2015. That's a wrap. Edmonton Wedding Photography.

2015 was a crazy year and not at all what I expected. I shot, I networked, I learned a lot. If I could give a budding photographer a few tidbits of advice it would be this: Keep shooting even when things look differently than you thought. Keep learning - nothing shoots you in the foot like thinking you know it all. Stop comparing yourself to others - to their bookings, their work, their "success". As long as you're open to growing for the rest of your life, the sky's the limit!! Branch out and shoot differently that you've ever shot - push yourself! Having a consistent style is important but don't let that stop you from learning new techniques in your craft. Network. Be kind. In this industry you will step into people's lives at the most significant times. Strive to know how much of a privilege that is. Thank you to each and every client. I love you guys. It is not lost on me how incredible it is that you trust me to step into the momentous occasions in your lives. So thanks for that trust. Thanks for investing not just in photographs but in me and this business that I love so, so much.

Thank you to the UNBELIEVABLE vendors I worked with this year. Not only have my eyes been opened to even MORE of the incredible talent this city has to offer but I've also made some incredible friends.

So here's a glimpse of just a few of my favorite images from 2015. I tried new things and pushed myself to grow. And here's to 2016: I hope this year brings new challenges, new growth, new friends, new skills, new clients and new community!

Engaged?  I'm booking now for 2016 and am friggin' excited about it.  Shoot me a message and let's chat about your wedding!

Aeris Photography. Edmonton Wedding Photography.

can't help falling in love. a styled bridal collaboration.

Collaborating with hard-working, uber-talented entrepreneurs is one of my absolute favorite things.  Awesome vendors PLUS flowers and cake and gowns and gorgeousness??? - even better!!  Jenn from Something Beautiful Wedding Planning had been dreaming up this shoot for months after we had met up over coffee to chat about working together. I'm incredible honored to have this shoot featured by Blush Magazine Inc. on their website - please check it out (Blush is local and awesome <3). Check it out and absolutely check out the AMAZING vendors that contributed their skills, visions and products to pulling it off. Dress: Delica Bridal (ti adora by Alvina Valenta) Makeup: HP Makeup Artistry Hair: Anela Salon Groom's attire: Derks Formals Florals: Studio Bloom Cakes: Over the Top Cakes Stationery: Glossie Decor: Special Event Rentals Extra Decor and incredible styling by Wedding Planner Jenn Denis of Something Beautiful Wedding Planning Models: Ashley and Emmanuel (aren't they cute?!!)

On a related note, I shoot ACTUAL weddings, too! Check out more of my wedding work here and shoot me an email about YOUR wedding :)

edmonton wedding photography. styled winter bridals with colleen and perry. part one.

If you know me you know that I am IN LOVE with photographing weddings. Love, romance, glances and squeezes - memories being made. I love it so much. Winters are often a bit of a slower season for photographers which can leave me ITCHING to shoot anything bridal. So, when Colleen and Perry got back into their bridal attire for an awesome Rock The Dress/Styled bridal session with me and I could not have been happier. Winter weddings present such a cool opportunity to style your dress in unique ways - there is NO reason to suffer through outdoor shots absolutely frozen! I suggested that Colleen bring along a few cozy options and she rocked them all. Check out the first of 3 bundled-up looks I captured with this beautiful couple below!

General tips for dressing for a winter wedding:

1. Leggings, leggings, leggings. 2. Bring warm, cozy boots. 3. Consider ways to keep your top half warm - Colored cardigans, fitted leather jackets, uber-warm infinity scarves, cute mittens.... So many winter brides style their dresses with a white shawl or petticoat but I highly recommend picking a color that will pop against the snow. 4. Accessorize! Some of the splendor of your dress may get covered up when you add on the warmth so consider adding jewelry that really stands out! Chunky bracelets or bangles, or a statement necklace or earrings can really elevate your images to amazing heights!

Stay tuned for parts two and three of Colleen and Perry's session but check out some other ways to style your winter wedding here!

Looking for someone to capture YOUR love? Shoot me an email and we'll chat!

ashley and brad. married. edmonton wedding photography.

Ashley and Brad were married a few weeks ago and it was amazing! I'm pretty sure we claimed the last gorgeous day of the year which was the perfect compliment to the stunning bride, hilarious wedding party, beautiful flowers and pops of purple everywhere. Thanks, Brad and Ashley, for inviting me into such an incredible day <3 <3 Have a peek at some of my favorites from our time together. You can check out Ashley and Brad's engagement session from last year here and feel free to check out more of my wedding work here!

Edmonton Wedding Photography

erin and martijn. married. edmonton wedding photography.

I am IN LOVE with this wedding!!  Erin and Martijn are the cutest, sweetest, most easy-going and quick-to-laugh couple that I've photographed.  A few things stood out to me at their wedding: 1. Erin's love for her Dad.  They literally RAN towards each other when they had a father/daughter "first look".

2. Erin and her Dad laughing.  After their tearful first look that included tight hugs, the little hook at the top of Erin's dress broke. And they laughed.  Love it.

3. The laughter that occurred when a dragonfly landed right on Erin's head at the beginning of the ceremony (check out the Officiant - her response was awesome).

4. The dutch-i-ness of this Dutch couple.  Klompen, anyone?

Check out a few of my favorite shots from this incredible day. If you're interested you can check out more of my work here and shoot me an email if you're looking for someone to capture YOUR love!

Makeup by Mookie Salinas Makeup Artist.

Reception linens and setup by Accentuate Weddings and Design.

tina and tyrel got married. second shooting for christine wills photography.

I LOVE changing it up and second shooting for other amazing photographers when I get the chance so I was stoked when I was able to shoot for Christine Wills Photography at the Enjoy Centre back in early March. Check out a few of my favorite shots from the day! You can also check out more of my work here and here (might as well since you're here already, right?) :) In the market for your own photographer and think I could be the perfect fit to capture YOUR love? Shoot me an email here and let's chat!

penny and tony got married. a hotel macdonald wedding. edmonton wedding photography.

I had the privilege of photographing Penny and Tony this past New Year's Eve and it was awesome! When I had iniitally met with Penny she told me "There's going to be A LOT of Irish people (aka Tony's family) there so it's going to be a realllly good party!" which indeed it was. Penny was stunning and incredibly calm; no frantic worrying or anything like that - just pure excitement and a readiness to marry her Love. Lots of laughs, lots of love and lots of dancing - the day went off without a hitch. This is the first wedding where I had almost no natural light for 90% of the day and where 99% of the day was indoors (I did pull them out into the freezing cold around 11 pm for a few quick shots). If you've followed my work before you know that the majority of what I do takes place outdoors with tons of natural light which obviously isn't an option in the middle of the winter/when the sun is already set.  Thankfully, I was up for the challenge of incorporating some new flash techniques and, with the help of my incredible second shooter/assistant extraordinaire (Alora from Alora Marie Photography) we rocked it out!

Have a look at just a few of my favorite shots from this awesome New Year's Eve wedding and then, since you're here already, check out more of my weddings here!

I still have availability for 2014 if you're looking for a photographer for your own wedding so feel free to contact me here and we can chat!

stephanie and scott got married. second shooting for erin walker photography.

I thoroughly enjoy second shooting for my photografriends when I have some weekends off from my own weddings and am always thrilled when my friend, the talented Erin Walker from Erin Walker Photography, asks me to shoot with her :).  I was even happier when I found out who was in the wedding! I knew Stephanie and two of her bridesmaids from back in the day when I went to Taylor University College and, knowing what I know, I KNEW these girls would be laughing the whole day. Not just giggles either - if you know these girls you know their laughter is a lot larger than that - laughter straight from the gut, you know? So here are a few of my faves from this wedding - See if you notice what I'm talking about. Sit back, relax and feel free to peruse more of my weddings here as well as Erin's site here :).

Like what you see?  Shoot me a message and we can connect regarding your own wedding!

hawrelak park engagment | graham and kyla. engaged. edmonton engagement photography.

I was sooo excited to photograph Graham and Kyla a few weeks ago. Graham had emailed me earlier in August with his awesome plan to surprise his girlfriend, Kyla, with a surprise photo shoot with a twist - A PROPOSAL!! Kyla works at the vet where I take my cat to get his nails trimmed and I put up with a few extra cat scratches just to avoid seeing Kyla and potentially screwing up the surprise! Graham asked Kyla to marry him. Kyla said yes :)

Have a look at some of my favorites from our time together :)

While you're here you should check out more of my work here and then contact me if you're looking for your own photographer!

mariah and jake. married. edmonton wedding photography.

