I absolutely believe things happen for a reason, people enter our lives for a reason and I met Chase and Kristen by a stroke of bad luck on their part. However, I believe now we believe we met for the best of reasons, to build a wonderful friendship that has lasted beyond their wedding day. I am thankful for meeting them and getting to know them over the last 2 years!

One Friday morning I was just sitting at home visiting with my dad when my phone rang and I appeared to be on speaker phone with this distraught but unbelievably calm couple who just found out that their photographer had shut off all contact, closed down website and social media, and they were out all the money paid to her. They needed someone STAT, someone to not only cover their day but be ok with waiting for their wedding insurance to cover the loss. The thought of money honestly was the last thing on my mind, I agreed to meet them within a few hours and ease their minds that I would show up the next morning. Now, this situation is RARE… let me reemphasize that… RARE this is not something that 99.9% professional photographers would never ever do. Ok so now that you have had time to let that sink in go read my post on the “fauxtographer”  to help ease your mind that this situation that can be avoided with the proper precautions.

When I met with them we went over their wedding timeline and as luck would have it they were planning to do a first look as well as all the photos before the ceremony! This was the first time I got to do a first look session before the wedding and I instantly knew I would want to do more! I LOVE this timeline for a number of reasons but here are a few of my thoughts:

1. It puts the couple at ease and gives them a few moments to just let the day sink in before being in front of a large group.
2. Everyone’s hair makeup is fresh (yay no time wasted touching up makeup or hair)
3. It allows the bridal party time to loosen up, get used to the camera so that when they are up at the front they look more relaxed and less awkward.
4. The couple gets to enjoy the moments a little longer rather than not getting to say much and jumping right into the vows.
5. Photographer’s get full control of surroundings without the distraction of guests jumping in the way with their cameras/phones
6. You end up with more photos of the first time the groom saw you… sure you can always attempt to recreate the idea afterwards but it won’t have the same emotional feeling

Saturday morning arrives and I get to meet a nervous bride but when I walked in you could just see the stress fall away! I was so happy to be there for them on their special day to witness the amazing connection these two shared.

Here is their first look that took place in the Art Gallery in Grande Prairie: