Rachel Boekel Photography

NEW BLOG!

2009-09-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

I am just so excited! I've been working on this a little bit here and a little bit there.
I'm so proud to announce my new blog, it's pretty cool. WAY cool.
Check it out and change your links so you can keep following the new stuff!

More of this wedding over there!

NEW BLOG

Takeda Family :: Brooks Alberta Family Photographer ::

2009-09-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

I was so very fortunate to head out to the Takeda's farm in July. We had a beautiful evening and moved around a bit to capture the family in different locations. The whole family was out for a week of family fun, all 21 of them! That's a big group to organize! It was so easy and so fun and everyone had a lot of humor and you could tell they enjoyed spending time together. We photographed inside the home and in the yard.

My favorite photo locations are in the family home or yard or area when they are truly in their own element and this was the case at the Takeda's. I got to experience a little bit of them and that was the best part.

Enjoy!

Grandma and all the grandkids!

The Sewall boys! :: Brooks Alberta Family Photographer ::

2009-09-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Wow - I photographed these handsome young men a month ago! You know it's busy when!

These were some of the most funny and easy going brothers I've photographed in a long time. They were crazy about each other and so interested in the photo session. I was so glad to get to spend some time with them!

Just as a little side note, my Fall sessions are filling up quickly and weekend dates are limited in October, in case you were thinking of booking in time for Christmas cards to go out :)

Loooonnnggg over due!

I loved their posture! They sorta just got right into the being in front of the camera, it was awesome!

It's not fair to have such gorgeous eyes!

Dominique & Jaime :: Canmore Wedding Photographer ::

2009-09-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

One more month until these two ridiculously happy people get married! Jaime and Dominique have the best time together. Often it can take people a few minutes to warm up to being in front of a camera but not these two, they were seriously aux naturel for me. Jaime has a gift of being able to make Dominique laugh almost every second of any minute. He was on fire. It was wonderful to photograph. I am very much looking forward to their Canmore Thanksgiving wedding in just one month. Yahoo!

Jaime is a biathlete so I thought it would be pretty fun to photograph at the Nordic Centre shooting range. Also, I must comment on Dominique's dress; drop dead awesome! I always run into her wearing fabulous outfits so I can hardly wait to see her wedding dress!

Hello beautiful lady. I think Jaime agrees!

I can't remember what was going on here but it was pretty funny. I think maybe Jaime was trying to deny Dominique's kisses.

A wardrobe change and to the woods!

Can't wait to catch more of their happiness soon!

Arlo Jacks Heal :: Southern Alberta Baby Photographer ::

2009-09-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

I think I may have fallen in love with another man....

Little Mr. A was born on August 25th, he's the newest edition to the Heal clan (Geordie's family) and he's also my little nephew.
We all adore him, as do his big sisters. I got to spend a little time with him the other day, and I'm sure he'll be back on the blog in the near future!

I love this one. I just want to nibble his little nose.... (did I say that out loud?)

Happy Thursday.

Weddings!! :: Brooks Alberta Photographer ::

2009-08-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Alright... drum roll please!!!

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to share my wedding photos with you all.
Brittany is pretty much exceptional and we couldn't have been more happy to trust her with documenting our day. I have to say the wedding came together magically. A lot of our elements were not planned to flow so brilliantly (Like the orange theme... my shoes were the second pair I bought, the car was a last minute purchase from my Mom and the flowers, well they were planned.) Boy did it ever just work out.

I want to rant and rave about Brittany, she has a keen eye and a creative spirit and she brought our friend Dana Pugh along with her to second shoot and it was a blast!She also shot a roll of film on an old vintage camera, we were pumped when we saw the results. Perfect!

This morning Brittany's photography of our wedding was featured on Rock 'n Roll Bride... What an honor. I'm so happy for Brittany.

Click on Brittany's name to take you to her blog and more yummy images!

Sarah & Ryan :: Brooks, Alberta Wedding Photographer ::

2009-08-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

I'm going to go ahead and say July 25th was the hottest day of the summer. And if I thought the mosquitos were bad with Shelley and Carl... hah, I had a whole other thing coming! We had no wind to relieve us but what we had was Love. True Love. Big Love and it was beautiful.

I had gotten to know Sarahs family long before I moved from Canmore to Brooks. We met along a ski trail at the Nordic Centre and I am so glad to have gotten to know them better and better over the years. They are amazing people full of kindness and generosity and Sarah has met an amazing match as Ryan is full of laughs and sincerity and his family had so much joy in their eyes! This was a special wedding for me. Sarah and Ryan did an engagement session in the Spring and their connection had me pretty stoked for their wedding.

Ryan and Sarah chose to see each other before the wedding, and so we staged a bit of a reveal, it was an great moment!

We spent time at Sarah's Families Ranch taking photos before heading to town for their Church ceremony.

This little area of the ranch is called 'Lovers Lane.' How could we not go here.

The Wedding Party was made up of all family except for one of Ryan's friends. I love the close knit-ness.

Umm... yes, Hello Beautiful Bride. Sarah's brother, Nathan was helping me pose Sarah because he watches America's Next Top Model, I'd say he did a good job!!!

And a handsome groom!

I heart big skies!

This is what you do when you're waiting for your wedding to start. Hangman!

Hmmm...

I had such a great time with Sarah and Ryan and I hope you are enjoying your new home in Estevan! We miss you in Brooks.

Big Sisters :: Brooks, Alberta Family Photographer ::

2009-08-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty luck to be part of the Heal family (officially). They made me feel like family years ago, but now I can actually use the word aunt, nieces and.... nephew. This beautiful family grew yesterday and we are so excited! If you're new to my blog, this is my family. You can also see the girls here.

These photos were done just a few weeks ago to capture the 4 of them before they became 5. My oh my they are a beautiful family aren't they. I'm so glad they were into my 'couch in a field' idea. Sometimes I think they look at me with eyebrows raised.
Olivia and Sophie will be the best big sisters!

I thought it was a good day to share these!

Carl & Shelley :: Brooks Alberta Engagement Photography::

2009-08-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

You already saw one of my favorites of Shelley and Carl. They won a gift certificate at the Wedding Show in Brooks in February put on by Angela's Wedding and Things.

I also mentioned that I got to head to Gem, Alberta for their session. We played around in their garden, their yard, canola fields and then out by their horses. We also had to wear 3 inches of deet in order to avoid swarms and swarms of mosquitos. Despite their constant bites we had an awesome evening and I can hardly wait for their February wedding near Canmore.

I just have to say that I work with the absolute BEST people. Creative, outgoing and happy. I love the fact that my job involves hanging out with happy people all day (except when me and my computer have a 10 hr editing date... details.)

Shelley mentioned that she wanted some pictures done in their saskatoon berry orchard and I was all like "okay, cool." When we got there I was totally taken by how weighed down the bushes were with berries and I just couldn't get over it. Shelley then casually mentioned that she had picked me a big bucket to take home with me. Like I said, I work with the BEST people. What a gift it is to receive fresh picked berries.... especially since she picked them in and amongst all the mosquitos, I was so grateful.

And then came the sunset and the horses.

Whooooeeeee...

I'm Back! :: Alberta Wedding and Portrait Photographer ::

2009-08-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

Phew! We are finally caught up on sleep and back into life.
We had the most wonderful and amazing wedding last weekend with just a little sprinkle of rain for good luck.
Once our photographers post some images I will be sure to share them with you all. I'm pretty excited.

Being on this side of the wedding fence was a little overwhelming. I just have to give a shout out to all the brides and grooms who take off for a honeymoon right away... I don't know how you do it! I was so happy to come back to my own bed and sleep for days. It felt like days. Today is the first day I feel like I'm back.

We had the best night of our lives and I promise to share some images soon.

As for this one pictures, I just found it in my editing of a wonderful family of 21 from several weeks ago. I love the birds on the lines. I may blow this one up. Lots and lots more pictures to hit the blog in the next week. I've got lots of work to catch up on!

Happy Weekending!

Weddings :: Alberta Photographer ::

2009-07-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is a bit more of a personal post. I have been having the most fantastic summer with just the best brides and grooms and the sunniest of days and the greatest of opportunities. Some days I just burst with all the greatness that life tosses at me and I can't believe what a lucky girl I am and the great person I get to spend it with (insert Geordies name here). Luckier now that I only have 10 sleeps until my very own wedding. I get to be a bride too! I have the best families and the best friends who have poured hours and hours of sweat and tears into helping with our wedding. This is mostly because I have been so busy working on other people weddings (AND I LOVE IT) that I haven't had much time to focus on my own. So, if my posts seem a little weak in the next few weeks or you don't really hear from me at all it's because my Mom has ordered me to stop working, in the most loving and happiest of ways. I'll be back to share the rest of the summer with you soon!

A post is never a post without a photo. Here's a sneak at Shelley & Carl's engagement session.

Shelley and Carl won an engagement session at this years Bridal Show in Brooks in January, and we finally got together for their session out in Gem. I'm going to go off track for a second, but I love knowing about towns like Gem and Princess and Wardlow because whenever we play the "say a town with the last letter of the last town named" game I get to use them. Is there an actual name for that game?

Gem was beautiful (I had never been there before) and it was also so very full of mosquitos, though it didn't seem to bother these two. This photo thrills me. They are getting married at Rafter Six Ranch on February 20th. I'm so excited for their winter wedding.

Anna :: Brooks Alberta Photographer ::

2009-07-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Rob called me and invited me to Michelle's parents place on a Sunday morning to photograph the sweet little miss. Anna. Michelle's parents place had old buildings and tall grasses and fences and it was like my eyes were drooling. You know that mouth watering feeling you get when you think of eating a pickle wrapped in blackforest ham.... anyone? That's what it was like for my eyes. I had met Michelle and Rob before but never Anna and what a thrill it was!

Nothing like Grandma's fresh peas.

I love her happy smile here, walking confidently with Mom and Dad.

The sun was pretty warm, but Anna stuck it out for the photos and was such a good sport.

Life is always better with no clothes on!

Danielle & Robin :: Lethbridge Wedding Photographer ::

2009-07-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

This is my 101st post! I feel like doing a bit of a dance in my little office. I should have done it on the 100th but if went by me without even a smidge of acknowledgment.

But now onto more important details....

Danielle and Robin were married in June at the Norland in Lethbridge. It was a toasty blue sky day and perfect for a garden wedding! Danielle and Robin were so happy and their infectious happiness spread through their bridal party like wildfire. We had a lot of fun moving around Lethbridge snapping photos with them.

Oh the flower girls were so darling.

They had a lot of fun up there.

The pictures from the balcony are some of my favorites. I also posted on as a Sneak Peak a few weeks ago.

I just can't resist a good reflection.

The wedding has a great fairy-tale appeal.

