wedding bliss

 Wedding photography is a big deal. There are so many elements involved with such a short time frame. There are no do-overs. You miss a shot, and its over, well at least during the ceremony. But with that being said, its amazing. To have to think that quick, to align yourself in the perfect position, have your cameras settings just right is a rush. The best part is being present at such a monumental time in this couples lives. Being there and capturing these moments for them creates an instant bond. I have been a photographer for 2 weddings as well as a traditional chinese tea ceremony, each one being unique and beautiful in its own way.

Most recently I was 2nd shooter at a wedding. I have known the lead photographer for a while and admired his work. He is super talented and very technical. It was a great experience, and I felt like I learned a lot from him and that day. As 2nd shooter its all about helping the lead. Whether it be carrying the equipment, holding up lights or capturing different angles its what they want from you. One of my duties was being  in charge of the groom  getting ready. I was nervous, as one should be, but was really happy with the outcome. I had prepared for this part of the day. I'd never been there for the groom, the bride plenty of times, but never the groom. I had my list of shots I wanted to get, and did it. 

small details photos with  big impact 

small details photos with  big impact 

A collection of shots like these were on my list. Details, details, details. Anyone who has been a part of a wedding knows how much planning goes in to everything. And all these details have a right to be documented. Darcy was great to work with. I asked him to stop mid tie-tying or mid cuff-linking, and hold it. And I'm really happy with how these shots turned out. 

Darcy had his suit custom tailored. It was beautiful, and full of details. The embroidered patch was a very special touch with his name and the wedding date stitched in. The fantastic orange lining was awesome. I love bright bold colors and this was such a great idea to show some personal style.

After the ceremony is when the real fun begins! (well you know what I mean) Stress levels are back down, and all that anxiety is in the back of your mind. Photos capturing the essence of your love for each other is your only priority. Well that and maybe a couple celebratory drinks! Bridal parties always look so beautiful too, all the work they have put in for your big day are not overlooked. 

For this wedding we went to Confederation park in Calgary. Things here "blooming wise" are always a little behind, but the grass was green and there were just enough touches of buds on trees to help create a spring time feeling.  Everyone seemed at ease and the magic began. 

Craig capturing the shot. I can't wait to see his photos, he was all over the place and I bet they are amazing.

Craig capturing the shot. I can't wait to see his photos, he was all over the place and I bet they are amazing.

One of those "in between" moments I loved catching. While they had their attention on Craig, I loved getting these kinds of shots. 

The bride was absolutely stunning. Something out of a fairy tale, or disney movie. Completely regal and the perfect definition of elegance. She had this big huge genuine smile on her face all day. Such an amazing bride to work with.  

once again amazing details not to be overlooked. The bride actually created her own bouquet... amazing if you ask me! And it smelled insane!!

once again amazing details not to be overlooked. The bride actually created her own bouquet... amazing if you ask me! And it smelled insane!!

This photo (above) has to be my favourite of the day. The intensity, the love, the connection really shines through. 

All in all, wedding photography is huge. Its so important. Picking the right photographer for your big day is key. Trust is essential. I've enjoyed, and am so grateful for  all the oppertunities I've had to this point, and look forward to growing and learning more about this. I'm truly passionate about creating these beautiful images that tell your story. 

Coachella

So I got to do something that's been on my bucket list for many years. I went  to Coachella. When I first heard about this festival years ago, I knew I had to go. Year after year,  I would see the lineup of musicians and be so envious of anyone going. For those of you unfamiliar with it, it is a huge music festival in Indio, California. Just outside of Palm Springs. It runs two separate weekends, same artists both weekends, but sometimes there will be special surprise guests who come out and perform. Like this year Kanye West came out when The Weeknd was performing. I know there are a lot of Kanye haters, but I thought it was pretty cool to see. 

I had the most amazing time. It was a vacation that was absolutely needed. My soul is renewed, ready for this life again. The highlight (musically speaking) of the weekend for myself was seeing Fitz & the Tantrums. They've been one of my favourite bands since I first heard them. So seeing them live was amazing. We had just left the main big stage watching Florence and the machine, so it wasn't as busy yet. I could see them perfectly, and danced so hard. That phrase "dance like no one is watching" is exactly what I did. I had a blast.

The scenery there is incredible. There were amazing sunsets every night. I mean AMAZING. I don't remember ever being in the presence of such a big, full glowing sun.  I felt spoiled by all this beauty that was around me. Palm trees everywhere, and when the sun set on them they created the most magical silhouettes. Palm trees are kind of my favourite. That and cacti which I'll touch base about in my next post about our road trip through the Mojave desert and Joshua tree national park. Of course I took about a zillion photos. I didn't want to have to worry about my "real" camera, so I just used my iPhone 6 for this adventure. I had the most incredible time here. I was with someone who made it that much more special. I'm forever grateful to have had this oppertunity.  Here are a few of my favourites I snapped during the festival. Some can be seen on my instagram page @chowexander

walking in to the grounds the first day we were met by this incredible sky and amazing silhouettes.  @chowexander 

walking in to the grounds the first day we were met by this incredible sky and amazing silhouettes.  @chowexander 

giant sunsets and palm silhouettes

giant sunsets and palm silhouettes

@chowexander

@chowexander

different balloon strings everyday

different balloon strings everyday

my wristband and our coachella guide book

my wristband and our coachella guide book

Watching Alesso in the Sahara tent

Watching Alesso in the Sahara tent

The giant caterpillar at night

The giant caterpillar at night

the caterpillar turned in to a beautiful butterfly on day 2

the caterpillar turned in to a beautiful butterfly on day 2

@chowexander

@chowexander

the beauty of pregnancy

I love doing maternity sessions. These mom's to be, whether it be their first time or 4th time, still glow all the same. The female body is utterly amazing. What we can do is spectacular. I love capturing these moments, because before you know it, you have your perfect little baby in your arms and your body goes back to its normal shape(ish). You almost forget how you felt, or how you looked. I know I did. When I was pregnant with my boys, maternity photography wasn't as it is today. It was kind of cheesy, set weird poses that kind of didn't celebrate the beautiful body. Thats why I offer two separate sessions for maternity. One for you and your partner, which obviously are just as special and beautiful, but the other to showcase the way your body changes in to this amazing safe home for your baby to grow. Capturing these moments is important - It's beautiful, it's life, it's a miracle. The female body should be celebrated this way, without us there wouldn't be anyone around anymore! 

I understand that having intimate photos taken of yourself on a good day isn't an easy thing to stomach. We're so hard on ourselves. There's so much telling us how we should look, how we should feel its hard to see our real true beauty. Plus many of us don't feel well during the pregnancy. Its hard to sleep, you're peeing every 30 minutes, you can't see your toes and everything feels swollen and bloated, BUT you are creating a life. A precious, innocent, beautiful, perfect life, and it should be documented. Looking back, I wish I'd had some photos of myself, because 6 years later, its really hard to remember how I felt, or looked. It doesn't matter how big/small you are, YOU'RE beautiful.

When Caroline asked me for maternity photo's I was really happy to do them. I had worked with her for a few years and was honoured to do them. We ended up only doing these intimate photos, and they turned out so beautifully. She was glowing and beyond gorgeous. Proud of her bump as any woman should be. It was so great working with her. Her excitement was beyond, so happy to be embarking on this journey of motherhood. 

(I chose to feature black and white images only just for the extra intimacy I feel it adds to the photos)