would outgrow its cavity, witnessing my children's love for one another. I feel today, that very moment, was the culmination of 8 years of parenting. We can tell them to stop yelling, be kind, protect each other's heart. We can demonstrate peace and love and understanding, in between the times we loose it ourselves. But we don't know - until they initiate it on their own, practice it without being prompted, hug back when the other offers their arms - that they have chosen love.
That love wins in this place.

kootenay wedding photographer; tracy . brad II

2011-09-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of summer are the rich blue skies at dusk. Maybe it's because I - warm blooded creature that I am - am simply still outside to enjoy them. This evening, like it's summer bride, was particularly pretty. Tracy's pale eyes, flawless skin, sparkly gown and star tattoo were especially fun to photograph. Other major players were the couple's adorable daughter Lila and dog-maid Blue. And we had the added challenge of capturing it all at dusk!
I just adore the driftwood series that assistant Jacob and I were able to document, tag-team. If you've enjoyed the loveness that is Tracy and Brad, please leave a comment for them! [Scroll down for first post.]

More to come from after the lights went out!

kootenay wedding photographer; tracy . brad, kootenay lake

2011-09-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

The unabashed color palette of chartreuse and turquise proved telling of Tracy and Brad's wedding. The word chartreuse is as fun rolling off the tongue, as it is to see in new growth in the forest or to wear on a swishy party dress - or to try to spell! And turquoise, well, that's just a stand-out color screaming I Will Not be a Wallflower!
The Boswell wedding was both stand-out and fun with a beach BBQ preceding the sunset nuptials at the family summer home with RV's parked in the driveway. Except, when one gets married on the East side of Kootenay Lake, there are few places to prep. A bride might find herself slipping into her gown in a sketchy little motel alongside a 3-Little Pigs wall clock and decorative swan. Thus, ramping up the fun quotient that much more!
Enjoy Tracy's prep; more to come of their wedding.

kootenay photographer; holiday teen portraits

2011-09-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

These lovely teen girls from a recent family shoot bring to mind an article currently trending - How to Talk to Little Girls - suggesting we hold back on telling little girls they're beautiful. I can't comprehend. You mean I shouldn't tell my glassy-eyed 8yr old that I can see the whole world in her beautiful blues? Her uncle shouldn't gush that she's the prettiest thing he's ever seen? Her papa shouldn't exclaim she's as pretty as the sun?

While I agree that praise of beauty is not the only thing we should be lavishing, I do believe our girls need to be showered with you're beautiful's, how lovely's and hello gorgeous's! The more we show them otherwise - through unrealistic and otherwise negative media portrayals - the more we need to feed them truth.

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you are interested in this subject matter, there is a great read, Captivating by Stacey and John Eldredge, written on love and beauty from a spiritual perspective. It will leave you tipping barista's with praises and telling store clerks they are lovely. Have a beautiful day and leave some love for the girls, won't you?

kootenay wedding photographer; lighting it up

2011-08-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

My awesome assistant and friend, graphic designer Jacob J lighting up the scene! Thanks for another great season of captures, car rides and crazy playlists.

kootenay family photographer; mclellan's holiday portraits

2011-08-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

The McLellan's were a fun bunch to hang with. Peter, his lovely wife and 3 adorable teen daughters made the trek out from their summer holiday at the lake to his hometown of Rossland for holiday portraits with his parents. We hung out at iconic spots and goofed around together on a gorgeous summer's eve.
As if there wasn't enough good genes to go around, they also included their sweet and sassy green-eyed cousin, all the way from Florida, and a brunette girlfriend [more to come].
Please leave them some blog love to counter-act any looming teen angst. Hopefully they will believe us when we tell them how lovely and photogenic they all are!

kootenay photographer; white

2011-08-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

say "hey" here:
FB https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/FRESHphotography/46412634446
site http://www.freshphotos.ca/

www.iheartfaces.com

kootenay photographer; working on tonight

2011-08-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

I appreciate the fresh little faces at weddings, growing dirtier as the night progresses. Adults' resolve to wipe and lick and straighten and correct slips away with the light. And little one's dessert or dirt-covered cheeks are veiled by a cloak of darkness.

kootenay photographer; holiday portraits, couple

2011-08-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

5 min's with a couple in love.

kootenay family photographer; holiday portraits, christina lake

2011-08-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Milann's family shared a Christina Lake summer holiday with grandma, parents, three couples and four children.

And every one of them is absolutely gorgeous!

Her parents had just commemorated their 40th wedding anniversary and their thoughtful kids arranged a FRESH family session for their precious time together. Otherwise they are spread out between Alberta, the Kootenays and BC's coast.