Hanging with Grandparents :: Medicine Hat & Brooks Alberta Family Photographer ::

2009-07-21T14:28:00.001-07:00

I am lucky enough to get to spend more time with this awesome family. You might remember them from the COLD photo session we did in January in Banff. This time though Deon and Cecil came from South African in the summer and had a much warmer visit and we took sometime to get some images of just them and their grandson, Deon. The canola was blooming to boot. Aunt Nanda was also out with us so we included her in some photos as well. :)

I absolutely LOVE what I do, I get to create great memories with people over and over again and explore fun setting and have a creative license with all of my clients. How much better can it get, seriously.

What a handsome little man!

I didn't always love canola fields the way I love them now. I used to not like the bank calendar prairies scenes with canola and haybales... eek. The real things is pretty out of control. I drove home from Calgary on Friday and my eyes were drooling, the fields, the sky, the the the... everything, it was pure beauty and the flax fields... well that's another story.

Carla & Tyler Heiland :: Southern Alberta Wedding Photographer ::

2009-07-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

I had been looking forward to this wedding all year! I first talked to Tylers Mom in November of last year and when she was telling me about the wedding in the field and horses and corals I was thinking... I have to be there!
I was so glad that Carla and Tyler chose me to photograph their wedding. The morning of the wedding I was watching the Brooks Rodeo parade with umbrella's and lots of layers, before I left for the ceremony a friend offered me her down jacket just in case and I gladly took it. I was feeling bad that this weather was going to effect Carla's day, but when I called to firm up locations (left here, 1 mile on gravel road, turn right at cattle grates...etc) she was so energetic and ready for the show to go on.

Unbelievably the clouds parted, the down jacket was shed and the sun came out for just the exact amount of time we needed. They're going to have a wonderful marriage.

So um, I loved this wedding and I loved photographing Tyler and his groomsmen arriving to the wedding...

Carla came on a horse drawn carriage!

The wedding took place in a field and the guest sat on boards balanced on hay bales. So ridiculously cool!

I loved the time we had after the ceremony to explore the area. The prairies are full of beautiful surprises.

Carla and Tylers wedding party was amazing. They were here and there and everywhere making sure each other were doing just fine, staying warm and making Tyler and Carla laugh.

Hmm Hmm Hmm...

I love being outside and taking any weather and location that is given to me and having the best people to work with. It's always an adventure and I love the great people I get to share it with!

:: Brooks Alberta Photographer ::

2009-07-09T21:19:00.001-07:00

Oh the weather. Such a hot topic of conversation. I read about all the people mad mad mad about the rainstorms and then I hear the farmers dancing for the precipitation. It never fails.
Yesterday I was getting all geared up for a family photography session with an awesome Brooks family. I checked the weather report and I saw a Tornado Warning! Uh oh... then I kept and eye on the encroaching dark black clouds headed straight for me. I was disappointed to have to reschedule the session, but it was looking nasty out. Still I wanted to watch the storm and who other than Geordie to stand out in it for me. The wind howled and whipped the grass around, and then the rain came, it was beautiful.

Danielle & Robin :: Lethbridge Wedding Photographer ::

2009-07-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

I know, enough of the one photo posts already!
I have to keep you on your toes you know. (That or it's so slammed right now I'm behind...)

Danielle and Robin were married in Lethbridge a few weeks ago. It was one of those hot dry summer days and perfect for a wedding. I had such a good time be-bopping around Lethbridge with them. Here are two images from the day.

:: Southern Alberta Wedding / Portrait Photographer ::

2009-07-07T16:21:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a small project, this is a part of it. I just had to share it. It's a teeny little moment but I heart this moment.
I worked with a fabulous crew of people the other day on a fun project which I will talk more and more about -later. This is Nathan Berg and Melanie Marriot and they are getting married in January in Australia and they are brilliant. Totally in love and brilliant. Don't you think? Hmmm... another photo of love captured.

Carla & Tyler Sneak Peak :: Southern Alberta Wedding Photographer ::

2009-07-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love the prairies! They bring out the best people! I got to photograph Carla and Tyler out in a field in June. Tyler rode up on a horse and Carla in a horse drawn carriage. The best adventures are built out here!

Dancing with lightning :: Alberta Photographer ::

2009-07-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I was up at 2.30am dancing with the lightning. I woke up because I smelled smoke, just a little waft but it always makes me nervous to smell smoke so I decided to get up and check out the house. It was then that I heard voices outside and looked outside. The whole sky was lit up in a million different areas with lightning, it was every second and then crack. I quietly grabbed my camera and tried to sneak out of the house but I woke Geordie up. I moved around on our front lawn in front of Lake Newell snapping away at the lightning as it snapped back at me. When I felt it was getting a little too close I moved back towards the house and found Geordie watching from our front step. We sat there together for almost an hour watching the big lightning match in the sky and listening to cracks and booms before the rain poured down all around us. What a night!

Isabella :: Southern Alberta Children's Photographer ::

2009-07-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Isabella is such a sweet little girl. She's grown up a lot since I photographed her in a Canola Field a year ago. What a smile she has! Also, I love her little hair clips. She's one stylin' girl!

I captured Marise in there as well.

Isabella's little teeth are starting to poke through and this is the only image I could get of them. The rest of the time she was busy working her tongue over her new acquisitions.

Lindsay & Logan :: Brooks Alberta Wedding Photographer ::

2009-06-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here is love. Real love, the love that kinda swoops you off your feet just watching it.
I had so very much fun at Lindsay and Logan's wedding on May 30. I could see the calm come over Lindsay when she first saw Logan and the joy in his eyes. Working with them was dreamy, they are both so ridiculously easy going and kind and gentle. I couldn't ask for better wedding people!

Lindsay got ready at her parents house with fun bridesmaids and friends doing her hair and makeup!

I love how excited the flower girl was to get all done up with the big girls!

I had the talented Lauren Peake working with me during the day. She is working on getting her website up and running and I will keep you posted when it's up! She spent some time with the boys in the morning.

Their ceremony at the Luthern Church in Brooks was beautiful!

We headed to a nearby farm for some portraits. We had the most beautiful of days and a great place to work in.

Lindsay was positively stunning!

The reception was held at the Duchess Hall and at the end of the night the tables were moved and everyone kicked off their shoes and danced to the live band. It was awesome!

And then, one of my favorite moments of the day. I mentioned this to Lindsay already so it's not like I'm telling you all a big fat secret... I kinda have a small photo crush on Logan. shhh.... He was called up on stage by the band and with ease and confidence picked up a guitar and began singing a swinging good tune to Lindsay's surprise. What a wonderful moment.

Lastly... I know this is a long post but it just had to be.
Again, it was a love filled day. Just beautiful. I can't thank Lindsay and Logan enough for including me in their day and having the chance to meet so many cool people.
This is happiness.

Isabella :: Southern Alberta Children's Photographer ::

2009-06-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

All these sneak peaks will have to do for now!
Isabella is one sensationally gorgeous little girl! She's growing up so fast and just turned 1!
There's a whole lot more smile where this came from.

Love :: Medicine Hat Wedding Photographer ::

2009-06-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

Oh love. Sweet sweet love. It's the season. Weddings have started. Everyone is in a tizzy. Spring has finally sprung. We have baby goslings motoring around our front lawn and my little potted garden is starting to take off. I noticed tomatoes on the vine yesterday and used dill out of my own garden! I feel so lucky to be able to take note of all of these seasonal changes.

If Logan and Lindsay could look any more in Love, I'd like to see it. A sneak peak at their wedding two weekends ago.

Today is all about love.

Baby Avery ::Brooks Alberta Baby Photographer ::

2009-06-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

Oh hi! Thats what I think every time I look at little Avery's eyes peering up at me in this image. Hmm... have you heard me mention how much I love baby toes? So tasty. Pictures of them that is. Tasty pictures. Uh yeah.

Carlie and Jim are absolutely awesome. I have loved getting to know them and their new family. Avery is so sweet and cuddly. She loves loves loves (yes, that's 3 loves in a row) to be held and definitely doesn't like being set down. She's going to be a cuddler.
Carlie and Jim did their maternity session with me and I was so excited to come home and photograph Avery. Without further ado.

Jim got a tattoo of Avery's name, and it was fun to get them to snuggle up together.

Hmmm :)

Baby Sebastian :: Brooks Alberta Children's Photographer ::

2009-06-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Sebastian has arrived! I was so excited to come home from Holland and meet this little guy. He came 4 weeks early!
Hermelize and Jan are the best parents and you might be familiar with them from their fun winter session and maternity session.

I love little baby toes and ears and smiles and gurgles.
I like to think he's giving me a little wink here.

He's already got great balance. His Dad was a rugby player and I am sure Sebastian will be a great sportsman himself one day!

Baby smiles are the best!

:: Southern Alberta Wedding / Portrait Photographer ::

2009-06-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

I'm not a flash girl. Nope. I'm aux naturel, all the time. I like quick shooting and natural light like it's going out of style.

But.

Always a but. I hung out with some lighting guru's last night and well, maybe, just maybe I'm seeing the light.
(get it.... I know, I'm so funny)

Back to the point. I liked it. A lot. Maybe I will invest a little more time in being less aux naturel. This was a fun start. I was so glad to be invited by this group, most of whom are out of Lethbridge to play around with photo equipment. Not just a bird nerd people!!

I can't decide...Black and White or Colour?

It also helps to work with fantastic models!

Oh yeah, I was madly in love with the clothes. They are from a Lethbridge designer, I even went so far as to try on a pair of pants, as soon as I find out who the designer was I'm going to order up a storm.

Susan & Frank Married :: Medicine Hat Wedding Photographer ::

2009-06-02T13:28:00.001-07:00

Susan and Frank met on New Years about 4 years ago. What a wonderful way to start off a year, and May 8th was a terrific day to start off married life! We did encounter quite a bit of wind while trying to take portraits...the wind won the battle. Apparently it's windy in The Hague... who knew ;) Perhaps the windmills in the ocean should have tipped me off.

We had a spectacular day. Lots of fun and laughs and entertainment!

Susan and Frank both got ready at their house. Susan set up in the Attic and Frank downstairs. They do things differently in Holland, the bride and groom head to town hall together to be married, oh and you HAVE to get married in town hall. You can always have a church wedding, but the authentic signing and legal business all has to go down at Town Hall.

Susan and Frank were married at the Voorburg Town hall.

But first... I am getting ahead of myself here.

Here are some details.

Susan's Mom, Els made the bouquet, I think she did a fabulous job.

Oh, I should mention, this is a long post. FYI.

Susan had the best help getting ready and these girls were so fun to hang out with all day.

Susan and Frank saw each other before the big event, so we captured a bit of a first look.

Then, at the town hall, all the guests lined up and when the wedding party arrived they had the great entrance! I loved it.

