Thank you! I'll get back to you shortly!

Sorry, it didn't work, please try again?!

Katya Nova Photography bio picture

WELCOME, I'M KATYA NOVA...

... and thanks for sharing my journey of documenting Love! You'll find updates here a few times a week, as I always have exciting things going on. I love to capture moments in their natural ambiance, without forcing or rushing them. I also love making those in front of my lens look and feel like movie stars.

Yoga, foreign films, and Italian red wine rock my world. I sing in the car and love traveling alone. I'm also most probably going to cry at your wedding...

I believe Green is the new Black. My passion and commitment to making the most sustainable choices means using the highest quality eco-friendly albums and prints. 

                             *          *          *

Katya Nova is a Wedding & Lifestyle Portrait Photographer based in Vancouver, Canada. Available for Destination Weddings & Honeymoons.

Please e-mail me or use the 'contact' form.

I can't wait to hear from you and look forward to your comments!

    Warmly, 

                      Katya Nova. 

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort. Sunshine Coast Wedding. Camila & Dan.

We drove through the serpantine roads of Sunshine Coast, talking about exactly how much dancing we should expect from a Portuguese-Brazilian-Italian wedding full of beautiful people. We were right! What an amazing celebration…

I was really excited Rob & I would be Camila & Dan’s wedding photographers at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort on the breathtaking Sunshine Coast of British Columbia also for a tiny selfish reason… My birthday would fall on the day after their wedding, August 1st. I knew it would be the bestest excuse to spend the day only with my best friend, partner, lover, and handsomest second shooter, in the serene surroundings of the resort grounds. Having that to look forward to made the weekend that much sweeter.

But Camila and Dan might have been looking forward to this Big Day even more… and it was finally here. I could sense their shallow breaths as the isle shortened between them. Greeted by the awesome marriage commissioner’s Greg Soohen’s encompassing smile, they trembled to exchange vows. At least I think they trembled. I have to confess, I get so wrapped up and emotional sometimes, that I hold my breath at least until they kiss. And then I just want to make them kiss over and over again… So I might be a bit off on the ‘trembling’ part :)

I’ll let the images below tell the story, but I do want to draw your attention to the tenthouse suites you’ll see towards the end - if there was a picture beside the word ‘romantic’ in the dictionary, it would have to be of these mind-blowing accommodations and ocean view. The only thing to annoy you during this paradise retreat would be the adorable racoons!!

getting ready suite secret cove resortsunshine coast wedding photographerrockwater secret cove bc wedding photosportuguese brazilian wedding bc photoscute flower girl wedding photosrockwater secret cove wedding sunshine coastsunshine coast wedding photographersbridal photos sunshine coast resort weddingitalian wedding bc sunshine coastmoet champagne at wedding photosrockwater secret cove ceremony photossunshine coast ceremony photossunshine coast bc ceremony receptionitalian wedding sunshine coast bccreative bridal photos sunshine coastbeautiful wedding photos sunshine coasttimeless bridal portraits sunshine coastbridal party portraits sunshine coast beachrockwater secret cove beach weddingsunshine coast beach wedding photosportuguese bc wedding photossunshine coast bc wedding cakesunshine coast wedding viewsrunaway bride creative photosGorgeous views of Rockwater Secret Cove, Sunshine Coast, BCperfect sunshine coast wedding photographernova wedding photographers at workAscending to their oceanfront tenthouse… paradise.
tenthouse suites rockwater cove resort weddingwedding tenthouse suite rockwater secret coveI love this image… Shot through the glass pane of the front door to their honeymoon tenthouse suite.rockwater cove wedding romantic suitesunshine coast rockwater receptionview portfolio |   let’s connect on facebook & twitter |   email katya

Pacific Shores Wedding. Vancouver Island, Craig Bay. Meghan & Andrew.

If you ever heard the story of Meghan & Andrew’s first kiss, you’d know they were destined to be together.

Although they grew up in the same town, they didn’t meet each other until university… and didn’t flirt till Andrew finally walked Meghan home one ‘fateful night.’ Their friends played a joke on them at the time, leaving them behind to making them walk … ahem, hike home from a party. Somehow they ended up in a muddy pumpkin patch on the side of the road, where they shared their first last kiss, covered in mud from head to toe (my imagination is running wild on this one, what a great idea for a photoshoot, hehe).

Their Vancouver Island Pacific Shores wedding left Rob & I breathless, we truly felt like family having spent the weekend with them. We were so glad to have arrived on Friday, the day before the wedding… It gave us a chance to drool over the gorgeous views of Craig Bay and Parksville, BC and even steal Meghan & Andrew away for a quick sunset photoshoot before their wedding.