I had a great time this past Saturday photographing Mariah and Jake and their gorgeous wedding party. I love when my couples are so in love and so excited to marry each other that everything else during the day seems to just fall into place.  No stress, no worrying about the weather - they just enjoy each other and their wedding day. Mariah and Jake were like that and I loved it <3 Check out a few of my favorite shots from their special day!

You can also check out their engagement photos here as well as more of my wedding portfolio here!

While you're at it you should shoot me a message if you're looking for your own wedding photographer :)

the matrix wedding | rachel and connor got married. edmonton wedding photography.

I had a blast photographing Rachel and Connor's wedding on Saturday. Hands down, they were one of the most positive, kind, encouraging couples I've ever photographed. They kept their spirits up after hours in the hot sun and truly enjoyed their entire wedding day. I LOVE to see a bride and groom relaxed and happy, thrilled to simply be beside their Person. It's fantastic. So thanks, Rachel and Connor, for being truly beautiful, inside and out <3 If you're in the market for a photographer for your own wedding check out more of my work here! Then head on over to my contact page to shoot me a message :)

jacqueline and keith. married. edmonton wedding photography.

I had the great privilege of photographing Jacqueline and Keith's gorgeous wedding on Saturday! The dresses, the pink details, the gorgeous bouquet (one of the most beautiful I've ever seen, I think) and the STUNNING bride made for a great day and some lovely captures. Thanks, Jacqueline and Keith, for inviting me to be a part of your special day. I hope you and your friends and family enjoy checking out some of my favorite shots from the day <3 You can check out more of my wedding portfolio here! Drop me a message here if you're looking for a photographer for your own wedding!

melanie and peter got married. second shooting for erin walker photography.

I love having the opportunity to second shoot a wedding every once in a while. Erin is a good friend of mine and I always enjoy working with her so I was super-stoked to be able to shoot alongside her at a recent wedding. Check out some of my shots from the day and definitely go check out Erin Walker Photography as well <3 Since you're here you should check out more of my wedding portfolio here and then shoot me an email if you're looking for your own wedding photographer!

tannis and zachary. married. edmonton wedding photography.

I'm not sure how to write how I feel about Zachary and Tannis' wedding this past weekend. I suppose I could say it was remarkable and touching but that wouldn't quite get it. Although I'm a sap I tend to not get too emotional when I'm working at a wedding so I was a bit surprised when I couldn't hold it together later in the day. The whole day was amazing - the rain held off, the bridal party had great personalities and kept their spirits up even though taking photos is surprisingly tiring but the kicker for me was at the end of the day. Zachary's words to Tannis were so honest and lovely. The first dance...ahhh, the first dance.... Tears came. And Zachary's dance with his Mom.... I hope the photos can convey even a drop of how beautiful this wedding truly was. Enjoy.

While you're here feel free to check out more of my wedding portfolio here and contact me if you're looking for a photographer for your special day :)

wedding photography tips and information. aeris photography. edmonton wedding photographer.

Here are some tips that I plan on passing onto my brides for their wedding days! Enjoy! · Planning your timeline -I’ll be contacting my brides a few weeks prior to your wedding to request a timeline with the where’s and when’s of your day but here are a few things to consider: - Wedding activities typically take longer than you think. If your ceremony starts and ends on time that’s awesome but assume it will take a little longer. -Are you having a receiving line after your ceremony? If so, do you want me to come pull you away from it after a certain amount of time or do you want it to just run as long as it does? Guests typically want to chat with you so during/after a receiving line so let me know if you want me to keep things on a tight schedule. -How much time have you set aside for photography with your bridal party? “Formal” photos vary in priority from couple to couple. I recommend between 2-3 hours for formals (less than 2 can be a little tight/rushed; more than 3 is rarely necessary).

· Prepping your Getting Ready space -Rarely is a house abundant in beautiful natural light and it’s definitely not a requirement but it definitely is an asset. Consider getting ready in a room with the best natural light. -Consider the overall look and details of the room you’re getting ready in. If you keep pinning images that have a bride admiring herself in a gorgeous, tall mirror then consider purchasing/borrowing a mirror so that photos like that are an option. If you have gorgeous details be aware of their surroundings (cluttered dressers, shoe racks, etc.). I’m a “shoot in your surroundings” type photographer so I shoot things “as they are”. I happen to think that a dresser covered in hairbrushes and makeup is just fine because it says something about the busy-ness and fun of getting ready but just be aware that if it’s there during photos it will likely be IN your photos.

