Katya Nova Photography » Vancouver Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer | Lifestyle Portraits { Intimate Narrative Documenting Your Love }

So she’s getting married. If there was a definition of ‘girl power’ in the dictionary, her picture would be next to it. 

Oh, Mexico. Adventures. Some - we expected and anticipated, and others … not so much. The swine flu is the talk of the town. More like all across North America. And the world. It’s hard to fathom the consequences of something so horrible and deadly while indulging in the salty fresh air, digging toes into the grainy golden sand, and soaking up the sun. We’ve made the best of it.

Today I’ve seen the waters of the Pacific Ocean meet the waters of the Sea of Cortez. I’ve run across the scorching sand to pop open a Corona ‘cervesa’ chilled in the ocean. I let its foam run down my chin and smiled at my amazing girlfriends. Here are some of our priceless moments!

Six fabulous overworked yet gleaming young women arrive in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They’ve been the best of friends since they’ve pretended to rock high heels without a hick-up. “Gracias, amigo” become their parasite words before they get to their hotel. All they can talk about are the two of their other fabulous girlfriends, Tannis and Natasha, that are left behind and the despicable prices of Corona at 85 cents per thirst quencher. Gosh darn it. We are blessed.

The real reason all of us have made it here is Polina’s ’stagette’ - we’re gonna kick it up a notch because it’s 10 days long!! Yumm. The fabulous four in the Sex and the City movie had made it their choice as well, and we were somewhat swayed!! We love you, Polinaaaa-Malina!

Their love is infectious. And they have the wickedest sense of humor. No, really. You just have to be there. Brett is a handsome and super sweet bad-ass … and he drowns in Koranne’s larger-than-life eyes. Every time.

Armed with Brett’s cowboy boots, we hopped in their truck to scout out some funky properties to trespass - namely, an abandoned barnyard I saw on the way to their house in Spruce Grove. Shortly after, Koranne bravely knocked on doors of nearby good neighbors to find out if we can safely explore. And eventually, halfway through our shoot, a smiling man drove up in a truck to give us his ‘blessing.’ Heck, yeah, I’m coming back! Just have to come up with a juicy story to tell whomever comes with me :) 

I can’t wait to document their love at their magical garden wedding this August!

A few weeks ago I was privileged to help host an incredible boutique sale for my great friends, Michele and Brett. They’ve truly raised the bar in expanding our boundaries and providing the most amazing latex clothing experience with their exclusive company Kinky Closet. Little did I know, I would have the largest selection of latex clothing outside of Montreal … all in my downtown apartment! Friends from all walks of life came over for the experience. Michele and Brett are truly unbelievable, they can put anyone at ease and make everyone feel so amazing. For their wedding, Michele is planning to wear a custom-made latex wedding gown! Can you imagine?! I quietly hope I can be their wedding photographer… 

For now, here are a few highlights of the spontaneous photoshoot on my balcony:

Every woman needs to pay tribute to the beauty she has been blessed with.

Surely, there is at least one feature or body part we would all gladly trade! The truth is, we must embrace our flaws and love ourselves for who we are and what we look like. It’s wonderful how trendy ‘modern boudoir’ sessions are becoming, mostly as saucy gifts for the significant other. But I think you should have one on your night stand, too!

Here are some tips for making the best of your boudoir session:

• pick a photographer you trust! I cannot stress this enough. Make sure you feel comfortable with them as a person. Meet with them first and make sure they are out to capture YOU, and not just your body.
• familiarize yourself with the photographer’s work. Do they work in a studio setting or do they prefer to work with natural light? How much post-processing (global adjustments and photoshop) does their workflow involve? There is a common misconception that so-called ‘airbrushing’ can be done at the click of a button - nothing is further from the truth! So please communicate your expectations ahead of time. 
• get a good night’s sleep! Looking fresh and radiant goes beyond make-up and hair.
• pick out a few pieces of lingerie to wear ahead of time. A plain white button-up shirt is a classic and often very flattering choice as well. If you wear it over bare skin, it is often a great transition into nudes, but that’s entirely up to you.
• slip on some heels. Not only will these look fabulous in photos, they will make you FEEL sexy.
• go easy on the make-up - moisturize your skin and wear sheer lip gloss to start. You can always take it up a notch! You may also keep some lotion or baby oil close by to lightly brush on your collar bone (and wherever else you like) for some specular highlights.
• be yourself! Don’t worry about posing too much, but do think of some ideas to start off. 
• consider having the portraits done in your own home, or book a boutique-style hotel room - just make sure window light is sufficient and space is adequate.
• lastly, celebrate. Before, after - with or without champagne…

Katya Nova Photography

Baby Alex stood at the top of the stairs, peering at me and my shiny reflector with a mischievous smile. A sophisticated charming two-year old, and such a flirt. The one adorable thing about baby Alex is that he walks on his tippy toes! 

Here are some of my favorite moments from the wonderful afternoon, press PLAY and enjoy…

The most fabulous First Birthday a little one could have!

Beautiful Joely!

So it hit me. I’m always behind the lens. My goofy self, with no good pictures to show for it. Thanks to my amazing gf Katya Pekh, the first gorgeous walk of Edmonton spring has been more productive than ever! Thanks Katusha!