As wedding season is starting to pick up, I decided that it might be a good idea to remind everyone of some basic wedding etiquette. Might seem a bit silly, but I am constantly surprised at some of the things I see when working.

1. Ladies.. Don’t wear white. Seriously. I’m the least traditional person out there, but the bride being the only girl allowed to wear white is sacred. I recently attended a wedding where a guest was in a floor length white dress. Mind boggling.

2. Put down your iPhones, iPads, point & shoots, DLSRs. Unless you’re being paid to take photos, resist the urge, relax and just enjoy the wedding. There have been a few posts recently about this (http://petapixel.com/2013/05/15/guest-photographers-or-why-you-should-have-an-unplugged-wedding/) that go a little more in-depth, but I’ll just say this.. the amount of times I’ve had guests stand in front of me right before the first kiss, or as the bride walks down the isle is saddening. We’re there to do a job, and one of the most stressful things during a wedding day is having guests stand in the way (literally!) of doing our job well. Unless you want your butt in the professional photos, I recommend staying in your seat haha.

3. Stay off social media till after the ceremony. This is a big one. People seem to forget that the bride coming down the isle is a big moment. Last summer a girl I know got married, and had a friend photograph her wedding who doesn’t shoot weddings. The friend actually posted a photo on instagram of the bride PRE-CEREMONY. This is a huge no-no. Wedding photographers know this, but this goes for guests too. If the bride is getting ready, please refrain from posting photos of her on any form of social media. The last thing you want to do, is post a photo the groom or other guests can potentially see.

4. Show up on time. Allow enough time for traffic, and allocate some time in case you get lost. Nothing worse than having to slip in, and have everyone turn around and look at you.

5. Turn your phone off. No one wants to be that person. You know, the person whose phone rings in the middle of something important, and Grandma turns around and shoots you a dirty look.. turn it off, or at least put everything on silent.

6. Dress appropriately. Be mindful of the wedding dress code. My rule of thumb, is that it’s better to be overdressed than under. Please remember it’s a wedding, not a nightclub!

7. Have fun. Every bride is secretly terrified that people won’t have fun, and that no one will dance. Weddings area time to celebrate, so take advantage of this opportunity, dust off your old dance shoes and have a good time. Everybody wins!

Probably one of the coolest families I’ve met! I had so much fun hanging out in their home in Bearspaw, getting to know soon to be big brother Jude and his super sweet pup Rosie. His parents are pretty cool too

I can’t wait till the next time I see you!!! I can only imagine how cute baby will be.

xo.

-j

 

 

I can confidentially say this season was one of the windiest sessions I’ve shot in Calgary, haha. Luckily Meghan & Adam are pretty cute and made up for it. I can’t wait to meet their little one!

Make sure you leave them lots of love!

xo.

-j

Georgia is the sweetest little peach I’ve ever met. Her name is just as adorable as she is!

The next photo is… kind of gross, but hilarious so if you’re eating lunch.. I’d recommend stopping here haha

It might take you a second to notice what’s so funny.. my favourite part is the girl in Michelle’s sleeve. She looks a little shocked at what’s happening, hahaha.

xo.

-j

 

 

 

Felicia’s mother Mary put on the sweetest Bridal Shower, and every detail was carefully taken care of. The shower took place at Heritage Park, on a beautiful Sunday a few weeks back. Felicia looked stunning, I can only imagine how beautiful she’s going to look on her big day next month!

Thank so much for letting me be a part of your celebration! The beautiful cake was made by Roya’s Sweets.

xo.

-j

Alberta is beautiful. There, I said it. I happen to love Calgary, we have a thriving city that is nestled nice and close to the mountains. When Kristin & Aaron suggested having their engagement session in the mountains, I was pretty excited since I don’t get out of the city enough. I’m a crazy dog lady (self-proclaimed), so when they brought their adorable dogs I was even more excited.

Make sure you leave these two cuties lots of love!

xo.

-j

 

Lucas came to visit his family here in Calgary, all the way from Switzerland. Quite the little traveller considering he just turned one! I got to take some photos of him to celebrate his 1st birthday… He got to have his cake, and eat it too!

How cute is he?!

He had a bit of a sugar buzz.. haha!

His adorable cousin Mila!

xo.

-j

Erin is such a babe. Seriously. She has porcelain skin, and crystal blue eyes. I got to take some photos last week of her and her pup Alpha, for her boyfriend Jay for Valentines Day. Such an awesome idea for a gift, I wish I had thought of it haha.

Leave the two of them some love

xo.

-j

Jonty is one of the sweetest little guys I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. I can’t say I’m all too surprised though, considering how incredibly kind his parents are. I love photographing newborns, I’m a pretty lucky girl to have such a rewarding and fun job. Sure beats sitting in an office all day, that’s for sure.

How cute are they?!

xo.

-j

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you had an amazing holiday, and got to spend it with the people you love. I always hate to say best of.. because they’re not necessarily the best, more my favourites if anything. This is always one of the hardest things to put together, because I love everyone I shoot and want to post everything. But here are some of my favourites from the year. 2012 has been crazy, I have the best job a girl could ask for and have made so many amazing friends through it. I wish I could put you all in my pocket, and take you everywhere with me.. did this just get weird? Haha, anyways, here are some of my favourites I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! I love being a wedding photographer in Calgary!

Cutest 1st birthday I’ve seen!

Here’s a couple I shot for Bridal Expo with Paul McGrath. You might recognize this one from Luxe magazine and Bridal Expo’s website!

I had the privilege of travelling with my good friend Jeff Cruz to second shoot for him, which also included me photographing his surprise proposal to his adorable girlfriend (now fiance ). Definitely a highlight of 2012!

And of course here are some from the wedding I second shot! Verde & Jeff went to high school together, and her and her new husband Scott were so welcoming, I can’t wait to go back and visit.

What’re big sisters for.. if not to make you smile.. haha

A big thank you to all my lovely clients for making 2012 such a memorable year, full of laughter. 2013 looks like it’s going to be full of amazing people and new adventures, so I can’t wait to see what’s to come! My new years resolution is to be more handy around the house, and do all the DIY renovations I’ve been eyeing on interest (holy, is that site ever addicting!!!). What’re your resolutions??

xo.

-j