Quote of the Week

"A good photographer must love life more than he does photography."
(Joel Strasser)

Isabelle

My niece Isabelle recently had a project in school were they to do a presentation on an artist of their choice. While other kids were doing projects on famous artists, Isabelle choose to do her project on ME. I only wish I could have been in her class to hear her speak and see the set up: she had some of my pictures from my site, a camera and a mini wedding album. Somehow this was all arrange around a decorated ice cream pail (since I love ice cream!). You gotta love kids creativity. Even though I wasn't there see the presentation, her Mom sent me the text from the report.

If you like ice cream you have something in common with Kelsy.

Kelsy was born in Innisfail. When she was a kid she loved dancing! She went to N.A.I.T. and now she lives in Edmonton. She lives with her husband, my Uncle Tim.
She has been working for five years. Her medium is a camera. She won the award of Professional Photographer of the Year for Alberta. She also loves me and roses.

By Isabelle Nielson

Is that not the cutest thing ever? I love her opening statement, very clever. I am so lucky to have such a sweet and adorable niece who loves me unconditionally. Kids are so amazing!

Thanks Isabelle for making my DAY! I can't believe you wrote a report about me. That is the coolest thing ever. We will certainly have to go for Ice Cream next time I see you to celebrate!

Lots of Hugs,

Kelsy

Stacey & Justin- May 30 2009

I had the pleasure of photographing Stacey and Justin's beautiful day last Saturday in St. Albert. After a wonderful heartfelt ceremony we headed to the U of A campus for some portraits before heading over to Cha for Tea Palace for a traditional 10 Course Chinese dinner. Well, not completely traditional since they substituted the Shark Fin soup for something a less controversial and definitely more humane, Hot & Sour Soup (great choice! I'm also a fan of not killing sharks solely for their fins). The perfect day was topped off by sentimental speeches and the couples first dance...ever. They had never danced together before their wedding night...not even a practise dance in their kitchen :) It was so sweet. Another great touch was the personalized wedding date & names toothbrush favours. One of my favourite favours to date! Cute, personal ( Justin is a dentist) and totally practical. I was psyched to try mine out and for the next three months every time I brush my teeth I'll think of your awesome day!

Thanks for including me in your day (and thanks for the eloquent shout out in your thank-you speech. I am still laughing!)

Hugs,
Kelsy



So I wanted to post pictures from all different parts of your day, but got a little absentminded and now it is a bit random....however I guess it's my blog, so whatever works!

Are these cool or what? Made by Funky Petals in Westlock


Justin sent over a beautiful watch with a card that had a recording of his voice when Stacey opened it. I may be living under a rock, but I had no idea such a thing even existed. Let me say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house after she opened that card!

I think Stacey looks like Scarlett Johansson quite a bit.

My first real "spring" wedding of the year meant that I took advantage of all the pretty spring colours.

Cuteness.

Gorgeous Girls.

Dashing Groomsman.

Of course I had to blog a picture of the dance. Another moment where there wasn't a dry eye. That room was filled to the brim with LOVE.

Jackie & Jordan- esession

Jackie and Jordan are getting married out at Pigeon Lake at the end of this month. I am so excited for a lakeside wedding, should be beautiful! We spent an evening together last week and I really enjoyed getting to know them better. Even though Jackie was soooo nervous we were able to relax by the end of the session and get some fun shots. These two both have a great sense of humour and that always make things so much more interesting :)

So Looking forward to your wedding! The final countdown is on!


Cheers,

Kelsy

Kristin & David & Ethan- Family esession

Kristin and David are getting married this August and are right in the thick of planning their wedding with Michelle French of Behind the Scenes Events. We got together last week to shoot some engagement pictures with along with Kristin's son Ethan. This guy has A LOT of energy, no wonder Kristin is in such great shape! We photographed the little family at our neighborhood playground (since K&D are awesome they choose to live in T-Towne). Ethan acted exactly how a 6 year old would in the vicinity of a playground...it was all go-go-go! David tried to get him to sit patiently for a family pic by saying " Come on Ethan, these pictures are really important in our Families' future". I thought that was perfect. Sometimes in all the craziness we forget we are making memories everyday. And with the start of this new family, I couldn't think of a better reason to document the memories.


Thanks guys! Looking forward to your wedding!
Cheers
Kelsy

Oksana & Curtis: esession

I had the pleasure of photographing Oksana & Curtis last night . I really enjoyed shooting them in construction sites and train yards... and really enjoyed not getting in trouble for trespassing in places we obviously shouldn't have been. Oksana & Curtis have a deeper connection then I can put into words. The pure love for each was so strong it actually brought me to tears while photographing them... I have never cried at an engagement session before but was blown away by all the love surrounding me. It was absolutely magical.


Oksana's family moved her from Ukraine 11 years ago and Curtis lived in the UK after attending NAIT. Eventually this couple met through friends. Can you imagine the series of events that brought them together? Every decision we make can alter our life in amazing ways.

Isn't life is Brilliant?




I wasn't the only one shedding a tear.

I am so in love with love.

Don't you just love her hat? It's so European of her :)

Yes, Trespassing can be this cool.

Such a beautiful couple....

Thanks Curtis & Oksana for making me step back and feel grateful for living in such a beautiful world.

Be Blessed,

Kelsy

Rhea & Carlo- May 23 2009

Rhea & Carlo were married in St. Joesph's Basilica with a beautiful reception at the Crowne Plaza. Jolyn from Nuance Occasions was their stellar wedding planner, and just as I knew their wedding day was perfect! The Catholic ceremony was complete with traditional Filipino ceremonies which really personalized the event. I really enjoyed watching and photographing Carlo take care of his bride during the ceremony by wiping her tears and holding her tight. These two have an amazing connection.....one that has kept them together while Rhea has worked overseas for years. Any couple that can survive years of long distance has what it takes to go the distance. They even talk three times a day while Rhea is in Japan, which I thought was amazing.

Carlo and Rhea, your wedding was full of friends and family and those who love and support you. Judging by the size of your Bridal Party and reception you have lots of love backing you up. Thanks for sharing your day with me, it was such a pleasure working with you both ( I especially enjoyed laughing all day at the 100 expressions of R&C...sneak peek below of the million faces they made throughout the day!)

Hugs,

Kelsy

I was laughing out loud as I went through this series... it is just sooooo Rhea & Carlo! I'm not usually not into goofy pics, but this just made me smile!