The town hall was fabulous with all the brick. Susan's Dad, Gert walked her to the main hall.

I particularly love the expression of the flower-girl in this image!

The big wave from the balcony. This was a lucky shot, I am crazy for those reflections.

The getaway car was a Jaguar... can it get any better!

As soon as we left the sunny Town Hall the wind picked up and the clouds blew in and it was nasty. 'Like' Nasty. Yes, I said 'like'.

The Bride.

The Groom.

The clouds broke for a little while.

The party was wild and out of control. Susan and Frank arranged for salt herring to be brought out for the foreign guests and it was set up to be eaten in this fashion. There were lots of strange faces, but it sure was delicious.

And then they danced.

I have a bazillion images from the wedding. It was hard to chose which to post.

I learnt a lot about Dutch weddings and traditions and was so happy and honored to be a part of Susan and Franks Day!

:: Medicine Hat Photographer ::

2009-06-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Monday!

I have been stalking birds. I'm a nerd and I'm okay with it. No offense to other bird people by calling birding nerdy, but it kinda is. Just a little anyways. Birding is another newly acquired Brooks activity. Geordie regularly quizzes me on the which bird is making which sound, sometimes my head is buzzing with names and sounds that it's a little overwhelming and I want to stomp one foot on the ground in frustration and stick my tongue out at him. I love knowing what's going on in the neighborhood though and these birds are a part of my neighborhood.

The Killdeer could very well be one of my favorite birds out here, I adore their coloring and I just love their defense mechanism. For those who don't know, the mama bird fakes a broken wing when predators approach her nest to lure them away. She will keep on squawking and dragging her wing along the ground until you've totally lost interest in the eggs.

She was quite mad at me as I layed on the ground near her camoflaged eggs to capture her in a flap. You can see her eggs under her feet in the first image.

A little piece of educational bird information to start your week!

Jelly Bean Toes :: Medicine Hat, Brooks Alberta Baby Photographer ::

2009-05-29T12:59:00.001-07:00

Whenever I tell my friend Connie that I am heading out to eat toes, she never gives me a puzzled look or gasps in disgust, she just laughs and says "have fun". She knows the truth.

I love munching on toes.

A sneak of the latest and greatest addition to the Moolman Family.

More next week!

Postcards from Holland :: Brooks Alberta Photographer ::

2009-05-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

Tulips, tulips and more tulips! We actually missed the height of the tulip farming, by days. We still were floored by the fields we did see. I have travelled to Holland many times but have never seen tulip season. My Dad liked to tell stories of 'back in the day' when he used to work in the tulip fields plucking the heads off. I thought it was 'back in the day' but then my cousin Tessa was also telling me of her experiences in the tulip fields and I realized that this would have been a part of my youth too if my parents had stayed in Holland. Instead of working in tulip fields however, my first job was in a dutch owned flower shop in Canmore, at the age of 12. Same same but different.

Another very dutch scene; rain and bikes. I think we had 3 maybe 4 sunny days in our three weeks away. I was so glad for my bright orange rain jacket I bought the day I left. I made Geordie and his Mom, Trudi wrestle through rush-hour traffic in Calgary the day of our flight to pick up the rain jacket, and therefore I am glad it was worth the slug, although I'm not sure I was that glad for the rain.

The sound and sight of a street organ is so Dutch. I was so proud when we found one chugging away in Groningen. Unfortunately I did not get a photo of the front of the organ, but to fill you in, a Dutch street organ is a large organ that plays book music. They are sometimes equipped with pipes, horns and even percussion instruments. We used to have a toy version at home which would only play one song. This young man was changing the music. No digital here.

We meandered through the back streets of Muiden and came upon this brilliantly Dutch scene. Although in all honesty, the grass was fairly un-kept for a Dutch household. The Dutch are remarkably tidy and their windows are all organized in twos; two plants, two candles, two bird statues, two pots.... absolutely everything in twos.

During one of the days it didn't rain, Geordie an I went exploring. Can you see that he has the road map attached ever so handily onto his bike handles? Geordie was always observing that the Dutch are so sensible. (Notice my orange jacket!)

hmmmmmmmmm.... coffee. We must have stopped twice a day for coffee. It was so convenient and so quick. No extra tall, non-fat, soy, extra hot, caramel latte's here... oh no...it was a quick stiff cup with a cookie and you were back on your way. A quick boost.

Get ready for the next image... you'll never guess....

The quintessential tourist image. Photographed from the INSIDE OF A WINDMILL... raise your hands!! (I know it was crazy!) We had to give Geordie the history of the windmills and the dykes which meant a tour. It's quite intricate. I wish I had taken more pictures but I was so caught up with this whole window deal ;) and photographing Geordie in wooden shoes that I forgot.

We went to a castle! Well, it was a castle way back when. We hurried through the ruins one rainy day. The view to town was quite remarkable and worth the scramble.

Another great Dutch moment. We had to wait for the boat to pass through in order to cross the bride. My Grandfather used to raise and lower the bridge in the town where my Mother was born.

Guess WHAT?

We went to Belgium. For a day. We were pretty excited. Geordie will probably be very upset that I only post silly pictures of him (and us) on my blog. I love this picture though and we had so much fun in Belgium, we snuck into Germany briefly as well. That's the beauty of Holland, it's so spectacularly small that you can zip from one end to the other in a day. Well, we think you can, my family thinks it's crazy, but what they don't realize is that the length of their country is the distance from Brooks to Canmore.

I love the cobble stone streets and the brick houses.

One more for the road.
Geordie took this image of me and my Dad.
I don't often post anything of me, but I liked the composition and the conversation we were having and the memories of that day... oh and my long 'Boekel' nose! My Dad has the same nose. It's like a ski jump. I usually HATE profile picture of myself for this reason. This one isn't too bad.

We spent a lot of time be-bopping around with my family. We jumped from one family to the other and spent 3 days at a vacation home in the south of Holland with my parents and my brother. Luckily after having met my whole family Geordie is still sticking around. I have a wonderful family. Both sides. I was proud to be there with my brother, Mom and Dad and to show Geordie where my history is.

I will have more photos the wedding soon and then lots of newborn images to post. Apparently lots of babies were born while I was away!

Thank you if you read everything I wrote and for always following along.
Happy Monday!

Susan & Frank, Holland :: Wedding Photographer ::

2009-05-15T01:38:00.000-07:00

A little sneak to see what I've been up to over here in the father land. Geordie and I have been zig zagging across Holland like crazy. It's easy to do when it's such a small place. We were in the deep South last week and are now in the North. First though, we attended Frank and Susan's wedding near the Hague. It was sensational. The town hall was ancient and oh how I wanted to photograph in there all day. We don't get these kind of structures in Canada.

My computer is almost bogged down with imagery from the wedding, so until we return to Canada on Wednesday this is all I will post from the event. Enjoy!

Tulips! :: Alberta Photographer ::

2009-05-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

They weren't kidding, there are tulips everywhere!

We have just arrived in The Hague where the wedding will take place on Friday, I can't wait to officially begin wedding season and in Holland no less.

Queens Day! :: Brooks Alberta Photography ::

2009-05-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Queens Day in Holland and ohhhh boy it was Kaaraazaaay! (Yes, I did just write crazy with a K)

We arrived in Amsterdam the day before Queens Day and rested up. My friend Martijn invited us to stay with him and we were so grateful for the good sleep and then the amazing hospitality. The evening before the big day we went out to dinner with 35 of Martijns friend to a Tapas restaurant and then we went clubbing. Clubbing isn't something we do very often. Actually, almost never. Definitely never European style. It was a fun night and the next day we wandered the streets with a million other people and breathed in the bbq smells, the pancake sweetness and the fries with mayonnaise. The canals were jammed with boats and the music on water and land was deafening. The crowd wore orange, their national colour and what I wouldn't give to have seen the sight from above.

Now we're off to check out museums and enjoy a quieter day in Amsterdam.

Hermalize & Jan - Maternity Session :: Brooks, Alberta Maternity Photographer ::

2009-04-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! One last post before Geordie and I hit the road. Tulips, Wooden Shoes and Windmills coming SOON!

Hermalize and Jan have become great friends and I was so glad when they told me they'd like to do their maternity session in Canmore. It was a beautiful day and we even bbq'd together afterwards. More specifically, we bbq'd after the first period of the Calgary Flames Playoff Hockey, after we returned from our session. The men had priorities :)

We had a great afternoon and Jan and Hermalize are so easy to photograph. They have this sincerity about them that just makes them so wonderful and the way they look at each other with so much care, it's just a treat to be around them.

Without further ado. (Because you know I can ramble)

The mountains were so good to us.

Hello Hot Mama!

My favorite of the day, hands down.

Untitled :: Brooks Alberta Photographer ::

2009-04-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

This is what I am getting myself into.

*pause*

And am I not a lucky girl :)

Geordie can make me laugh harder than anyone on the whole planet.
(My friend Pat Mckinnon is a close second)
Every year Geordie grows a beard. Oh how I love the beard. It's kinda cute. That might seem weird to some of you but bear in mind I grew up in the mountains. Beards are oddly comforting.

With Geordie though, I always know the beard is going to turn into a mustache and every-time I brace myself for that surprise shave when he walks confidently up to me like a proud man to showcase the latest facial addition. It's not a pretty sight, he looks like a scary super trooper cop or something. This mustache will last for a few weeks and despite all of my 'ew' comments, it makes me laugh. Geordie plays up the mustache role so well, and I just laugh and laugh. Despite the loss of the beard I always know that I'll be on the floor laughing for a week and maybe in a very hidden way I look forward to that.

THEN! This mustache occasion I knew a special gift would be arriving for Geordie from my great friend and mentor, Alison Rossiter. As I was waiting for the gift to arrive, I couldn't help but feel this excitement for the mustache and gift combo. Alison sent Geordie this incredible Cowichan knit sweater. Sure the oil rigs and wrenches are funny, but it's also a piece of art. Geordie is treasuring this gift and in recognition of this years mustache and the beautiful sweater we put some images together.

That was a very very long story. The bottom line is that I am a lucky girl, I have great friends and a great guy and we're off to Holland together next week with the mustache so I can introduce Geordie to my Dutch relatives.... like I said... lucky girl.

Weird, I know. Just go along with it :)

Nelson :: Alberta Children's Photographer ::

2009-04-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. Nelson just melted my heart.

Geordie and I were in Canmore last weekend, as previously mentioned, and my parents had Melanie and Nelson staying with them while Dad worked out of town. Nelson just turned 2 and we got to blow out a candle together and play TRUCKS for 3 days! Nelson was so much fun, not only was he probably one of the happiest kids I have ever met he LOVED trucks, cars, buses, fire-trucks, diggers...

