Kristy & Shawn ~ Edmonton Wedding Photographer

Regular Island in the Mist Photography Blog readers probably remember Kristy and Shawn. They had a super fun baseball themed engagement photography session a few months back. I knew the minute I met Kristy that she was one of the nicest people I have ever met. She also might be one of the funniest. I know for sure she is one of the prettiest.

I was so happy to be their wedding photographer on Saturday. A beautiful day, a beautiful location and wonderful people. It was an awesome day!

It's always a privledge to witness the moments right before a wedding when both mom and daughter are unbearibly excited. It's like you can feel the pride and happiness radiating from mother's as their daughters bubble over with nervous anticipation. Of course, Sharon and Kristy were no exception.


Kristy told me that she was disappointed because she had hoped to be on Rich Bride Poor Bride on the Slice Network. I really think that would have been very fun, however, her super cute Aunt Brenda and the rest of her family stepped up and planned the decor for the wedding. I think they did an amazing job. Brenda actually dreamed up and took care of these super fun centre pieces. What would have been more appropriate for a wedding on an acreage surrounded by fields and trees?



The suprise elements of a wedding are awesome for guests (it's nice if you let your photographer know in advance though!) Thankfuly someone gave me a heads up about Kristy being suprised with having a horse and cart escort to the ceremony! This is Kristy's Grandpa Kruk driving the horses. As someone whose Grandfather's have both past away, I found this especially touching.

Remember how I said Kristy is one of the funniest people I have ever met? Right. So this is Kristy and her Dad. The second sentence (it might have been first) that Kristy said to me when I met her was something like this, "My Dad is my best friend." I don't think she was exagerrating. She adores him! I am pretty sure he feels exactly the same way. What a duo!
Ok, so let me just tell you up front, that I like dogs. I can stand cats-barely. I have held a snake- once. However, I am not down with birds or amphibians. So, as the Pastor is sharing a prayer with us, I am trying to be very quiet and unobtrusive. I was standing in the grass, and there were insects all around (which is ok. I am good with insects) but suddenly, I felt something much larger than a mosquito land on my foot and it felt very cold. Did I mention it was flirting with 30 degrees? When I looked down, I almost swallowed my tounge trying not to scream!!! Look what was on my foot! Ok, so I admit, the photo is not very well focused and is a little over exposed but I was not set up for a wildlife shoot! See guys, there really was a frog ;)
This is the first time I have not seen a bride cry at a wedding. By that I mean, I am sure she was crying as she hid behind her flowers!

In an moment of pure sweetness, after Kristy and Shawn had exchanged rings, Shawn gave a ring to Kristy's son (now his too!) Sam and said the sweetest vows to him. Ok, I am a little misty eyed typing about it. I was very misty eyed as it happened. It was super sweet.
Remember Aunt Brenda? Right. Kristy told me about this shot that Aunt Brenda had envisioned right after she told me about her Dad. Really, Aunt Brenda, you are too cute.






How much fun was this!?
Guess who said Grace?! Sam! He did a super job!

This is Kristy being very serious about cutting her cake. I didn't lie when I said she was funny!
This comment has 2 parts. The first is that, you can totally see how much Kristy adores her Dad in this photo. In fact, I had a terribly hard time picking which photo of their dance together to show. They were all so tender sweet. The second part is that they danced to the song that my sister swears that she wants to dance with our Dad to when she gets married. So, for two reasons, I got all chocked up again.



The first dance is always a sweet moment, isn't it?

The best photos always come when no one knows the photo is being taken. Watching the slideshow, I love watching people laugh and cry when they watch slideshows. They are always packed with so many memories!

Which this makes me think this might be photo of the day! I have no idea what they were seeing behind me, but check out Shawn's Dad and Gramdmother (who made the trip from Ontario) as they react to something in the slideshow! I love my job!

Poor Boris.

This is Bridget.

Bridget is my baby. She is 6 months old and eats sweet potatoes, squash, cereal, formula and custard.



Boris is my dog. He is quirky. He eats socks, tissues, baby bottles and pacifiers. When I bought him I was a single gal, living in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. Alone.




Then I met Jamie and Ashley and Daniel. We became a family. Boris would watch Daniel all night. We were unsure of whether he was guarding his 5 year old boy, or stalking his prey. Now that Daniel is 10, we figure he was on guard. Boris still sleeps in under Daniel's bed with his collection of socks, tissues, baby bottles and pacifiers.




Then came baby Bridget. No longer did Boris get to spend all of his time home alone, basking in the quiet. I work from home now. The baby has a million noisy contraptions. The baby is noisy when she is is hungry, thirsty, bored and tired. She is noisiest when she is happy. Boris has retreated to under the bed.

Then this morning, the worst thing that could happen in poor Boris' life happens. He was sitting on the living room floor, petitioning for some toast. What he didn't count on is that Bridget is on the move. She can get from one side of her foam mat to the other. She didn't give him any warning when she moved slyly to where he was. She started to pet his leg like she had done it her whole life. It was lovely. I scrambled for the video camera.

Then she got ambitious. She wanted...no needed....a handful of soft grey fur to call her own.

Well I have to say I am pleased with my 100lb dog for walking away from my 18lb baby when finally I pried her little hand open and gave him his freedom. He has since been camping out in the backyard and refuses to come in. I suspect he is going to be in for a long winter.

(Boris- The Victim)

Kim and Jesse

What an awesome Saturday!

I started the day off at Kim's parent's house, where her mom nearly frightened the life clear out of me by tapping on my truck window while I was doing last minute lipstick application prior to making my great first impression! Well never mind the lipstick...the mascara was off before I knew it. Tears were rolling down my face from laughing at her mom who was doubled over laughing at me for jumping so high I nearly hit my head! I knew I was in for a great day!

When Kim arrived from the salon, we had time to take some great shots in her parents backyard. Right after the girls toasted her we headed off to the Nisku Inn and Conference Centre for the ceremony.

You can see the Alberta Legislature from Kim and Jesse's place, so I thought it was fitting that she selected there for her photos. We also spend some time doing their photos on the same stairs where her parents had posed for their wedding photos!

Judging from the blue sky in some of the photos it is really hard to believe that we were actually rained out during our time at the Legislature. Failing a plan B, someone had a brilliant idea to spend the extra hour at none other than Boston Pizza. A few strange looks and a table for 14 later, everyone had a great time having pre-dinner drinks!

I had a great day hanging out with you and doing your photos guys! You were all awesome to work with and I really enjoyed my day. Click here to see the slideshow of your day!

Snowshoes optional?

Two weeks ago, while my mother was here from Newfoundland, we embarked on spring cleaning. The key word was meant to be 'Spring'. We carefully packed away all of the winter coats, boots and gloves. Then we stored them all away, in a tidy fashion, deep under the basement stairs. I broke out my sandals, looked shamefully at my white legs and put on Capri pants. Spring cleaning all done, I went to scope out fun wedding locations for some upcoming events and looked hopefully at a park in Leduc.

The week went along very well. Not only was I happy that I was sporting my pre-pregnancy pants, but I was pleased as punch at feeling the sun on my legs and face. Spring had sprung, summer was just around the corner and I nearly was motivated to clean out my car. Nearly. Instead I took Bridget to the park, where she napped just as peacefully in the warm sun as she would have in her bassinet at home, while I was doing laundry. But I digress...

Then yesterday arrived. What a shock to the system that was. I was forced to put away my pretty red nail polish by covering it with slippers. Bridget needed fleece sleepers. I turned the heat way up.

And then today arrived...

Embarking on a trip to Wal-mart today didn't work out. There was 4 inches of snow on the ground. Every car in Edmonton was on the road and driving as though we were faced with the worst blizzard conditions of the century. I gave up and convinced the family perhaps we had best just go to Superstore.

If you know me, you would know this. If you don't, I will tell you. I hate Superstore. I hate the crowd, the bagging of one's own groceries and the idea that I have to pay for bags. Now I am sure I vacuumed up more money than my bags cost me today, but it's the principal of the matter. So the very idea that I was willing to shop there is a strong testament to the fact that I didn't want to drive all the way to St. Albert to pick up milk and eggs.

