Spark Photography

Us Making the Pretty Pictures – Vancouver Wedding Photographers

spark — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

A short time ago I saw a photograph online - check it out, it is pretty funny. So this got me thinking, what do Heather and I look like when we photograph people.

I’m so glad you asked, well actually I asked, but someone out there might want to know anyway. For the past 8 years we’ve been shooting wedding, engagements and portraits together, and we’ve never taken any photos of us actually shooting, until last year. We made a decision at the start of 2011, that we would try to take at least one photo of the other person, at least once during every shoot.

The result…well… we didn’t get a frame from every shoot, mainly because its hard to remember to do it. We get so engrossed with our subjects and surroundings, our brains racing for the next location, pose, shot, watching the light, waiting for the right breath of wind to blow past, dodging cars, (if you can dodge a car, you can dodge a ball) dogs and joggers, that we just plain forgot…a lot. But we did manage to get a few, so we thought we’d share. What we learned, apparently I goof off with the groom… a lot, and Heather, well she has a little bit of Art School Graduate in her. Check them out, and as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section , and don’t forget to ‘Like’ us on Facebook either. Come on, its either Facebook or do some work/study/laundry, and no one wants to do laundry.

Cheers

Chris and Heather

Sophia + Mitch = Engaged!

spark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:01:07 +0000

When we first started talking with Sophia and Mitch about their engagement session, their love of snowboarding and Whistler come up again and again. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it up to Whistler, but we did the next best thing, and hit up one of our local mountains instead. Cypress was the destination of choice, and because Sophia and Mitch have been living out of province for the last few years, it was an all new again experience for them. I gotta say, I’m loving these Winter sessions we’ve been shooting lately, the cold crispness in the air gives everyone a little extra incentive to get just that little bit closer. Check our some of our favourites from our snowy fun-filled session with Sophia and Mitch!

Okay, so Sophia and Mitch like to have a little bit of fun every now and again, so who are we to say no to a quick wardrobe change – on the side of the snowy trail no less – followed by a little play in the snow?

Sophia and Mitch, thanks for a great afternoon! It was great getting to know you both better, and we can’t wait for your wedding!

Chris and Heather

A little behind-the-scenes image: I love my job! For the keen observer, you can tell I’m a professional because my hat is turned backwards ; )

Mandy + Darcy = Terminal City Club Wedding

spark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:55:44 +0000

Some days you wake up, and you just know its going to be a great day. Even though it was raining – a lot – the morning of Mandy and Darcy’s Terminal City Club Wedding, we knew it would all be fine. Partly because Tanya from Milestone Events was going to be there to organize the rain clouds away, or at the very least make them look really pretty, partly because we are addicted to our hour by hour weather app for our iPhones, but mostly because Mandy and Darcy bring so much warmth with them, the rain wouldn’t stand a chance. When we arrived at TCC, we saw the gorgeous ceremony ready to go, inside sadly, as the rain was still coming down in buckets.

Ceremony location ready to go, lets go and see Darcy. I’ve just recently found a new appreciation for stylish watches, check out Darcy’s wrist jewelry.

Relaxing before the ceremony

I love this picture of Darcy and his Dad right before the ceremony

Guys are ready to go, off to see Mandy.

Mandy’s Dad came by to see her before the ceremony – so beautiful.

I love doing these quick and relaxed family shots before the ceremony

Heading to the ceremony

So this is where Tanya works her magic. About 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, the rain stopped, and the sun broke through, so….lets move the ceremony outside. Tanya and her team did an amazing job….the Officiant, both of us, and everyone else in the general vicinity picked up the entire ceremony and took it outside, and the results were spectacular.

Mandy and Darcy had their fathers sign the marriage registry as their witnesses.

Ceremony done, now to portrait time. It really is a blast to have a bridal party, and we have a ton of fun with every one of them we get to photograph, but there is a lovely intimacy of doing your bridal portraits just the two of you, as Mandy and Darcy chose.

Photo session done, lets head back to TCC for the reception.

For more images from the day, check out their Wedding Highlights Slideshow, and as always, don’t forget to ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

Mandy and Darcy, thank you for including us in your very special day.

Chris and Heather

Now for an extra treat, a little behind-the-scenes from the day.

Tanya from Milestone Events, Heather and I at the end of the night.

Kristie + Mike = Northview Golf and Country Club Wedding

spark — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:39:38 +0000

Every once in a while you meet someone who just can’t help but make it their mission in life to help others. And even more special, is when two such people like Kristie and Mike meet, fall in love, and get married. Lets get started with some photos.

Check out Kristie’s dress and shoes – gorgeous! Love the custom dress hanger – thanks etsy.com!

A quick few shots of our dynamite bride moments before heading to the ceremony.

Mike had a Tux custom made for the day – so worth every penny.

Mike chose his three brothers and former Captain as Groomsmen. You couldn’t ask for a better group of guys.

Love this moment between Mike and his Grandmother right before the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we headed over to the Firehall for some photos with the bridal party.

After the Firehall, we headed over to Northview Golf and Country Club for a few more photos and the reception.

Feel free to check out their wedding highlights slidehow for more images from the day.

Kristie and Mike, thank you for including us on your special day. We couldn’t be more happy for you both.

Chris and Heather

Krista + James + Snow = Rock the Frock! – Winter Edition

spark — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:12:22 +0000

Some of you may remember Krista and James’ Engagement session we shot earlier last year, and for those keen web browsers out there, you may have also seen their Wedding photos featured on Vancity Bride. It seems that when Krista and James are in front of a camera, they create so much excitement and energy that they change weather patterns! Their E-session started out sunny, then cloudy, then we had to duck and hide under trees as a hail storm bombed us while at UBC shooting, then it was sunny again! Their wedding was probably the sunniest and hottest day all year, and later, the sky opened up for a late night shower just as the party had moved inside for the evening.

So when we started brainstorming with them about their Rock the Frock Session, we weren’t sure what was going to happen. After some back and forth, we decided upon a Winter themed session, now we just had to wait for the snow, and wait, and wait. Luckily in Vancouver we are blessed with snow covered (in the Winter anyway) ski hills a short drive away.

We found this…`

Needless to say, we were feeling more than a little inspired. Krista braved the cold in her strapless gown, although she is wearing snowboard boots under that dress to help her stay warm (smart woman)! A few more favorites in the trees.

I love that you can see the snow falling around them in this shot. Magical!

After our walk through the woods, we headed out to an open field which turned out to be the perfect winter wonderland. Check out all the frozen snow covering every little branch and twig.

Krista and James, thanks for unquestionably baring cold shoulders, navigating slippery domain, perfectly rosy cheeks, and for having a great attitude. We had a blast shooting you guys again!

For anyone interested in a Rock The Frock Session, send us an email with your thoughts. We’d love to hear them, and see just where those ideas will lead…

Chris and Heather

From Our Family to Yours!

spark — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:28:39 +0000

Christmas and New Years is such a wonderful time of year. The air is crisp and smells like snow, people hustle about from place to place in search of that perfect gift, and Starbucks has red cups and they put peppermint in everything! But most importantly, it is a time for us to see our friends and family. As Wedding photographers for the past 8 years, we sometimes don’t get to spend much time with our loved ones, you know who you are, often enough from May to October, so come Christmas, we’re ready to reconnect and spread some holiday cheer.

Every year is special, but this year our daughter, Bowen, is going to be almost 2 years old! What does that all mean…well hopefully not too many “No’s” or temper tantrums, but more importantly, she’s figured out that Christmas is a pretty great time of year. All those presents to open, some were even hers, and she usually found something under the tree wrapped up in pretty paper with reindeer or candy canes (which is her new favourite thing in the world by the way) and decided to make it her own anyway. Our little monkey will be turning two this February, and we can’t get enough of her.

The other big news for 2012 is that we are expecting our second little monkey, or as we have named Heather’s bump, ‘Lemon’. Why lemon you ask? Well, Heather has an iPhone app for pregnancy that tells you every week how big the baby is compared to a fruit or vegetable, and one day it was as big as a lemon, and it just stuck after that. We’re very excited to welcome this new addition to our family this March, and look forward to showing him/her the world.