Holiday portraits are such a great idea since family is often gathered, relaxed, radiant and joyful already. Sessions are also a memorable, shared experience. Besides the captures everyone takes home, we have fun together!

Happy anniversary parents! And family, may you continue to be blessed!

[More from youngest couple coming up; the absence of toddlers afforded a mini-couple's session!]

kootenay photographer; oh hello beautiful!

2011-08-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

I've been retreating at the lake. So in exchange for your patience with more lovely imagery, I offer you this.
Oh hello Beautiful!

kootenay wedding photographer; ashleigh . corey in nelson II

2011-08-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Scroll down | select "Older Posts" | or FRESHwedd button to view more of this lovely couple. Ceremony - their property, South Slocan
Reception - The New Grand, Nelson

kootenay wedding photographer; ashleigh . corey in nelson

2011-08-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's a reflection of my movie choice, Big Fish - love it! - but I think bride Ashleigh resembles the French beauty Marion Cotillard with her sultry dark waves and smoky eyes. Yet it was her calm demeaner that won some serious favor in our eyes. She opted out of her bridal bouquet - left behind at a salon - in favor of a fresh-from-the-garden-variety and not keeping her guests waiting.

It should come as no surprise that the down-to-earth one - most likely found weeding in worn blue wellies in her garden - prizes her loved ones most [including the 4-legged variety]. There were free-range dogs decked out in formal-wear wandering Ashleigh and Corey's property in South Slocan. Little dogs, big dogs, dogs in bowties and tuxedo vests.
After the bare-footed ceremony, we toured the grounds including hills and vales, field, and rock face. We hiked in golden sunlight, posed by the antler-shed, played around their wood pile and had a little swing in a hammock for good measure.
Thank you for being so very you on your special day. For prioritizing what is important and for being up for anything, photographically-speaking. We love your kind! More to come...
And with gratitude, as always, to Jacob J for assisting!

kootenay family photographer; working on tonight

2011-08-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

kootenay wedding photographer; tracy . jeff in nelson II

2011-07-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Love a summer beach wedding!

Tracy and Jeff's Rustic Beach theme and love for the outdoors inspired their natural color palette of earth, sand and moss. Sundrenched skies and the lovely gardens and guests at Willow Point Bed and Breakfast helped punctuate the setting with even more color.

Jeff's skills as a metal-worker were put to use for many of the decor elements such as over-sized vases and table markers, paying homage to their some of their shared adventure spots. Names of glaciers, peaks, plateaus, mountains, and passes directed guests where to sit, overlooking Kokanne Lake. And lawn-games and patio-swinging were made even more pleasurable with mountain view.

Congratulations, Tracy and Jeff, on your forever-adventure!

kootenay family photographer; serious

2011-07-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

sometimes my boy gets in on the act too. he takes it very seriously.

kootenay wedding photographer; tracy . jeff in nelson

2011-07-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Tracy and Jeff are adventure enthusiasts, world travelers and, collectively, an online dating success story. From a simple profile photo - Jeff sitting by campfire in Thailand with a dog sleeping at his feet - Tracy could sense both adventure and a kindness. And sure enough, the adventure and kindness abound, with a shared passion for the outdoors: hiking, mountain biking, skiing, travelling and volunteer ski patrolling.

Never underestimate the power of photography!

Even their proposal story is full of adventure: Jeff proposed on a cargo ship travelling to the southern tip of Patagonia [where the roads apparently do not go through.] And Jeff's ring includes copper brought back from one of their shared adventures.

No biggie.
This was a reunion for Tracy and I, who met when she was a bridesmaid in a FRESH '10 wedding. For the same bride that now stood as her bridesmaid. So cool to reconnect! We did things a bit differently with Tracy and Jeff; starting with a tender first-look at the beach and bridal session in the nearbye forest before ceremony. This is the kind of thing one can do in Nelson!
More of Tracy and Jeff to come.
And of course, always a pleasure to work with friend-ssistant Jacob J.

kootenay family photographer; beautiful

2011-07-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

kootenay family photographer; baby max

2011-07-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your

heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone

This beautiful Maritime couple moved to the Kootenays months ago and can now add 'first child' to their 'get to know' list, along with neighborhood park, favorite grocery store and best coffee in town [shout out to The Grind].
2 week Max was darling with wide-eyes, furrowed brow and puckery little lips. Although perfectly angelic with soother, eyes narrowed, brow furrowed and lips reverberated when said soother was extracted.
Otherwise, bliss, absolute bliss.
The last image speaks to my mother's heart. A family, newly in love with each other and wanting nothing more than being together. The couple feels 'blessed' to have such a positive introduction to parenting as Max has provided. I just couldn't stop admiring his full head of dark hair! What a love.