· Bridal Boudoir -A few of my brides have allowed me to whisk them off to a private room for a quick shot of them in their bridal lingerie. Let me know if you’re game for this :)

· Getting into your dress -I’ve had some brides only want their mom in the room helping them get into their dress for a more “intimate” type feel as well as brides who want their bridesmaids helping them get dressed for a different vibe. Think about if you have a preference. -Again, consider a room with the best light. -Get into it earlier than you think. A lace up dress is never done up in 10 minutes (in my experience).

· Are you doing a First Look? -Are you doing a “First Look” and/or having all of your formals taken prior to your ceremony? This is becoming a common trend and can be really fun (not to mention that you might feel your “freshest” for the photos seeing as you just had your hair and makeup done)!

· Do you have a videographer? -If so, please let me know so that I can plan on having to work around them. Did you hire a professional videographer or is it a friend or relative? Do you feel like either the videographer or the photographer is a priority? These questions might seem harsh however there are reasons why I’d like to know the answers. You’ve paid a few thousand dollars to have me photograph your wedding; if a cousin is video-taping your ceremony (and/or the rest of the day) as more of a favor then it may affect my decision to cut in front of them at certain times to ensure I get an important shot. One bride asked her friend to video tape her ceremony and he set up his gear right in the middle of the centre aisle. Needless to say, he took away a lot of opportune shots by being there and so, in order to get what I needed, I had to step in front of his camera on occasion. On the flip side, if you feel that video is a priority then I can definitely work with/around a videographer with your understanding that I might not get certain angles/shots due to staying out of the videographer’s way.

· Consider an “unplugged” wedding (or at least an “unplugged” ceremony) I 100% understand that your guests want photos of you at your wedding and I’m cool with it. However, something to consider is the number of cameras, phones, even ipads that somehow seem to be snuck into that shot of you walking down the aisle. The industry calls them “Uncle Bob” (the guy who’s in the background or foreground of your wedding, always with his camera up, often in the way of your hired photographer). Like I said, it’s ok. It’s something that happens at every wedding. However, you hired me for a reason so it’s also cool if your guests are invited to leave their cameras away and simply enjoy your wedding :)

Image on left courtesy of Amber Wilkie Photography. Image on right courtesy of offbeatbride.com.

· Family Photos -If you’re having family photos taken then create a family shot list (I’ll ask you for this a few weeks prior to your wedding as well). Let the family who you’d like to be involved know so that they stick around. -Obviously, I’ll photograph your family photos wherever you’d like but I would really recommend having them done immediately following your ceremony, somewhere right outside the ceremony venue. Family photos taken at a second location tend to take a lot longer than anyone plans for due to the number of cars that need to get to that second location.

· Go easy on the Pinterest requests -Pinterest is AMAZING for ideas and inspiration for planning your wedding. Photographers drool over the idea of shooting a wedding full of pinterest-inspired details but try not to get too caught up in “must-have” shots. I see so many pins that say “Make sure my photographer does this!” and “A photo with my groom doing a fist pump during the first kiss is a MUST!” I’m totally game for trying new things but, your groom might not do a fist pump while he’s kissing you and I always hope that my brides can just stay in the moment and go with what’s happening during their day. Also, I hope you’ve hired me for me and my personal photography style. If there are photos that you really want to try then maybe try to limit the list to around 5 ideas and then understand that I can take that idea and create something (rather than duplicating something) based off of it.

· Laugh and Love the skin you’re in -If you’re hiring me I’m assuming you’ve looked at my portfolio and liked what you saw. I’m also assuming that the things that might have drawn you in are, in huge part, the emotion, fun and laughter I’ve had the pleasure of capturing. I’m assuming you weren’t scouring images for stomach “bumps” or arm size or double chins. I’ve taken a bit of a stand on how I don’t do body altering in my images. Yes, I sometimes make a note of which angle is more flattering than another but I will not interrupt your groom from whispering something into your ear in order to make the scene “more perfect”. What could be more perfect that catching that moment on its own?? So I suggest you just relax. People are drawn to the real you, not a “perfect” you. So just be yourself :)

· Light -Sunny, hazy, photos taken at dusk won’t be the same as midday photos taken in January. Both can be awesome but they won’t be the same. It’s just good to know.