I absolutely HAD to photograph him while I was home because he has the bluest eyes and the sweetest smile. So does Mel.

I would probably have to say that my favorite thing in the world is people. I love to love people and I love meeting new people and Melanie and Nelson were a blast to spend the weekend around. This is the greatest part of my job. People. :)

Here are some photos I took while we played in the backyard.

Did I mention trucks, cars, buses? :)

Peek-A-Boo!

Oh those smiles!

Have a glorious Wednesday everyone. See you again tomorrow!

Sneak Peak :: Alberta Maternity Photography ::

2009-04-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

I was in Canmore last weekend and Hermalize and Jan came down from Brooks so we could do their Maternity session in the mountains. You might remember Hermalize and Jan from their session this past winter. I am so excited because I get to follow this family as it grows and you'll get to see the young babino too! I'm so excited to get to meet the baby in May! I have had my eye on this wall for years and year in Canmore and have waited patiently for a maternity session, I love the flying family!

I'm going to do my darn best to post every day this week to make up for the next little while.
Geordie and I are headed to The Netherlands next Monday for 3 weeks!!! I am heading over to photograph a wedding and will also get to visit all my family and introduce Geordie to them. It's going to be wild. I will do my best to blog my adventures.

This is just a sneak peak, I'll be posting the rest of this session by this week. Stay tuned.

Michelle & Max in Brooks! :: Brooks, Alberta Engagement Photographer ::

2009-04-20T09:43:00.001-07:00

Max and Michelle came all the way to Brooks from Edmonton for their Engagement Session! Wowzas!
I love finally meeting people that I have been in email contact with for awhile.
When I opened my office door and saw Michelle and Max for the first time my first thought was... I can't believe how tall these two are! Max is 6.5"!!! I have dutch blood in me but somehow my height never exceeded 5.4 1/4 " (The 1/4" counts!!) So looking at Michelle's tallness had me just soooo envious!

They fit together so perfectly and I loved watching them just be themselves together and let me be a part of it all. They have eyes only for each other, and it was so fun to photograph!

Did I already mention that they came all the way from Edmonton!! :)
I am looking forward to their wedding at Nakoda Lodge in September, it's going to be amazing!

I love the way Max is looking at Michelle...

I stumbled on the swing set and thought 'why not'. Best time of the day.

Hmm. I really like this one, and especially because while we were photographing in the marking lot there were 10 bikers parked comparing their motorbikes and whispering about us softly.

Michelle is so beautiful!

I really really like this one.

We started our session at Kinnbrook Island Provincial Park and then headed to the Rodeo Grounds before heading into town. Max and Michelle will move to Vancouver this summer and I loved that they chose a real Alberta setting for their engagement session, before heading West.

Natalie & Adam....AT LAST!! ::Brooks, Alberta Wedding Photographer ::

2009-04-15T14:25:00.001-07:00

I feel like every time I sit down to post something I have SOOO much to say!

Natalie and Adam met years and years ago, when we were all in high school. Adam moved to Canmore to focus on his passion for biathlon and then met Natalie. Not to say his focus was lost at all, but we all saw it coming! Adam is from Rimbey, Alberta and I love this about him, he's small town guy. Adam was persistent with Natalie and through all the time they spent together it was just easy. Adam proposed to Natalie at the end of last summer and they are getting married in May, in Mexico. They have moved to Vancouver and while I was there last week for Natalie's stagette I followed them around for a bit of a fun, pre-marital bliss session.

I'm going to miss their wedding, which darn near kills me. Natalie has been an incredible friend to me and I've drawn on her wisdom and words often, we survived high-school together, but that was actually easy. It's been such a treat to have someone to go through wedding organizing with and I know their Wedding will be beyond lovely.
Truly, there are no two better people suited for each other. I've loved watching these two together and can't wait to sip martini's with them when we're 50 or 60 :)

I know this image is blurry. I know. I had to post it though because of how much it makes me smile.

I like this one, it might be one of my favorites.

I couldn't resist the obvious.

She's too darn cute for her own good!

Lisa Ochowycz, artist extraordinaire :: Alberta Photographer ::

2009-04-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

At long last! Happy Belated Easter everyone!

I am finally back from Vancouver. What an incredibly epic week it was. I almost wouldn't know where to start, so much happened.

A few of my favorite moments was running into an old friend David Myles at a coffee house in Kitsilano. I've seen David preform a few times in the past few years, but have never had the chance to catch up with time to spare while he's on the road. It was so lovely to have some time to catch up and so spontaneously it couldn't have been planned better. If you ever have the chance to see David live, DO NOT MISS! I was so shocked and obviously pumped when he told me he'll be playing in Brooks next year!

I also got to spend a day while I was in Vancouver with my brilliant artist friend, Lisa Ochowycz. I have known Lisa for years and years and was so glad to finally get the opportunity to check out her art and studio in the city. I am so proud of Lisa and her art and couldn't have had a better day with her as she pulled me around Grandville to her favorite Chai Tea stop hmmm.... and Indian food stall, double hmmmm... and then across the water to her studio.

You'll notice in all these photos at how happy Lisa is, this is her genuine expression since the day we met. I couldn't have asked for a better person to photograph. Be sure to stop in at her site and check out her portfolio!

I love exploring new areas!

Like I said... always smiling!

Vancouver was in full cherry blossom bloom when I was there, it was bright and sunny and touching back down on brown Calgary was a little (just a little) tough. I did see a robin her yesterday, so I have hope!

:: Alberta Photographer ::

2009-04-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

I spent the day with a lovely brilliant artist friend of mine in Vancouver.
As I am on the road and on 'vacation' I'm keeping this short but oh so sweet.

A teaser. More on my brilliant artist friend next week.

Sarah & Ryan are Engaged :: Alberta Portrait and Wedding Photographer ::

2009-03-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to start! Sarah is marrying Ryan. I'll start there.
You might remember Sarah from a photo session with her whole family last summer

When Sarah and Ryan showed up for their engagement session Sarah mentioned that she'd love to go to Dinosaur Park for some pictures. I was so glad we did. It was a beautiful day, although a little windy but the hoodoos kept us closed in nicely. If you are ever in the neighborhood, Dinosaur Park is worth a visit. Arriving at the park and watching the earth fall away for as far as your eye can see never gets dull. Sarah mentioned that her and Ryan had one of their first dates here.

Ryan and Sarah are getting married in July and I can't wait to get back out to Sarah's family farm and be in photo heaven again.

This session was so much fun, especially because Sarah and Ryan were keen to do anything, we got to wander around Brooks and find cool locations and hang out. Not a bad way to spend a weekend!

I've wanted to take people to this spot for ages, so glad it worked out.

Sarah can work any angle. She also has the best laugh and the most incredible love for animals and cows in particular than anyone I have ever met. Cows!! Passion says everything, that's why she works at the veterinary clinic. So cool!

Wow!

Sarah and Ryan have so much fun together. All I had to do was hang out with them! This is one of my favorite moments from the day!

I'm going to be out of town for a week. I'm headed to rainy Vancouver to photograph some friends and spend some quality time with my ladies. I'll be back next week with some reportage of the adventure.

Oh Spring! :: Alberta Wedding & Portrait Photographer ::

2009-03-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in my living room. The sun is streaming violently in through my windows. It's 7.30pm. How wonderful.
I'm actually sitting in front of my tulips and the are absorbing the rays and glowing more orange than they were before, they're such a refreshing sight. I almost want to take them outside and show them around the garden, maybe coax up my hidden bulbs into bloom. (Who I am kidding... the signature april snow storm has yet to arrive)

Tulips and Daffodils have special places in my spring heart.

More human photography posts this week. I promise.
Just wanted to send some flowers to all my blog stalkers, thanks for keeping an eye on me!

Fast and Female, Check it out!

2009-03-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned Chandra on my blog before, she's one of a kind and I'm lucky enough to call her my friend. We grew up together, skied together and laughed together and have grown together. This is one fine opportunity to hear her speak and get more information on her incredible cause. We'll be there, hope you will be too!

Buy your tickets HERE!

Opal has arrived! :: Southern Alberta Photographer ::

2009-03-19T09:19:00.001-07:00

Opal arrived a little earlier than expected. Joanna and Andre weren't expecting things to move along so quickly but Opal really wanted to be a part of things it seems. I was so happy to be invited back into Joanna, Andre, Sophia and now Opals home. We had so much fun on New Years Day and this was no exception.

Sophia is a great big sister and was rocking out to the Barenaked Ladies and building intense block castles. She's got a lot to teach her new sister.

Opal has quite the personality already!

I know I know... you've seen this before. I just love hands holding up a little head. Hmmm. They are so tiny!

Sisters!

They truly love hanging out together. You should see Andre and Sophia dance. Whoo eee!

Carlie & Jim Maternity :: Southern Alberta Photographer, Calgary ::

2009-03-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

Oh boy oh boy, do I ever love spring.
I'll be the last person on the planet to complain about the weather. Truly. I think I can enjoy anything. I love -30C because of the way it makes my nose seize, I love the rain because I get to wear my bright green rain boots, I love sun, I love fog and right now I love Spring! I was a little worried when at the beginning of the week it was -30C. I really wanted to get some outside images of Carlie and Jim, and luckily by Friday it was 5C in Calgary. Ahhhh....

I met Carlie last year while watching Jim (her husband) and Geordie play in a hockey tournament in Rosemary. For those of you who do not know where Rosemary, AB, it's just a little north and west of Brooks and if you ever find yourself there, make sure to stop in at the donut shop. YUM!

way off track again...

Carlie called last week and it was so great to meet again, this time in Calgary. It was one of the greatest portrait days in a while.

Now that's a beautiful belly!

Carlie and Jim were a lot of fun to work with. They are both from Brooks, AB but met during University in Calgary. They are so sweet!

Mia was such a good dog and so beautiful too, she was loving being the centre of attention for a few minutes.

More images up this week.

:: Brooks, Alberta Photographer ::

2009-03-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

This is Ed Abel and can you tell how excited he is?
We met Ed on Lake Newell this past weekend. As we were driving up to our ice-fishing area we passed Ed who had just caught a fish, it was pretty big. He told us if he caught something bigger he'd track us down. He probably said this because I had friends out this weekend, Chandra and Mireille and her sweet man, Gabor and they had never been ice-fishing before so when they saw the fish they jumped out of the truck and encouraged me to take a photo of them with the fishy. (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say fishy?) ANYWAYS...(sorry my stories always get long. Geordie will often ask me to paraphrase in conversation) a few hours later Ed tracks us down and says he's caught the 'big one'. We headed back to their spot and checked out his 40" Pike. I'm not giving it justice with this photo, but I think his expression is awesome.

Olivia LOVES ice fishing and is an expert ice-scooper and loves to watch the smelts go down the hole.