It was perfect. Meghan must have spent hours lovingly creating the center pieces for reception tables, crafting boutonnieres and making sure the details were flawless - everything glowed with love.

Butterflies in my stomach and boombox on Rob’s shoulder, we prepared for Meghan & Andrew’s ‘first look’ at Schooner Cove Marina in Nanoose Bay … it was magical! (Although I was the only sentimental goon with tears in my eyes again) :) Time flew as we celebrated their love, roaming around the Yacht Club - there’s really not much to add - I can’t wait for you to scroll down so you can witness it yourself. I got a bunch of wood splinters in my hands and knees from shooting there, but it was all so worth it!!

creative wedding decoration diycreative boutonniere wedding ideasI couldn’t resist sharing this adorable note from Meghan to the boys :)
funny wedding notes pacific shores wedding getting ready photoscraig bay bc wedding photographerView of Craig Bay Parksville BC from the bridal suite at Pacific Shores Resort & Spa (1-600 Stroulger Road, Nanoose Bay, BC - (250) 468-7121)pacific shores vancouver island wedding venuesvancouver island fun wedding photosvancouver island wedding photographerI love this shot Rob took. I seriously need to give and get a hundred hugs a day…  so brides beware ;)
wedding photographer client relationshipfirst look bridal portraits vancouver islandschooner cove wedding photos The first look at Schooner Cove Yacht Club in Nanoose Bay… I get goosebumps just sitting here and blogging these special moments! vancouver island best wedding photosvancouver island wedding photojournalisticvancouver island unique wedding photos vancouver island schooner bay wedding photosfirst look vancouver island wedding photo ideasnanoose bay wedding photographer photosvancouver island fishermans wharf wedding photosbest wedding photos vancouver island I just love this. If I remember correctly, the tune at the moment is ‘What is love, baby don’t hurt me‘ and Rob is rolling his eyes at me :) bridal wedding photos dancing on marinafishermans wharf wedding photosI was debating whether I should post this since I kinda look like a beached whale here… But totally - don’t you want to know how I got those splinters? :) funny wedding photographer photostimeless bridal photos vancouver island wedding romantic marina vancouver island ocean wedding photosA quick nap before the ceremony never hurt anyone… That’s how hard I worked the groom!wedding nap before ceremony sleepingpacific shores wedding ceremony outsideblack white pacific shores wedding ceremony vancouver island outdoor wedding ceremony ideascandid wedding ceremony photos vancouver islandpacific shores wedding ceremony photographersMore beautiful reception details…creative reception decorations vancouver islandpacific shores wedding reception photoscreative wedding decorations vancouver island ideassummer wedding pacific shores receptionvancouver island wedding photographervancouver island wedding reception ideasview portfolio |   let’s connect on facebook &  twitter |   email katya

August 25, 2010 - 17:41 Ekaterina - Love it Katya, love it. I never get tired of your photos!

August 25, 2010 - 12:38 rebecca sehn - Beautiful!!!

St. Paul Alberta Wedding. Mandy & Tom.

They call each other ‘dear’ in the most tender way I’ve ever heard, and they are still in their early twenties… How beautiful is that? If you were to meet Mandy for the first time, you wouldn’t think to ask her how she’s doing - her glowing smile and gorgeous blue eyes sparkle with such brimless joy, dimming any crowd. And if you didn’t remember her name, you would have to say ‘that sweetheart’… Their wedding was perfect. Rob and I woke up at 4 am on Saturday morning to do the Jasper - St. Paul drive of about 6 hours from Kim & Wes’ wedding. I slept most of the way, while Rob happily listened to his iPod and loaded up on Pedialite and Redbull. I had missed the prairies… You would think the lovely town of St. Paul didn’t have much to offer, but check out the treasure spots Mandy and her mom scouted for our bridal portraits! If it wasn’t for the huge hungry mosquitos eating us alive in the fields and barnyards, I wouldn’t want to leave!! And I couldn’t say enough for their awesome bridal party… Hello beautiful people! We danced, we laughed, we cared not about biting the dust :)

