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

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!!

Gorgeous views of Rockwater Secret Cove, Sunshine Coast, BCAscending to their oceanfront tenthouse… paradise.
I love this image… Shot through the glass pane of the front door to their honeymoon tenthouse suite.view portfolio |   let’s connect on facebook & twitter |   email katya

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!!

I couldn’t resist sharing this adorable note from Meghan to the boys
View of Craig Bay Parksville BC from the bridal suite at Pacific Shores Resort & Spa (1-600 Stroulger Road, Nanoose Bay, BC - (250) 468-7121)I love this shot Rob took. I seriously need to give and get a hundred hugs a day…  so brides beware
The first look at Schooner Cove Yacht Club in Nanoose Bay… I get goosebumps just sitting here and blogging these special moments! 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 I 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? :) A quick nap before the ceremony never hurt anyone… That’s how hard I worked the groom!More beautiful reception details…view portfolio |   let’s connect on facebook &  twitter |   email katya

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.

How cool is this? Not sure if both of them find it amusing though!
More 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!
The ceremony on the Jasper Golf Course was so touching … but this moment really pushed me over the edge.These ladies were too much fun. Legendary fun!
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It was the night before the wedding. I sat in Yuliya’s hotel room, catching up on Facebook life and watching the bride-to-be put finishing touches on wedding favors. Her beloved friend and bridesmaid Esin was reading a book in bed, half asleep. Yuliya fluttered about, periodically pulling up Yutube videos of her favourite Rammstein songs. That’s our Yuliya.

This wedding was very special to me, as I still remember making morbid jokes back and forth in a university chemistry lab with her some years ago … (I seriously had no clue as to what I was doing!) Yuliya is so easy to love. Her sense of humor, her integrity, and the ever-so-charming ‘no bullshit’ approach to life are infectious. I’m sure Justin would list a million other things. Things written in his silence in every glimpse at her.

My favourite memories from the day as I think of it now are getting soaked to the bone right before the ceremony during our ‘first look’ photos. Oleg and Anton did a great job holding the umbrellas for us, but I jumped around Yuliya & Justin like an Easter bunny, until it was simply too late for an umbrella. My boombox didn’t survive the day either, but it was all worth it!

The gorgeous Kelowna landscape was the perfect setting - the ceremony and reception took place at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery, opening up to a stunning view of the lake and mountains. We even got a chance to sneak down to the vineyard for some portraits after the rain…
I love this picture almost as much as Yuliya loves Baileys… Summerhill Pyramid Winery, 4870 CHUTE LAKE RD Kelowna, British Columbia V1W 4M3.

Beautiful and serene after the rain…
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These two made my head turn as they strolled by my booth at the Vancouver Wedding Fair this past October. ‘What a stunning couple,’ I thought, waiting for eye contact. A few hours passed and Sherry & Matt came up to my wedding photography booth ready to book… Time flies so quicky! It was just fall when we met for their Vancouver Stanley Park engagement session, and now their Big Day came with the luscious May bloom of Langley Golf Course.

Matt gave Sherry free reign for the wedding details, as long as her wedding dress was white and there was a tiara on her head… Well, ‘if the man is the the head, the woman is the neck’, they say! Sherry was sooooooo gorgeous in her pink gown and veil…

I must say, the bridal party was an absolute riot! They made me laugh so much I’ve had to straighten their portraits in post-production

And a special warm thank you goes out to ALL of Sherry & Matt’s parents, for making me feel so welcome, for making me tear up with nostalgia and joy, and for being so incredibly inspiring.

Sherry and Matt, you guys are amazing and will make ridiculously beautiful babies. Enjoy my favourite moments from the day!

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You say fate? Stars? Perhaps an ancient Mayan goddess… Wherever it all began, Michelle & Brett’s sacred union on the magical island of Cozumel, Mexico, would become not only a start of a golden chapter in their lives, but a trip that would solidify lifelong friendships … a trip on which I would also find my love.