I got a kick out of Sophies tracks and she tried to follow everyone from hole to hole. She worked hard walking along in her snowsuit.

The Past is Catching Up! :: Brooks, Alberta Photographer ::

2009-02-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

So by Monday I actually meant Wednesday! Eek!
Chandra you're the itunes winner!

Thank you to everyone who commented and for all of your kind kind words.
It's because of you great blog followers and your encouragement that I keep getting inspired to do what I do. I'm so grateful that you all check out my blog and stop in online and say hi, it really means a lot to me!

Lots is going on in my little office in Brooks lately, I'm working on a new website and hopefully a fresher newer blog to! I shouldn't let the cat out of the bag too early but I couldn't help myself. I'm excited about the changes and can't wait to share it with you all.

The image posted above is from The TransRockies Challenge in 2006 and it's of Tom Zidek whose race partner suffered a big crash on the mountain and was helicoptered out. Tom strapped the bike on his back and kept on going. I used to do a lot of sports photography and I was lucky to get this image. The cool thing is 3 years later people are still interested in it! If you're in Prague you should stop into the Bike Cafe and you might just find this image hanging on their wall. It's exciting to have my photography hanging all over the world.

That's it for today!

:: Brooks, Alberta Photographer ::

2009-02-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

Oh dear. I am going to get into some trouble for this one.
Really I don't have much to post today but my dear Mom, who thankfully checks out my blog, was harping on me to post again today because I promised too. Geordie doesn't check my blog too often because he see's everything beforehand so he probably won't even know that he's on here :)

I wanted to get a picture outside last weekend when the fog has created this awesome frost on the trees but Geordie couldn't stand still because there was a dog approaching and he didn't want to be A) attacked or B) get the 'ole groin sniff. He was a little distracted. For the record, the dog did not attack. He thinks it looks like a SEARS advertisement, I don't disagree.

Have a great weekend and todays the last day to comment to win the $20 itunes gift certificate. I'll announce on Monday.

Ice Fishing Derby :: Southern Alberta Photographer ::

2009-02-19T09:32:00.001-08:00

This past weekend was the Family Day Ice Fishing Derby. It is a serious time out on Lake Newell. The lake is alive all day and night with dedicated fisher-people. These images are not from this year but from last year. Better late than never.

When I am not attached to my digital I try to spend as much time with my Rolleiflex, which is a film camera that has an incredible talent for being sharp and beautiful. All of these portraits were taken with the Rollei. It was a cold and blustery day and everyone I stumbled across was super keen to hang out and let me take their pictures. I always love meeting people this way.

Highline Magazine

2009-02-18T14:13:00.001-08:00

I'm going to try extra extra hard to blog every day until the end of the week, which by the way I KNOW is only 2 days away. Baby steps.

I wanted to share the Winter 2009 Issue of Highline Magazine with you. Kristy Davison and Erin Moroz have both done an exceptional job putting together this very Canmore magazine. If you're passing through the Bow Valley and/or even better, live in the valley, this is a great local mag with tones of little tidbits of "how to get out there" information. Kristy has been great enough to include me in the past two issues and if you want to catch up on great words and photos check out the online mag HERE!

Xander! :: Brooks Baby & Maternity Photographer ::

2009-02-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

The latest edition to our clan! We were so lucky to get to spend family day weekend with the newest member of our family. My cousin Mitchell and his wife Melody welcomed Xander on January 15th. The little guy is just a month old. We had so much fun watching him sleep and laughing at his gurgles all weekend. That's not all we did though, we headed out sledding on Lake Isle (near Edmonton, AB) and ate delicious food with my aunt, uncle, cousins and my Mom and Dad even trekked up for the festivities. AND!!! I even beat Geordie at Wii Fit Slalom skiing!!!!! Yes, that deserves extra exclamation marks. If you know Geordie you'd know how competitive he is and I smashed his time by 0.83 seconds. In his extra sassing tone he tells me that it's great that I'm "good at video games" but I know he's crushed inside. :)

I hope everyone else out there in internet land had a brilliant long-weekend and Valentines Day!
In the spirit of Love and new babies, I'm going to give a $20 itunes gift certificate out to one lucky commenter this week. I will randomly draw from all the comments on Friday so be sure to check back so you can claim your prize! (You must leave your name on your comment so I can identify you)

The new family.

Is it wrong to want to nibble on those little toes?!

One of my favorites.

Gillespie Maternity Sesh! :: Brooks, Alberta Baby & Maternity Photographer ::

2009-02-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh... I love LOVE the peacefulness of this image. Terri-Lynn and Craig are friends and I was so excited to do their maternity session!
I don't get to do enough of these and it was so much fun. Here are just a few images, there are more but they are just too hot for your eyes!

Terri-Lynn is one of the most beautiful pregnant women I have seen.
YES! I adore it when I get to photograph Mom's that are so embracive of their pregnancy and TL definitely is and it makes for one hot mama.
I had mentioned this to her, but I'll say it again...while editing this images I had the biggest grin on my face because
I could really FEEL her happiness and it effected me, even through all those crazy computer wires and screens.

So so so SWEET!

For all you beautiful pregnant mothers out there, lets hook up for a session! www.rachelboekel.com

Baby Neilson, at LAST! :: Southern Alberta Family Photographer ::

2009-01-28T13:42:00.000-08:00

Lauren and I have been trying to co-ordinate a little session with the whole family since Liam was born. (It's not un-similar to the Stettler story) Lars works out of town, they live WAY north of Brooks (that is probably a bit of an exaggeration) and it's been tricky. Here we are though, Liam is 7 months old. You might remember Lauren from her maternity session.

Lars, Lauren and Liam and I played inside on the -30C day and had a blast! Thanks for bringing me back up to Paradise!

** Side Note: They live on a farm on HWY 36, North of Brooks and as I was driving up there, the sun was bouncing off the bright white prairie, the willows orange bark was a striking contrast and I let out a sigh of "ahhhh I love living here".

The house had so many little nooks to photograph in.

We did have to have a dinner break!

He's going to be one strong rancher!

I know... there is a little nudity in this image, but it was such a cute moment that I just couldn't resist posting it!

This one is such a pure moment. Ahhhh.... family!

Stettlers all in one place!!! :: Brooks, Alberta Photographer ::

2009-01-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOODNESS! This was an event!
You will remember Mireille from her Mireille Stettler Design posts, here and here. She also has her own website here.

If you've seen and read those posts then you'll know she's also my best friend and this is her entire family!

I have been wanting to photograph these guys all together for a long time but when Natalie and Gilbert and Lena live in New Zealand and Dominic, Clara and Reuben have moved to Nova Scotia and Patric is somewhere above you hang-gliding and Hans-Peter is hiking some obscure peak in Kazakhstan and Mireille and Gabor are moving their stuff home from New York and Silvia is skiing all over the world... well you get the point! This was a big deal!

I booted home early on the 24th to hang out with these guys and we had such a beautiful day, the sun was shinning the ice, the river was pretty smooth and everyone was so festive and excited... probably because it was Christmas Eve and not cause I was yelling at them all to "work it...common guys...work it!"

Here are some goodies from the day.

I'm truly lucky and grateful to have a family like the Stettler's in my life. They are truly wonderful people and I am glad that Mireille became such a big part of my life cause she brought her whole family with her!

Also... 'cause I can pump tires here, because it's my blog!.. Mireille is designing and MAKING my wedding dress! Jackpot! Yeah, she's not bad :)

Thanks Stettlers!

These guys aren't funny at all.

Nova Scotia Troupe! Clara and Dominic are expecting again and young Reuben gets a little sibling. They are also talented musicians and we love it when Dominic knocks on the door to come in and just play our piano.

What a beautiful little girl!

And a handsome young man!

What a cozy family, I love Lena's little Uggs!

This is how these guys are, pulling , dragging, and helping each other into all sorts of fun and adventure!

Brooks Family Photographer :: Joanna, Andre and Sophia in Canmore ::

2009-01-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

I could tell from the moment I walked in the door on New Years Day that this was going to be a fun day. It was all laughs and Sophia just kept cracking me up, she was one of the easiest kids to photograph, just her lovely little self.

Most people would think I was nuts for picking up a photo session on New Years Day... and this is a secret... shhh... we went to bed at 10:30pm on New Years Eve!! Shhh...! Geordie and I were both battling a cold all holidays and were just beat. The fireworks woke us up at midnight, that's pretty sad.

It felt great to be up and frolicking outside with Joanna, Andre and Sophia along with the 10+ runners we saw jogging at 10am on NEW YEARS DAY! Talk about getting a head start on their resolutions. Geez!

Here are some fun little moments to start off the year!

I like how un-impressed Sophia looks here! Joanna and Andre live just down the street from my parents in Canmore and have for ages and our paths don't actually cross often so it was really great to get to know them a little bit.

We did some maternity stuff too, what a good looking mama!

Sophia wanted to get up on the couch with Joanna and insisted on putting her arm by her head too! This was such a cute and wonderful little moment.

I think they're going to have a blast when #2 comes along!!

Brave South Africans! :: Brooks Alberta Family Photographer::

2009-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are! Back from the depths of the Holidays!

I hope everyone had a spectacular Christmas and is full steam ahead on their New Years Goals! Not Resolutions... Goals! :)

The holidays were very very busy for me and that means I have a LOT of blog content. I was lucky enough to photograph 4 families while I was home in Canmore! I love people that love winter photography sessions, they are really open to the adventure!

This next family was particularly adventurous!
Deon and Cecil came from South Africa to visit their daughters, Este and Nanda for their first winter experience ever! We had a great time in Banff along with Este's husband Stephan and son Deon and Nanda's husband Johan. They were very brave coming from such a warm climate, but I hope these images will stick with them as a great memory of their Holidays!

What a handsome little guy! And all smiles for most of the morning!

I couldn't believe my luck when I saw these shadows as we were driving by this wall, it was a very un-planned stop, but I am crazy about the shadows of the trees!

What beautiful Women!

Nope... still can't resist a good sun flare!

Brooks Alberta Wedding & Portrait Photographer :: Christmas is OVER!::

2009-01-02T07:20:00.000-08:00

It's official... the holidays are over. I'm going to linger for one more post because I haven't yet added this photo.

We came home for Christmas this year to an upside down tree, one of my Mom's latest ventures. She is one mighty creative lady and so I wanted to share this with you before it gets taken down today along with all the decorations and packed up tightly for next year.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Merry Happy Christmas Eve! ::Brooks Family & Portrait Photographer::

2008-12-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

The Fleury's are incredible, Natalie, April, Ken and Karli braved serious winter to get their family photos!

Specifically they braved -30C something with the wind! Geordie says I can't state the "with wind" temperature because it's cheating. Anyways, it was cold cold cold. We were hopping in and out of vehicles like crazy trying to stay warm and do some different locations.

