Bliss Photography & Design | Vancouver Photographer

Bliss Photography & Design | Graduation Photos

2010-04-14T01:03:00.000-07:00

I've been getting inquiries lately about graduation photos and thought I'd share a handful of grad photos from last year. Graduation is such a coming of age event and I was thrilled to document this time before the ceremony for these grads. Not a big fan of the traditional posed grad photo, I avoided fluffy and let these grads rock it out for themselves.

Our Story - How we Met

2010-04-10T01:06:00.000-07:00

I love hearing from my wedding couples how they met, their first date, and all the romantic details that go along with it. It's their story and it's always awesome and always seems like fate.

So, now it's my turn to share our story! It's long....but, like all your stories, ours is awesome too.

Fate

I was working in an office job in downtown Vancouver and Laura, my close friend and co-worker, and I headed out for lunch to a restaurant nearby. We were seated at a table by the window. Laura was extremely determined on hooking me up with someone and had suggested various patrons and waiting staff. I laughed her off, as usual. Then, the sky went dark and there was a flash of lightening in the sky (I always thought it struck a building but I'll never know). Moments later, a fire truck pulled up and parked right in front of the window.

First Sight

The firefighters came off the truck one by one, and with each one Laura would say "how about that one?". All of them were not my style until low and behold Steve came off the truck, a tall cool drink of water (ha!). He looked in the window at me and I looked back....and as he closed a compartment door on the side of the truck, he slammed his finger in it. I thought that was awesome. As he shook off the pain in his hand, his lieutenant was standing there commenting to him and looking in the window at us. Then off they went to save lives, put out fires, and pull lightening bolts out of buildings (kidding, I believe it was only a false fire alarm). On the back of his yellow coat was written "MILLAR".

The Exchange

Lunch was done, the bill was paid and we headed out of the restaurant. At the same time the firefighters returned and began loading up their gear. The lieutenant, a stereotypical rugged faced big mustache type of firefighter, was friendly and talked to us briefly. Okay, he talked to Laura and Laura talked to him because Steve and I were too 'highschool' to say anything. We just looked at each other. I was not normally that socially inept but for some reason, I reverted to 'highschool awkwardness'. As we left we walked a bit and Laura said, turn around and wave at him...oh god, I can't believe I did and it was pretty geeky. Awkward as it was, I waved and he waved back. Thank you Laura.

Establishing Contact

Back at work and twenty minutes later, Laura comes in my office and she will not let this go. Call the fire department, you have nothing to lose! Well, it was true, what's the worst thing that could happen? So, we crack open the phone book and call. We don't know that there are firehalls all over Vancouver. Somehow, we thought, you call a firehall, ask for 'Firefighter Millar' and perhaps he'll come to the phone. We called the main number which was the administrative offices and it sounded kind of like this after reception answered: "Hi, can I speak to firefighter Millar?". "You need to contact him at his firehall." "Oh and what firehall is that?" Hangs up. Now Tara (another friend and co-worker) comes into my office with a fax, addressed to Firefighter Millar. Tara somehow got the fax number (I know fax....it was a long time ago!).

Meanwhile, back at the firehall (which just so happened to be attached to the administrative offices), Steve is thinking about that lovely girl (yup that's me) and being harassed by all the guys for being so lame. The phone rings and they are told that there is a fax for "Firefighter Millar" in the office upstairs. Coincidence that that was the hall he was at, or that one of the ladies up there knew who he was? I don't think so. Fate I tell ya!!

The Call

I got home that evening to my apartment in Vancouver. I checked my messages and there it was, a message from Steve Millar. He left his home number, cell number, and firehall number (yaaay!). We talked for an hour at least. It was August, the fireworks for the annual Vancouver Symphony of Lights were popping up over the trees as I looked out the window. Chatting with him and watching the fireworks at the same time. No lie! It was magic!

Now

We've been married for 10 and a half years now and have two incredibly amazing kids. Life is really really good.

