Author Archives: Jenn

Love on the Island - Vancouver Island Wedding Photographer

February 10, 2011 – 10:14 am

Last month we stopped over on Vancouver Island to visit some family.  Family that we love.  Family that is full of love.  Family that is in love.  These photos aren’t from a wedding, from an engagement shoot or really any special day in particular.  They are just from a place of joy - and I love them.  This is a reminder though, how many of you have photos together other than just your wedding or engagement photos?  Have you thought of anniversary photos or about having a session just-because you’re in love? Or, are there people in your life, such as grandparents, parents, relative, friends, who are wonderfully in love and need photos together.  Don’t wait.  Celebrate your love and joy.  Contact me if you’re interested at jenn@jennbest.ca

In any case, I just wanted to share this beautiful and adorable couple…. so in love.

Posted in Anytime, Engagement, My life, Personal, Portrait | Comments (2)

CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR - weddingbells sytyle!

January 1, 2011 – 9:41 am

WOW!!! 2010 is officially over and what a year it was.  This isn’t going to be the post where I reflect on last year, I may do one of those but this isn’t it.  Simply though the year held some of the absolute worst things I’ve ever had to experience and some of the absolute best.  It was one crazy wild roller coaster ride that I definitely have mixed feelings about. But, I have a feeling that 2011 is going to be a good year and is already off to an unbelievable start.  I’m so excited to share some of the best news I’ve ever gotten on a New Year’s - EVER!  Thanks to our AMAZING, WONDERFUL, FANTASTICAL, SUPERDUPER, FABULOUS, STUNNING, and AWESOME clients I’ve had the honour of being named to weddingbells 30 Most Inspiring Photographers for 2011 IN CANADA!!! WOO HOO!!! What an honour to be named amongst some of our countries best and by such a wonderful publication.  Again, thank you to all of our amazing clients (and not just from 2010 but ALL of our couples)! Without your wonderful support, confidence and beautiful love this would not be possible (wow, that suddenly felt like an oscar awards speech or something but I SINCERELY mean it - from my heart :P).  Congratulations to all the other wonderful and amazingly talented photographers.

To following your dreams and inspiration…

To see the whole list and read this article visit weddingbells.ca HERE

Posted in Anytime, Motivation/Inspiration, My life, Personal, Published, Wedding | Comments (3)

Rajni + Brandon - VANCOUVER ENGAGEMENT SESSION

December 30, 2010 – 1:55 pm

When you schedule an engagement session for the end of December, you’re definitely rolling the dice as to what sort of weather you’re going to get.  Basically, you just plan for rain.  So when it turns out to be a gorgeous sunny day with snow on the mountains it’s a definite bonus.  But these two deserved it (although I’m sure Brandon could have done without the cold temperatures :P) !!!  You see Rajni and Brandon are going to medical school and have been living in New York and are planning a wonderful wedding here in the Spring.  They planned to come home for the holidays and also do some wedding planning only to have endured the holidays at the JFK airport for 36 hours thanks to a crazy airline and a blizzard.   I’m sssoooooo glad their stay here in Vancouver is going to be a gorgeous sunny one.

Rajni and Brandon are just wonderful wonderful people and we had such a fun time getting to know each other and taking some fun pics down in Coal harbour.   They really know how to make each other laugh and do also do a fabulous job at keeping each other warm.  They are incredibaly laid back as well as ridiculously good looking (thank you zoolander for taking over this post :P).

Here are just a few of my faves to share with you.  These two know how to work it - I love it! ENJOY!!!

Posted in Engagement, Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Tulips in November!!!

November 18, 2010 – 11:03 am

It’s true!!!  See!!!

I found them at the Whole Foods Flower market and I HAD TO BUY THEM.  Aren’t they pretty?!!!  So even though it’s totally freezing outside and practically Christmas it feels like spring in here baby :)  I just love the light pink and white ones (I think these are called parrot tulips but who knows) and loved the white ones with the frayed/spiky edges.  *Sigh* winter is still officially one month away and I can’t wait for Spring - I’m a sunshine kinda’ girl.

