I met Annette 14 years ago when I first got hired at After Thoughts Coffee Shop in Abbotsford. She only worked every now and again so I didn’t know her too well. A few months after I had been working there, I heard that her daughter had been hired! Little did I know, that her daughter, Jessica, would soon become my best friend! :)

Over the years, I always love whenever I get to see Annette! She has a vibrant, energetic personality that was a little intimidating when I first met her, but I now love. She is an avid dragon boater, and she even got me out on the boat once to try it! Her loud words of encouragement kept me going the whole time! ( and left me so sore that the next day I could barely move!)

When Jessica first told me about her Mom’s new love interest, to be honest, I was surprised…but excited to meet Rita. The first time I saw them together, I knew it was something special. I have never ever seen Annette so happy. So bubbly, smiley, and just plain happy. The kind of happy that makes you happy just being around it. Her and Rita never stop holding hands, sharing little smiles or looks.

I was so excited when they first contacted me about their wedding. Excited. And then nervous. I had never photographed a same sex wedding before and although I know in my heart that love is love however it’s shared, I was nervous.

The minute we got to their first look and Annette and Rita turned towards each other to meet in the middle, I knew my nerves were beyond ridiculous. These two needed no direction or posing AT ALL. Their love and connection is so obvious, all I needed to do was capture their shared moments.

Their sunset ceremony in West Vancouver and dinner at the Beach House, was so unbelievably romantic. There were tears shared by everyone, and so many laughs. A highlight was when Annette’s middle daughter Hailey, who lives in New Zealand and couldn’t make the wedding, called to talk to her Mom. The look on Annette’s face was pure joy…there weren’t many dry eyes left!

We ended the evening with a sky lantern release over the Vancouver Harbour. It has been on my bucket list for the longest time to be a part of one of these, and it was just as magical as I had always imagined it to be. Watching the lanterns float up and away, while everyone stood watching was perfection.

Getting to celebrate Annette and Rita’s wedding with my best friend, and both their families, was so beyond special! Rita and Annette THANK YOU so much for having me as a part of your day. It meant the world to me to be there to celebrate with you both! :)

Comments

comments