It was actually a little crazy out there but we still managed to get some photos taken and with these few little sneaks I wish you all a very merry Christmas Eve!

You might recognize Karli from Kayleigh and Jesse's Wedding, she was a bridesmaid.

You can never go wrong in a tire yard!

Hermalize & Jan :: Brooks, Alberta Portrait & Wedding Photographer::

2008-12-18T12:42:00.001-08:00

Okay, okay... I know you people are out there!!! :)
Thank you to everyone who has commented already (thanks Mom! so reliable :) Really, I would love to hear from you and would love to bring in a big bag to the food bank. Lets comment for cans!
(For every comment this week I will donate a can to the local food bank)

This is a portrait session that I have been excited about for awhile. I met Hermalize a few months ago and she said to me:
"We're waiting for Winter to arrive and then we'd love to get some portraits done."

This isn't something I hear often, it's usually the other way around, people waiting for summer, but check out how great winter is for outdoor portraits!

It's so great when people get into winter and it is such a great time to be out there in the crisp air getting great imagery.
Jan and Hermalize were so fantastic to work with and it certainly was not warm out there! They even laid on the ice for me, talk about great models! I had such a fun afternoon with them!

I know this is so wrong... so very very wrong... but I LOVE the cold. I love the sound of a crisp day like when it was -40C. The cars just crunching along on the snappy snow and the exhaust that just expands into giant plumes in the air. There is something so cozy about a cold day, and something special about it, I love the feeling of my nostrils seizing up when I draw in that first breath of freezing air. Of course there are downsides to the cold, like cars not being able to start, but that is another story....

Without further ado: Jan and Hermalize (Thank you for your awesomeness!)

I really like this one.

Can you say sweet!

I loved this location, and this series.

Okay - Cheesy or Cool? I can't decide:

These two are ridiculously happy!

Brrr....

Brrr.....Brrr... Brr.... Thanks for being such good sports!

Cans for Comments - Brooks Alberta Photographer

2008-12-16T10:02:00.000-08:00

I saw this great idea on Chris+Lynn Photographer's blog, so I am adopting the idea and I hope you'll take part.

Cans for Comments...for every comment that gets left on my blog in the next week, I will donate a can to the Brooks Food Bank. It's an easy way to give and I'd love to hear from you too!

Look out for some awesome posts this week as I have two very great sessions coming up that are sure to be off the hook.

Thank you for participating!

Happy Holidays!
Rachel

My Mom is Sixty

2008-12-16T09:49:00.001-08:00

This is something I am not terribly proud of....
What? You don't get it... haven't you noticed the birthday cake?

Apparently I was making a cake for a 6 year old, not a 60th birthday.

Words that fumbled out of my Dad's mouth when he saw the disaster that had occurred in the kitchen was:
"Rachel, as soon as people know it's home-made they'll love it"
This said as I was waiting for some level of REAL reassurance that it wasn't THAT bad.
SO bad in fact that only two slices were eaten by the end of the night (and one by me) I actually thanked the guy who was eating the second piece and wanted to give him a hug in good spirit. Surprisingly the cake actually tasted quite delicious (if I do say so myself) but looks were fooling people. It did not turn out one bit the way I had envisioned.

ANYWAYS, cake aside, the party was out of control. I guess I need to get out more often because when the parents and their friends are killing it on the dance floor at 2am to The Rolling Stones and The Who and my bones are tiered, it's a little embarrassing.

My wonderful mother turned 60 on the 12th and our family friend Lorne, aka "Shorty" turned 60 on the 10th so the bash was a combined party and the house was full to the rafters with people and I think everyone had a sore throat from yelling over each other in conversation.

I have a pretty awesome Mom and a pretty awesome family and it was so nice to celebrate this brilliant event together.
I must also comment on the ridiculously great music selection that Geordie put together that kept people be-bopping around for hours!

Happy Birthday Again Mom!

Wee hours...

Theo & Aaron are Brilliant!

2008-12-05T10:09:00.001-08:00

Okay, Okay... Tadaaaa!!!

I loved this session so much that I just can't decided on one or two images so you are getting 8, plus the previous post = 9 which is only relevant if you are Theo. :)

Theo was my very first friend when I came to Brooks. She invited Geord and I over for a sushi making party, which I still think was a bit of curious invite because Geord and I were in the beginning stages of our courtship and people were curious who I was. I am so very thankful for that invite because I knew right away that I wanted to be this super chic girls friend. Oh and Aaron was alright too ;)

I already said it once on my blog but I'll say it again. Good friends make such a huge difference in my life, and I am always so grateful for their sparkly presence and positive influence. So with a heavy heart I am in denial that Theo and Aaron are taking off to Saskatchewan to be closer to their family. This photo session was a "We lived in Brooks" session and I loved the crazy sunshine and flares that we got and also another afternoon I got to spend with these fine folks.

Yeah, wicked sun flares!

Seriously though, how great is this sun!

My oh my what a good looking couple!

This has got to be one of my favorite. I love that the light is just about shining from their lips. This is truly Theo and Aaron; a big bright ball of sunshine!

Sneak Peak

2008-12-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not even going to say who this is.... any guesses? My comment box is now user friendly and doesn't require any crazy commitments to the system. Maybe I'll have a contest in the future when I post pictures like this to see who knows who it is. Do you know who this is Brooks people?

I have so many wonderful brilliant photos from this session but I'm not ready to post them yet. I did want to tease you with this one though. These two people are truly magnificent and I can't wait to show you who they are....soon.

The Family

2008-12-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

This image of Olivia TOTALLY expressed my excitement for posting these pictures.
These are the great people that come with Geordie! His brother and sister in law, Pete and Donna and of course beautiful nieces Olivia and Sophie, both of whom have graced the blog before!

I can photograph these cats every day of the week if I wanted but I am always glad when we set some time aside to get silly and serious in front of the camera.

By the end of this session Olivia asked me "Rachel, is it okay if we stop taking pictures now, I'm getting tiered of it"
Her honesty was brilliant! Boy I love these girls, and get to call them Family! How lucky am I!

Good Sisterly Love

This could be one of my favorites of all time.

Jesse and Kayleigh Paddock are hitched

2008-11-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

Ta Dahh!!! The Stunning Bride and Groom!

Okay... SERIOUSLY! Could they look any greater!
Like I mentioned in their engagement blog posting, I was very much looking forward to photographing this wedding.
Kayleigh and Jesse are two of the happiest bride and groom I have ever had. YES! I said that.
The ceremony was emotionally charged and very beautiful and everyone in the wedding party was totally into the photography we did outside at a nearby farm in Brooks. I was very impressed with the bridesmaids who were bare legs and all out there. I wanted to thank them so much for their enthusiasm as I dragged them in and out of cars for photos.

I was also super lucky to have Roxy Grove from Bella Vita Photography in Duchess assist me with this wedding, and help make sure we were as quick as possible in that very chilly wind.

I could go on and on about how much fun I had... but I'll add commentary to the images as I go....

Ummmm yeah... awesome! AND Kayleigh stayed in these almost all night!

See...HAPPIEST!

Thank you ladies for braving the cold!

The boys stayed toasty enough in their suits!

Kayleigh and her family did an exceptional job of decorating the Heritage Inn Banquet Hall, her Dad, Daryl put this fun sandbox together for them

There was a milk and cookie shooter bar set up too. I kept an eye out for someone who was doing milk shots and apparently there was a young girl sneaking milk shots frequently, but unfortunately I only heard tales of it and didn't get to photograph her.

When I left the dancefloor was packed and everyone was dancing around in step.

I love doing weddings in Brooks, Alberta and getting to know such wonderful people. Jesse surprised Kayleigh with a honeymoon to The Mayan Riviera for 2 weeks and I hope you both had the great time you deserved!

Sully's Garage

2008-11-18T07:35:00.001-08:00

As promised... a peak at our 'wild' night out in Patricia. If you are a person that has never heard of Patricia and has never been to The Patricia Hotel, boy oh boy, you're missing out. It is an authentic taste of cowboy country. AND Dinosaur Provincial Park is just a jaunt down the road.

This band has been around Canmore, AB for a very long time and it was so fun to see them live in Patricia!

Meet the McClellands

2008-11-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

I guess I am feeling a little nostalgic for the fall colours, I keep some posts lingering for days when I want a colour kick and today is one of those days. Kim and Scott asked me to do their family photos out at Lake Newell, just outside of Brooks, AB during the Fall and we had to re-schedule once because of looming dark clouds and I am glad we did because the day we ended up getting was one of those fresh, bright Fall days.

Ty and Ethan were climbing into trees, getting into the sand at the beach and making my job really easy.

These are some of those pictures.

Also coming up this week: Geordie and I went out for a night on the town last night. The town being Patricia, AB, the occasion being that Sully's Garage a group of musicians from Canmore, AB were out hunting in the area and took over the Patricia Hotel for a stomping good time. They have been doing this for years and some of them are Canmore friends. 3am later we dragged our musically full selves home, and I'll post some photos soon!

Can you say blue eyes! Wow and Jealous!

Connie + Trent & Jake

2008-11-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

Brooks is a pretty awesome town. I get asked often (VERY OFTEN) how I could have moved here from Canmore of all places. First off there is the easy answer that this is where Geordie is, so this is where I need to be. (It's also ridiculously beautiful here) But, secondly when you find great friends then it makes it easy to stay!

Connie and Trent are two of these great friends that make Brooks such a rad place to live. They have a great Boxer named Jake that I get to hang out with a lot too because Connie is also my awesome workout friend who gets my butt up early in the morning to swim, bike and run and Jake comes along for some of these adventures.

Here's to great friends!

p.s aren't they a great looking family!

The Niznik Family

2008-11-10T08:43:00.001-08:00

This post has been waiting to be posted since we had this session the first week of October!
You might remember the Nizniks from one of my very first posts when I was lucky enough to attend one of their Cattle Brandings in the spring time.

My favorite sessions are when a family invites me out to their home to do the photographs. I always feel as though I get to know them a little better and the kids feel so much more comfortable in their own surroundings. I was especially happy to get back to the Niznik farm because it was like visual eye candy the first time I was there, insert a fun and good looking family and it gets even better!

ENJOY!!

This is one of my favorites from the day. I love the intent look of Sara pulling Eva!

You can NEVER go wrong with bright coloured buildings and a blue wheelbarrow.

These shadows were too good to pass up!

I would have loved to have had sister!
(Don't feel sorry for me, I have a little brother and he's pretty cute too!)

I had such an awesome time out there! Look at how fun this family is!

Kayleigh and Jessie are getting Married! Tomorrow!