· What if it rains? -Consider bringing matching umbrellas for your bridal party (clear or neutral colored umbrellas are ideal) and maybe even coordinating rainboots. -Although I can absolutely give suggestions for both indoor and outdoor locations it is your responsibility to have a backup plan in place should weather require that we shoot indoors. Be aware that the majority of locations in and around the city require that they are booked in advance and typically come at a cost (even if you don’t end up using it) so I recommend looking into this a few months prior to your wedding.

· And what about snow? -You may not be able to have all of your photos outside during the winter but consider bringing some “cover-up” styling options for a few unique photo ops outside (scarves, cardigans, belts…even toques/beanies!). You’d be surprised at how far a bit of creativity goes!

· Additional fees, permits -Edmonton venues have definitely caught on to the fact that photographers want to shoot everywhere and, unfortunately, that sometimes means that you need permits for certain locations so please plan/book accordingly. -Please also plan to account for parking costs for your limo driver/bridal party transportation and your photographers.

· Food -Bring water bottles and “no-stain” type snacks for your bridal party. This definitely helps keeps energy and spirits up for pictures.

· Footwear -Walking around in heels for hours is draining even for an avid-stiletto wearer. Consider wearing and/or bringing comfy shoes for the walking around parts. -Consider shoes appropriate to your photography locations. Stilettos that sink into the grass if you’re shooting at a park are not fun for any bride/bridesmaid that I’ve seen. Plus, it gets dirt all over the spike of your shoe. Food for thought.

· Feed your vendors -If you have hired me to cover your reception then please have an assigned place for me (and my second shooter) to sit and eat (Don’t forget to feed your DJ, too!). Consider arranging for your photographer’s table to be served near the beginning of the meal so that we can be finished and ready for when the program begins.

· Are you planning a grand exit? -Credit is again due to Pinterest for the plethora of gorgeous “grand exit” ideas. Something to consider is that if you’re doing a grand “Everyone-hold-a-sparkler-in-a-row-so-that-we-can-run-through-it” exit simply because you want an awesome photo of it then remember to account for that exit in the timeline of when your photographer is still scheduled to be present.

· Relax -Rarely is everything perfect and on-time at a wedding. Something may be forgotten. If you can, send someone for it. In the meantime, just relax and roll with it. You get to marry your Love. And that’s awesome.

claudine and lorne. married. edmonton wedding photography.

I had a wonderful time last Saturday photographing Claudine and Lorne's lovely wedding. They chose to do their formal photos before their ceremony so we kicked it off with a first look (I love first looks!!!!). Afterwards we headed for Calvary Baptist Church for their ceremony. It was such a lovely and unique setup. Guests were seated at long tables instead of pews/chairs facing the front and it made for a wonderful, intimate atmosphere<3 Have a look at some of my favorite shots from the day!

Feel free to check out more of my wedding images in my portfolio or from my wedding blog posts! You can contact me here, too, if you're looking for a photographer for your own wedding!

tom and colette. married. edmonton wedding photography.

I had the crazy privilege of photographing my good friends Tom and Colette at their wedding this past Saturday. Even though they're up in Edmonton we went down to their hometown of Calgary for their wedding. The ceremony was lovely at Colette's home church and the reception was gorgeous at the Calgary Zoo. Have a look at a few of my favorite shots from their wedding!  If you like them you should check out more of my weddings either here or here.  Feel free to contact me if you're looking for someone to capture your wedding, too!

meghan and kyle. styled bridals. edmonton wedding photography.

I recently had the privilege of photographing a bridal session for Meghan and Kyle. Meghan is a local florist (Flowers By Meghan) and has made several gorgeous bouquets for some of the styled shoots I've done in the last 6 months. Check out the two she made for this session!

chris and kelsey. second shooting for capture it! photography.

Check out some of my favorites from my time second shooting for Capture It! Photography! Check out more of my portfolio here and shoot me a message if you're looking for your own wedding photographer!