Mandy & Tom, I adore you guys. To pieces. I pray that the love in the images I’ve created does your LOVE justice.bridesmaids dress photoscreative bridal hair picturesThis gorgeous bouquet was an inspiration from my couture bridal shoot last year…
unique bridal bouquets st paulcandid beautiful bridesmaids black white weddingalberta wedding photojournalistst paul wedding bride getting readyst paul wedding antique car photosst paul wedding photographerst paul church wedding st paul wedding photographerbride st paul alberta photographerfield of yellow flowers wedding picturesst paul bridal best site for picturesst paul best wedding picturessmall town unique weddingalberta bridal couture portrait real bridesalberta beautiful small town wedding I love this one… It felt like the walls were about to cave in!
alberta edmonton wedding photography teamcanada high fashion wedding photosbridal party portraits wedding st paulsmall town alberta barnyard wedding photossexy wedding pictures black whitesexy bride wedding photos edmontonalberta barnyard creative wedding picturesintimate wedding portraits canada photographersblack white creative bridal photosRob found a little girlfriend on the dancefloor… She must have been 4 going on 19. Here’s his ‘flirty’ face…edmonton fun wedding photographer teamst paul wedding reception st paul reception hall candid photosphotography for couples in love canadaview portfolio |   connect with katya on facebook & twitter |   email katya

August 6, 2010 - 10:53 Noelia - Gorgeous!

August 6, 2010 - 00:44 Jolie - Best yet Darling. Remember when I told you that you would miss the Prairies? I'm going to head back soon myself. Beautiful photos my lady (and Mister.) xo

August 6, 2010 - 00:09 Lori - Stunning and very beautiful imagery. A very good looking couple too!

Vancouver Stanley Park Engagement. Natasha & Samir.

One day, Natasha looked at the leftover Black Forest cake in her fridge and thought of this cute guy from law school. The next day she presented it to him in a tupperware container between classes. The next time Samir would buy a Black Forest cake would be to set a picnic on the gorgeous shore at Deep Cove, to propose.

Samir is so effortlessly romantic, Natasha - so adorable and quirky. It’s amazing to be around them. There’s such a quiet tenderness between these two souls, I want to call their love … classic.

My favourites from our Stanley Park session are definitely from the Brockton Point Lighthouse - I felt transformed to some place Mediterranean, this is what I imagine some island Greece would feel like… The light was so soft and delicious, the air - still and filled with love.

stanley park sunset engagement picturesvancouver lighthouse stanley park photosvancouver indian engagement photographerlighthouse photos bc romanticdocumentary wedding photographer bcbc destination wedding photographermodern indian wedding vancouver photographerocean engagement photos british columbiavancouver engagement photographer indian coupleenglish bay engagement pictures sunsetAnd the beloved Black Forest cake! They are lucky to have forgotten napkins - I would’ve been encouraging them to get much messier :) engagement pictures with cakeeating cake romantic picturescreative engagement photos vancouverview portfolio |   connect with katya on facebook & twitter |   email katya

July 29, 2010 - 01:21 stacy squires photography - great fun photos :-)

English Bay Stanley Park Engagement. Leah & Andrew.

The first time I met Leah & Andrew was in their beautiful Gastown home and I was wearing an inexplicably ugly sweater from Value Village… made explicable only by the theme of this merry gathering - a Christmas ‘ugly sweater’ party my girlfriend Polina dragged me to, whom you may remember as the bride from my favourite wedding in Blue River, BC last summer.

We drank copious amounts of red wine and discussed Leah & Andrew’s engagement… needless to say, passing my business cards around was the last thing on my mind! Thankfully, my ugly sweater and loud laughs didn’t stop these two from choosing me to be the one to document their wedding!!

For our engagement session, we decided to pay tribute to their love of our beautiful city of Vancouver in morning light… Catching the crisp drowsy 6 am light seemed like a great idea - that would be a first for me, the night owl. Two alarm clocks chirped simultaneously in my apartment and minutes later I was in my Starbucks for a grande soy latte. Leah & Andrew looked amazing! We started our shoot at the English Bay Laughing Statues - don’t you think we did them justice?! :)

I’m so grateful that they gave me a reason to wake up and experience ‘my hood’ this early - Stanley Park is nothing short of magical this time of day… The serenity and silence, fresh forest scents, birds singing - it was perfect. I’m also incredibly grateful they are giving me a reason to come back to Vancouver at the end of August after my move back to Edmonton… I can’t wait to document their wedding! english bay laughing statues engagement picturesvancouver english bay statues photosvancouver west end engagement sessionvancouver couples wedding photographercomplimentary engagement session vancouvervancouver summer engagement sessionvancouver destination wedding photographercreative engagement stanley parkstanley park couples fun portraitsvancouver engagement pictures ideascreative stanley park engagement picturesstanley park totem poles engagement photostotem poles couples pictures vancouverview portfolio |   connect with katya on facebook & twitter |   email katya

July 30, 2010 - 09:14 Merrideth MacDonald - These photos of Leah and Andrew are absolutely amazing. I love them so much! (They people and the photos).

