Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Randy & Crystal - September 17th

We have been looking forward to this wedding for a long time! Randy and Crystal are two of the most amazing people we have ever met and we just knew their wedding was going to be fantastic. And it was! With the stunning golf course at Swan-e-set as their backdrop, Randy and Crystal tied the knot surrounded by their favourite people. The decor was stunning, but the bride made jaws drop.

After the ceremony there were a few quiet moments with the bridal party as we started the photo shoot. With a few gentle nudges and a small game of golf cart derby they loosened up and we really got to see what a great group they are. I don't think the carts at Swan-e-set wil ever be the same. In fact, I didn't know you could make golf carts do half the things these guys made them do!

Our time with Randy and Crystal was filled with laughter. These two are not shy and they were gracious enough to trust what we asked them to do. Cystal has eyes that will stop you cold and Randy has the biggest grin I have ever seen. Apart, each of them would stand out in the crowd, but together they are unstoppable. So in love, so happy, and so full of life...how could we not have a great time with them.

I wanted to include a few words from Randy in this blog...to me it sums up the enormity of what we do and the incredible impact weddings have on us. I hope that he won't mind, but these words brought me to tears and made me realize why I love my job.

When attempting to describe the two of you, that is literally the only word that comes to mind, WOW, both in professionalism and personality. Your work speaks volumes, but the thing that I believe makes the two of you so special is your personalities. Both Crystal and I feel we had two of our best friends photographing the wedding, and were truely saddened when you had to leave us. I cannot tell you, how different this wedding would have been without the two of you. Crystal typically doesn't like to have photographs taken of her, but with the two of you, seems ready and comfortable at a moments notice. Just a small example of your talents.

Emotions are torn at this point, we are so unbelievably excited to see your work and just how good the photo's turn out, I am sure they will be the center piece of many walls in our home, but we are also a little saddened by the thought that we may not have the opportunity to be with the two of you each and every weekend. You came into our lives as photographers, and will always remain as friends.


Here are a few. I think they speak volumes.




Saturday, September 17, 2005

Denise & Adam - September 16th

I don't know how these two did it! They planned their wedding from Washington, DC and I can only imagine how tough that was to do. They had a lot of help and I think the fact that Jenn was planning her wedding as well offered Denise some inspiration! However they did it, it was beautiful!

The forecast for the day was (on Wednesday) "brilliant sunshine" but when we woke up that morning it was more like a torrential downpour. But, in true Vancouver style, by the time we were scheduled to begin photos, the rain had stopped. And by the time they said "I do" the sun was shining and it was truly brilliant!

These guys are a fantastic couple! They are full of energy and spirit. I don't think a moment passed when they weren't laughing together. Even during a speech which had the entire room in tears, they were able to giggle together. This was truly a celebration! These guys let nothing faze them - nothing was going to slow down their party (not even the DJ who got off to a rocky start). Once the dancing started, everyone was on the floor.

At the end of the evening, for us, Denise's brother and his friend got up to play for the party. Opening with "Suspicious Minds", these guys had the whole group singing with them! As we left Darren was still playing. What a great gift to give the newlyweds.

Thanks so much for having us with you - Congratulations!





Sandra & Costas - September 10th

We have been so lucky this summer to have a run of fantastic weddings. And this one was no exception. Sandra and Costa are such incredibly wonderful people. They each have a gentle spirit and kind hearts. They waited a long time for this day and their planning certainly paid off!

There was a lot of thought and detail that went into this wedding...Sandra and Costa transformed the Roma Hall into an incredible setting and Sandra's mom made almost everything in the wedding that required sewing - including the bride's and bridesmaid's dresses. I'm not sure how she was able to do it all, but she did.

After the ceremony at St. Augustine's, we travelled to Granville Island for photos. It is always so much fun just to gather everyone and start to walk. We stopped at unique and interesting little spots to create photographs and even paused to dance when one of the street performers sang for them. This was the first time the bridal party has danced in the streets of Granville Island and it was a great moment. Once we finished working our way past rusting metal wall, parking garages, and the through the market, we stopped at Sandbar for a quick drink. The folks there treated the bridal party with such kindness - even providing some complimentary appetizers.

