This past November, we were honoured to have been included in the Chamber of Commerce Wedding Wishes Show Grand Prize Giveaway — donating one of our most popular full-day imagery packages. Imagine our surprise — and the unbelievable irony — when the winners turned out to our very own already-booked clients, Justin + Natasha!

But as luck would have it, we had been commissioned for a more limited package and in one fell swoop our happy couple were able to partake in the full enchilada. I’m not sure who was more excited… us or them!

Justin + Natasha exchanged heartfelt vows on Saturday, January 23rd. The day was extra *charged* for us, as it meant getting to see some past clients of ours and we are always up for a reunion {Justin’s sister Christina and her husband Chris were married with Bliss last March}.

Hard to know where to start with the 1,900 shots that were taken just 3 days ago. Of course not all of them *turn out*, but a hefty chunk have left us breathless. In the entire last 5 years of documenting weddings, we’re pretty insistant that we’ve not seen eyes as lovely or as piercing as Natasha’s. They really are something to behold. It’s worth noting that virtually every shot taken held some sort of special significance for them… whether it was the romantic text messages exchanged on their Blackberries, the playful photo session held on the swings at the park, or even the impromptu skating session with full-on wedding party participation {shout-out to the Best Man who went barefoot!}.

Justin + Natasha, thank you for giving us this glimpse into your love story. And although it is just beginning, something tells us the ending is indeed a happy one!

“I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”  –Helen Keller

The recent earthquake in already impoverished Haiti has left us feeling simply dumbfounded. How is it that one tiny nation must endure such a walopping? And while we continue to seek the answer on that one, we are reminded daily that living in Canada is akin to winning the lottery.

We’ve been struggling to figure out how we could get involved… In March, 2005, following the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami in Southeast Asia, we were able to get our hands dirty and help with the clean-up on the island of Ko Phi-Phi in Thailand. Though it was only a short visit, we saw first-hand the generosity of spirit of people from all over the globe who travelled with one common mantra: “we don’t know how we can help, but we’re going anyways.” It was remarkable to witness the kindness of humanity, but equally disturbing to see the dramatic, life-changing impact this natural event had on its survivors… People left without homes, belongings, drinking water, food, their children, their brothers and sisters.

Sadly, we cannot fly down to Haiti. We cannot scoop up even one orphaned child, as much as our hearts have the room. But we can do something. We will keep you posted throughout the coming months, and encourage you to think about what role you can play in bringing Hope to Haiti. If you’re needing any inspiring, click on the video below and let the lyrics from John Mayer’s song Heart of Life fill you up.

5% of all 2010 Bliss Bookings will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked specifically for Haiti Relief.

Is there anything more symbolic of love than a heart? I’m thinking possibly not.

Yesterday’s engagement photo session with Josh + Samantha was rife with wickedly-cool symbolism… hearts for love, their own monograms in the snow, and relevance in just about every nook and corner we shot in. To keep things light-hearted and inclusive, Josh + Sam invited a special guest to tag along — their exuberant best pal Cocoa. The trio headed out to beautiful Oliver Lake to tromp through the snow and cut trail at Sam’s family camp. This camp was built by her grandfather and obviously is near and dear to her. We could not have asked for better conditions, a more relaxed couple to photograph or a better behaved little Cocoa.

Though we don’t like to wish our life away, we are eagerly counting down to June when Josh + Sam take that giant leap of faith into marriage. Hope you “♥” these few shots we played around with!

We are so excited the vibrations are keeping the neighbours up at night (sorry 1426 Broadway!). In less than three weeks, we’re whisking the family away for a very special retreat to Antigua, Guatemala. What awaits us is a reunion with Sam’s parents, her brother Jonathan and his new wife, Shalem, along with a jam-packed agenda!

Jonathan + Shalem, after fighting tooth and nail to secure appropriate paperwork and basically giving their right AND left arms, were finally married this past November and we are stoked to take some time to document their story on film. Jonathan, a native Thunder Bay’er who’s been teaching English in Honduras for the past few years, met his true love Shalem in Honduras. Her English was mucho limited. His Spanish was rusty but passable. Somehow, someway, their love has conquered all language and cultural barriers and the universe succeeding in bringing them together. We are overjoyed to welcome Shalem into our family.

Whilst in Guatemala, several items of business will also be conducted, including a top-secret Trash-the-Dress shoot which has been in the works for years but has never gotten off the ground. Other related tasks will include Sam’s attempt to continue her training for the big climb {of Mount Sajama in Bolivia this June} with treks up several of Guatemala’s highest volcanos {including one active one… Pacaya!} and my quest to get up to Tikal to finally document the Mayan ruins that eluded me last year.

To our valued clients, new and those-we-have-not-yet-met; February shall be *business as usual* despite our sojourn to Central America. We shall continue to move forward on our editing; we shall continue to blog; and we shall continue to photograph!!!

It is such a treat to document a winter wedding and even more so when it transpires over Christmas — a season that we at Bliss cherish dearly.

This is the story of Claudine + Nick, with honourable mentions for little Ava {their adorable 2-year old daughter} and her soon-to-be baby sister, who — for now — is happily snuggled in the oven for a few more months.  Our connection with Claudine always makes me smile. Ava and our daughter Saffron attend the same daycare; and depending on the day, you can be sure that one or the other of them is egging on their fellow playmates and stirring up a healthy dose of toddler fun.

We were honoured to have this opportunity to document Claudine + Nick’s wedding day. The marriage took place at Thunder Bay’s Botanical Conservatory amidst a sea of festive poinsettias and other tropical greenery. Following around the sweet trio of flower girls remains a highlight — these kids loved the camera! Other favourite moments included Claudine’s best gal pals surrounding her for a rendition of *Sweet Child Of Mine*… they just rocked out the air guitars!

Please enjoy this sneak peek of imagery taken just a few weeks ago; and to the happily married couple: we wait with baited breath the arrival of your new baby! Congratulations on the many life’s blessings that have been bestowed upon you. Thank you again, and God bless! xo Samantha + Alvis

Not up for acronyms? O.K.  We cave.  That would be “soon to be wedded Bliss.”

Renee + Ryan are taking that giant leap this year and over the holidays we caught up with them and their adorable little boy (Luc) for an engagement photo session. Temperatures that day were hovering around – 25 with windchill (which, of course, now seems downright balmy compared to the frigid offerings Mother Nature has recently handed us!).  In spite of this, the e-session was hot, hot, hot! These two are deeply in love and it is palpable in the imagery below. We love the shot of Renee *putting her foot down.* Thanks for braving the cold guys.  You would never know how freezing it was!

Happy New Year from Bliss Pictures!

Very recently these two lovebirds flew in from Alberta to celebrate the holidays with friends and family; to our good fortune we were able to snatch them away for a few hours of camera-clicking and goofing off {translation: their engagement session!}.  And now that 2010 is upon us, their August wedding seems just moments away! Mel + Ryan: we can’t wait to stand alongside you when you exchange vows this summer. Married Bliss here you come!  Hope you enjoy this smattering of images — we feel they really capture the essence of your love and your personalities.