Jill, Doug, & I originally had an engagement session planned for early April. Sadly, we had to postpone that original session because it fell smack-dab in the midst of the COVID19 crisis of 2020. In the weeks to come, Jill & Doug debated what they should do with their original wedding date-- to postpone, or not to postpone? 

Many, many (90%) of my 2020 couples have made the difficult decision to postpone their weddings into 2021. I can't blame them. The thought of getting married without all of your friends and family present, not being able to hug all your guests, or share a busy dance floor, can feel devastating. But a few of my couples have bravely decided to push ahead! To embrace the social distancing limitations and forge forward. 

Jill and Doug are one of those couples! They have cut their guest list down from 320 (!!) to less than 50, have changed venues, and basically everything else about their wedding... But the date will not change. Their love will not change. Their marriage will not change. 

While I understand completely why any couple would want to postpone (and have made every accommodation possible for my couples who have made this decision) I can't help but tip my hat at the few who have decided that COVID19 will not rob them of their wedding plans. That takes serious guts.

With their wedding date quickly approaching, we decided that it was time to reschedule that engagement session. And what a perfect evening for it! Just the right amount of clouds and overcast set the atmosphere, and gave the session a touch of mood and grit that I so love. 

One of the questions I am asked most often by clients is what should they wear to their photo session.  Since the Spring/Summer booking season is upon up (and COVID19 restrictions are slowly lifting-- yay!) I thought I would make a blog post with a few Do's and Don'ts.

The biggest mistake you can make when styling your family photo shoot is not styling it at all. You are spending hundreds of dollars on these photos! Take this opportunity to treat yourself and your kids to a couple new pieces of clothing that make you look and feel amazing. Because the truth is-- if you feel amazing, you will look amazing!

Investing in a few new pieces for your family photo should be expected, and should simply be part of what you budget for when you book with the photographer of your dreams. It truly makes all the difference.

DO! Colours such as— Sage, Mustard, Rust, Oatmeal, Cream/White. 
DON'T! Florescent colours, or overly bold patterns (including bold florals), logos, slogans. 
DO! Accessorize with a chunky knitted sweater, wide brimmed hat, statement earrings, or funky kimono! 
DON'T! Wear heels or other impractical footwear. If you or your kids can't run in your footwear, it has no place in your session. ​

For Women--
For women, I almost always recommend a long, billowy dress with a boho-yet-timeless type feel. A dress that swishes, catches in the breeze, or your little ones can hide in always makes a beautiful statement. 

Here are my favourite shops for dresses::
Amazon.ca ‘Milumia’ dresses.
Anthropologie
Free People

With that said, I totally understand that some people are not into dresses! That’s ok! It's important that you feel great in whatever you wear, and if dresses only make you feel uncomfortable and self concious-- then you absolutely should not wear one! 

Instead, consider a great fitting pair of jeans with a beautiful, flowy shirt (or kimono!), or even a modern romper!

‘Free People’ has some really cool, boho designs.
If you are local to the West Kootenays, you should definitely check out 'Bia Boro' on Baker Street in Nelson! 

Here is a link to my Inspiration Board for Styling Parents for a Spring or Summer Family Session.​

With COVID19 forcing so many of my Summer 2020 wedding couples to consider postponing their big days, I thought that now would be the perfect time to share images from Colleen and Rylie's incredible Fall Wedding last year. If you had a summer date booked, and don't want to wait until next year to tie the knot, I urge you to think about a October or November 2021 date. 

Fall Kootenay weddings are atmospheric, moody, and unique. Dress them up with (faux) fur, gold, and lush velvet... Or keep them rustic with textural knits, leaves, pumpkins, and a dessert table with pies and tarts. This season is truly so versatile and often over looked! Fall in the Kootenays is beautiful and is the perfect time to say 'I Do'.