We drove two hours after finishing the previous wedding and set up our tent by lantern light to arrive in time for the most wonderful weekend.
A camping adventure.
In the park where they met, so long ago.
Promises by the ocean.
The salt sea breeze of the warm summer night lingering, as they danced under the stars.
The rain didn’t seem like it was going to hold off, I was hopeful.
The wedding in the garden was going to happen.
Love finds a way.
I’m bad at blogging, I’ll be the first to admit it. We’ve shot some rad weddings that are begging to be shared.
I often crave a nap by the ocean after a long drive, and we frequently venture far enough off the highway to make one happen in Port Rexton.
The drive for the nap is worth it though, after the chocolates in Trinity, the Sandwich from Two Whales and of course, the cold one from The Brewery. Lying on the beach, with the cool breeze blowing the taste of salt onto your lips and the rocks, warm from the heat, pressing against your back – you hope the moment never ends.
That’s what shooting this wedding felt like.
Sometimes, he helps her into the dress.
Sometimes, it’s balmy and breezeless during the month of February in Newfoundland.
Sometimes, instead of an officiant – you can have a song.
But you should always, be true to yourselves.
  
  
  
Sometimes I can convince people to get all dressed up and go on a day after adventure. No stress. No timelines. Pure freedom.
It’s beautiful.
When the guests all leave, the anniversary cake has been ate, when the years pass down the road; will you look back on your wedding and remember it as carefree and fun? Will you remember fondly the memories you made with your very best friends and family?
Hayley and Kai will.
They’ll look back and smile at the tiny cabin by the sea, breakfast cooked by Dad, the legion of dogs, a tiny ceremony near the beach, the Jigg’s Dinner at the Twillingate Masonic Temple and the drunken laughter of their nearest and dearest while they slow danced by a fire.
We were made to feel like family, these were our people.
Be true to yourself, especially on your wedding day.
  
It was first brought up, jokingly.
Then we sat on the idea.
Then the idea lit a fire.
We got Dad to be on board.
There’s an immense amount of trust that goes into taking photos of someone giving birth. Communication is key, a huge level of comfort is always welcomed and a bucket load of love is required. There’s such an incredible support system that is in place during a home birth, there’s an energy and a connection that every person in the room will share for the rest of their life. It’s pure magic.
I feel blessed, because I’ve watched the love these two share grow over the last few years. I can still close my eyes and picture Jill on the beach on their wedding day, in the middle of a hurricane, her hair blowing around her face and Jason gazing down with a kind of love that books are written about. Clients come and go, it’s a part of the business; but every now and then… the most amazing ones come along. Eventually you feel like family, eventually you get a phone call in the middle of supper to “Come over, the contractions are close and the baby is coming really fast”
Love you THREE!
PS: 12 days later I got to hang out with Daniel again, but this time he was a little more well prepared and had his best blue steel ready.
I wish I could shoot this wedding again, and again and again.
You will never in your life meet a more beautiful and genuinely caring person than Natasha. Her counterpart, Steve is the perfect ying to her yang. Their breathtaking timeless grace is complimented by the most amazing sense of humor and appreciation of a good time.
This was a little extra special, because of the dress. The dress was originally Natasha’s mothers, and over the course of a year it was transformed into the dress Natasha wore on her wedding day. I was lucky enough to visit the seamstress with her and capture the whole thing being made from start to finish; watching her mother help put it on her was emotional for the whole room.
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
My favourite wedding, with my favourite couple.
This one happened last July, and I won’t even apologize for all the detail photos because Amy & Josh  + Murray’s Pond = magic. PURE FRIGGIN’ MAGIC.
  
  
  
  
  
Venue: Murray’s Pond Fishing & Country Club
Dessert Table: Petite Sweet
Flowers: The Flower Studio
Decor: KimspirationsÂ
Shooting another photographer’s wedding is nothing short of an honor, especially when that photographer is the one and only Aamie Gillam. She’s my soul sister, no doubt.
Really enjoyed the carefree energy Aamie, Jim and their friends brought to the day – they were up for anything, and you knows we loves a good adventure.
Sandra-Lee Photography 