So there it is, our story. I can't wait to hear yours!

Image Quest 2010

2010-03-24T23:16:00.000-07:00

I came back last night from Image Quest 2010 with a head full of new ideas, a heart full of inspiration and a hand full of new contacts, photographers that I can call friends. Image Quest 2010 is three days of informative workshops presented by a small number of amazing photographers including Dane Sanders, Miranda and Reilly from Blue Olive Photography and the fabulous Jasmine Star . So now I have to put all this great info to good use. First on my list was joining Twitter. Done. Next up will be my new and improved website and blog. Yikes, much to do there.

In a nutshell what I learned is this:

1. Live for today. All in.
2. Outsource, outsource, outsource.
3. Give.
4. Love.
5. Facebook and Twitter, use it use it use it.
6. Keep it Real.

and not related to the convention, but relevant, I learned this:

7. Espresso infused vodka is very yummy
8. The suites at the River Rock are very niiiiice
9. I always get lost driving in Richmond.

There you have it.

I'm baaaaack!

2010-03-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

After a long and well deserved (if I may say so myself) break I have resurfaced and am now refreshed and ready for anything! Ready for the upcoming projects and to get back to nurturing my blog, neglected since January.

This year promises to be great with lots of weddings and events lined up. Tomorrow a shoot with a couple and their new baby boy and then to kick off the wedding season I'm off to the River Rock to attend Image Quest, a three day photography convention. Oooooh, I am so excited to talk 'shop' for three days straight! Perhaps a new Shootsac cover (please please please be there selling your wares) at the tradeshow will be in order too. Then an engagement session with Amanda and Aaron when I get back. Stay tuned for their images. Oh and one last thing, my little girl Taylor who is 3 took this photo of me with my phone. I just had to share what an iphone and a good app can do!

Mariana - 10 months

2010-01-10T22:00:00.001-08:00

I love going back to capture the babies as they grow and change. Here is Mariana now at 10 months. At the last session Mariana was just trying out the 'art of sitting' and now you can't keep her still as she scoots around the house. I am quite certain that our next session, the last of 'Babies First Year' I'll be chasing Mariana around as she walks or maybe even runs away!

Jocelyn & Lane - December 18, 2009

2010-01-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

After the engagement session, I had high hopes for this wedding and I was not disappointed! If I can ever figure out how to put HD video onto this blog (and I will) then you can catch some of the wedding march done with an electric guitar. It was done very well, not garage band thrashy but Joe Satriani style. Jocelyn and Lane had this day worked out to the finest details....the blue and purple candy bar, the chandelier suspended above the ceremony, table settings, right down to the retro suitcase to leave with for their farewell. I've got a heap of shots to share from this day but here's a sneak peek for now.

Wow, Jocelyn worked this shot perfectly.

Who would ever know she was freezing on this cold December day?

Below are some of the details from the day. This brocade cake was just beautiful.

Titanium rings and a bouquet of white roses

The fabulous candy bar, matching all the colours of the day.

Details, details, details!

The guys.

The getaway vehicle was an old vintage Volkswagen van.

The 'getaway' was great. Sparklers and cheers to send off the newlyweds into the night.

Thompson Family

2009-11-17T22:01:00.000-08:00

I got a call in the morning asking if we were still going to attempt to meet for this session. The skies were dark and it was a heavy downpour...."Sure", I said, "the skies will break open right around that time" (my fingers were crossed and it looked pretty bleak at the time.) So here, after the skies really did break open, are the Thompson's. Three boys with a whole lot of personality who I named red, green and blue (not very creative but it worked and I am terrible with names especially when they're all similar). Super friendly and receptive to all my cockamamee ideas, this session was a whole lotta fun.