Walking into the store, we passed by a stunning display of those ornamental trees that folks who garden would plant in their yards. Taller than me, and incredibly full, they were indeed impressive. I am sure I would have noticed them, all on my own. However, my attention was drawn to them as an elderly gentleman powered by on his scooter and commented...'Might as well be Christmas trees.' He was right. This was amusing. I smiled at the man and his witty comment. The more ironic part of this story is that fact that located directly adjacent to these 'Christmas trees' was a giant display of annual and perennials and a very large bin of pool toys!

As I look out my patio door and type this, I gaze longingly at my BBQ which looks like a mere blob of snow on long black legs. It seems unfair that my empty propane tank is not the key factor preventing me from a enjoying a scrumptious grilled steak. It is after all, the depth to which my parka and to tuque are stored in under the stairs.

Pretty Lady!

Its been ages and ages since I have posted. It's been a very busy time. Since my last post I have been so pregnant that I only was comfortable in the same pink sweater, what seemed like every day. Doctors were betting on how big the baby was and were astounded to know my mother was over 14 lbs when she was born. I was having regular ultrasounds and non-stress tests due to some early concern with the baby's heart so the size of the baby was a regular topic of conversation. I predicted I would end up with a C-Section, as it did feel like I was totally out of room in there.


On March 11 baby Bridget Annastaisia Reynolds made her arrival. 3 weeks early she did come by C-section, only after I sat in labour at home for hours and watched my favorite episode of Law and Order at 3am. When it was over I woke Jamie and we both figured that it was all in my head so I wandered around the house plotting how to smuggle snacks and bottled water into the delivery room. Finally we headed off and after I was examined, I realized I was halfway there! 19 hours later, Jai, the best nurse at the Royal Alex and quite possibly the world, decided that the baby was post anterior and I got to head off to surgery. The curious cat in me was desperate to see what happens down past the sheet when they are cutting you open while you are awake. Even with my keen persuasion skills, I couldn't convince anyone that it was a good idea for me to watch. Looking back that may have been the best idea for everyone because once I heard the baby cry and realized what just happened I convinced myself I couldn't breathe. I only assume that after that they knocked me out entirely at that point, as I woke up in my room with my friend Peggy and her kids looking at me, and had no idea where I was. Oh the things drugs will do!





Since that time I have been graced with all sorts of visitors who are only using me to visit with baby Bridget. My mom and step dad, my step mom, my aunt Carol and Uncle Barry, aunt Francie and uncle Cec, My cousin Phil and his fiancee Andrea, my great aunt Liz, my cousin Tina and her husband Mark with their kids and even a long lost cousin I had never met! Not bad for a girl who isn't from Alberta I figure!





It's been great and I have loved having everyone. Now its time to get on with the serious work. I have to take her pictures! It's been so busy all I have had time for is snapshots so tomorrow is a big day! I am positing a few of the snaps I have taken until I get the good ones done!





I hope you find her as cute as I do!

Wink!!! What a flirt!

Cuddling with Daddy after my first bath!

Talking to Nanny Barrett!

Spending an afternoon with Nanny and Poppy Barrett!

Hanging out with my Mom and Nanny!

6 week countdown!

It would appear that I have fallen down on the job of maintaining an upto date Blog! I am very sorry. Who would ever have known that growing a baby could be so much work! I am pleased to say that the future Bridget Annastaisia Reynolds should be arriving anytime in the next 6 weeks!

All of these pregnancy hormones have made me a little primal I believe! The ancient urge to hunt and gather has come over me in an overwhelming way! Hunting out the cutest outfits, the most fun baby swing and the safest carseat. Then you can never forget the gathering of all of these items...trips to Toys R Us and Sears and the like will not leave you (or the poor man who has to carry of your conquests to the car, and subsequently assemble them...) emptyhanded! Retailers rarely disappoint!

Of course we can never forget the 2 lovely baby showers that friends held in my honor. Thanks to Sheena and to Beth. Both of whom opened their homes and hearts to both host showers-one for friends and one for co-workers. The baby buying bug clearly had bit the guests. The only thing I think I need after all of the excitement would be more closet space!

I am getting very excited as I embark on the 6 week countdown. Friends and clients who are accustomed to the amount of time I spend shooting photos while laying on my belly on the floor or rolling around with small children to get fun shots would laugh at the site of trying to get up off the couch! It's really a very exciting time!