I met Brett on a set of a food tv series, where he was handing a camera and I - stills. I knew we were kindred spirits, as he flipped through his iPhone photo library, showing me images of his gorgeous fiery-redhead fiancee in latex outfits. Mere hours later, we all dined together in a cozy downtown restaurant. That was it. I knew then these two would always hold a special place in my heart, no matter where our lives would take us. Documenting their love on their wedding and honeymoon at Villa Rosemar in Cozumel, Mexico was an incredible gift that I will always cherish.

The date was set for March 21st, the spring equinox - and the meeting of the forces of winter and summer. This day has special significance, as Michelle was born on the winter solstice, and Brett on the summer solstice. ‘It felt like the natural thing to do,’ they said. The clouds grew heavy and the winds strengthened, as if anticipating a cathartic climax of their beach ceremony. Everyone buzzed around the beautiful villa we called home for the week of their wedding, setting up torches on the beach, setting candles, and getting dressed in white. Tension and excitement began rolling into one, as I creeped around with my faithful lens.

It was perfect.

Here’s Michelle’s stunning couture latex wedding gown made by Atsuko Kudo, an incredible European latex fetish designer.
Moments before the ceremony, Katarina is lovingly shining up the dress…
I love this moment … Brett pacing on the beach, waiting for his bride.
Michelle & Brett are about to walk out together,  to the soft murmurs of classic guitar and dear friends in anticipation…view portfolio |   connect with katya on facebook & twitter |   email katya

P.S.

The warmest ‘thank you’ to Tina & her husband of Beachhouse Hostel Cozumel for all their help with wedding preparations… And the talented Ove, a Norwegian guitarist who set the mood so beautifully.

My love also goes out to my Mexican family…

Ben Kuhn - you got them married!! Your love for your family and your wunderkind hands… blow my mind. Yeah, ya’ll know what I’m talking about.

Katarina Kuhn - you will always be a Greek goddess to me. The most amazing mother, friend, lover, and storyteller… (I will never get that story of you diving in warm Mediterranean waters out of my head).

Tony (the Mexican) Mazzuca - you are a rock. I’m blessed to call you a friend and my hookah-partner-in-crime. You make me laugh and cry happy tears. You are forever my King of the Bongo!

Julia Mazzuca - I may someday attempt to pull off wearing sexy white shorts the way you have. Damn, you are a powerful woman and you make my heart beat faster.

Chris & Kristine - loved hanging out with you guys so much… It would not have been the same without you.

Jen Crane - thank you for being the wickedest, most understanding, and most outrageously fun non-roommate EVER! I look forward to letting you drive my buggy into the ocean one day.

Ashley Tallas - I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a smile on your face. You are an unapologetic life force lady.

Todd & Wendy - your friendship and love for each other means the world. I love how Wendy always finds a way to sit on Todd’s lap… and how they find their way through the craziest of obstacles.

Jonathan Joffe - your humour and easy-going nature can catch few off guard! You are a blast and I loved hanging out with you.

Rob Michaud - you made my heart sink and head spin out of control the very moment I saw you. Thank you for being the best night-time-ocean-swim-guard … and for so many other things of which only the sparks in my eyes can speak. I love you. Even though you won the tan-off.

And lastly, Scorpion in our Living Room - I’m sorry we killed you. But you were scary and almost gave Katarina & Brett a mini-heart attack. Rest in peace.

If I were an island, I would want a name like that. On the boat ride there, all of us had different associations and expectations, but I’ll let you be the judge of whether yours would be met or exceeded… It was effortless for us to get allured to go on a private tour to Passion Island, and I was ecstatic to shoot Michelle & Brett’s creative Day After portraits there. The beauty, location, and light were overwhelming … but wait, can everything really be that perfect?! How about some armed guards to kick us off the island?! Yep, that should do it. Turns out, the term ‘private’ is an ambiguous term in Mexico, my friends!