Jocelyn & Lane

2009-11-14T22:19:00.000-08:00

If I was the sort of person to squeal with glee, well this e-session with Jocelyn & Lane might have caused me to do just that. The dark rainy skies broke open just for us and Jocelyn & Lane did not disappoint when they showed up in an old school pick-up truck that, if driven by anyone else, would have been a redneck truck. But it was driven by Jocelyn & Lane who I think just ooze cool....kind of Sam Roberts and Nancy Sinatra (I mean it in the best of ways). Jocelyn & Lane are putting their own spin on their upcoming December wedding and I am so looking forward it! Keep your eyes peeled for this one!

I get a feel for people pretty quickly....and can guage what they will and won't do....what to ask them to do or not ask them to do. I asked for this parting shot below. Awesome! Jocelyn & Lane, I'll see you next month!

Baby Mariana - Baptism

2009-11-01T22:45:00.001-08:00

I have been meeting with Mariana and her family to capture her first year and was so honoured when I was asked to come to Mariana's baptism. Held at the Greek Orthodox Church in Vancouver, this baptism was rich with Greek ritual and custom. I just love the one where Mariana is looking my way...check these out.

Emma - 12 months old

2009-10-30T23:24:00.001-07:00

This is the last of the Baby's First Year sessions with Emma and I can't believe how the year has flown by. I guess that's a good thing? They say time flies when you're having fun. Today the setting was perfect for fall photos. The leaves have just changed with a light scattering on the ground,the air was fresh, the sun (despite the rolling black clouds in the morning) was up and Emma was ready to work it! It was great working with you three, thanks for letting me be there to capture Emma's first year!

Vickie & Steve - October 10, 2009

2009-10-18T00:39:00.000-07:00

Well here it is! The last wedding of the season, Vickie & Steve's wedding! And what a fabulous ending!!! Because this is the last 'wedding' blog entry of this super long wedding season (April to October this year)...I am posting extra photos from Vickie & Steve's wedding. The event took place on what seems to be the last beautiful fall day of October at Cecil Green at UBC. We headed down to Jericho Beach for some more shots before heading back to Cecil Green for dinner and dancing.

Aaaaah yes. Vancouver in October. Would you believe it? Barefoot in the sand and it wasn't that cold out. We headed into the trees after this for some 'fall photos', switching the scene from summer to fall in mere minutes.

I love this....the before and after. Above is the gleeful throwing of leaves...and if I recall correctly, I heard one of the guys saying "wheeeeee!".

This shot below is the 'after'. Right after hearing the "wheeeee" I hear everyone say "ugh"....as the leaves along with the dirt/sand and little rocks fell upon them. I was laughing out loud (which I tend to do throughout the day at most weddings).

I just loooooove these colours together. This is how my garden will look next year....really....I want these colours!

Congratulations Vickie & Steve, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!!

Stephanie & Dustin - October 3, 2009

2009-10-11T21:56:00.000-07:00

Stephanie & Dustin were married at The Falls Golf Club & Resort on this beautiful October day. Stephanie spent a lot of time on all the 'little' details for this day and it showed. The sunflower below was used by the ringbearer, how cool is that?

Balatti Family

2009-10-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

Meet the Balatti Family. When Christa told me that she had 3 boys (one 6 year old and two 3 year old twins), I showed up ready to get down and dirty. I thought I was going to be shooting on the run. Instead, I got these amazing boys who sat and smiled and the odd time pulled funny faces. These boys were a lot of fun!

Baby Jayla - 10 months old

2009-10-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

When I arrived for this session, I was thrilled about all the fun outfits that Jayla's grandma and mommy had ready. Princess, ballerina, butterfly and flower, but what really made these photos was Jayla. So easy going (she really didn't care about all the changes) and to top it off incredibly cute!

Amanda & Michael - September 19, 2009

2009-10-02T22:26:00.001-07:00

There is this little church I drive by often called Milner church which I have always been dying to check out. Originally built in the 1800's and recently restored, I was so excited when Amanda and Michael told me that this is where they were getting married. It is a short walk to the alter, so future brides....remember to walk slowly! Congrats to you both Amanda & Michael!

Nicole & Henrik

2009-09-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Doing an e-session before the wedding day makes for fabulous wedding day pictures. The reason being that most people are not used to having a big lens on them and it takes a bit to loosen up and get used to the camera . It's best to 'get over' the camera before your wedding, because you want those wedding shots to shine! So, here are Nicole & Henrik. Nicole was honest about feeling just a tad awkward...and you would never know by these photos, because less than half way through it was all natural and fun. Great shots you two! Looking forward to more in 2010!

Check out Henrik's shirt below.

Crystal & Chris

2009-09-19T23:39:00.001-07:00

What a streak of amazing weather we've had! I met up with Crystal and Chris on this fresh September morning near Crescent Beach for their engagement session. I wanted to blog about how Crystal is a border guard and how not to be fooled by her sweet exterior, but I changed my mind =). I am so looking forward to being there to capture their special day in 2010! Here are some shots from the session.

Francisca & Ray - August 29, 2009

2009-09-07T23:10:00.000-07:00

On the day of your wedding, you are a star wherever you go. You can stop traffic, people see you and honk, you can clear any public area you like for photos, and people will come up to you to give you congrats. Kits beach is no exception. Francisca & Ray were rock stars today as we walked along the promenade at Kits Beach. People clapped, cheered, gawked and a group of girls ran up to give high fives all around. Makes you want to throw on your wedding dress and go for a walk doesn't it?

In this shot of gorgeous girls below, four of them are Francisca's sisters!

Jenn & Rob - August 28, 2009

2009-09-06T23:41:00.001-07:00

Jenn & Rob were married at the beautiful Swan-e-set Bay Resort and Country Club on this perfect Friday afternoon. Located in Pitt Meadows with surrounding mountains and beautiful landscaping outside to the spiral staircases and chandeliers inside, Swaneset is one of the most beautiful golf courses to get married at in British Columbia. Jenn & Rob looked absolutely amazing and the wedding party was just that...a wedding 'party'. The bridesmaids put the groomsmen to shame...they rocked. I laughed so hard I cried (really) at a speech from one of the bridesmaids. Here are a few shots from the day.

Jenn, thanks for working it for the camera. I love this one, so sassy!

Baby Mariana - 6 months old

2009-08-30T10:33:00.001-07:00

Mariana has grown so much since our session last spring. Still new to the playground, Mariana with mommy and daddy looked like they fit right in. This playground is going to be seeing a lot of Mariana in the years to come.

I just couldn't resist a shot of these uber trendy sandals!!

Today Mariana sat up on her own for short periods and I was told that this was actually a milestone moment! I was so glad to be there to capture it. This series: timber!

The fine art of sitting!

Fernanda & Laki - August 22, 2009

2009-08-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Fernanda and Laki's wedding was rich with culture, music and tradition. Fernanda is Mexican and Laki is Greek and today's wedding started at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Vancouver and ended at University Golf Club at UBC. The ceremony was a traditional Greek ceremony which, with the chanting-singing of the 'father' and the ornate interior, reminded me of some of the ancient churches I visited in my travels to Europe. It was awesome really. The evening reception at UBC was vibrant and had music alternating between Greek and Latino music...each time bringing out the families, the Greek side doing their traditional dance (which I tried to memorize while watching). Then when the Latino music started up, the Mexican contingency would come out...and boy can these people dance! Everything was shaking! I loved it! It was one of those nights you drive home with the music and dancing going around in your head. Here are some shots from Fernanda & Laki's day. Hugs to you both!!

This shot of Fernanda's aunt laughing, is contagious! It made you smile didn't it?

I am a huge fan of randomness! This is the kind of group shot I love.

I love my brides, bridezillas never!