Welcome to the neighborhood Kate, Kirk and Max! You are most certainly blessed.

kootenay family photographer; working on tonight

2011-07-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

i heart faces submission

kootenay wedding photographer; oh the characters

2011-07-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

oh the characters you meet at weddings!
top image wedding of Tracy . Jeff | bottom FRESH Photobooth of Becky . Jeremy.

kootenay wedding photographer; jeremy . becky in rossland III

2011-07-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

top - courtesy lovely assistant Lauren

the party. scroll down for more of jeremy . becky in rossland.

kootenay wedding photographer; working on tonight

2011-07-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

next up, natural, rustic kootenay wedding set here. drink it in!

kootenay wedding photographer; jeremy . becky in rossland II

2011-07-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

I kind of love these guys!
Becky made a radiant bride bedecked with pretty parasol and hair fascinator, glowing smile and relaxed attitude. Together Jeremy and Becky make our pretty little town that much more lovely and liveable - what with their Inn, her tasty pastry creations [Sweet Dreams Heritage Inn and Cakery] and his superior customer service [Dynapro Automotive]. If you adore them too, leave them some love here.

See their premiere post HERE.

kootenay wedding photographer; working on tonight

2011-07-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

kootenay wedding photographer; jeremy . becky in rossland

2011-07-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

Becky and Jeremy's Mad Men-inspired affair was fedora and friend-infused, from their neighbor-friend decor-ista, to the caterer-friend who prepared a delicious spread, to the photographer-friend who narrated aforementioned lovelies.

[She has a pink cruiser bike in this mountain-bike town of ours; of course we're friends!]

I count myself doubly blessed to share a friends' wedded bliss and their home | venue, Rossland's lovely, Sweet Dreams Heritage Inn & Cakery. That's history, architecture, and cake under one roof!

And just like that, Rossland's beloved Cupcake Lady is now a Mrs.

Besides the gorgeous grounds and cakes, there were also sightings of porcelain skin, blush crinoline under tea-length gown, John Fluevog shoes in variety of colors, lily & peony bouquet, pearls, and tree-swing bearing hand-painted "Just Married" sign, heirloom cake topper.

Again, photographic score.

More to follow.

venue - Sweet Dreams Heritage Inn & Cakery

assistant - with gratitude to Lauren Gilhula

makeup - Emily Kjelshus

hair - Natalie, Cedar Avenue Salon

kootenay wedding photographer featured; The Loveliest Day

2011-06-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

I am beyond excited to share the latest FRESH feature. I think the California-based wedding site, The Loveliest Day is the perfect showcase for our spring Shack Shoot.
I'll let publisher Melissa introduce her lovely site:
Welcome to The Loveliest Day! My name is Melissa and this is my collection of inspiration from the worlds of wedding, design and fashion. I have a deep love for all things charming, whimsical, and truly delightful!
Thank you, TLD, for choosing to feature our humble Shack Shoot. Please visit FRESH's feature - Cabin in the Woods - on The Loveliest Day HERE. Melissa took the time to read our various posts, write her own commentary and share Ben's Behind the Scenes cinematography as well.
If you enjoy these posts and know someone who may be interested in revisiting their Loveliest Day, in the form of Bridal Portraits, please share the link. See previous FRESH SS posts HERE.
Wishing you all a Lovely Day!

kootenay wedding photographer; working on tonight

2011-06-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

Kootenay Wedding; Featured - Rock 'n Roll Bride!

2011-06-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to share that Alex and Kevin's FRESHwedd has been featured internationally by The Rock 'n Roll Bride! British Kat Williams, aka the Rock n Roll Bride, describes her place in the wedding website industry as such " ...my aim is to provide a little haven of kick ass weddingness in a cookie cutter, pastel ... wedding world. If you’ve ever picked up a bridal magazine and felt queasy, or trawled the internet and felt disheartened by what you didn’t find, well my friend you are in the right place!" Please visit FRESH's feature on the RnRB HERE.
Alex and Kevin's Nelson nuptuals were very Rock 'n Roll in attitude! But besides the colorful people and kick ass-attitude - as Kat would say - the family behind the imagery is facing some difficult battles. If you're the praying type, please take a moment for Alex and Kevin and their family, currently facing more challenges than many of us will meet in a lifetime. More trials than are prudent to share here.
Thank you for your enthusiasm for this adorable family and for sharing my delight in their Rock 'n Roll feature!

