And the Skies Wept with Joy

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Bini

There were alot of tears going round this weekend at the Cecil Green Park House and the clouds didnt hold back either – but with an amazing location – we even got some “Outdoor” shots without getting wet.

M&A were married Saturday @ UBC and every aspect of the wedding was amazing: the venue was rich with dark colours and airy spaces, the flowers were bountiful and elegantly designed, plus they had a Wishing Tree, the food was superb, and the Rose ceremony a tender moment.

String musicians played during the ceremony. Songs were dedicated during the reception. And we had a special dance performance. Oh ya – and M&A had practiced the perfect First Dance. It was so much fun – we made them do it all again.

Lots of Laughs and Love. Wishing you both all the best!

Thanks to Everyone Including:

Musicians: Ruth & Co.

Wedding Co-Ordinator: Hoa

Officiant: Roxanne, MarryUs

Flowers / Decorations: Amy, Garden Party Flowers & Blog Posting

Venue: Carlos, Cecil Green Park House, UBC

To Kiss a Salmon

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Bini

N&I joined me on a cold, blustery morning in West Vancouver – Whytecliff Park – for their engagement photos. Whytecliff is a great place to dive (ahh life before kids!) and its a beautiful hang-out and watch the waves park.

We spent about 2hrs clambering along the rocks, checking out the tidal pools, walking through leaves, and climbing trees. When Ivan found the log shaped like a fish – we werent really expecting him to try to kiss it – but he did try to bite it!

Looking forward to their Summer 2012 Wedding in Sechelt, BC.

Happy Birthday – Event Photography

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Bini

I know from personal experience that I can either take photos at my kids’ birthday parties or I can have a party. Its not easy doing both – trying to capture those cute moments and making sure the chicken strips arent burning, the pop isnt getting knocked on the floor, and no-one is poking at the cake.

So – as an event photographer, parents have the time to socialize with their guests without worrying about taking or worse MISSING photos moments – grandma with the baby, the kids playing together, that otherwise reserved relative dancing. Being a bit of an outsider, i am able to mingle without needing to mingle, can laugh and enjoy without having to know what was said, and love doing my job.

Here are a couple snaps from R’s birthday party for his son. It was such a pleasure to see all the kids and adults enjoying each others company, watching slide shows, dancing, eating and having a great time.

Santa’s Naughty List – DRAFT

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Bini

Im not saying these kids were naughty - and I can totally see how their behaviour would have been stressful at a mall portrait studio where you are in & out – but Im thinking its best if Santa wasnt watching on the weekend cuz as parents we were definately not setting a good example by laughing so much.

M & her daugher and nephews came out for some casual and holiday season photos. We started with the most important family shot and even though it required more outfit changes – Im glad we did as the activity level was high and patient-sitting-in-one-spot-and-smiling level was low.

Us moms had a great time howling over the exploading snack container, the ripping of Santa’s head from a gift box, the reindeer horns that kept falling down, and the oh-so-not-sharing moments when the kids fought over the cool props. It wasnt your typical Xmas photo session and Im glad because kids should be kids and making memories is half the fun.

Tiny Blessings – Baby Brooklyn

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Bini

Today, amidst the sun and rain and snow, I met up with R & her two daughters – both under 2 and she is expecting another next year. She is a very brave and patient mom already – the third will bring more smiles in return for her sleepness nights.

Baby Brooklyn was the star of the photoshoot today and she was so patient with the in-ing and out-ing of blankets and baskets. The tiniest mewing was all we heard when she started to get uncomfortable.

And, for now, as all babies are, she will tolerate her big sister grabbing all the cool xmas toys out of her hands.

Family Photos – Bear Creek Park

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Bini

I met B&J in the summer for some family photos. We met again, after a few weather cancellations, on Sunday in Bear Creek Park. The weather held together long enough for us to have some fun shots of the kids playing in the leaves and some family portraits.

The kids were a blast and we had a running joke about iphones. Luckily, even though I had them wandering around across soaking wet grassy fields, down leaf-laden trails, and across moss-covered bridges, none of the kids slipped nor were covered in gobs of mud.

I say thats successful for a fall family photosession!

A Decade of Dreams Celebrated!

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Bini

Ive been volunteering since I was about 16 and I make sure my kids understand the importance of Giving and Receiving. Volunteering isnt just about giving your time, energy, and enthusiasm. Its about receiving something – whether that is new friendships, a learning experience, or something warm & fuzzy for our soul. So I not only volunteer in my community association as a Director, Web Content Management (ie membership, website, forums, etc) – but I also accept volunteer photography assignments.

Last week, I had the pleasure of volunteering with the Women In Leadership Foundation at their annual Gala in the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.

Guests were treated to a make-over, live entertainment, and delicious food.

There was a Silent Auction of incredible local & name-brand items as well as a Live Auction which included winning an Audi for the weekend.

Entertaining speakers captivated the audience with their tales of life’s ups & downs on the road to success.

And the evening was rounded off by a spectacular fashion show.

More details on becoming involved with the Women in Leadship Foundation.

Match Made in Heaven: 2011-11-11 1:11

Posted on November 12, 2011 by Bini

8am Friday! I was glad it wasnt hailing or snowing. After all, with the amount of rain that was pouring out of the sky, it was hard to be positive about the weather.

But when R&M arrived – it was like a burst of sunshine in the room – albeit a nervous sun – perhaps on its first day on the job – but beaming nonetheless.

R&M had a wedding unsurpassed by previous weddings Ive attended. The ceremony was held at Centennial Lodge in New Westminster, BC at exactly 2011-11-11 1:11pm PST

Every tiny detail was planned for and accounted and with time to laugh, relax, and enjoy – their wedding went off without a hitch.

In fact, they timed everything so well that the weather cleared up for the group family photos and a few quiet moments between the two.

And a surprise for M – a limo!

Congrads you two – Have a great Holiday!

Christmas Family Photos at Hawthorne Park

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Bini

J&S brought their family to the studio for some classic family, halloween, and seasonal themed photos. The kids were a hoot of fun with more energy than you might imagine.

When the weather seemed to hold, we headed out to Hawthorne park and had fun in the playground, throwing leaves, and finding frogs.

Baby Emma – 100 Days – Sneak Peak

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Bini

Baby Emma celebrated her 100 Days and I had the pleasure of photographing her in her home. It was a fantastic day and even though we didnt go outdoor into their yard – we captured the stunning fall leaves through the living room picture window.

Emma was ready for her photoshoot with a pink and white dress, halloween pumpkin outfit, and a couple just-Diaper shots.

Mom & Dad and the grandparents each took time with Baby Emma and shared some quiet moments together.

Tiny Feet. Tiny Fingers.

Big Love

Magna Vita Photography

No moment exists except within our own memories

Monthly Archives: November 2011