So what’s left to say, other than Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we can’t wait for all that 2012 brings. To our 2012 brides and grooms, we’re refreshed, recharged, and ready for ‘ya! Now, let’s go take some pretty pictures! Chris + Heather

Mimi + Cam = Engaged!

spark — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:15:45 +0000

The Fall is definitely one of our favorite times to get outside with our cameras, and it’s even better when we get to photograph a cute couple in love.

Mimi and Cam are two super smart cookies who are so delightful together, you can’t help but smile when you are around them! We had such a great time with them exploring around the Brock House Restaurant, where Cam proposed to Mimi not too long ago, and can’t wait for their Wedding at Cecil Green Park House next summer! Here are just a few of our favorites from our time together.

At the spot outside the Brock House where Cam proposed to Mimi… <3

Feel free to leave some love for these two in the comments section below.

Happy Friday!

H&C

Jennifer + Marvin = Engaged!

spark — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:07:21 +0000

We had such a blast hanging out with Jennifer and Marvin, and of course, shooting a few images along the way!

These two were so much fun, up for anything, and we got a little giddy when we saw that they brought along two bags of wardrobe and accessories to play with for the Session. OK, well I did…I love surprises! We surprised them back by adding a location that we’ve had our eye on for a while now, and one that we just stumbled upon, and the result was an Engagement Session that had a little bit of everything, and a lot of love. Plus, did I mention that I got to shoot some Jimmy Choos? Ahh…what a great day!

Here are just a few of our favorites…

And last, but certainly not least…

Thanks again Jenn and Marvin! Can’t wait to work with you again!

H&C

Krista + James = Featured in Vancity Bride!

spark — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:43:31 +0000

A big Congratulations to Krista and James for having their Maritime Museum Wedding featured today in Vancity Bride by the lovely Jeannine!

A Night at the Maritime Museum

October 26th, 2011 by Jeannine

It was in one of the many lecture halls in UBC where sparks began to fly for James and Krista. 5 years ago, James “weasled his way” into the same tutorial Krista was in for their Psych class, in order to spend some extra time with her. Little did he know he’d eventually be spending the rest of his life with her!

Last year, while Krista was trekking the Inca Trail in Machu Pichu, James decided it was time to get a ring. They had planned a New York trip later that year so he took advantage of that opportunity. On Canada Day, James got down on one knee at the Boat House restaurant patio in Central Park and asked Krista to marry him. She said yes, and James even got the moment caught on camera, thanks to a stranger who took the photo for him while he proposed nearby. Lucky for him, she said yes, and the stranger didn’t take off with his camera!

James and Krista were married just this past summer on July 2nd, in front of 120 of their loved ones. It was a perfect day to have the wedding outdoors on the patio of the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the weather held up for their ceremony and during their reception, which was also held outdoors.

They planned their $20,000 wedding by themselves but greatly relied on the expertise of their caterer and decorator. Chinese lanterns in blue, fuchsia, white and lime green brought life to the venue. Krista was feeling creative and made their seating charts, wedding sign and cardbox.

Guests were entertained throughout the whole event. A caricaturist drew pictures of each guest, which they took home as wedding favors.

The bride was a bartender at one time so she created 5 unique wedding drinks with clever names like Blushing Bride, the Groom’s Drink, Wedding Party, Honeymoon and Something Blue.

The museum was open for guests to look around in or if they wanted to go for a walk, the beach was just steps away. For the party animals, they had the chance to hit the dance floor. James and Krista had some games throughout the night including a shoe game and a kissing game which involved some guest participation as well! Guests had to kiss a certain way and James and Krista would copy it. It was a hit!

A Few Words With James and Krista…

During the planning stages, how did you imagine your wedding? Did the final result live up to expectations?
“We just wanted our wedding to be casual and elegant. We wanted it to be fun for the guests. We pretty much wanted it to be a depiction of who we were as a couple. I have to say that the result was everything we hoped it to be. Except that it started to rain around 8:30pm but luckily we had already planned for everybody to be indoors at that point.”