July 28, 2010 - 12:38 Angela Hubbard - great work babe

Edmonton Downtown Engagement. Yuliya & Peter.

Yuliya wanted nothing to do with him. Sure, he was cute and Polish, but a workplace romance was out of the question. But Piotr was in no rush, he knew it would only be a matter of time before she gave in and melted into his arms. I love their playfulness… Piotr makes Yuliya glow, blush, and laugh as if they are on their first date.

Rob & I met these two at Cafe Select, Edmonton’s possibly most romantic restaurant. This is where Peter got down on one knee to ask his beloved woman to be his wife!

Yuliya nervously sipped a martini in the soft candle light. I knew we would have a blast! And so we did, strolling through the empty downtown streets… edmonton downtown engagement picturesedmonton creative wedding photographersedmonton cafe select engagement sessioncouples in love edmonton photosedmonton urban engagement picturesalberta wedding photographersdowntown edmonton couples picturesHere’s my beautiful man in action :) edmonton couples photographer teamassistant photographer couples photosedmonton brick wall engagement picturesedmonton unique engagement photographyview portfolio |   connect with katya on facebook & twitter |   email katya

July 27, 2010 - 22:09 Robyn Hooper - As always, amazing

July 27, 2010 - 17:51 Ekaterina - Very nice, Katya! You make any backdrop look beautiful.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Wedding. Kim & Wes.

It was finally around the corner. Actually, around breathtaking bends of mountaintops, lakes, and forests on the way to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a magical getaway and the perfect setting for Kim & Wes to finally exchange their vows. Rob & I arrived the night before, just in time for Canada Day celebrations with the dangerously fun bridal party and guests… Luckily, we managed to sneak out of the rowdy pub early enough to look around, get settled and devise a plan for their gorgeous golf course wedding.

I’ll have to admit at this point, Rob & I had way too much fun driving the golf cart around while getting some fun shots of the boys playing golf!! I’ve never really had an interest in learning to play (I would most probably hurt myself, innocent bystanders, damage property, and burst my tiny patience bubble within minutes), but I think I might give it a try after this experience afterall … sometime. It was so much fun, in fact, that Rob came up with a plan of blindfolding Wes for the ‘first look’ and driving them to a stunning lake-side location somewhere … a golf cart ride away. It was brilliant!

I’ve shared how special Kim & Wes are to me in their engagement session post, but I really don’t think words could do justice to how grateful I am for having shared their wedding day so intimately. Thank you for filling my heart with so much joy, guys. And for treating us like family.

jasper park lodge wedding photographerjasper park golf course weddingjasper wedding photojournalistjasper golf course summer weddingjasper lodge spa photosjasper alberta wedding photographerjasper park lodge wedding getting readyalberta destination wedding photographersjasper lodge bridal suite photosbridal flowers wedding jasperHow cool is this? Not sure if both of them find it amusing though!
groom blindfolded first look picturesbride groom golf cart picturesMore golf cart fun - Rob hanging off the side on the way to our ‘first look’ spot. Yep, he lives on the wild side like that!
wedding photographers jasper albertafirst look before ceremony pictureswedding day gift giving traditionsruby engagement ring photosjasper bridal portraitsjasper national park wedding photographerjasper wedding black white photosgroom with bouquet wedding jasperunique bridal portraits jaspercreative bridal pictures jasper banffcreative wedding pictures jasperThe ceremony on the Jasper Golf Course was so touching … but this moment really pushed me over the edge.jasper golf course wedding ceremonyjasper wedding ceremony picturesThese ladies were too much fun. Legendary fun!
bridesmaids wedding portraitsgroomsmen wedding picturesintimate wedding pictures canada wedding photographerview portfolio   |   connect with katya on facebook & twitter   |   email katya

July 28, 2010 - 15:50 Katie - My god you are talented, Katya! And Kim, so so beautiful!

July 26, 2010 - 20:51 Cat Watson - Oh my gosh LOVE the different bridesmaids dresses! Such great shots, so crisp and beautiful. Well done:)

St. Albert Botanical Park Engagement. Megan & Cameron.

