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

Being around Kathy and Rob feels like being around family. From homemade prosciutto to homemade grappa, being around their families feels much the same way! Their hearts are filled with such extraordinary kindness, it’s remarkable. And it’s in the little things. More Than Words.

The girls started their day at the Beauty Parlour (www.organicbeautyparlour.com), a fantastic and chic hair salon that also happens to be environmentally conscious! 

I felt so privileged to hang out with the guys for a few minutes in the morning - I think I spent the whole time smiling and laughing till my cheeks hurt. I felt transported to a little European suburb, as I documented them gathering around an irresistible tray of homemade meats and cheeses laid out on the front porch. The highlight of the morning was a Croatian dance they performed right on the front lawn!

Arriving at the beautiful Sutton Grand Suite to a few empty bottles of champagne, I found the glowing ladies finishing up their make-up and putting the finishing touches on Kathy, who looked like she just walked off of a Bridal Vogue. Wow.  

Some minutes later, Kathy floated down the aisle on her brother’s arm, to ‘Unchained Melody.’ After the beautiful ceremony, I ran for my life to catch Kathy and Rob peaking out of the church doors… ‘Congratulations,’ I whispered, teary-eyed. 

We then had a blast at the Italian Centre, fueling up on frothy cappuccinos and sandwiches. Then I found gorgeous light by a nearby fountain and back alley!

The intimate ambiance of the reception room seemed to amplify all the emotions and joy, especially when the time for their first dance came - in the magical blue light and heavenly Il Divo voices, the bridal party surrounded the couple with … sparklers! 

Thank you so much for letting me document your love. I hope you will feel my love through these images…

Polina and Justin have been my most photographed couple, and for a good reason!  There’s a beautiful fountain I came across in the secluded residential area of old Glenora, which was the perfect setting for a day-after creative session. Polina was excited to wear her mermaid gown again, and I made her bouquet out of my leftover birthday flowers! We made the best of the stops at the local Sobeys and wine boutique, getting a few more ‘congratulations’ along the way and picking up some goodies for the picnic. The evening was magical. Check out some of my favorites:

Katya Nova Photography made it into a Bridal Show. In Vancouver! I’m so excited and nervous for the possibilities… A million ideas are percolating in my head. How do I dress up my booth? How should I befriend and lure in my Nova Brides? Chocolate given out by my handsome man? Huge prints of wedding moments I’ve captured this season? Gorgeous flushmount albums? Argggh. Maybe you, my dear reader, have some suggestions?

I can’t wait to share the experience with you.

Crys is scandalous and sweet all rolled into one. Her love of life and hot pink are contagious. It seems as if every time she looks around the world around her, she is seeing it for the first time. Beautiful. Every moment is a possibility. And even when she sits still, she’s dancing. 

Check out our ’splashing around’ session in this wicked natural light studio of my saltwater pool!!

If you’re having a bad day, or if you think you’re having a bad day, a few minutes with Candice will turn it around and put a smile on your face. There’s nothing like her radiant laugh and bottomless blue eyes!

I really got to connect with Candice when she invited me to be a part of an incredible all-day bridal shoot at her family’s farm. At the end of the endless day, I was amazed to find Candice bursting with energy while I was wilting into my chair….

We share a passion for wine, beautiful light, and making people blossom in front of our lens - Candice is a talented photographer, capturing maternity, newborns, and weddings with so much love! (www.popikphotography.com).

Our shoot was a ton of fun - especially with the beats of my infamous boom box in my handbag! I don’t know about Candice, but MY cheeks were hurting from smiling and laughing so much. Candice, you are such an inspiration and I feel blessed to know you! 

My best friend married her best friend. On my birthday! And it was the most PERFECT wedding. We arrived at the Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing Resort (www.wiegele.com) to the tranquility of Blue River mountain air, lavish rustic cabins, and all my most precious people in the whole world … all gathered at this very wedding. Everyone had their game face on, especially as us girls prepared the stunning flower arrangements - if Polina ever decides to take a break from her spinning law career, she can definitely rock a floral sweatshop … I mean, boutique! 

On the big day, I squeezed in a refreshing swim in the picturesque lake at the heart of the resort, where my parents met me with a huge birthday bouquet of red roses. Amazing. Then my responsibilities as a bridesmaid resumed, quickly giving way to the the ‘photozilla’ side, as I longed to document each moment. Oh, man, was it ever hard to put down my camera. But I did it … a couple of times. 

Photographer Nicole Marshall (nicolemarshallphotography.com) was such a trooper, documenting our chaos and happy tears - with a badly sprained ankle! Hope you’re better Nicole, can’t wait to see your photos! 

Gentle clouds covered the harsh 2 o’clock light just as the ceremony started and Justin’s sister Dani began to pour her heart out with a beautiful live version of the song “At Last.” No bride has ever looked so beautiful. Even Justin’s chin trembled as Polina floated down the aisle. “Pinch yourself really hard,” whispered Tannis to help me with the happy-tears-red-nose-lumpy-eyelashes situation. Thanks, Tannis!  Then the radiant Mr. and Mrs. graced us with their hugs, champagne, and orange creamsicles. 

The reception was fantastic, with everything from the hearty Italian dinner, to the seductive first dance to Diana Krall’s “Temptation,” to my favorite part - STEALING OF THE BRIDE! We had no time to waste. As I thoughtfully rid the mingling Polina of her wine glass, she was scooped up by Ilya and Alik, my sneaky accomplices. With the help of kind guests, we raised $665 for ransom in a matter of minutes! Who took the money, you ask? Naturally, the bride! 

Polina and Justin, you are a constant. The most charming couple I know. I love you dearly and can’t wait to see your family grow! 

Watch out for my latest bridal shoot with Polina and Justin coming soon … fountain, french, bread, champagne… Love in the air!

I woke up on the beautiful hot morning of Aline & Mark’s Wedding feeling like one of the bridesmaids - we laughed and whispered together the night before, as I edited the couple’s engagement session. The cozy cabins of Lily Lake Resort were the perfect place to get capture both Aline and Mark getting ready - I held my breath as Mark was dressing their adorable son Dallas, it was almost hard to tell who was helping whom I also got some quality time with Aline’s amazing sister Ashley, as we photographed the gorgeous wedding gown in a nearby field. I took the wedding party to that very field after the ceremony, where we caught the breeze and danced to my infamous boombox! I hope they had as much fun as I did. There is so much love in their family, it was hard to hold back the happy tears as Aline & Mark pronounced their vows. I wish you a lifetime of joy, all three of you! Thank you for sharing your magical day with me!