2009-08-25T21:55:00.001-07:00

Quite often I'm asked if it's difficult to work with the brides. People assume that a bride on her wedding day is a 'bridezilla'. Absolutely not! I've never worked with a bridezilla (knock on wood) and I just adore 'my brides'. We spend so much time together, I learn so much about them and their families and I am so honoured to be there for one of the most important events in a family's history. Once the newlyweds come to pick up their albums etc. then it's kind of a sad goodbye for me....and I always hope I'll get to see them again (maybe for the maternity session si?). So, here is a big thank you and a big hug to all the brides (and grooms) past, and I so very much look forward to spending time with all my brides (and grooms) in the future.

Speaking of future brides (and grooms...sorry grooms, you are totally relevant, it just works better this way), here are three engagement sessions for upcoming weddings. Fernanda & Laki (actually just married last weekend), Jenn & Rob (getting married in three days) and Stephanie & Dustin (to be married in the fall).

Fernanda & Laki

2009-08-25T00:34:00.001-07:00

Jenn & Rob

2009-08-24T23:48:00.000-07:00

Stephanie & Dustin

2009-08-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Nicole & Mike - August 2, 2009

2009-08-15T19:17:00.001-07:00

Golf for Nicole and Mike is a big part of who they are and if it wasn't for golf, they may have never met. Regular members at Redwoods Golf Course, it only made sense that they have their wedding there too...and if I may say so, Redwoods is my absolute favorite outdoor wedding venue. Nicole and Mike's surprise grand entrance in a pimped up golf cart, the engine revving in front of the head table, had the guests laughing and cheering and set the tone for this warm summer evening reception.

Darcie & Steve - August 1, 2009

2009-08-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

There has not been one wedding this summer that has been rained out. Actually it's been quite the opposite with our record temperatures and on Darcie & Steve's wedding day, it was a scorcher! I feel for all the grooms and groomsmen in their dark suits,vests and ties having to look cool for the camera. (I'm going to invent a wedding shorts tux outfit for these hot summer days, an upcoming trend I'm sure!) Despite the heat Darcie & Steve rocked in front of the camera and we got a ton of great shots before heading back to the air conditioned reception at Cascades Casino.

Paula & Rob - July 25, 2009

2009-08-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

Paula and Rob were married on the hill above the Coal Harbour Community Centre with spectacular views all around. After shooting around the area, the rain came and we tucked inside the Community Centre for an intimate reception, waterside. The evening was made even more memorable with the fantastic lightening storm outside, lighting up the sky as guests watched on in amazement.

Jaymi & Seth - July 11, 2009

2009-07-22T00:49:00.000-07:00

In this line of work, I deal with so many different types of people from uptight to totally laid back, young and old, high profile or just starting out and each person brings with them their own story...their whole life with it's victories and tragedies, a background that makes them unique and unlike any other. These histories are brought out in a couple's wedding because they are celebrating the joining of their lives to make new history together. I've seen many a slideshow of the couples childhood's leading up to the engagement....and I am such a big softy for this...getting all choked up everytime! You would think I'd grow hard to this but no, I crack everytime...okay I'm not crying but I am definitely having to suck it up behind my camera.

This is Jaymi and Seth, both young in years and wise well beyond their years. Together with their little girl Madison they are ready to take on the world! Jaymi is all about no stress and Seth was just happy to have all his friends and family there...this was a relaxed and totally fun wedding. After a stifling hot day, Jaymi changed out of her wedding dress into the cutest white sundress and white flip flops and with veil still intact danced without a care in the world! Oh if we could all be so care free!