trouble

2011-06-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

How he gets out of trouble.
Between those lashes and freckles - which I always wanted - I don't stand a chance. This killer combination works best on his mother.
So do his stories.
Today's was about the hampster holes he discovered on the school playground. And the violent one that bit him. He has the wound to show you.
Really?
Uh huh. See that red mark?
Uhhhh -
That's it; that's where he got me.
You do know hampsters don't live outside, right?
Oh. Well, I think they were groundhogs. Yeah, groundhogs.

distance & relationship

2011-06-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Submitted for I Heart Faces photo challenge: From a Distance. It is the family in the distance, and the relationship to their pup in the foreground, that makes me "heart" this image.

my farm chick

2011-06-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

I like this place.
But I was raised in the city. I'm still mostly city. With a penchant for rusty junk.

My daughter, on the other hand, is being raised rural. She liked The Farm Chicks, perhaps even more than her mother. And more authentically, I'd say. She actually wants the horses, cows, chickens, and farm dogs. And to dig her hands in the dirt. I just want to visit. A nice, clean visit. And maybe wear a cute apron!
My little Farm Chick.

picket fences

2011-06-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Carey Rudisil photo

On this day, I borrowed pieces of my photo-journalist friend. Literally, borrowed her curiosity and ears for other people, strangers. We were on one of our creative days, shooting and shopping and seeing something new. I had finally found the opportunity to stop at a property I'd had my eye on in Nelson with a shabby white picket fence bordering abandoned vehicles and a house propped up by its surroundings.

We tucked our vehicle into overgrown lilacs and exited, cameras slung around necks. I overcorrected camera, compensating for giggles that were tired of being contained.   And as we shot, adjusting things in the yard to suit our purposes, a figure came out from behind.
At this point, it's important to note, I am a big chicken. I take pictures of people at great focal length so that I don't have to ask their permission lest they say no.  I expect the no's, having grown up in a bustling city where everyone is busy and well versed in saying no. So I was sure this tall guy in ratty sweatshirt was going to tear into us.
I have heard myself say that every life tells a story. I believe the words.  Despite my mantra, it surprise me when - instead of abuses - Terry approached us with picture album and story spilling out of him. And not just any story but recounting the rescuing and raising of Randy the raccoon, abandoned by his mother and perched in the tree that came down in his dishevelled front yard.
I snickered inwardly. Minutes earlier, I had been frightened by a man who bottle-fed a baby animal and let a thing with claws share his livingroom!
Terry's story served as a reminder to my chicken-self, placing picket fences around my heart, trying my darndest not to get hurt, that we can borrow courage from our friends.
That life really is better shared.

kootenay family photographer; balloons, streamers & tears

2011-05-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

This family is dear.

I began photo-narrating their story years ago, when their youngest was just a babe, their oldest wasn't diagnosed and their dog hadn't been adopted. It is always a joy to capture their girls' giggles, smiles and squeals. Even if I have to do so at a run!

Tulip the Labradoodle is a recent addition to the family and, to mom's dismay, visited the groomers the day before our shoot. So much for her long, sheepdog coat!

The coiffed canine helped me learn how best to work with children and dogs. First, start with a mature and eternally grateful-to-be-rescued dog. Next, run the dog beforehand until parched and tongue hanging out [dog preferrably, perhaps photographer as well]. Third, bring said slightly tired out dog in to distract children from their tears.

Voila; family portrait!

[Can you tell which girl likes having her picture taken?]

kootenay photographer; miracles and friends and friends that are miracles

2011-05-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's not everyday that you get to meet a miracle, let alone two or three! And we have the priveledge of calling them - this adorable family - our friends.

In fact, the hubs once rapped on their door - inspection for friends' new construction site - and we walked away neighbors! We bought the house next door.

We enjoyed many ice-tea - or slight variation of - under covered veranda on hot summer evenings, borrowed cups of sugar and wrangled each other's rogue dogs. It was the kind of neighborhood that shut down an alley to enjoy a block BBQ and pooled money for Halloween fireworks extravaganzas. We were all new home owners, our first for many, and we enjoyed sharing our lives together.

So it was a collective shock when, after a seemless pregnancy, Brent nearly lost his beautiful Kristin in childbirth. Although that is their story to tell, I can say that with a great amount of prayer, Kris survived. She being the first miracle, and two more miracles added to their team which now include pensive Caleb, mischievious Carter and laid-back baby Cohen.

[See Cohen's portraits here.]

Thank you, Brent and Kris, for your friendship, for letting us buy the house next door, and for still extending friendship to the next generation. It is the very essence of joy to see our children become friends as well.