Anne & Jason- August 8 2009

Anne and Jason had a wonderful, long wedding day full of Chinese Traditions and lots of fun. They started early: Anne started getting ready at 5am and the first Tea Ceremony was at 11am, but they were still smiling when the dance hit full gear at 10:30pm. I had a great day laughing with the chill bridal party and enjoying the company of Anne and Jason. They are easiest going people around, and since Anne was changing into a new outfit for the reception she wasn't concerned about her dress at all...which of course I took full advantage of ( I generally don't get too many brides who are totally willing to sit in the middle of a dirty parking garage on their dress!).

And since it was a very looong day, this is a very looong post...even after I took out a TON of funny stuff and cute memories. This is a very condensed version of some of the unique moments.

Enjoy,

Kelsy

In Chinese Tradition, the Groom comes to the Brides home to find the her. However, he needs to get past a group of Bridesmaid first. This usually involves paying the Bridesmaids large amounts of money and doing ridiculous stunts in order to get past the front door.

The Bridesmaids wouldn't budge until He'd paid up, done 99 push ups and sang some love songs for his Bride.

Finally, he gets into the house...only to have to pay them more! Poor guys (lucky Bridesmaids).

Anne was worth two full pigs :) And no, I didn't try any, even though I was offered on several occasions. It was a little too early for me to start thinking about pork roast.

The First Tea Ceremony begins and Anne and Jason are showered with red envelopes filled with money and lots of Gold jewellery.

Receiving some very special gold bracelets. Anne was emotional with all the tradition and family.

The ceremony was full of tears and smiles. There was no bigger smiles then when these two strolled down the isle after being declared Husband and Wife. Yay!

Formals at McKay Ave

More Formals in a parking garage downtown.

This is one of my favs from the day. I could have done a whole posting of just Anne and Jason on sitting on the floor of the Garage.

Same shot as above, I just got up and changed my perspective. (That's my photography tip for the day, always move about to see things differently)

Some of the details of the lovely Venue at the Coast Plaza.

This made me laugh a lot. They were playing a game where the guests got to choose what style of kiss Anne and Jason had to do. Someone requested a Wet Willy (not sure how that is a kiss, but oh, well!). Anne nearly died!

Another Fun game (Chinese receptions are full of the most creative games). Jason is trying to get a pen tied around his waist in to a Corona Bottle blindfolded with Anne guiding him.

First Dance as husband and wife. It was to my own first dance song and I smiled the entire time....

Kristin & David- August 2 2009

Kristin and David were meant to find each other. It is so obvious when they're together the rest of the world stands still. I loved watching them throughout the day....Dave kept stealing glancing at his beautiful Bride and Kristin was absolutely glowing. It was wonderful to be a part of so much love. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

I hope you are having lots of fun in Maui...I'm jealous!

Hugs,

Kelsy

Kristin and Dave decided to meet before the ceremony since they wanted to have the ceremony in the early evening, right before the Reception. We had the two of them meet on a tree lined path in the Ravine. They knew it would be emotional, and it was. It was perfect that they could embrace and talk without the added pressure seeing each other for the first time walking down the isle for the ceremony. I would recommend this option for anyone a little nervous of that first glance. They couldn't stop kissing and looking into each others eyes. Dave must have said a million times how Beautiful Kristin looked...and he was right!

One of the sweetest ceremonies ever. Kristin's bridesmaid read "Guess how much I Love You" for the ceremony reading. I bawled my eyes out, it is such a sweet children's book with so much special meaning. Then, at the end of their vows to each other they both said "I love you to the moon and back" a line from the book...I was a puddle. Can you not just feel the warmth in their eyes?

So many cute purple details! Behind the Scenes Events was in charge of throwing this party!

In case you couldn't feel the love oozing out the other images, one last dancing picture. It was like they were the only ones in the room.

Curtis & Oksana- August 1, 2009

Curtis and Oksana were married in a traditional Ukrainian Orthodox ceremony at St. John's Cathedral followed by totally nontraditional reception at one of my favourite Edmonton restaurants, Packrat Louie. The day was a mix of thoughtful customs and contemporary fun, but the one thing that was consistent was the way Curt and Oksana looked at each other. It was intense, honest and beautiful. The kind of love that gives you goosebumps simply by being in its presence.

Thank you for allowing me to capture you together. It was magic.

Love,

Kelsy

*Today I am trying out showing images from throughout the day. It was tough since I could have made 20 posts of just Curtis & Oksana together, but I am trying to mix it up a bit. Let me know what you like better, just Portraits or a mix of images. Cheers*

Getting dressed is always a really fun part of the day.

Oksana is absolutely stunning. Her timeless beauty was so easy to photograph.

St. John's is a beautiful Church Downtown Edmonton.

Curtis is smiling even though hot wax was streaming down the candle and making a wax pool on his hands. It looked painful to me, he must have been really happy :)

One last shot of the first dance at Packrat's. I am guessing they will have many anniversary dinners here full of memories.

Edmonton Wedding Photography by Kelsy Nielson

Baby Haley

Haley was born to proud parents and some of my past clients, Karen & Aaron. I was so thrilled when they called to tell me they were expecting and wanted to me to photograph their little bundle of joy. Haley had to make a big entrance into this world....she weighed nearly 11 pounds at birth, a big surprise to her Doctor and her Mother! I photographed her at 6 days old and she stole my heart right away....

Lots of love,

Kelsy

Baby & Lifestyle Photography in Edmonton, Alberta by Kelsy Nielson

Amanda & Tim- esession

Amanda and Tim are getting married later this year. Unfortunately, I was already booked with another couples wedding on their date....but luckily I was asked to photograph their engagement pictures too! They are natural and real together, full of love for each other. They were a joy to photograph on a sunny afternoon.

Thanks for allowing me into your lives in a small way.

Cheers
Kelsy,

Edmonton Wedding and Engagement Photographer: Kelsy Nielson

Baby Amara

Amara is a cute little three month old that I absolutely adored meeting! I photographed her cousin , Leela, a few short months ago and was delighted to come back and meet her. She was a little ray of sunshine and brought me lots of smiles.

Here are a quick couple of teaser images....

Cheers
Kelsy



Edmonton Baby & Lifestyle Photography by Kelsy Nielson

Megan & Mark- July 25

Megan and Mark were married in a outdoor ceremony in the park behind Mark's family home. It was a such a hot day! The personalized water bottles came in very handy for their guests as well as the cute fans Megan made. The day went perfectly, despite the heat and cloudless sky...lots due in part to the wonderful Michelle French, from Behind the Scenes Events, who I adore working with. We enjoyed formal pictures around the nature trails before heading over to the Garrison for the reception at the Officers Mess. Overall, a picture perfect day with two of the sweetest people I have had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for including me in your plans!

I hope your enjoying your time in Maui...you're missing all the thunderstorms here :)


Lots of love,

Kelsy

Edmonton Wedding Photography, Kelsy Nielson