Corinne & Brett - July 10, 2009

2009-07-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

Corinne and Brett were married at the gorgeous Redwoods Golf Course on this perfectly sunny afternoon. Corinne had the details for her wedding down to a fine art, right down to the six pence under her shoe for good luck (where do you find a six pence anyway?) We spent some time shooting around Fort Langley and having some fun blocking traffic and even using the outside of a police cruiser for some shots (the officer stayed inside and avoided eye contact...ha!) A new bride and groom can get away with anything....and I have to admit, I love to take advantage of that! I also worked with a couple of videographers (Matt & Jeremy) from Stone Throw Studios and thought I'd just give a recommendation to those of you in search of videography. They are young (like under 21), totally on the ball and very professional. I think they will do well for themselves, this summer they are totally booked and I'm sure it won't be the last. Corinne and Brett, you are an amazing couple and I hope you enjoy your future together wherever hockey takes you. Cheers!

Jen & Murray - July 4, 2009

2009-07-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of witnessing one of the most romantic moments in the history of Jericho Beach. Jen & Murray wanted to do a 'first look' alone before the church ceremony and asked me to be there to capture the moment. Truly romantic, Jen & Murray personalized everything about their wedding and made it their own. I went with Jen to Jericho Beach where Murray stood on a bridge waiting...his back to the bridge. Then he heard her footsteps gently crossing the bridge...and he turned around to see the most beautiful woman he has ever known. It was magic.

Jen & Murray are adventurers and they have stories, glorious stories. The reception was held on the top of Grouse Mountain and each table had a story and this one was my favorite. I'm not sure if you can read it all but basically during a trip in Mexico, while hitchhiking, they met a kind man who welcomed them into his family home. The following morning he took them to a hidden valley...where Monarch Butterflies go for the winter. They sat in awe as millions of butterflies fluttered around them in this magical place. Amazing.

Just back from their honeymoon in Tofino, Jen & Murray are now back at home in Boston for a few weeks before heading off to another adventure in Uganda. Standing holding hands facing the world together.

Paula & Rob

2009-07-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Granville Island suited Paula and Rob perfectly for photos. This is where they like to hang out and not too far from where they are getting married this month. We had a lot of fun shooting as we walked and stopped in to the market's flower shop for some fun shots. What I love most about the last one isn't the flower, but the way Rob is looking at Paula. You can see he is completely smitten.

Kelly & Michael - June 28, 2009

2009-07-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

One of the cool things about being the photographer at a wedding, is you get to know some of the behind the scenes action prior to the ceremony. This wedding had two surprises which unfolded like this. Before the ceremony as we were waiting for the limo to arrive, Mike tells me and Brent Sheppard, the marriage commissioner, that he was going to surprise Kelly with a wedding ring that she wasn't expecting (it's a long story but she wasn't planning on this special ring), and I am so excited for them. Then, the limo arrives and Kelly tells me and Brent that she has a surprise for Mike. She had told him a million reasons why she wants to keep her name...and the surprise today is that she IS going to take his name...so now it's a double surprise at this wedding and I am practically jumping out of my skin! The ring really was a surprise and Brent announced Mr. and Mrs. ...."Kelly would you like to finish this?" and she announced "Benincasa". Yaaaaay! Congrats you two!

Kelly & Michael

2009-07-02T23:45:00.001-07:00

Meet Kelly, Michael and their adorable son Charlie. Charlie exploded with energy as we chased him around the top of Burnaby Mountain in an effort to capture a couple of family photos. Michael and Kelly were married on June 28, a couple of days after these photos were taken. Stay tuned for a peek of Michael and Kelly's fabulous wedding!

Jenn & Rheal - June 20, 2009

2009-06-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

I arrived for this Qualicum Beach wedding just after midnight on the Friday before the big day so I was absolutely thrilled when I opened the curtains to my room the next morning to find ocean and beach as far as I could see. Qualicum Beach is a quaint little coastal town located between Nanaimo and Parksville on Vancouver Island. I love having the opportunity to visit these great little places. Jenn & Rheal's wedding theme was obviously beach but get this.... there were shells in Jenn's bouquet. How cool is that?

This church shot was just for fun. Jenn wanted church pics, but not a church wedding! So Jenn, here's your church pic!

