Nina herself came to open the door … and within my very first gasp made me feel like a tenderly awaited bridesmaid…
The boutique Presidential suite of Union Bank Inn was filled with loving smiles and soft Serbian music. I’m glad I caught Nicola Gavins on her way out - her talent in make-up artistry is incredible and it’s always such a treat to have her work magic on Nova Brides. But it wasn’t till Nina slipped into her iconic gown that I got a lump in my throat. I felt so special sharing these moments with Nina and her bestest friend Natasa. Surely, the comfort of the hotel room wasn’t enough for my devious soul - I was ready to throw Nina over my shoulder and steal her away for some bridal photos outside. This was challenging to say the least, as the groom and ‘all his people’ were at the same hotel, seeping into the ballroom for cocktails. Nina, thank you for trusting me, wearing a big purple housecoat and escaping through the parkade with me. You and Natasa rock!
I loved Nina & Shone’s ceremony - it unfolded an hour before dinner in the very same ballroom. Intimate, elegant, and simple. As the cocktails continued, I took the newlyweds and their bridal party for some photos - the air was fresh with recent light rain and falling golden leaves.
If you had any doubts that this was a Serbian wedding, you just had to stand still for a moment to feel the dancing-vibrating floor all the way up in your face - it was a blast!
Nina, you sweep me off my feet. Thank you for being so selfless and sweet. For treating me with so much love, for my awesome vegetarian meal, for running to get ice for my ankle, for reminding me to stop shooting, for trusting me. You guys are such a beautiful couple and I wish you a lifetime of beautiful moments together.
If you were the world’s best wedding photographer in the eyes of your other half, would you go the whole summer without giving them a single photoshoot?! There, didn’t think so. I’ve officially enveloped myself in a mini guilt trip. Prompted by the launching of Mick’s MAN UP! COACHING campaign, I made up for it a few days ago when we went for a walk on the Lewis Estates golf course.
I usually enjoy more unconventional locations - give me a back alley or grungy street corner and I’m happy - but the golf course was a nice change. I especially loved the tunnel light and the vibrant green of the grass - where else are you going to get such a perfect mowing job?
So there he is, the man of the hour. Mick’s video posts are soon coming to www.micklolekonda.com, where he will be sharing awesome tips on how to ‘man up’ and ‘be the man to give her butterflies’…
… Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for listening. And for being the best second shooter ever…
A few months ago I had the pleasure of documenting the passion and talent of the Schultz sisters, Samantha being the rising star with an incredible voice and drive to share it. Check out our lifestyle shoot HERE.
We even ended up in my parents’ backyard, as it was close to the last location we shot at. Samantha whipped out her guitar and graced us with some tunes, barefoot among my cats and flowers. It was a moment to remember! That’s when I captured this wicked candid that ended up on the front page of Edmonton Journal today…
Congratulations, Samantha!
*** A slap on the wrist for Edmonton Journal for missing the credit! ***
When it comes to Yulia, sharp, smart, and funny just don’t cut it. In fact, her humour is what I admire most. I remember how she made the time fly in those chemistry labs …
And a few days ago I was lucky to see her in entirely new light - in love… *I could just see her making a joke about this one, right about now… * She glowed, her quirky self, beside a man who gets her. And amplifies her love for life. Justin was such a sport during the shoot - and lovingly absorbed himself in his other half, following my instructions much to his delight! (and mine, hehe). The light was amazing and I got to play with sun flare to my heart’s content! I was so pumped with the location choice - a cemetery!! Not so scary after all, is it?
I can’t wait to document their Wedding in Kelowna in the spring!!
Check out what we’ve pulled off without music or wine…
So Green is the new Black. With the all-encompassing mantra of Reuse-Reduce-Recycle. But when it comes to delivering the disc with images to my dear clients, I’ve struggled to find something eco-friendly that is also elegant and celebratory. After some serious poking around, I found Savitris (www.savitris.com), with their unique hand-crafted stationary made from recycled paper. No two are alike, they are so beautiful. Check these out! Yumm.
Feel free to shoot Kishin an e-mail directly at kishin@savitris.com, they are awesome and will take care of you!
Sophie is a force. And a magical source of inspiration for those around her. When I first met Sophie, I mirrored her every move as best I could, mesmerized - she was teaching a flow yoga class at Lions Breath (www.lionsbreath.ca). It’s customary to set an intention for your practice - well, I couldn’t quite concentrate on mine, as all I wanted to do was get her in front of my lens.
We strolled through Legislative grounds, barefoot, looking for light. ‘What about this one,’ Sophie suggested, nodding at the massive tree I can’t name. ‘Sure,’ I said, looking around. Turning my gaze back towards where she stood moments earlier, I realized Sophie had gone. She was now in the tree! Amazed (and a little bit scared) at the poses she was so effortlessly creating, I jumped around, looking for the best angles. Seriously, wow.
And there was water. A whole lot of water. Remind me again why I wore jeans? Without a belt? Super fun. We got soaked. We also got goofy.
Hope you enjoy the images below… I’m so grateful to Sophie for being open and sharing her beautiful spirit with me. I can’t wait to share our next project before her quest to India…
Movement is an artform. Body is a temple. Namaste.
Om Nama Shivaya … I bow to the God Within!!
09.13.09 at 1:35pm Posted in Boudoir
There is a book I love. “To an Unknown Lady” would be the literal translation of a collection of letters written by an irresistible French writer, Andre Maurois. Although the majority of his works were written in the first few decades of 1900’s, they are timeless classics. What always fascinated me (even when I was much too young to embrace the indubitable) was the kindness of human margin errors coupled with light sarcasm that jumped off the page.
Here is a little flavor from a couple of his quotes:
“A successful marriage is an edifice that must be rebuilt every day.” and ”In literature as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others.”
And now, the lady…
P.S. I invite you to take a closer look at the wallpaper behind the black couch on the left … And then to at pattern of my blog. The inside lining of my computer bag bears the same pattern! Serendipity all around…
I sat for a long time, wondering how to best put into words what Koranne & Brett are about. They are like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle you didn’t think to put together, but when you do, sparks fly. And it’s the perfect fit. Hanging out with these two make my cheeks hurt, from smiling so much, that is. Humor may be that secret ingredient, but not without the incredible amount of devotion and acceptance.
I am so happy they are a family.
One of my favorite moments in their Big Day was the ‘first look’ they decided to do with my suggestion. As Brett was fidgeting with a fur tree branch in their front yard, Koranne slowly floated up behind him, to tap him on the shoulder and let him savour the first look at the beautiful bride … all before the ceremony!
It was amazing to see their friends and family gathered in their backyard for the ceremony, where the couple exchanged their vows under the rich August sun. For the champagne-popping with the bridal party, we decided to go back to the same barnyard where we did their [engagement photos]. This was a ton of fun, especially when the girls followed me into an abandoned shed for a photo… I’m still not sure who was more scared, but I’m leaning towards the pigeon in the attic, who almost raised the roof before flying out of the doorway where the girls were standing!
I’m so grateful to call you friends - thank you for sharing your Wedding with us…
