Photos from her 19th day in this world. 

The wedding was true to this couple . . . laid back, heart felt, fun, and family friendly. One of the elements of destination weddings that I really love, and that really appealed to Mike and Josée, is all the time that people get to spend together. Whether it's a weekend getaway in a little mountain town, or a week at a beautiful resort in the tropics, having all your beloveds in one place for a few days is an amazing gift. They mix and mingle at their own pace, and you get a chance to connect with everyone, not just give a quick hug in the receiving line. And that was the gist of this particular wedding. Community at it's best.

Loved the barefoot beachy approach to wedding footwear.

Half limo, half golf cart. This guy was pretty stoked to be the one to deliver the ladies to the beach. 

Top notch musical interludes by some enthusiastic locals. 

Perhaps the youngest bridal party ever. And still going strong at 10pm. 

The day after the wedding we tromped down to the beach for a little soak-the-dress session. It was crazy fun, especially for someone like me that can't get enough of the Caribbean. As it turns out, wedding dresses are pretty dang heavy when they're wet. Who knew?

First up was the Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret with their Hard Times Hit Parade. This show about a depression era dance marathon was über entertaining . . . live music, slick swing dancing, and just enough clowning around to make everyone smile. A lot. 

I loved being a witness to this pre-show warm-up. Lie down and laugh. 

Ski Bum: The Musical was next on the roster. The show was created and performed by West Kootenay folk, a homage to the ski hill culture that is rich in many a mountain town. Golden included. 

Delhi 2 Dublin has quite a little following in Golden. They're always well received, and their energy is unbeatable.

Nathan Rogers came through and performed the work of his father, Stan Rogers. He didn't get the same reaction from the crowd as he might have in the Maritimes (less foot stomping and singing along, apparently), but he played to a rapt audience.

Every seat in the house was sold out for the Steven Page show. 

The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue was a change of pace. They taught a Sass class to upwards of 30 local ladies the night before, and then blew the socks off everyone [and themselves] during the show. 

And last, but certainly not least, was Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. I've been a fan for a while now, and to have them playing a few blocks from my house was an amazing gift. Such professionals. Such craftsmen.

These two are another set of Golden locals, full of great ideas and big energy for this little town. They are already key members of our community, and as a result, a bit of a dream team. Also seriously funny. And super in love. 

Because this wedding was taking place during the prohibition, everyone had to be pretty discrete about their alcohol consumption. Tea cups make just about anything look innocent . . . 

Nikki Morrison of Kickin Thyme Catering put together some sweet treats for the wedding.

Miranda de Groot was also on scene to shoot this one. Fun working with someone new!

We had planned for some outdoor shots on a lovely spring afternoon, but true to mountain weather, it snowed all afternoon. Early April showers, with big fat flakes. We ventured into their beautifully treed yard for a couple damp shots, but mostly we stuck pretty close to the stove inside. 

Local artist Steve Shaw, also known as Chashar, is a friend of Mike and Judith and is the creator of these amazing leather masks. Look for Mask-A-Myth at festivals in the Kootenays to try one and buy one. 

The day went something like this: pre-wedding in one suite at the Glacier Lodge; ride up the gondola with German speaking skier and marriage commissioner, Peter Menz; step off the gondola into extreme winter conditions and quickly shuffle into the Eagle's Eye restaurant; wedding ceremony [in English . . . more on this later . . . ] in a corner of the quiet restaurant; ski 4000 vertical feet in formal wedding attire with a brief stop mid-mountain for a shot of Jagermeister; ride up the chair lift just for the fun of it; a bit more skiing; back to the top for the classic Canadian wedding luncheon of bacon cheese burgers, wine, and espresso. 

Their rings, when lined up just right, create an image of an inukshuk. 

Flowers from the grocery store and a 'fur' coat made from a rug. We had some good laughs about both.

Full.On.Winter. 

These two don't give themselves enough credit for their proficiency in English. That said, neither one is fluent. And so I was a bit surprised to hear that they chose to do their vows in English rather than German. But here's the thing, they were some of the most heartfelt vows I've heard to date. Peter and Marion had spent hours practicing these words, making certain to understand their meaning, their relevance. They spoke slowly, clearly, beautifully, and they meant every single word. It was powerful. 

Skiing this run with Peter made me want to add a tailcoat to my collection of ski attire. So good. 

This is exactly the type of event I most enjoy, the type where everyone comes together not moments before the ceremony but a day or two before. Community builds, bonds between family and friends from past and future are formed, laughter is rich. It is an amazing thing to witness, and a joy to document. Especially when the collection of friends and family is so vibrant, kind, and cohesive.  

It all started with Games Day, with a game of hockey on Lake Mildred under blue skies and with unseasonably warm temps for Jasper in February. 

Alex and Jenny were all about the guest experience for their wedding. They set the tone by leaving gift bags at the front desk of the JPL, each with a decadent bottle of Howe Sound Imperial Stout, complete with a custom label. An ideal ice-breaker, and ideal for a bit of mid-shinny thirst quenching. 

What game is complete without a proper cheer leading squad? I mean really . . .

Chuck and Jonny. Exactly one half of the superstar Gorton sibling team.  

As the sun was disappearing, we headed into the Outlook Cabin for a feast of homemade lasagna and a serious chess tourney.

The elk were poking around on the day of the wedding. They weren't actually invited, but more than welcome. 

Jenny and Jo. The other half of the superstar Gorton sibling team. And Pauline, exactly one half of the team that made the Gorton siblings such superstars. Chris, the other half of said team, was sorely missed during this event. He is a dearly loved and highly respected father and friend. 

When is the last time you saw brussel sprouts shine at the centre of a wedding bouquet? Outstanding. 

The ceremony was outdoors, at dusk, under the most magnificent, ancient spruce tree. So romantic. 

Hot toddies to warm up after the ceremony. 

Cheese rather than cake. Yes. Yes. Yes. 

Such a big congratulations to you, Alex and Jenny. You are lovely, and you are loved.

Diva the dog. Having a well deserved moment in the spotlight. 

Only a few tears were shed during our session. As it turns out, all Dylan needed to cheer him up was a cute little cap and some hanging out in a really big drawer. Done and done. 

Glenn's father is an amazing woodworker, sending beautiful handmade toys to his grandson. This truck is beloved. And the ticket to a happy kid. 

Look at this little face! Justifiably suspicious of the new person with a big black camera. 

Already looking forward to seeing [and shooting!] the spring line. 

The talented Stefany Davies herself. Designer, model, you name it. 

Hats off to impromptu [and talented] models Carrie Bakos and Monica De.