Posted in Anytime, My life, Personal, Uncategorized | Comments (0)

CHANDRA + JEFF - Part 2 - Canadian Memorial Church + Riverside Banquet Hall

September 28, 2010 – 4:59 pm

Again, I don’t know where to start with these two.  Their day was definitely a huge reflection of who they are - Joyous and loving - and a really big party.  Day 2 just really needs to be described as soooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun and a lot crazy (in a very good way).  Chandra is an incredibly talented graphic designer and her sense of style shone through.  I just loved all the details and touches she put on the day from a childhood heirloom to crazy socks to fun props and more.  Of course I also loved all the turquoise/teal accents too.  Enjoy a few of my favourite shots from the day.

Just loved the dresses, and the bridesmaids dresses had pockets :)

the little pin was from when Jeff was a kid.  Jeff’s mom gave it to Chandra and she knew exactly what to do with it - loved it.

And of course every bride deserves a gift from her soon to be hubby

Jeff was definately ready to get married

MARRIED!!!

Off to the Olympic village for photos - LOVE THIS PLACE!

L-O-V-E-D the socks the guys had.

Just gorgeous ladies.

Oh, love the couple, love the light, love the love - WORK IT!

Chandra brought these fun props - so cute!

Just stunning! the colour, the orchids - THE BRIDE!!!!

Jeff has such an infectious smile - what a guy!

loved the turquoise orchids and details at the reception.

All receptions are meant to be a party but this one really really was!  The wedding party did an amazing line and bollywood dance when they entered the reception.

What did I say about JOY?!!!! I think they had a good time.

Oh how I love slideshows - the reactions are priceless.

Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance…. Just feel the love!

PPPPPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRTTTTTTYYYYY!!!!

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CHANDRA + JEFF - Part 1 - The Indian Wedding: Richmond Oval + Riverside Banquet Hall

September 9, 2010 – 4:30 pm

So let me share a recipe for a great wedding (or in this case 2 days of weddings).  Start with two AHHH-MAZING PEOPLE and add beautiful traditional Indian dress,  throw in a dash of amazing sunshine, killer light, stunning architecture, loving family and friends, a beautiful traditional ceremony and the ability to rock the photo session and you’re in for only half of this amazing wedding.

I really don’t know what to say about these two (in fact I keep re-writing this post, deleting it and re-writing it).  It’s not because I don’t have anything to say, in fact it’s the exact opposite - I have too much that I want to say.  I feel so lucky to have been a part of their wedding and just am soooooooo sooooooo happy for them.

I don’t know how to describe how awesome it was to watch someone you’ve known since elementary school marry his best friend.  I think the surreal-ness of it all really kept hitting me.  That and the feeling that we really are all grown up now (or at least are supposed to be).

So I’m not even going to try and describe it… I’m just going to share some images from their beautiful Indian ceremony and photo session.  Here’s to an amazing Day 1 (and did I mention the LIGHT - Oh, having a moment again about the light - love it).

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MEAGAN & ETIENNE - Ontario Lakeside Wedding / TRASH THE DRESS / DAY AFTER SESSION - PART 2

September 1, 2010 – 11:01 am

Two days after Meagan & Etienne’s wonderful wedding, we topped it with a “Day After Session” (or some may know more commonly as “Trash The Dress”).  I don’t like to call it a “Trash The Dress” Session so much because I am in no way trying to ruin the dress.  I view these sessions as an amazing time to go around and take photos without the time constraints of the wedding day and withought having to worry if the dress get’s dirty.  After the session the bride will have it cleaned and everything is good to go.  Yes, there are some brides, Meagan included who choose to get their dress wet, either by being in the ocean or in a lake or something.  But honestly, You wouldn’t have even known her dress got wet and it barely got dirty.  It’s great when a bride says, “HEY, you’re only going to wear it once so why not put it on again and get some amazing shots?!”  Well that’s what we did.

We went all around the lake where Meagan’s Family has a cabin.  It was a pretty special time because the lake is at the lowest level it has ever been in at least 40 years.  So the shoreline was the largest they’d ever seen it and basically we took a majority of the photos in places that would normally be under water.  For the last half of the session we went to a few special places but I don’t want to spoil the surprise.

All I can say is that I honestly don’t think I’ve ever loved an entire set of images so much :)

There were so many amazing elements to this shoot: The location was just amazing, the light was killer, the clouds were breathtaking, the wind was perfect the whole time (personal wind machine much) and the bride and groom were fearless and working it!  All adds up to one perfect shoot.

To start, This has to be MY FAVOURITE SHOT OF A BRIDE EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER!!!  It’s going to be made into a big big canvas!  JUST STUNNING!!!  LLLLLLOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE!!!

This is a real shot people!  She is actually driving the boat here and did for everywhere we went.  The only thing we set up was that she took off her sweater so you could see the dress.

OMG!!! I could have shot Meag ALL FRICKIN’ DAY (and I almost did actually).

Love the movement of wind in this shot!

See what I mean about amazing light… Oh Man, I’m freakin’ out all over again.

And this is what I mean about personal wind machine - JUST AMAZING!!!

SO - Can you guess where these amazing photos were taken?

How about here!  The side of a dam!  OH, I COULD HAVE SHOT HERE ALL DAY!!!

It was quite cold though but you get used to it (or numb to it).

And last but certainly not least… the whole shoot led up to them jumping in the lake!  SO FUN!!!

Etienne went in a second time - CANON BALL!!!

Just love this shot… This is Scott’s shot of Etienne’s take off for his canon ball.  LOVE IT!!! Feels like something EPIC!

So - WHO’S NEXT?  COME ONE PEOPLE!!!! I LOVE THIS!!! You don’t have to jump in the water either (but it does make for fun times)!

Posted in Anytime, Uncategorized, Wedding | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (2)

MEAGAN & ETIENNE - Ontario Lakeside Wedding - PART 1

August 31, 2010 – 4:33 pm

WOW!!! I have no idea how to write this post.  I have so many things I want to say and don’t know where to start and don’t even know if I have the ability to put into words how I feel about these two and their amazing wedding.

I feel blessed, really really blessed to have Meagan and Etienne in our life.  They moved here just about 2 years ago from Ontario.  I met Meagan at the job I worked at and after a few months of working together we really started to hit it off.  Neither of us can really remember how it started or when exactly we realized that we were becoming such good friends but it happened super fast.  And the first time Scott and I met Etienne and we all hung out together it was like we had all been friends for years.

Fast forward 2 years and their wedding was here. FAST!  Meagan always dreamed of getting married on the lake that her family has a cottage and where she spent all her summers growing up.  It really seemed that all the stars aligned and she was able to plan an amazing wedding at the fishing lodge her and her sister worked at for many many summers.

We definitely spent a lot of time talking about the wedding.  All of Meagans family and friends live back east so I was happy to provide as much support and share as many ideas as I could for this wedding.  We spent hours looking at blogs and talking about flowers, and hair and makeup and dresses and details, and details and details.  And it all came together so amazingly.

I always enjoy the weddings we are a part of but this was just amazing.  I could not have been or could be any happier for these two.  I know what it’s like to marry your best friend and then to watch one of your best friends marry their best friend was just so … amazing, wonderful, fabulous… insert any word here.  Thank you to you both for having us be such a big part of your day.

Enjoy just a few of my fav photos - trust me there are a lot of favs, it was hard to choose.  ALSO soon to come, PART 2 - their DAY AFTER session, more commonly known as TRASH THE DRESS!  It is one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Meagan’s beautiful Mikaella wedding dress - JUST PERFECT for her

A few details: her great grandmother’s pearl necklace and an adorable hair piece

Meagan’s parents found this perfectly shaped moss pillow in the forest around their cabin

I LOVE This moment during their first look - Etienne was SO EXCITED to see his bride :)

I was very obsessed with Meag’s dress and how it blew in the wind - LOVED it!

Ah, I think my heart just skipped a beat - look at the wind blowing her hair

There were soooooooooooooo many amazing details for this wedding and many of them hand made by Meagan’s family and friends, especially her parents and grandparents.

Meagan’s grandfathered made these birch holders for all the place cards.  Each table was named after a place Meagan and Etienne traveled too.

Aren’t these adorable!  Her grandfather made them.  A FAMILY OF birch deer - wish I could have fit these in my suitcase.

How’s this for a perfect spot for a ceremony!

Again, more handmade details - Moss baskets and birch tags.

This was just SOME of the most perfect and amazing light during their ceremony

This is when the thunder started and the black clouds moved in… FAST!!!! it was a teency bit nerve racking

MARRIED!!!! (please note:  these two are being showered with birch bark confetti that Etienne spent hours hand cutting into tiny confetti size pieces… *sigh* that’s love)

And right after the ceremony… guess what moved in.  RAIN!!! We also later found out that there were tornado warnings in the area… OMG!!!