Nicole & Mike

2009-06-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, another beautiful day at the beach! This string of sunny days seemed to go forever. Now as I type this it is kind of chilly outside. Oh I can't wait for another wave of heat, I do get spoiled so quickly! So, here are Nicole and Mike. This hot couple is getting married in August 2009 at Redwoods Golf Course...which I am just thrilled about. The ceremony area has a great background (trees and mountains) and the staff are so friendly and accomodating. I just love weddings at Redwoods.

Noah - 8 months old

2009-06-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

This is super sweet smiley Noah. Noah was very happy to see me when I arrived and gave me smile after smile as I chased him around the floor, him doing his commando crawl and me on my hands and knees. We headed out to the grass (which he's not so fond of) and there he stayed as he made no attempts to get off the blanket. By the end of the session, he just wanted his thumb and blankie...that's when we lost him in la la land. Tired as he was, he didn't fuss once. Mom and dad said they were blessed with such an easy going little boy....and they really are!

Jenn & Murray

2009-06-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Jenn & Murray flew in from Boston to get their engagement photos done with moi. Well that's what I like to tell myself, doesn't it sound great? Okay, the truth is they flew in to attend an event and we did the engagement shoot while they were in town. So on this sunny Saturday morning, we ditched the plans for the Rose Gardens at UBC and decided to have some fun at the beach instead. Besides, this area has a lot of meaning to both of them as they spent plenty of time running past here when they were Vancouverites. Jenn & Murray will be back in town for their Fourth of July wedding, which I am so looking forward to! Six words to describe these two: adventure, laughter, academic, love, spirit, driven. Yup, that's the vibe I get. So cool.

The Hadley Family

2009-06-08T00:16:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce to you the Hadley Family! Maya who is almost 2 and Ayden who is 4 were awesome models. Maya needed to warm up a bit to the camera but once I pulled out the treats....she was mine all mine! Ayden on the other hand was so kind and accomodating...not your typical four year old boy. I don't think he complained once. Maybe it's because we had fun! Here are a few from the shoot.

Stephanie & Mark

2009-06-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

I love the story behind this wedding. I got a call on Wednesday to shoot the wedding on Saturday. Stephanie and Mark put together a fabulous wedding in just over 48 hours! Long story short, Stephanie and Mark were engaged to be married last year when along came a little surprise named Will, and the wedding was postponed. You might recognize Will from a previous blog entry. Last week, the weather looked good, their friends and family were in town, and it was decided..."let's get married this weekend". Stephanie told me on the wedding day, "whatever doesn't go right today, we'll laugh about later". As it turned out, the wedding was just awesome and everyone had a great time. Congrats to you both!

Francisca & Ray

2009-06-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

When I go to shoot engagement sessions in the morning, I sure don't feel like I'm going to work. How can it be work when I'm at the beach on a beautiful sunny day prancing around in my bare feet? Francisca and Ray are such a great couple....he is bright and enthusiastic and she is very cool...as in a quiet, demure, probably never freaks out really loud kind of cool. Maybe I'm wrong but that's the vibe I got. I'm looking forward to coming back to Kits Beach to shoot more photos with Francisca and Ray again....on their wedding day!

Corinne & Brett

2009-06-02T21:45:00.001-07:00

This photo session with Corinne and Brett was really fun. Corinne LOVED the camera and both of them were game for any idea. Since we're turning the engagement photos into a guestbook, we spent some extra time...a total of 2-1/2 hours shooting so we'd have a ton of shots to choose from. I think Corinne would have been happy if we just kept on going. Here are a few of my faves.

Maddox - 2 months old

2009-05-31T21:02:00.001-07:00

This is Maddy. He is such a sweet little guy and I just love his baby duck down hair. Congratulations Saskia, Edgar and big brother Noah!

Emma - 6 months old

2009-05-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

This is little Emma. I first met Emma when she looked like a....um.... belly! Two shoots later and wow has she grown into a pretty little girl.

