Monthly Archives: December 2008

WELCOME 2009 (AND THANK YOU) – OUR LIFE…

When we started our business, I never expected to become as invested in it as I am. I LOVE what we do for a living. I love the brides and the grooms, the planning, the dresses, the shoes, the venues and obviously the memories captured with the camera. I have made so many great friends over the years – both within the industry and personally with our couples. Sometimes I meet a couple and think that they are the type of people I’d love to have dinner with or be friends with after the wedding. And quite often this happens. Our brides and grooms really are incredible people.

We had a lot happen this year in our personal life. We had family illnesses, the loss of a very close family member, some major roof and house damage, a high-risk pregnancy and a daughter born 4 weeks early. But through all of those difficult times it wasn’t just our family supporting us, but also our couples. We received so many cards, emails and phone calls that it really touched our hearts. We even received emails (and a phone call) from strangers who follow our blog, but we’ve never met. How amazing is that?! I can’t even begin to thank everyone for how supportive and understanding they were, especially when photos took a little bit longer than normal to get back at the end of the year. I also know that we’ve had some couples experience their own difficult times this year and our hearts and thoughts go out to them – we are so sorry.

The reasons for my ramblings are that I just wanted to thank everyone again for their support. We have been so blessed with the growth of our business and we feel extremely fortunate to be photographing just under 100 weddings next year. Each and every one of them is special to us and we’re thankful that so many people have invited us to be a part of their special day. Thank you for your emails and comments on the blog, too – they are always encouraging and so much appreciated.

We wish all of our friends, family, blog readers and brides and grooms only the best for 2009. Thank you for allowing us to become a part of your world and thank you for being such an important part of ours.

- Brianna (and Ewan, Kelly and Yaira)

….And of course, Rachel and Sarah Elizabeth

January 6, 2009 - 1:10 am

Velia - Hi Bri,

I was looking at Jasmine Star’s website and saw a comment from you. The name sounded familiar and I was super excited to have found your site. Great captures. Rachel has gotten so big and she is beautiful.

January 2, 2009 - 10:52 pm

gloria Mesa - Brianna!

sweet images you have.. love them

I am so happy that you found me..

Gloria Mesa

January 1, 2009 - 3:48 pm

Karen Stokes - You make us all feel so special :)

January 1, 2009 - 3:39 pm

Tracy C. - You guys all look so beautiful in all of these photos! Happy New Year! Can’t wait for the new year of photos!

SHAZMA AND MATT – THE QUESTION…

He thought that the best way to win her over was to hide a bumblebee in her desk at school. And if that didn’t work, he drew her face on a balloon that he’d made from a latex glove as a backup. Matt was a creative man!

When it came to popping the question, Shazma waited patiently through every romantic occasion that came their way. Certain that the big proposal was going to happen on Christmas Day, she was a little caught off guard when Matt presented her with a crepe maker instead. After making breakfast for them with her new kitchen tool they went for a walk on her favourite path that overlooked downtown Edmonton. Matt’s mom had a well-planned excuse that they should go on the walk alone because she needed to get started making Brussels sprouts for that night’s dinner. During their walk Matt handed her a beautifully wrapped box, but she convinced herself that it would probably be earrings or a necklace inside and tried not to get too excited. To her surprise, it was the ring that she had been dreaming of and Matt was so nervous that he forgot to even ask the important question. Shazma, of course, said yes after she reminded him that he’d forgotten the most important part and they celebrated later that day with their family (Brussels sprouts and all!)

- Brianna (photos by Ewan)

December 31, 2008 - 3:34 pm

Tracy C. - AWESOME!

December 30, 2008 - 10:49 pm

Crystal - Ewan, I look forward to coming to your blog and seeing all of the beautiful photos. Thanks.

December 30, 2008 - 4:06 pm

Emily P. - What a great mix of the natural with the industrial.

December 30, 2008 - 4:05 pm

Cristi Brandon - These are beautiful – love them!

December 30, 2008 - 1:22 pm

G. B. - I’ve been away and am catching up on my blog reading! Thanks for the amazing posts to come home to.

AMANDA AND RYAN – THE DAY…

Amanda and Ryan were Ewan’s third full day wedding in the same weekend, but everything about the day was fresh and fun. At the beautiful Windermere Manor (one of our favourite venues), they were married on the outdoor patio on one of the best autumn days of the entire year. I always love Sunday weddings myself, as they have a very relaxed, intimate feel to them. Ewan and I were actually married on a Sunday too, so maybe I’m a little bit biased – but there is just something very tranquil about Sunday weddings.