I giggled at the sight of Rob carrying the lovingly arranged bouquet bouncing in a beautiful vase that Megan & Cam brought to our St. Albert Botanic Park engagement session. Just in case there wasn’t enough love in the air among the four of us … there was a bottle of delicious champagne and soft strumming of Cam’s beloved guitar. It was perfect. I couldn’t say enough about the tenderness, love, and respect between these two - I only hope my images would speak volumes!

edmonton photographer team in actionst albert botanic park engagement photosengagement ring champagne photo sessionedmonton engagement photos uniquest albert engagement pictures champagnecreative engagement pictures st albertedmonton wedding photographers creativeengagement portrait ideas engagement pictures guitar romanticromantic engagement portraits edmontonmegan cam engagement photos naturesunset engagement photos albertakatya nova wedding photographersnova wedding couples portraits canadacreative couples photography edmontonview portfolio |   connect with katya on facebook & twitter | email katya

July 19, 2010 - 12:02 Megan - Katya you are wonderful! Thank you for being an amazing photographer and wonderful person!! Soooo excited to have you document our wedding :) xo

July 19, 2010 - 06:16 Cat Watson - Absolutely gorgeous. Amazing light, amazing job! That's quite a rock she has:)

Renaissance Hotel Vancouver Wedding. Jamie & Jon.

Jamie is so easy to love. Every time I see her, I just want to squeeze her and plant the biggest smooch on her cheek. I couldn’t resist, having walked into her Mariott Renaissance Hotel bridal suite. Wow. The traditional ceremony at the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Parish was so touching. Jamie was now a step away from Jon, gently holding on to her dad’s arm. A heavy single tear overwhelmed her radiant face. I welled up at once… thank goodness for autofocus!

Jamie & Jon’s creative bridal portraits are very special to me, as we spent most of the time shooting in and around my building and my English Bay neighborhood. After stopping for bubble tea, we made ourselves comfortable in the small cozy park beside my building and rocked out to the boombox beats. We then went on to the seawall, to entertain rollerblading/biking/jogging traffic! I’m so grateful for Jamie & Jon’s trust. They really pushed their boundaries for me… and for kissed lots in public!!!

Their beautiful reception at the Mariott Renaissance Harbourside Hotel came alive with the live performance by Checo Tohomaso, an incredible wedding singer who poured his soul out with a bit of soul and jazz. He once sang with the Commodores and Lionel Ritchie, and now was gracing us with his passion and funk!

It was also so much fun to work with the awesome videographer, Dennis Bauyon… We didn’t bump into each other even once :)

Jamie & Jon, you rock. Thank you for making it so effortless to capture your love. Rob & I look forward to laughing with you over wine soon!

vancouver bridal portraitsvancouver wedding photographervancouver wedding emotional momentsvancouver wedding ceremony catholic churchst joseph the worker catholic parish weddingHere’s Rob breathing down my neck for this shot… Love love love. catholic parish vancouver weddingunique vancouver wedding picturesHere’s my favourite sushi comfort food place, with an alluring name ‘Yummy to Go,’ just across the street from my sweet English Bay apartment. Jamie & Jon waiting for their bubble teas…bridal portraits sushi restaurantvancouver bridal pictures english bayWho could say ‘no’ to a gorgeous bride on her wedding day?! Certainly not this bus driver!bridal portraits bus vancouverenglish bay wedding photos wedding day portraiture vancouvercreative bridal portraits vancouvergroomsmen wedding picturesedmonton wedding photographerseawall vancouver wedding picturescreative bridal portraits vancouver weddingblack white english bay vancouver wedding bride veil portraitsblack white bridal couturemariott renaissance hotel vancouver wedding 1133 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3T3
(604) 689-9211

Here’s the wedding singer Checo Tohomaso, shaking up the guests… He sang a few Lionel Ritchie songs that my dad used to play when I was a little girl and didn’t understand a word of English. Oh, so good I was melting!

chico wedding singerrenaissance wedding picturesview portfolio |   connect with katya on facebook & twitter |   email katya

July 15, 2010 - 21:56 s h e r r y - LOVE the shots of them in the grass, with her veil over both of them. And the shot of Jon dipping Jamie- hawt hawt hawt!

July 15, 2010 - 10:18 Sona - Katya, Well done!! These are incredible! You still find new ways to amaze me! :)

July 15, 2010 - 10:10 steph - Beautiful work Katya! congrats to the couple :)

July 15, 2010 - 10:06 Robyn Hooper - You never cease to amaze me. Your photos are amazing!

July 15, 2010 - 10:13 Tweets that mention Renaissance Hotel Vancouver Wedding. Jamie & Jon. | Katya Nova Photography -- Topsy.com - [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Katya Nova, Katya Nova. Katya Nova said: Easy to love. Renaissance wedding. http://tinyurl.com/28u6zs6 [...]