I just love baby feet. I could look/touch/kiss baby feet all day. Don't worry folks, I try to stick to my own kids feet.

Emma is workin' it in these shots!

Vickie & Steve

2009-05-19T23:14:00.001-07:00

I met with Vickie & Steve on a gorgeous 'feels like summer' Saturday morning, to shoot their engagement session. We had some good laughs at a couple of people who seemed determined to be in their photos. However, we managed to squeeze off plenty of shots without them in it. In fact, it looks like they had the beach all to themselves.

Love on the rocks!

Jacquelyn - 6 months old

2009-05-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

Time has flown by since my last session with Jacquelyn who was a newborn the last time I saw her. This is the third session of a series of four from the "Baby's First Year" series. The youngest of a family with four kids, Jacquelyn will always be entertained by either her sister or her two brothers...oh and the dog of course!

Will - 5 months old

2009-04-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, when it rains it poors. Baby sessions that is! April has definitely been baby month.

Here is Will. A little bundle of bubbles and giggles with such a cool name. You can't help but grow up to be a cool kid with that name! His smiles and coos filled the room with sunshine.

Baby Matteo - 6 weeks

2009-04-23T19:36:00.001-07:00

Meet Matteo, he's just six weeks old and despite his teeny age he is one sturdy little fellow. I first met Matteo's parents at their engagement session back in 2007 and it is such a pleasure to be there to see how the family has grown. Matteo would have much preferred to eat throughout the session, but he took a few breaks to grace my camera with a few poses. Oh sweet little baby!

Matteo was intrigued by me and the big black thing that was attached to my head, which I call my camera.

I know that Tony (Matteo's dad) will groan at the stain on his finger in this shot but I think it tells a story of this special time. In about five years, Matteo will be looking at these photos. Tony will tell Matteo that he was staining the front door of their newly built house just after he was born...and Matteo will always look at that door a little differently after hearing that story. Or maybe not. =)

Baby Mariana - 12 weeks

2009-04-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

I love spending time with the newborn babies. They're so fragile, unassuming and completely unpredictable. I never know how the session will go but I always come away with photos of love and tiny parts. This is Mariana. She surprised her parents with her very early arrival and has been through a lot for such a little person. Despite her bumpy start, she is such a relaxed and easy going little girl. Here are a couple pics from yesterday's session.

Tracy Cakes Cupcakes

2009-04-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

After shooting a session the other day I saw something new on the White Rock beachfront strip. Tracy Cakes has opened a store in White Rock! The place is inviting with its shabby chic design and cool vintage chandeliers hanging here and there. The display case bursting with color and a variety of ornate designs reminded me of abstract art. I just had to take some shots of these....and just had to buy a dozen to take with me (yes everyone... I shared). Yummy!

Jaymi & Seth

2009-04-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

Meet Jaymi, Seth and their little 'Maddy'. We tested out Maddy's legs and patience by walking out to the end of the pier and back again while shooting this engagement session. A beautiful day and a gorgeous family!

Event at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

2009-04-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

This event last Thursday night at the Wall Centre Hotel in Vancouver was spectacular. The cool vibe, decor, food presentation and music....all world class.

The food presentation....these people are masters at their craft!

The amazing Ainslee Lam, event coordinator extraordinaire!

2008 Weddings

2009-03-31T19:39:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd share some images from 2008. I'll start with a handful of wedding shots. I picked these ones because most of them are not on my website. One day soon I hope to get around to updating the website which you are welcome to check out at http://www.blisscaptured.com/.

Bliss Photography & Design | Vancouver | is blogging!

2009-03-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm Peggy Millar and I am the creative brain behind Bliss Photography & Design. My big ambitious plan is to blog regularly and keep you all up to date with shots of my recent work and the day to day of being Peggy the photographer. So this is my first post....ever....so it's only going to get better from here on in. Here I go taking the big leap into the world of blog...