Alana and Ante had an amazing wedding! I had the privelage of having two other photographers working with me for the day: the amazingly talented Nick Beaulieu and Kyla Kennedy! The three of us had an absolute blast. Kyla and I started with the ladies at the Hilton in Metrotown, where we met up with my lovely fiance Grit who had already been there 4 hours styling everyone’s hair! She did an amazing job as always, but thats besides the point. Nick was hanging with the guys at Alana and Ante’s new house (congrats again guys!).

The ceremony was filled with laughter and tears, and to top it off the light shining through the stained glass behind Alana and Ante was absolutely incredible!

After the ceremony we left for Deer Lake Park for our photosession. There was some amazing light and locations, and yet again I climbed another tree for a few photos … I won’t go into that much, but hey, if you love something, work it into your daily schedule, right? Photographers: If you need a different angle, climb! :)

As the sun was coming down, it was just about time to head to Nikkei Place for the reception. The speeches were hilarious and heartwarming, the dinner was perfect, and the dancing was out of control! :) About halfway through the reception I was feeling more of a guest to the wedding than the photographer! Everyone was so great and we had an absolute ball. Thank you guys so much for letting me be a part of your big day!

If you would like to view Alana + Ante’s Wedding Slideshow, please click here.

There’s one thing about being a Male Wedding Photographer… When someone mentions the word Manolo and your eyes widen like a kid in a candy store, people look at you.

Well actually, girls tend to high-five you and laugh, while most guys USUALLY stare blankly at you, wondering if Manolo was some kind of new reality show or fancy chocolate bar.

Truth is, its better.

Especially when its your wedding day. :)

Enter: Connie and Eric

My lovely 2nd photographer (and fiance) Grit started off at Eric’s parent’s house with the guys, while I was with the ladies at Brockhouse. Lisa and Kerri of Lisa Gregory Special Events were already working their magic with the decorations and everything was looking amazing! The ceremony was SO beautiful! I do have a bit of a confession I need to make though… I really try to do many things differently at every wedding, but there is one thing (in particular) that I keep consistant. At every single wedding ceremony I shoot I position myself at the front of the aisle so naturally I can get a photo of the bride walking up, but (and don’t take this the wrong way) I actually get more excited and emotional when I turn and photograph the groom’s reaction to seeing his bride coming towards him. Its that one moment where everything stops and the edges blur out…and right in the middle, crystal clear and glowing from the inside out, there she is. I don’t get choked up often at weddings (ok that’s a lie) but I’d have to say that watching the groom’s reaction is the one that usually does the trick. Eric was no exception to this. He’s a really awesome guy and had me laughing the entire day, but when Connie came down that aisle with her dad, Eric wore his heart on his sleeve. You could see every single moment together with Connie up until then was in itself a reason to stand there. And Connie of course, looking deeply into Eric’s eyes and smiling at the altar… those single moments with him up until then were exactly why she was there too. And every moment from then on afterwards? Well, thats just the icing on the cake. :)

Connie and Eric, thank you so much for inviting Grit and myself into your wedding day. We had an amazing time with you guys! :)

To view Connie + Eric’s wedding slideshow, please click here.

Last night was my last wedding of the ‘09 season! It was very bittersweet but we had an absolute blast with Alana and Ante, and I can’t WAIT to show you all just how absolutely perfect they were!

-Michael-

Natalie’s veil was passed down her family from generation to generation.. Its older than Canada and it still looks FLAWLESS!

Derek, you TOTALLY rock the GQ look!

One of these next two photos are going to grace my studio walls for the rest of eternity. 16×20″ Metallic Print? Without a question!
Trouble is, which one?

Can’t resist a sunset photo at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort!

Loved the detail and care put into the decorating at the reception!

Ah, the shoe game. Natalie seems pretty sure of herself on this one! I love the expression :)

One of Natalie’s friends sang a song for the two of them, it was so fantastic!

I had such an amazing time with you guys on your wedding day! I am SO jealous you guys went to Ireland for your honeymoon and I can’t wait to see some pics! Thank you so much for being the caring, loving, funny people that you are, I wish you all the best in your many years together!