Amanda, you had one of the most beautiful gowns that I’ve ever seen. If Ewan and I were to get married now, I would track it down and wear it myself. And your wedding party had such a great time at the reception that I wish I could borrow them the next time we have a gathering at our house – they were great dancers!

We just wanted to thank both of you so much for including us in your beautiful day. We wish you all the best of luck in your new life together!

- Brianna (photos by Ewan)

 

December 30, 2008 - 10:50 pm

Crystal - lol, I love the photos of the bridesmaids dancing. TOO FUNNY!

December 30, 2008 - 4:07 pm

Emily P. - There are so many photos of that I love in this post. The ones of them in the woods, laying on the long grass, their close ups. Truly beautiful.

December 30, 2008 - 1:22 pm

G. B. - Amazing job! Such beautiful photos.

December 29, 2008 - 10:56 pm

Tiffany - Brilliant!

December 29, 2008 - 9:29 pm

Gisele - I LOVE COMING TO THIS SITE! Thank you for a such a great year of viewing.

December 29, 2008 - 3:24 pm

Brandi - STUNNING!

December 29, 2008 - 3:23 pm

Kelly and Mike - These are gorgeous. I love Windermere Manor because it has so many great spots to shoot at. The reception photos are so much fun and the couple photos are so romantic. great photos Ewan.

December 28, 2008 - 10:51 pm

Chantal Clarke - Beautiful beautiful!!! I absolutely love her dress too and those reception photos are hilarious.

A LITTLE GIVE-AWAY – OUR LIFE…

It seems like one holiday passes and the shelves at every department store are fully stocked and waiting for the next one. I’m quite certain that if I go into the mall on January 2nd, the shelves will be stuffed to the brim with Valentine’s Day decor. I’ve never actually been someone who does anything for the big love day, but now that Rachel is getting a bit older, it’s always fun to make paper hearts and decorate them. I think I probably enjoy it more than her, but maybe I’m just a big kid at heart – and she seems okay with that!

So, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’re starting to get bombarded with boudoir session bookings. This is a beautiful, sexy, romantic and unique gift and this is the perfect time to share this gift with your special someone. In January we are going to be holding a boudoir day. The date is yet to be determined, but we’ll let you know as soon as the details are all set in stone. Since all of the stores in the city are having Boxing Day sales, we thought that we would offer a little sale of our own, too. We are going to give away 3 boudoir sessions at half price. Send me an email at info@lastfortypercent.com and tell me the most romantic thing that your significant other has done for you recently and you can win a chance to do something romantic back for them.

We’ll choose the winners next week and if you click on ‘the night’ (over to your right) you can see some of our most recent shoots.

P.s. I’ll get things started — Rachel was given some of those crayons that you can draw in the tub with and they wash off with soapy water. The other day I went to get in the shower and was horrified to see that Ewan had let Rachel draw all over one of the walls without washing it off – because even though it’s supposed to washable, I’m quite certain it’s not. Just as I was about to holler down the hall at him, I pulled the curtain back the rest of the way and saw that he had written me a love letter the entire length of the other wall. The letter (and Rachel’s pictures) are both still there and I’m in no hurry to wash them off!

- Brianna (photos by Ewan)

  

January 4, 2009 - 4:19 pm

Ewan - Congratulations to our winners! I’ll email the 3 of you privately just in case your spouse/fiance checks the blog too. I don’t want to ruin the surprise!

December 30, 2008 - 10:51 pm

Crystal - Beautiful photos. If I had someone to give these to I would for sure enter this contest. You should hold a contest where I can win a man and a boudoir session, then make me win, haha.

December 29, 2008 - 10:07 pm

Gisele - Great idea!

December 29, 2008 - 3:25 pm

Brandi - I can’t believe I just entered this – ahhhhh. hahaha. Great idea guys – I think all fiances/husbands/special someones will enjoy this prize.

December 28, 2008 - 10:53 pm

Chantal Clarke - Brooke sent me the link to enter this contest. Good idea – hope I win because I’m stumped for a Valentine’s Day gift for my hubby.

December 27, 2008 - 8:51 pm

Brooke - Great idea, I am letting all of my friend know.

December 26, 2008 - 10:51 pm

Tina M. - Done and done!! These are beautiful photos and I love when you post new ones to this category. I’d be so nervous if I win, but I know Mike would love them!!!