2008-11-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

YES! I am so ridiculously excited about tomorrow. Kayleigh and Jessie and I did an engagement very last minute and very quickly a few weeks ago, trying to fit in some nice fall colours before I left for New York. I think the session turned out phenomenally well considering the rush and this makes me so much more excited to be able to spend ALL day with them tomorrow.

As far as my bad blogging goes, I am going to admit something to you all. I have been living with a very very bad internet connection for the past year, this may seem like a little thing to some, but for me it has hindered my ability to just quickly post pictures or just quickly send emails. BUT! NOW, I have a new fast connection AND a new fast computer. I feel like I just got sent 10 years ahead. I really hope this means you'll hear more from me!

See you with more photos of Kayleigh and Jessie soon!

This photo was Kayleighs request and I think it turned out great.

I was excited when I found this sign!

Last but not least - isn't the colour of this door out of this world!

Jaspersons

2008-10-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Timothy and Carmen were married in August in Medicine Hat. I don't often get asked to photograph in Churches and I am always so happy to have the opportunity, especially when it's a church like St. Patricks, the high ceiling and stained glass brought a lot of coolness to this wedding and we had a blast wandering around the church and later the farm getting pictures.

Thank you Tim and Carmen for including me in your day!

I love this one of the flower girls checking out the bride!

Tim's sister made the cake, and Yes! That is Rosemary! What a beautifully delicious looking cake.

I love the colour of this barn! I love photographing on farms, there is no end to great settings.

Bold Beautiful Biathlon

2008-10-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

** Until December 26th I am canning for comments... for every comment received I will donate a can of food to the Brooks Food Bank, thanks for helping out! **

I'm Back! It's been a wacky couple of weeks, and I am finallly back in Brooks and trying to catch up with some over due editing.
In the meantime, a post. I thought I was due for one!

I'm very VERY proud of this project. The Women's National Biathlon Team has taken matters into their own hands and are raising funds for their path to The Vancouver Olympics. I was very excited when Zina Kocher contacted me months ago and asked if I would be keen to photograph their calendar. I have known some of these girls a very long time and used to train with them back in my good old cross country ski racing days. The images came together over two photo shoots and I was so very grateful that my friend and trusty studio knowledgeable dude, Adrian Marcoux agreed to help me out. You might remember him from an earlier post. Adrian was invaluable to making sure everything was spot on and I think the images are a good representation of our creativity.

NOW - the selling point! I am posting two pictures, but there are 13 images you can't see anywhere else but in the calendar. You better head HERE to secure your own copy of the calendar and support these women! The 14 month calendars go for $25/each.

So, where have I been, and why am I such a bad blogger? I was down in New York City helping my great friend and incredible photographer Alison Rossiter move her studios' around. Rough job, I know! I also headed down to Washington to visit a friend and managed a day of shopping, who can resist in NY. I'm back though and editing away. I guarantee another post this week.

Mini Sessions Sneak Peak

2008-10-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Mini Sessions has come and gone for Brooks, we had an amazing, no seriously, AMAZING day!
I haven't edited very much, but I love this image of Anna and Abbey Hauck! More to come hopefully sooner than later!

Canmore Peeps, I will be coming back in October to do a Mini Session, I'll keep you posted!

Geordie and Rachel are Getting Married

2008-09-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

We feel so lucky. Yes! That is us! Geordie and I were engaged oh, about a month ago, we're slow on the announcing front.
We are lucky though because through a friend we discovered Brittany Staddon, an incredibly talented photographer in the Calgary area. She made the trek out to Brooks this past weekend to do an engagement session with us and we are so excited that she is going to be our photographer. Here are a couple pictures she took for us. Isn't she awesome!

Stephanie and Mark!

2008-09-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

Bloggins Spree here I come.

Introducing Stephanie and Mark Havens.
I was so psyched to meet these two. A mutual friend put us in touch almost last minute, when they decided to get married last minute in Banff. It was a bit of a drizzly day, but not rainy enough to dampen anyone's high. Their friends were great and boy oh boy are these two in love!

Gotta love finding a cool coloured tourist boat!

We headed to the old Bankhead church for some photos, a place I love to photograph in.

Yes, I know... another train shot... I am getting kind of obsessed with trains. I'd love to know what your favorite ones are!

I totally dug the umbrella's

>

Steph and Mark knew what they wanted, something nice and small and on a Lake, and I am glad that we met... especially because they brought CRAVE cupcakes!!! Thanks for the fun day!

Mike and Rosie!

2008-09-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

I feel a wave of blogging coming on. LOOK OUT!

As previously mentioned... Rosie and Mike!!
These two are brilliant. Not only are they ridiculously fun to hang out with, I have worked with them in and out of restaurants since I was 12... (YES! I was working at 12! My cousins and I used to sweep the patio of the restaurant my aunt and uncle owned, Rosie worked there too... I say we cousin's 'worked' there, but really we drank hot chocolate from one of those instant machines in the kitchen and looked for coins in the cracks of the patio in the early morning hours... sometimes they were ever so carefully placed under the feet of the picnic benches by my aunt)...

Sorry, I got carried away there.

Mostly, I wanted to say that I have known these two since I was a kid. Mike was kind enough to let me hostess at Zona's in Canmore when he was managing it and I am so glad because I have met some of the greatest people through those few years.

Now the two of them will be three of them, and I am excited to meet the little one in October!

I really like this one. The bench was still heavily covered in morning dew when we arrived, but Rosie got down to business. I appreciate it so much when people are just willing to get the shot!

This one was Mike's idea, and I am so glad!!

Elwood and Cheeks needed to be in the photos too!

Still editing!!

2008-09-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

While I edit away, I wanted to share a photo from last weekend that I love! Mike and Rosie are friends from Canmore and Rosie is due in October. We spent the morning wandering around town catching up and snapping photos, this is one of the last ones of the session and I am so happy to capture them so relaxed. Mike and Rosie also own The Trough restaurant in Canmore... hmmmmmmm... it is such a treat!

This image is also an image that can be seen inside Lubelle Boutique, a new women's fashion store in Brooks. Cindy and Thelma, the great gals that own the place, were ever so kind to let me display some work there. If you're in town you should check out the store, there is lots and lots of stuff to want!

Also, there are still spots open for the Mini Sessions!

Thanks for hanging in there everyone. I should be back at it next week.

Fall Mini Session in Brooks

2008-09-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

I know... I KNOW! I've left you all hanging for weeks. The thing is, I have been editing like a mad women... and I still have nothing to show for it. I promise I'll blog like crazy, SOON!

Summer transition into Fall has been crazy! It's been so busy, and isn't that lucky. I've been doing a lot of photography and getting a chance to meet a lot of great people.

So, while I am in the spirit of Fall and can't hardly wait for the leaves to change, I thought I would offer a Mini Session. Don't worry Canmore people, I will also set on up at home #2, but not until October, so keep checking back. For all your Brooksites (is that the right word?) out there, it's a first come, first serve day. I love Kinbrook Island Park in the Fall, it's a beautiful area with lots of background options and natural settings.

This is a great way to get a few pictures done for Christmas cards, or as presents... you have to book in advance though.

Hope to hear from you soon!

The Humans are in town!

2008-08-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

Alright, I probably shouldn't use such a play on words, but I couldn't help myself.

Larry, Vera and Oliver and Amanda Human were in town visiting their family. You might remember Marisse and Ziets Hendriks from a photo session we did several weeks ago in the Canola Field, and their beautiful daughter Isabella.

I was so glad that everyone agreed to come out to Lake Newell. I have been eyeing up this spot on the beach for some time, and the night was perfect!

I loved Oliver's little chapeaux!

What a beautiful family!

I just couldn't resist this image. Max was so good during out photos and I like how in this image he gets to be front and centre!

Melissa and Ben!!!

2008-08-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

Alright. here it is!

I had such a great great day with Melissa and Ben. We met up before the ceremony and did photos at an old mine site in Canmore. They had the most beautiful day, with a blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. These two were up for absolutely anything. Something that I really loved about this wedding was how important their family was to them. Their parents and brothers and sisters were all a part of the ceremony and stood up for them. PLUS! Melissa's parents pretty much got their backyard landscaped for the wedding. It was a beautiful way to spend a day!

I had help from Michael Buckley and was so grateful he could help me out at the very last minute. He captured Ben getting ready at the Drake in Canmore. Michael freelances for the Rocky Mountain Outlook and runs his own photography business, Photoflow.

I love this photo of Melissa's parents helping her sister get into her dress!

Ben wasn't 100% where he had to meet us, so when we arrived we found Ben wandering around the fields. Apparently a couple people walking by looked at him quizzingly, to which he answered "I'm just looking for my bride." to which they offered their condolences, thinking she had run away on him. I thought that was pretty funny.

Melissa had her flowers done at Willow Haven in Canmore, operated by Leo from Holland. I really do think that the Dutch have a gift with arranging flowers, and I don't just say that because I am Dutch, but if you've seen my Mothers backyard you'd understand, they truly have a gift.

I LOVE this picture. All the family men were given matching pink polka dot socks. I feel a little guilty because I told them not to worry, I was just photographing their feet, when in fact I was also capturing their facial expressions... just a little guilty.

What an amazing setting for a wedding!

This could be my favorite memory from the day. I almost teared up when I saw how happy Melissa was when Ben put her ring on her finger, and shocked! I later found out that they had decided not to get a wedding band for Melissa because she loved her engagement ring so much. Little did she know that when she brought her ring in to be cleaned before the wedding, the designer of the engagement ring was actually matching the curves of the ring for a wedding band that Ben was going to surprise her with! It was a beautiful moment. Thank you both for letting me be a part of your day!

Mireille Stettler Design Seconds...

2008-08-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

You probably didn't get enough the first time, so I am flaunting Mireille's talent just a little bit harder! Thank goodness for all of us that Mireille is on the verge of deciding to stay in Canada, she's a great friend and an incredible artist, and I will be so happy if she sticks around a little bit longer. Just so you know Mireille will launch her website very soon and you'll be able to get an idea of how crazy creative she is and be able to hire her for your own design needs! I will keep you posted!

We did another photography session awhile back in Canmore and here area few gems...don't you just NEED that jacket!

Overdue - Oops!... The McRae Family

2008-08-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ack - I can't believe I haven't blogged this yet. Yikes! I recieved a call from the McRae's after I had photographed the Dinosaur Park, Pump it UP! run put on by the Brooks Rotary Club, in the SPRING (so so long ago). I was pretty excited to head down to Lethbridge to hang out with this family, even while the rain was threatening us with dark hovering clouds. I had never photographed in Lethbridge before and really loved the location they picked out... Indian Battle Park. If you are ever in the neighborhood, it's well worth a stroll around.

Sneaky Preview

2008-08-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

I have been having a really! good time editing this wedding and can't help myself. Just one...only one...

Melissa and Ben were married on July 19th in Canmore and were dead set on avoiding any too serious wedding photos and we had a great time scrambling around the old mine area and even managed to stay clean.

Just one....

Logan and Ethan are here!

2008-08-08T08:02:00.001-07:00

This was a very special session for me. Logan and Ethan are Geordie's Aunt, Vicky's nephews... was that confusing? They were born in June and had to be separated right away because of complications. Momma Jillian and Poppa Shawn drove to Vancouver the day after they were born to be with Ethan while the rest of the family stayed in Kelowna with Logan. CRAZY! Now they are all home and doing great.

Erica and Jeff are Hitched

2008-08-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

I have been away awhile and I know there are people - because they have told me!!! - who are anxious to have some new images up. I apologize for the wait, but a girls gotta have a bit of fun in the summer time. And, speaking of FUN! Erica and Jeff were having some SERIOUS fun on their wedding day, I can't believe how much laughter and giggles were shared during the few hours I got to spend with them. It could possibly be ranked up there in the most laughter wedding day of the year.

I noticed the scrumptious favors on the table when I arrived, I had a hard time keeping my fingers to myself. I thought these were a great gift for the guests.

Okay - seriously, have you seen a happier couple! I loved the energy and the excitement!

Jeff is a helicopter pilot and I was so excited when we found out we would be doing some photos on top of a mountain. I like this image of Jeff walking up to the helicopter.

What an incredible view from the top!

The wedding was held at the Canmore Ranch, and there were some colourful backdrops and barns to photograph near. When I left there were games of Bocce and Horse Shoeing going on, what a great way to entertain your guests!

Away until July 29th

2008-07-24T08:54:00.001-07:00

I'm headed to Pemberton Festival 2008 with 6 fantastic girlfriends. The concert line up is amazing and I am looking forward to a mini-break in between this super fun and busy summer.

Check back in a week for some great wedding pics!

Oh yeah - the image above is from a fantastic evening last week in Brooks.. Big Sky Baby, Big Sky!

Adrian Marcoux

2008-07-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard of him, you need to check him out. Adrian and I studied at the Western Academy of Photography together and he is a brilliant photographer. Adrian continues to shoot film, and in the random times that I get to see him these days, I am inspired by his dedication to the practice. He photographs people extremely well and has just posted some beautiful images from the Red Bull Psychosis Mountain Bike Race on his site, you need to see them... HERE

Patti & Jeremy are Married!

2008-07-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

This was a very exciting day! You may remember Patti and Jeremy from the photo session I did with their Daughter Aidan a few months ago. Patti and Jeremy were married at Tunnel Mountain on July 3rd. It was a fantastic, beautiful day. Patti is from Ontario and Jeremy is from New Brunswick, and a lot of people make the trek out west for the event.

Patti and I used to work at Zona's together, and the reception was held there, what a perfect place to meet with friends again. The place has just been renovated and it was beautifully set up for the event.

I had a wonderful time at your wedding Patti and Jer, thanks for asking me to be there and for bringing so many great people together again!

I love this photo of Jeremy's brother, Ryan, adjusting his nephew's tie.

Patti was so excited. We could hear her laughing from the parking lot, she has a wonderful and resonating laugh.

The Hendriks Family!

2008-07-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to share this post with everyone - especially after figuring out how to enlarge the images!!

Marise and Ziets are from South Africa originally and have been in Brooks for not much more than a year and called me to take some photographs, very specifically near a Canola Field, with Ziets' parents who are visiting and very much enjoying their new grand-daughter, Isabella. We had to wake Isabella up for the photos and I could not believe how observant, aware and photogenic she was!

I should share with you a behind the scenes moment from this session... I had just met Ziet's wonderful parents and asked them to casually stand near a cool barbed wire fence to get ready for a shot when the top post gave way and Ziet's Dad went crashing with the barbed wire to the ground. I am so glad everyone had a sense of humor because I was mortified as he lifted up his pant to show his wounded leg!.. not to mention when I almost head-butted him a little later, we soon learnt that I should stay very far away!

Thank you all for the wonderful session!

This image was one the last images taken as I looked back and saw Marise rocking Isabella, I think it's my favorite of the batch

The Bergs!

2008-07-14T16:20:00.001-07:00

I was so excited when Debbie, Brian, Nathan, Sara and Amy asked me to come out to their farm for a photo session. I had heard a lot about their home and how beautiful it was, and I was not disappointed! They gave me a full photo tour of their land and was in visual heaven! They had so many different buildings and views and machines, I could have spent all day out there!

Before I left they even fed me! Thank you for the getting me out to your farm for the morning and for the lemon squares. Hmmm!!!

Jessie & Steve are Married!

2008-07-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day for a wedding! I was so glad when Jessie and Steve asked me to photograph their wedding. I grew up with Jessie's sister, Amy and have watched Jessie turn into the beautiful Bride she was on her wedding day. There were so many great moments from her wedding and I hope you enjoy what I am sharing with you today. Thank you Jessie and Steve for letting me be a part of your day!

While Jessie was getting ready, her Mom, Judy told me that the last time her tree had bloomed was when Amy had gotten married in May 2005.

Jessies' nieces', Natalie and Jasmine did a fine job as flower girls!

My trusty assistant for the day Parker Bloom, who is has a keen eye for detail, suggested I bring the guys under the bridge, when I saw the shot I was super pumped. I love that the boys got right into the shoot. They were a lot of fun to work with.

Steve's ancestor was a member of the army and used this sword during his waring years. It has become a tradition in the Ashton family to cut the cake with the sword when you get married. The sword almost didn't arrive in time for the wedding, but I don't think Steve could have imagined having the show go on without it!

The Getaway car was the same car that Jessie and Steve drove to their high-school graduation!

Diggin' For Gold

2008-07-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

I have been spending some time admiring my Moms garden today. She has one heck of a green thumb, and I am always learning from her. While I was getting in close, this beautiful bee showed up and started working hard, I love how covered in pollen it is. While I was snapping away, the song "Diggin' for Gold" by the Panderers came to mind (They are awesome - check them out!). Bee gold is a beautiful gold.

Happy Canada Day!

2008-07-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a great and festive day!

We have had quite the weekend out here, with family from Holland visiting and lots of time spend at Lake Newell. My favorite evening was the night that just the ladies got to go out on the marsh and experience a colorful sunset and enjoy the symphonic sounds of the red winged and yellow headed black birds. Geordie took the first image of us heading out.

SOPHIE!!

2008-06-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

My oh my! It was SO hard to narrow these pictures down to just a few. I felt like in order to really share Sophie's personality, I needed to keep adding more and more.

Sophie is Geordies niece and I am always so glad when I get asked for a formal session. You'd think I would have Sophie and her sister Olivia plastered all over my blog, but when we are together, we just kinda hang out. It's so great to live close by and be able to watch these sisters grow like beanstalks AND they're just SO cute!

While I was doing some blog surfing the other day - because I am on the child photography train- I came across a great article, about investing in Custom Portraiture and Custom Photography in General- Check it out HERE. I also found out that one of the guys that Geordie was fishing with, his wife, Dana Pugh, is also a photographer, I am always pumped to know more people in the craft. I love her children's work. Check her cool Blog out HERE

Road Trippin'

2008-06-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

I have been on a great solo adventure this past week. Geordie and I headed to Cranbrook last friday for a friends wedding. As we were driving these BIG rain clouds were piling up above us, and we were worried about a soggy night in the tent that night and a soggy day for our friends' wedding. Luckily, it was just a soggy night in the tent and the clouds parted and our friends had a spectacular wedding day!

After the wedding, Geord took off on a great fishing adventure with his Dad and Brother in Saskatchewan and I turned my car west and headed to Rossland, Keremeos, Penticton, Salmon Arm and Golden for some visiting and mountain bike riding.

The craziest of the rain clouds that we saw!

I was pretty excited to visit my cousin Roger on his farm. Roger and his girlfriend Justine are learning to farm and will eventually take over this organic garlic farm in Cawston, BC. It was the highlight of my trip to spend some time with them and see what new path they are on. They put me right to work and I weeded potatoes and onions. Needless to say, I had a very sore back the next day.

Quinn is Justines son and boy does he have it good. Fresh food all the time and a lot of space to play in!

They planted some marigolds amoungst their onion crop and I thought the looked so pretty. Roger also told me they help keep the soil nematods away, some kind of bad bug.

Here's a sneak preview into some macro work I have been working on.

Mireille Stettler Designs

2008-06-11T09:16:00.001-07:00

* NOTE: Over Blogging Ahead!

Mireille Stettler is my best friend, we met in our late teens when Mireille joined the Cross Country Ski Team that I was a part of and our friendship grew out of long ski trips and traveling adventures. Mireille is a recent graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design in New York City, she graduated with honors and has a portfolio collection that makes my mouth water. I have been begging her for a long time to let me photograph her dresses and it just so happened that it all came together last week when she and her boyfriend, Gabor, made the trek to Brooks, Alberta to catch the local rodeo.

I called Erika, a friend in town and asked if she would model for us and she happily (and thankfully for us!) agreed. We could not have found a better person to do the job, she fit everything perfectly and while she has never modeled before, we think she truly is a natural - don't you!

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Mireille REALLY wanted to photograph this dress with horses, and I was not getting my hopes up. While we were waiting for a train to come (the train image is my favorite) a couple horses strutted over from their big pasture, it was as if they had gotten the memo.

It's raining, it's pouring....

2008-06-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

We have had a LOT of rain lately - Have I mentioned that yet?!?! I don't really mind it because I know that just around the corner is the dry months and the prairie turns to dust. The rain is setting us up with some great greenery for the rest of the summer.
An extra bonus is that the skies produce these brilliant rain clouds. I was driving home from a great portraiture session in Lethbridge this afternoon and had to pull over and grab a shot of what was headed right for me. Isn't it beautiful!

The Dyck Family

2008-06-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get a call from the Pam and Tom Dyck last week to take their family portraits. It has been raining in Brooks a LOT lately so we made a loose plan to get together and as luck would have it the weather held and we were granted a beautiful day. I was pretty excited too because we have great family friends in Canmore, Bert and Marilynn Dyck and I got to photograph their family at Christmas AND these families are all related - as in Uncles, Son's, Cousin's Kids... there is always a 6 degree's of separation.

When I arrived at their place, which is a little ways out of town, Pam gave me a quick tour of the yard, it was a visual heaven, great barns, fences and tree's everywhere. I was pretty excited to get started. I asked if they had an old truck, and Tom said "yeah, but it's a piece of junk" as we rounded the corner to where it was, I was greeted by this beat up read beast. It was perfect.

Alexandria, Caitlin and Ryan were great models, they jumped pretty high for me, and in uniform height, I was impressed!