What personal or unique touches did you have for your wedding?
“We had the best man make the wedding cake (first one he has ever made). Note that he is not a baker yet a PHD student who rides a motorcycle. We also had a caricature artist come and provide drawings as wedding favors. I would say that the venue choice was quite unique as well.”

Which wedding traditions did you stick with or leave out and why?
“We did the first dance but did not take part in the father daughter mother son dance as we did not want to extend the time we were on the dance floor (we are not good dancers). The bride stayed at a hotel the night before so we did not see each other the morning of or the day of for that matter until the ceremony. This enabled us to feel a bit of surprise and novelty since we have lived together for 2 years. We did the speeches, cake cutting but did not do the bouquet or garter toss. We just found that tacky but that is just our opinion.”

What did your guests think about your wedding?
“They rated it in the top weddings they have ever attended. Rated highly in fun and elegance. Food was great and there was an open bar.”

What aspect of the wedding did you splurge on and which did you save on?
“We splurged on the photographer, caricature, open bar with 5 varieties of beer, varieties of gin, vodka, rum and whisky and wine/champagne. The food was also a splurge as we chose the platinum package. We saved on the attire. The dress was a deal and the groom’s suits were purchased during boxing week. We went cheap with the videographer. We saved on the invitations, website, and cake. We found these to be second tier next to food, drinks and entertainment.”

What was your initial budget? Did you go over or under? If under, how did you manage to keep it below budget?
“$20k. We negotiated heavily with select vendors and reviewed invoices over and over again. Nothing was a quick decision and no cheques were written on a whim.”

After planning a wedding, what one advice would you give to future brides?
“Make sure you plan ahead of time and do not leave any major bookings that fall within 1 month of the wedding day. You lose the ability to negotiate if you cannot walk away and shop around. Always remember to have fun.”

James & Krista’s Vendors:

Ceremony venue: Vancouver Maritime Museum
Reception venue: Vancouver Maritime Museum
Dress: Amara Wedding (custom order)
Suit: Mexx
Photographer: Spark Photography
Flowers: Niche Event Stylists
Hair and Make-up: Independent
Invitations: Michaels invitation kit
Cake: Made by the Best Man
Decorations: Niche Event Stylists
Wedding Favors: Caricaturist
Wedding planner/coordinator: Groom

All photos courtesy Spark Photography

Kristen + Tyler = Rock the Frock Session!

spark — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:07:42 +0000

After all the anticipation, excitement, and investment that goes into a Wedding gown, it is a shame that often times it ends up hidden in the highest shelf of your closet. Packaged beautifully and meticulously preserved perhaps, but still only having had one day to shine.

Some brides have many different directions that they would have liked to go in with their Wedding attire, but due to logistics, it just wasn’t possible to include all those details within their Day. Dreaming of different shoes and accessories, or perhaps a more casual interpretation than what suited other elements of their Day, a location that couldn’t be reached due to timing, weather, or season, can leave a bride feeling just a teensy bit disappointed. Others just want to spend some more time in their fabulous gown with their new hubby! All of these are great reasons to “Rock the Frock”!

As photographers, we have seen the movement of the “Trash the Dress” over the years, and although it can work for a couple that is ready to take it that far, we really love photographing gorgeous gowns and have a hard time imagining “trashing” them. A few years ago we started our “Rock the Frock” Sessions as a way to give a gown a brilliant send-off before it goes to its next destination (packaged carefully in a box, sold or donated to an excited bride-to-be, or saved for a future generation to enjoy). Kristin and Tyler’s was the first Rock the Frock of the 2011 Wedding Season, and we had such a great time with this fun couple!

The only element that stayed true to their Wedding Day was Kristen’s gown. The rest of their attire – from Kristen’s gorgeous hair piece, fun shoes, and cosy sweater, to Tyler’s attire, hat and red messenger bag, were all thoughtfully put together by Kristin and Tyler for their Session. Bring in a new location, and a sunset session on the brink of Fall, and it was a fantastic way to enjoy one last evening with Kristen’s perfect dress. I hope it had as much fun as we did!

Have a great day!

Heather and Chris