Aleda and Rick's celebration of family

I first met Alida the day before her wedding. I drove up to this beautiful house surrounded with the most amazing garden. I was directed to go inside the house, and to look for the beautiful woman with the black hair and white shirt. As I entered all the heads turned to me wondering who I was and as I introduced my self they parted and Alida walked towards me. Her face was glowing.

She radiates kindness and love. As she told me the story of how her and Rick met, and about her wedding she hardly talked about herself. Instead her stories where full of her friends, children and how she was so proud of them and all their accomplishments. Aleda is not only beautiful but humble and sternly believes what you put out in the world comes back to you.

Alida and Rick met when they where 18 and 17, Rick was Alidas first love. after years Alida moved away and they split. As they went on their own journey for 30 years they had their beautiful children and lived their lives. Alida was having one of this life moments where everything was crashing down and after showing kindness to a stranger that needed it, she came home to find karma had rewarded her. A letter from her old love Rick was in the mailbox. The letter was exactly what she needed at exactly the right time and they got back together.

Their wedding was a celebration of family, love and friends. Every detail was touched by artists, had meaning and had a unique flair to it. From the hand made dress from Alidas gowns to the story cake from Cakes Galore that told the story of their life gurney apart and then back together. The already emotional day was highhanded as Aleda had lost her sister days before the ceremony. As the two exchanged vows, and the sun bounced off the gowns hand made beading, sending sunbursts into my lenz I could not help but think of her sister watching from above.

The hall was decorated impeccably, the food was amazing, and the music perfect. The first dance perfectly choreographed the story of their lives together. When they looked at each other so full of love you can almost see the teenagers they once where.

Its funny I had another bride booked for July 10th, she had promised to get me a deposit and begged me to save the date. So I kept my word and turned away 2 other brides for the day. I got busy and forgot I din't get a deposit yet. When I called to check in 2 weeks before the wedding I found that she had booked another photographer and she forgot to tell me.

Instead of getting mad I wished her all the happiness in her marriage and figured it was meant to be. 5 hours later I got the call from Aleda to photograph her wedding. Karma is a wonderful thing. It always brings you exactly what you need. I'm so honoured that I was able to photograph Alida and Ricks celebration of life. The images are so full of emotion and love.

I wish you 2 the best in your life together and hope that you always look at each other like you did when you where 18.

Vendors from the wedding

Gown - Alida's Gowns - (250) 656-8896 - www.alidasgowns.com

Florist- Jennifer Roberts Florist - (250) 598-7478 - www.jenniferrobertsflorist.com

Getting Ready - Latch Country Inn - (250) 656-6622 - www.latchinn.ca

Getting Ready - Miraloma On The Cove - (250) 656-6622 - www.miraloma.ca

Reception - Mary Winspear Centre - (250) 656-0275 - www.marywinspearcentre.ca

Rings - Francis Jewellers - www.francisjewellers.ca

Professional Photographer - Orange Frog Studio Inc

Catering - Cooks Day Off - (250) 598-3228

Cake - Cakes Galore - www.cakesvictoria.com

Notary - Liz Anderson

Hair - Shampoo Hair Bar - (250) 385-7837 - www.shampoohairbar.com

Sound - Dan Cook

Live Band - Milk Pipes - www.myspace.com/themilkpipes

Choreographer/Dance Teacher - Arthur Murray Dance Studio (Christina) - (250) 220-8426 - www.arthurmurrayvictoria.com

Bus - Grey Line

(if I missed a vendor please send me an email)