So we literally had about 30 minutes on the island, 10 of which I spent mourning the sudden death of my ipod. Here are some of my favourites from the shoot… I’m glad I work well under pressure :) Apparently, there are crocodiles in this river… But walking on water made the risk worthwhile! Oh, who am I kidding, ignorance is bliss.A little secret I was excited to try - attempting this is easier if you have strong and handsome assistants like I did … huge thank you to Rob and Ben!And of course the crew - our big happy Mexican family! I have nothing but love for all you guys. Cross my heart! Kat … the sexiest mamma I’ve ever seen.
Michelle’s gorgeous latex flower…view portfolio |   email katya |   let’s connect on facebook &  twitter

No words can describe the incredible feeling of doing what you love in a place that’s nothing shy of paradise, or paraiso … of Tulum, Mexico. Every moment with Michelle & Brett has been a force amplifying my experience both as a photographer and as a human being.

We ventured out to catch the glowing sunset at Playa Azul beach and document their love with an engagement beach session. I’ve been so fortunate to travel to some amazing places, but Tulum still remains at the top of the list… Where else can you find such perfect harmony of nearly deserted beaches, delicious cloud-like sand, tender warm waters of all shades of turquoise blue, and stillness inspiring and nurturing your soul?
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They shook my world gently and turned it upside down. As if nothing happened … yet seeing the world through their eyes would make anyone’s head spin and learn to see the world in vivid, strangely recognizable colors.  Michelle & Brett will always have a piece of my heart…

Their passion for life and each other is unapologetic, pure, and intense. Their friendship has taught me to be more honest with myself, my relationships, my clients, and my art. I will also confess that they have singlehandedly inspired me to pursue my desire to document love and intimacy in its infinite form, manifesting in an exclusive line of Intimate Couples Portraits I’ve begun to offer within the past year. I feel so grateful to have been a part of their journey and was absolutely ecstatic when they invited me to join them in Mexico for their wedding and honeymoon this March. We kicked off our trip catching up in Playa del Carmen over pina coladas and continued on to a magical eco-resort of Playa Azul in Tulum, where I photographed them in the simple luxury of their ocean-front cabana. I’m so grateful they’ve allowed me to share some of these timeless moments with you - we hope these images will inspire other couples in love to get curious and inspired to share a similar experience… To remind each other that on the days they don’t like each other … that they love each other.

We invite you to look past the daring. Enjoy.
And here is their view from the stunning cabana…view portfolio |   email katya |   let’s connect on facebook & twitter

We had even more fun than it looks.

I’m sitting here, in snowy Edmonton, anxious to share my ‘trash the dress’ beach session photos with you… I’ve decided to do things a little differently this time - and post the actual wedding & ceremony images last. Jessica & Ryan are amazing together… I just stood back and let them glow! The day after the wedding, we met at the stunning Barcelo Maya Palace beach for the ‘trash the dress’ beach photo session.I love this next one…We met on the beach at around 4 pm, expecting sundown just after 6 pm. Little did we know, it would start raining! Of course, the first thing you pack with you when going to a Mayan Riviera wedding vacation is an umbrella. Not! In the next few photos, the warm drops are not quite a nuisance, and the light is so soft and delicious. Check out this beach stroll - I love it when both bride and groom venture out to ‘trash the dress.’
I held my breath, as Jessica & Ryan gently stepped into deeper waters. The beach at Barcelo Maya is amazing, but a bit rocky in some spots. I held my breath tighter - now with a death grip on my camera, as I followed the couple into the waves.They make it look so easy, don’t they? Here’s the memory of laughter, salt on our lips, and the sound of crashing waves…
Can you tell it’s still pouring rain? Here are Jessica & Ryan falling back into the water! I wish I could show you a picture of what I looked like here - none of us had a plastic bag to protect my Canon 5D Mark II (although it’s apparently pretty water-resistant), so I emptied my big black shoulder bag, put the contents under a lawn chair on the beach, and held it right over my head, just so that I could barely see what I was shooting!  It worked, and probably got  a giggle or two out of Jessica :) How cool are my brides exactly? Cart wheel cool. That’s right, Jessica is upside down. In her wedding gown. In the rain. Top that!
The sun peeked out for a few moments, as if rewarding us for our persistence. We celebrated love.
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