The Hastie Wedding

Well, this wedding was just the beesknees.  The amount of time, energy, hands and planning that went into this perfect summer wedding is astounding.  

I became close friends with Emily just as they had begun their wedding planning.  I was SO EXCITED to receive a Save the Date, I immediately posted it on the top centre of my fridge, feeling as if the most popular girl in school just invited me to an exclusive slumber party.  

Here is a small taste of their beautiful beautiful beautiful wedding at Emily's family farm in Ladner.   Enjoy!

Champagne & Music upon arrival

Dinner, speeches, dessert, and more drinks were followed by dancing!

Totally don't miss my long hair... 

Everybody getting their party on

I love this girl so friggin much!

Dirty 30

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photo by Lindsay Elliott.  hair by Jade Kugelman.  make-Up by Oz.

I had a portrait session with some top notch ladies the evening before my 30th birthday.  Lindsay hailed from the city into Richmond to take some fun portraits of me, celebrating my 30 years of life.  I met Oz for the first time.  She is a teacher at Blanche MacDonald and was highly recommended to me by my friend Nicole.  She is also hilarious and really really REALLY nice.  Oz and Lindsay met me at Jade's home where I enjoyed some royal treatment for my big day: hair, make up and bright camera flashes masking the tired mother inside if but for one evening!  As you can see, they did not disappoint.  

Check out their work and book these girls for your next special occasion.  Masters of the Universe

lindsay at lindsayelliott.com
jade at jadekugelman.com
oz at ozzandiyeh.com

Pretty amazing for unedited images!  If you look closely to the two photos flanked with black space, you will realize that it is Jade, holding up a flash while simultaneously rocking Nova in her Ergo carrier!  I love these sort of behind the scenes "do what ya gotta do..." situations!  

We had a crazy weekend with back to back partying for my 30th Birthday and a stagette for my long time high school friend, Ashley. 

We rented a suite at the Fairmont Pacific Rim down in Vancouver's Coal Harbour neighbourhood.  25-30 people showed up throughout the evening, sharing drinks, food, stories and good times.  

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photo by Lindsay Elliott

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photo by Lindsay Elliott

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day special.  From those who helped enormously with prep, those who went out of their way to spoil me with lovely gifts, and those that showed up just to partyyyyyy.   To Jade & Oz for doing another incredible job with my hair and make up, making me feel fantastic!  To everyone who passed the camera around helping me to take photos all night long!

Truly a great night.  Let's do it again next summer just for fun!!!!

Maybe a little more jumping in the bed and tub action?

XOXO

M&R Wedding Sneak Peek!

This summer is going to be over in seconds.  My pile of TO DO grows exponentially taller everyday and I'm struggling to keep on top of everything! 

The family and I just had the most wonderful mini vacation out in Pemberton this weekend!  Just passed Whistler at The Birken Lakeside Resort, we packed the Jetta, borrowed camping gear and prepared for our first family camping trip to shoot and celebrate the wedding of adorable goofballs, Mike & Ryan!  

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I met Mike back in our art school days at Emily Carr.  I met Ryan, I believe when they were in the early stages of their relationship.  Actually, I'm pretty sure the first and last time I met Ryan was when Mike brought him over to a house party for my 23rd Super Hero themed birthday party...  I don't know how I remember that night, but I digress.  Since graduation in 2007, Mike and I have only remained friendly acquaintances over the Facebook; that is until they were seeking out a photographer for their wedding!  After following my blog and watching my photography take on a life of its own, it was agreed that my eye would be the one to capture this very memorable day!  I could not have been more excited and honored.  
 
The wedding took place in one of B.C.'s absolutely breathtaking spectacles of nature.  (Is that sentence even grammatically correct?)  The couple rented out an entire campsite for the guests right by a lake of clear cool water with a stunning glacier-topped mountain as its backdrop.  The second we arrived, I knew it was going to be a painful goodbye.

As it was mentioned by Ross, their amazing MC, not only was it just a day to celebrate Mike & Ryan's marriage, but that it was THIS day, July 8 2003, 10 years ago, that same-sex marriage was legalized in in British Columbia!   I can't believe it's been that long already!  Their wedding fell just two days before the 10th anniversary, making it both very fitting and worth mentioning for these two very sweet boys, so perfectly deserving of one another. 

The freedom to wed the one you love is a great freedom to celebrate.  

More photos to come... 

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Reader's Choice Awards

The Delta Optimist, our local rag here in Tsawwassen and Ladner runs an annual Reader's Choice Awards for the best in the area, ranging from best grocer, coffee shops, and book stores to best services for dry cleaning, appliance repair and aesthetics.  My in-laws at Sublime, the local art supply store here in Tsawwassen, have won the last couple of years for best Art Gallery and I decided to take a chance and see if i could round up enough votes to get The Pauhaus out there.

As usual, a good hustle paid off and The Pauhaus won for best Portrait Photography!

We were treated to a Reception Dinner at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen.  Two drinks on the house with a variety of appies and mini desserts, Kevin and I enjoyed a child-free evening in the fresh air and sunshine on the patio.  We chatted with the other lucky winners from Meridian Meats, Delta Hospital Aux Thrift Shop and Marlin Travel before heading in to receive our plaques and possibly win one of the door prizes!

I got my plaque and Kevin's ticket won him a carpet!  It was a fun night and a great chance to mingle and meet with the other locals in town.   

A huge huge HUGE thank you to all those that took the time to fill out the ballots and help The Pauhaus soar to new heights.  It's been a crazy 8-9 months since I took the leap to start up my photography and I would not be here without all the support from family and friends. 

This is only the beginning!  Looking forward to what the future has in store for us and lots of ideas brewing to bring you more of the best we have to offer!