Here on the west coast, people choose wedding dates for a variety of reasons.  The most common?  Weather.  June here is typically bright, sunny, but still cool.  Well, not so much this year.  Bright and sunny?  YES!  Cool?  Not a chance.

Heat aside, this June Saturday was splendid.  Spectacular.

Carlie and Jeff tied the knot at her friend's father's private property underneath an amazing tree in the yard... something she'd only joked about in her youth.  And there she was, looking as amazing as ever, walking towards Jeff, in that same yard surrounded by many friends and loving family.  

A million thanks to Jeff and Carlie, for having me along and trusting me to take these awesome images, along with their warm family and friends for being so hard-working, so kind and so fun!  Without further delay, some of my favourites from the day.

Above, father and daughter share a moment after he sees his girl in her wedding gown.

Below: the tree.  The tree.  Amazing, right?

Can we just take a moment and acknowledge these amazing treats, made by bridesmaid, Jessica?  Incredible.  YUM.  And seriously, I will NEVER get tired of shooting in the Dwight Hall.  Love this place.

Carlie and Jeff... you guys rock.  XO

Photography: Jennifer Kennedy, Kennedy Photografik
Hair and Make-up: AfterGlow Hair Lounge
Ceremony: Private Residence, Powell River, BC
Reception: The Dwight Hall, Powell River, BC
Cake: Jessica Bourelle

I've said it once, but I'll say it again - I love shooting weddings.  Especially friends' weddings.

It's not easier - no, not at all - mostly because I want to gift them amazing images that I would any client and to be honest, the pressure is higher.  I have to focus on blending the social with the professional and that can be a daunting task.  But the honour?  Amazing.  I wouldn't trade the ability to have that relationship on- and off-camera for anything.  Often, my friends are up for anything I put in front of them.

Holly is no different.

We've worked together for years professionally (we collaborate creatively on many shoots), and I knew what she wanted.  She picked a location to-die-for (hello, Ucluelet's Black Rock Resort!) and brought the party.  I brought my camera and this is what transpired.

Photography: Jennifer Kennedy, Kennedy Photografik
Location: Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet, BC
Hair & Makeup: AfterGlow Hair Lounge

This session has been a long time coming.  We shot this back in September and Cara has been so patient waiting for it.  I wanted to roll it out when the studio was a little bit quieter and people had stopped thinking about weddings and started looking forward to Grad!  I'm getting lots of inquiries already... and it's never too early to start thinking about booking your upcoming shoot as many key dates book early.

So, back to Cara.  What a natural beauty!  Not only that, she was kind and up for anything... a perfect combination for any shoot.  And luckily for me, she's my Grad Rep, so I know that she'll rock it in the Spring for her formal session.

Here's Cara - a Kennedy Photografik 2014 Grad Rep.  Want to know more about sessions?  Just ask her!

Some things are just meant to be.

Jeff and Carlie and I lucked out in the middle of a Fall with weather that made you LONG for sunshine.  We decided on an early morning session that married the best of PR - funky buildings along the avenue finishing in one of my favourite location, brimming with tall grass and rustic charm (which, incidentally, is the theme for Jeff and Carlie's June wedding).

So, this was one fantastic day.

Justine and Dennie got ready at her parents' amazing property South of Powell River, and opted for a first-look before their ceremony... a photographer's dream!  There are few things I love more than seeing the look on a groom's face when he sees his bride for the first time.  For reals.

After the first look, we shot portraits and family formals before continuing on to the majestic Herondell Bed & Breakfast for their late afternoon ceremony.  Here are just a small few of the images... reception to come! XO

Photography: Jennifer Kennedy, Kennedy Photografik
Hair & Makeup: AfterGlow Hair Lounge
Flowers: Stephanie Larkin, friend of the bride
Ceremony location: Herondell Bed & Breakfast
Officiant: Laura Kew