Then is was back into the Porsche for Sandra and Costa and off the Roma Hall. Along the way there was a small incident with a seagull, but they laughed it off and it became one more moment from their day.

We really enjoyed our time with these two - Congratultions!




Chris & Joanne - September 5th

After photographing two other weddings this weekend, I was worried about how much energy we would bring to Chris and Joanne's wedding. I shouldn't have worried - from the moment we arrived there was such a sense of exctiment in the air and the last two days became a distant memory.

When Joanne arrived at the church, I was stunned by her classic beauty. For a moment I stood in the room with her and just stared - ideas began to race through my mind and I knew that this was not going to be an ordinary wedding day.

After the ceremony and family photos, we headed into town for our time with the bridal party. What an incredibly fun bunch these guys were. The girls were all stunning and just glowed with happiness for Joanne and the guys, well, they were up for just about anything - ok, probably anything.

The inspiration I found earlier with Joanne came to fruition when I realized that this was a bride who knew exactly what to do in front of a camera. It is often an incredible experience to work with couples who are not used to being photographed and to help them find their inner glamour. With Joanne and Chris, we bypassed that entire process and went right into incredible photographs. Both these two were willing to do what we asked and more. Joanne moved her head and body like a pro, and Chris worked the camera like he had been doing it his whole life. And the bridal party? Well, lets just say that they were memorable.

After photos it was off to Brock House for a cocktail party before the reception. Steve and I did not stay past the time when everyone sat for dinner, but if the hour we spent there was any indication, this group was going to party!

I want to thank both Chris and Joanne for the friendship they extended to us - we are thrilled that we were part of your wedding day!


A classic beauty:



Monday, September 12, 2005

Tying the Knot wins another award!

As part of the prestigious and exclusive WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association) we enter competitions where we are judged by some of the best photojournalists in the world. Each contest receives thousands of entries for each category and the judges recognize the top ten images in each category. In fact, according to one of the judges, this is an incredibly tough contest to judge as the quality of the entries is so high.

We are extremely excited to announce that we have taken fourth place in Creative Portraits. When competing against photographers that are the very best in their fields, it is an absolute honour to have been recognized as one of the best in this category. We are also the only Canadians to place at all. Here is the award winning image:


Congratulations to Jen who made this photo on a very rainy day in May!

Friday, September 09, 2005

The Champ

Sensei Blake Lirette - the Champ.

Steve and our son Logan attend classes at
Champions Academy where they are fortunate enough to have World Champion Sensei Blake in their school. To look at him, you see a fighter - shaved head, confident walk, strong stance. But when you talk with him you find he is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He epitomizes the good in martial arts - discipline, strength and commitment and it is an honour for us to have him be a role model for both our boys.

Steve was able to spend a little time working with Blake outside the gym. Ladies, I think you'll like what you see! I wasn't there (darn it) but I was able to see the results and they are hot! We may post more later, but for now we have a teaser...

Rachel & Daniel - September 4th

After over four years of long-distance dating, Danny and Rachel finally did it! In a beautiful ceremony rich with tradition, Danny and Rachel tied the knot under the chuppa. It was the Rabbi's first wedding and he was eloquent in his service. This was one of the most beautiful chuppas I have ever seen!

Held at the Four Seasons, this wedding was full of elegance. The guests were in black-tie and the ballroom was stunning! Mark coordinated the whole event and really poured all his energy into ensuring the entire day was perfect!

Family and friends came from all over the world, including Israel, and they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. During the speeches, Danny's brother said a few words and his joy for his brother shone through. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room!

When the dancing started, everyone hit the floor! I'll have to find out who the DJ was because he was one of the best I have ever seen! There was all types of music and all types of dancing - great fun for everyone.

One of the best moments, for me, was when Danny's dad came and thanked us for keeping our calendar open for this wedding. I have to say, it was our pleasure.

We stole away with them at the perfect time of day:





Allison & Kevin - September 3rd

Allison and Kevin tied the knot at Westwood Plateau among family and friends. It was a beautiful ceremony conducted by a favorite officiant of ours. During the receiving line, after the ceremony, the joy was all over both their faces as they greeted their guests. Allison had a hug for everyone, even those she hadn't yet met.