So after the crazy rain and more in the forecast and crazy gusts of wind to come the decision was made to move the reception site.  Everyone thought it was rather hilarious and happily chipped in to move the reception tables.

Meagan’s grandmother made all the birch vases for the centerpieces.  I just loved all the details from the handpainted rocks, to the ferns and birch pieces all over.

Despite the rain glitch… their wedding was a real celebration.  FUN TIMES!!!!

And for the most perfect first dance EVER!!! On the dock at sunset *sigh*

Oh, and not sure if anyone remembers their awesome sunset engagement shot… well we recreated a wedding version to rival the first one.  TOTALLY WORTH IT!

And for more adorable details.  Meagan’s grandfather made special cupcake stands out of birch (as well as that cute little horse used on the candy table).  And her grandmother made flower daisies with individual marshmellow petals and flower roses with individual candy petals.  They also had butterfly cupcakes.  All handmade by Meagan’s family.

Have I mentioned how much I love slideshows… especially ones with embarrassing pictures :P

Etienne’s brother perfomed a French Canadian sock dance which is basically a crazy dance wearing crazy socks and people give money - THIS WAS FUN!!!

And to end the night… it’s bonfire time!

Posted in My life, Uncategorized, Wedding | Tagged , , , , | Comments (1)

ELLEN + GERARD - Deer Lake Park & Nikkei Centre Wedding / Burnaby Wedding Photographer

August 31, 2010 – 1:39 pm

Ellen and Gerard are just one of those couples… perfect in every way.  They are honest and sincere and absolutely adorable together.  The way they love each other just seeps out of them and can be seen in every glance and every smile, every word they speak to each other and in every touch.  They are always so happy and joyful and I think that was exaggerated 10x more on their wedding day.  Ellen was super calm the morning of her wedding but I could just tell that she was practically bursting at the seems to see her groom.  Their day was beautiful and simple and a barrel of laughs thanks to their rockin’ wedding party.  At a few points during the bridal party photos I was laughing so hard I couldn’t take their picture.  Thank you Ellen & Gerard for having Scott and I be a part of your beautiful day!

I just loved Ellen’s dress and shoes

And…. I L-O-V-E when bride’s do fun things with their details like this…

*sigh* Isn’t she just adorable, and stunning, and beautiful and gorgeous…

Their first look was adorable

Oh, Ellen… just GORGEOUS!!! and loved the roses all over her dress

I especially love the way Gerard makes Ellen smile… just melts my heart

I also always love it when the wind catches the veil

When the father of the bride gives away his daughter it’s always an emotional moment.  I love the look on Ellen’s dad’s face, he’s so proud and he’s giving Ellen’s hand right to Gerard.

I really loved the architecture at the Nikkei Heritage Centre

The food was very important to these two, especially Gerard and Two Chefs and a Table DID NOT disappoint.  The prawn and lamb lollipop appetizers we’re DELICIOUS.  My mouth is watering again just looking at these.

Simply love this moment from their first dance

During dinner Ellen changed into a traditional Korean dress.  This was her mother’s when she got married, and so was the pearl necklace.  L-O-V-E.

It was also Ellen’s Birthday so the day was doubly special :)  Gerard surprised her with a birthday cake and 200 people that they love to sing her happy Birthday!

And to end… I love this shot Scottie took of Ellen and I as we’re leaving the photo sess.  HAVE to make sure the dress stays clean :)

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* OUT OF OFFICE * (again)

August 10, 2010 – 8:36 am

Well we’re leaving Vancouver once again.  This time on a jet plane.  We’re off to Ottawa and then the middle of nowhere :P  for a beautiful lakeside wedding in Ontario.  We won’t have any internet access once we leave Ottawa so we’ll be unplugged for the next week - CCCRRRRRAAAZZZYYYY but totally looking forward to it.  We’ll be gone until late next week and then get to enjoy an awesome wedding when we get home.  Hope everyone has a good week.

Here’s a shot to leave you with that I took last night on my way home from shooting an awesome engagement session.  LOVE VANCOUVER.  Goodbye West Coast.

Posted in Anytime, Motivation/Inspiration, My life, Personal, Uncategorized, Wedding | Comments (0)