I felt as if Betty was a girlfriend I haven’t seen in ages from the moment I stepped into her cozy Vancouver condo. We chatted, joked and laughed about what kind of a workout we are both getting on either side of the lens! This boudoir diva looks like she belongs on a Brazilian beach, sipping a cocktail out of a coconut or seducing someone terribly handsome in an Argentinean tango…
It was such a joy to photograph you, Betty. Here are some of my favourites…
I kept telling Betty every few minutes I had a new favourite shot of her. This one, still, is at the top of my list. You are so gorgeous!
And this one 
I like this out of focus boudoir silhouette … Betty looks so dreamy.
I was mesmerized with Betty’s luxurious hair … 
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And some more action:
Lena & Jason of ![[b] workshop](http://www.katyanovablog.com/wp-content/uploads/b11-blog.jpg "[b] workshop")
Here I am, posing for Becker 
There it was, Sherry’s bright red bow in the midst of the gloomy Vancouver gastown alley.
Last but not least, check out this wicked lunch Jonathan Heppner made for us!
My partner in crime for many things I’m so passionate about … sentimental memories, great friendships, witty humour, adventurous travel, good food & wine … Polina!
This next one puts a smile on my face and makes me think of my mama. Every time we talk that I mention green grass and lush trees in the middle of winter, she turns to my dad on the other line and jokingly asks if they can please move to Vancouver 
Love and inspiration are all around. And today I’ve decided on a new resolution … To treat myself to fresh seasonal flowers once a week. Hm, maybe on Mondays? That’s right. Here I go.
And a humongous thank-you to Vancouver dating coach 
We put in well over 20 hours over the weekend, not counting the booth set-up and tear-down… It was so great to go upstairs and crash at the Vancouver Bayshore Westin Hotel! I loved the view of Coal Harbor from the 9th floor, even though I didn’t get to enjoy it much. It was about 8 am on the Sunday morning when I snapped this shot before heading out again!
I decided to hold a prize draw for a 
And followed up with this announcement yesterday…
I won’t make you wait any longer. The winner of a saucy Boudoir Photo Shoot is…
And the winners are …
Robyn’s best friend and incredibly talented Vancouver designer 
What’s a wedding gown without a little corset tightening!
“Robyn, do you think he will cry?” … “Hm, one tear. He will cry one tear.” 
There was something about this first 2010 wedding that I was looking forward to most - the First Look… I was so thrilled when Robyn & Graeme agreed to see each other for the first time before the ceremony! We decided to meet in Gastown, in the character building of Malene’s cozy 
Ah! But let’s back up for a moment. Graeme slowly walked up the stairs to meet his radiant soulmate on the 9th floor… Standing in the light of his halo…
The weather was incredible for January, but it POURED, DRIZZLED, and simply RAINED the whole afternoon! Robyn & Graeme were such troupers, shedding their umbrella for me for some timeless urban bridal portraits. I loved my first Vancouver wedding in the rain. Loved it.
I caught Robyn running into this Gastown alley as I tripped over a puddle… It’s out of focus, but I love the ‘runaway-bride’ effect!
And a little saucy grunge of a typical Vancouver back alley.
Robyn is amazing. She is so kind, genuine, and gorgeous … I loved every moment with her!
I was really excited to take Robyn & Graeme to the famous Vancouver Gastown Blood Alley…
The perfect overcast sky over Stanley Park was our next location for more bridal portraits. By then I was so soaked, there was no point in hiding under an umbrella 
A moment later, the lens cover is off… Robyn, you are my star. And her gorgeous bouquet was made by her mom Patsy. So much love in that arrangement!
The ceremony time was approaching and we made our way to the Vancouver 
Robyn is minutes away from saying ‘I do.’
Robyn & Graeme had a beautiful reception at the 
The little precious boots atop of this heavenly cake made by Graeme’s sister Amber have been in the family for over a 100 years. Robyn & Graeme, you are exceptional people, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful wedding with me! 
And here are a few of my absolute favourites of me 
Don’t I look so happy and hopeful?! Looking up to catch the rain drops … looking forward to an amazing 2010!
The women danced and proclaimed joyous blessings ‘Ah Weeeee-ha’ and danced around the groom and his barber, who worked with the precision of a surgeon. Soon after, the men joined in, also managing to realize a sly plan to soil Zak’s face with shaving cream just as the barber finished his impeccable job!
Another Lebanese wedding tradition followed, whereby the groom was to get dressed methodically by the men. His suit jacket, tie, watch, belt, and even shoes!
Although Lebanese food deserves it’s own blog post, here is a peek at the irresistible treats… Mmmmm… And the yoghurt dip - a personal favourite of my dad and I 
It was time to rush to the bride, I couldn’t wait to see Zeina! As I walked into the house, I couldn’t help but notice a white creeping cloud of pure -40c accompanying me … Quick, quick, close the door!
Back inside, Zeina’s gorgeous bouquet.
I love this shot of Zeina. She looks like a queen to be, surrounded by her princesses (and one little prince) 
Moments away from seeing each other for the first time, Zak is looking out for his bride! Zaffeh is the traditional Arabic celebration, which symbolizes escorting the bride to her husband.
I was so happy to sneak out to the Aviation Museum with Zeina & Zak for literally a few minutes, right after the traditional family portraits. I was hoping for some daylight photos inside, but the tired December sun went down so quickly! We still managed to get a few shots, and here are my favourites. I like the harsh ambient light and mysterious moodiness…
Zeina looked so beautiful. We got a few moments to spend together before the reception at the Westin Hotel.
The traditional first dance… The videographer and I did just as much dancing around them 
It was so great to have Randy Lim of 
Many of you commented on my logo font - indeed, it’s a tribute to my Slavic roots! It’s an old Russian font and I looove it. 
I love what Nick of Spilled Milk Designs has done with my ‘Nova experience’ room. I really want to connect with you and make you feel as if you know me after you’ve visited 
I’m also head over heels for the Registry page they’ve created for me - it allows photography clients, their family and friends to get photography gift certificates in different denominations! 
I hope my face on the web will make many people smile… Just the way I try to do the same in person!
And here are are the snugglers and the cuddlers of the house - these tender creatures are Masya (the lighter one with a baby face, named after a comical Russian cartoon character 
Back in Vancouver, Mick and I were blessed to get an invitation for Christmas dinner from our new friends Zdenka & Ardin - we met them at the 
First Christmas morning in Vancouver… I slept in as always! And got a little surprise of a Christmas tree and a singing puppy, whom I rapidly named Rudolph. I didn’t ask much of Santa this time around. Just to bring me beautiful weddings with life-loving brides and grooms for 2010. Yeah!!
Here’s Angela … absorbing the soft beats of Buddha Bar. 
This is one of my favourites … who could ever get this magic in a studio?!
I couldn’t resist asking Angela to jump into their fabulous tub at the end of our session. I love the soft natural light coming from the window above! Richard must have been at least a little curious as to why the water was running while we were shooting - and thank goodness he didn’t let it overflow :) 
Angela, you are such a remarkable femme fatale! Thank you so much for trusting me, letting me portray your beauty, and inspiring women everywhere to give and get the gift of boudoir! I will be announcing a Vancouver Boudoir Marathon soon, so stay tuned! A boudoir surprise photography session could be the perfect gift for you man. But on second thought, any day can be a Valentine’s Day…
by Katya Nova
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