After that we headed to the Burnaby Museum for photos and then on to the Hyatt for the reception. Allison and Kevin really paid attention to the details of their wedding. From the cocktail reception through to the dancing, everything went beautifully. Allison was stunning in her traditional red gown and Kevin couldn't stop grinning! This is one very happy couple!

One quick mention about the table we sat at - those people are nuts! But seriously, what a great group of friends these guys have. Our table was full of people that Allison had gone to high school with and they were really a great bunch. And then there was Sandy and Steve (we keep running into Sandy at weddings!) who made an impression that will not fade anytime soon! I think these two kept the dance floor occupied the entire night!

Allison and Kevin - thank you. Your gentle spirits and obvious love are incredible!





Billie & Petto - August 28th

I think Billie might just be the sweetest girl I have ever met. When I walked into the locker rooms at Furry Creek she was sitting all alone while her bridesmaids and family were upstairs decorating. She had such a serene manner that I was immediately drawn to her.

Billie & Petto decided to have their ceremony at Furry Creek. But they only invited family and a few very close friends to the ceremony and had a big reception at the Radisson in Richmond later that day. To get everyone to the golf course, Billie & Petto chartered a bus! And right on time, it arrived at Furry Creek. That's how the day went - on schedule. In fact, I think Billie is the first bride we have ever had that started her ceremony early.

After photos and luch, Bille & Petto, the best man and maid of honour, Steve and myself and
Kevin and Lacie, sped off to Yaletown for an urban session. These guys worked the camera like experts!

And then it was time for the reception. Wow - what a great time! The speeches were heartfelt and Petto even serenaded his bride. Their friends were really having fun, but no one had more fun then Petto's sister (enough said about that!) and a few other people at our table. I can honestly say that Petto changed into more outfits than I have ever seen a groom change into.

Thanks guys!





Lisa & Eddie - August 27th

Lisa and Eddie ran away to Italy and got married! No, they didn't take us with them, but they did have two other couples join them in a whirlwind tour of Italy that culminated in their wedding. They came home in time to have a reception on the day they had originally scheduled for their wedding. And we were there to spend it with them. We wish you guys the very best and thank you for having us with you as you celebrated your wedding!







Thursday, September 08, 2005

Photographers and Katrina

As you all know, Katrina has devestated areas in the US. It's hard to imagine what it's like there to try to find food, shelter and safety. Everyone there is hurting in some way. Some will get help...most will not! Of special concern to Steve and myself is the plight of photographers in that region. We're self-employed which means we don't get benefits, empoyment insurance or many of the other things that those of you working for someone else not only receive, but likely take for granted. Photographers work on a contract basis, from job to job. As a result, if something happens and they can't work, there is no money, no medical, no food, no home. New Orleans is a key destination spot for weddings in the US. There are not going to be any more weddings in New Orleans any time soon. No weddings = no money.

Steve and I are fortunate enough to be part of a greater community of photographers. One that spans borders and crosses boundaries. This community has set up a charity called P.H.O.T.O. (Photographic Industry Helping Others To Overcome) that is geared specifically to help photographers. 100% of the donations are going to help photographers in need - 100%.

There are two ways you can give:

Donate via Visa/ Mastercard

Donate via PayPal

We have temporarily shifted our focus from the fun aspects of our blog and want to spend some time on this much more serious issue. Steve and I have already donated funds. If we were closer to this disaster we would open our home. I know that many of you would as well. Please help, in whatever way you can. No one person has to do it all - if we each do something small it becomes something huge.

Thanks so much to each of you - we'll be blogging again soon!

Kindest Regards,

Jen & Steve Bebb

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Back to Blogging

For all of you that loyally check our blog, you might have noticed that we haven't been posting lately. Today, we're back at it! Steve and I have photographed five weddings since our last post. We have also done some commerical work for the North American and World Kickboxing Champion, as well as the photography for the PNE. It's been a little crazy these past two weeks, but we've locked ourselves in the office and we're now working hard to catch up.

This week we will post all five weddings as well as a little bit from the commercial shoot.

Keep checking back...we should be posting more soon!