Vanessa & Teddy- opposites attract

September 20, 2016

These two live by the opposites attract theory. It's what she told me within the first few minutes of meeting. She's energetic, he's laid-back. She's outspoken, he's quieter. She's quick to respond with a witty comeback, he's a little more subtle in his humour. He loudly sobbed during his vows, she laughed when he did it. You get the picture. Basically, my kind of people.

There was alot of laughing, teasing, dry humour, one big sob and then more teasing. A general lightheartedness that could soften even the hardest of hearts to crack a smile. These two know how to throw a party, choosing Bo.ttega as their okanagan wedding destination. They gathered the very best crew of kelowna wedding vendors to help make their day as unique and personable as possible.Thank you so much for including up in your epic day. xoxo

The bride's parents own the AMAZING Spierhead Winery, which we used as the first look and portrait site.

Vendor List:

Wedding Planner: Jenny McAlpine

Hair: Clarissa Chen

Makeup: Shimmer and Gloss

Girls' getting ready venue: Air BnB waterscape

Venue: Bo.ttega

Florals: Lavender and Lace

Catering: Okanagan Street Food

DJ: Alex Bird

Laura & Pat- their hearts landed

August 30, 2016

There's always a moment during every wedding where I feel a catch in my throat and my emotions well up. It's usually a glance, a father daughter dance, a walk down the aisle, a soft kiss... you get the picture. But Laura and Pat's wedding was different. Because instead of it being one moment, there were multiple moments throughout the day where I caught my breath. Watching Pat and Laura was like seeing their hearts land on home when they were together. Laura told me she cries at the whiff of anything emotional, and seeing her tearing up felt so honest and real. Watching the way Pat made her laugh held her hand (and butt) made it seem like they were in a world of their own. They were all about taking it all in on their wedding day. Because why wouldn't you feel all the feels? Why wouldn't you throw open your arms and drink every ounce of goodness from your wedding day, loving and laughing and crying with all the friends and family that surround you. Pat and Laura wear their hearts on their sleeves. They are vibrant and loving and full of adventure. They laughed and cried and felt every moment of their day, which was incredible to witness and capture. Thank you for having us you two- and we're still waiting for you to pack us into your suitcases ;)

Pat and Laura decided to read their vows to each other during a private moment after their first look and before their ceremony. Such a beautiful and intimate way to share your vows.

Love this moment Tiffany caught

While we were shooting family photos, a cop pulled up right behind me and got out and called Pat over to him. He asked if he wanted to get a shot of Pat handcuffing Laura hahahaha

Vendors List:

Wedding Planner: Jenny McAlpine Weddings

Hair and Makeup: Jenna Jones

Florals: Creations by Mom and Me

Getting ready location: Manteo resort

Ceremony & reception venue: Hotel Eldorado

Commissioner: Marjolein Lloyd

Decor rentals: Avalon

Rachel & Bronson- a palpable kind of love

August 16, 2016

Oh these two and their dreamy dreaminess. I could go on and on about how they make everyone in the room feel special. How their laughter and sideways looks at each other gave me goosebumps. I could rattle off a list of why I'm so so happy our paths crossed and they invited me into their circle of friends and family to capture this epic day. Their love is the kind that bubbles over and enfolds the people around them. Their friends and family glowed from their love, celebrated it with big hugs and beautiful toasts, with belly laughter and the kindest gestures. Scanning the room, there wasn't a single person who wasn't ready to celebrate.

Their love is kind that makes you sigh and excited to see what lies ahead on their path together. And oh how I can't wait to see what they do in this world together. Thank you both so much for having us. Cheers and hugs to you xoxo

When you're this happy!!!

LOVE this image I asked Tiffany Walde to grab during the group photo!

Vendors List:

Venue: Harvest Golf Club

Decor setup: Impressions Weddings & Events

Cake: sweet on you cakes

Flower Design: Petal and Vow

Makeup: Lisa Kulcheski

Hair: bride's Auntie

Marriage Commissioner: Marjolein Lloyd

DJ Service: Dwayne Mollin

Madeline and Matthew's backyard wedding

July 18, 2016

Dreamy. All kinds of dreaminess would explain this gorgeous backyard wedding hidden in the hills of Lake Country. When Madeline explained what they wanted for their day she said things like "casual, fun, light..." and I would say they pulled it off. These two were relaxed, and completely in love. Thank you so much for having us.

Love this one of Madeline on her way to the first look, from my second shoot Tiffany Walde.

It's Ukrainian tradition to do a shot of vodka to toast the newly married couple.

Vendor List:

Dress: Hayley Paige

Groom's suit: Hugo Boss

Hair: Tamara Gunther - Blue Dahlia Salon

Makeup: Jordi It's likely makeup

Venue: Private residence

Decor: Bride's

Catering: Creative Cuisine Catering

Kristen & Jonah Intimate Quail's Gate Winery Wedding

June 23, 2016

There's a point during a wedding day, where I fall hopelessly, un-romantically (because that would be weird) in love with my couples. It's hard not to. In the beginning, my clients are just everyday people. Then something happens at their wedding. It's like uncovering a treasured item in a vintage store. At first you see the big picture. There is love and kindness and some thread that connects you. Then slowly, between little moments, funny stories and beautiful anecdotes, the spool that makes just a person The person, unravels. Suddenly you see the way all the people who love them see them and I can't help but love them too. I pick up on all the love vibes and just kind of go with it.

I fell hard for these two. Surrounded by family and friends, these two wined and dined their guests at the beautiful Quail's Gate Winery. There was a perfect mix of hilarious moments (see the dudes getting ready photos below) and touching moments (the speeches, the vows!!) all mashed together to make up a beautiful, personal celebration of these two incredible humans. In between all the stolen glances, and sweet kisses, they managed to look up and out at all the people surrounding them and be present in the sweetness. And given the simplicity of such a task, we all knows it takes special people to be able to savour the moment to the fullest. Thank you for asking us to capture your day. We heart you guys.

Jonah's parents decorated their get away car!!

Love this grainy Black and White from my second shooter- Tiffany

Vendor List:

Hair: Clarissa Chen

Makeup: Melissa Craven

Venue: Quail's Gate and Lake House

Flowers: Petal and Vow

Decor Rentals: Gathered Table Supply Co.

Day of Coordination: English Rose Weddings

image by Rebecca Siewert Photography

WELCOME! I am Katie, a photographer, momma and wife based in Kelowna BC. My love of photography stems from a desire to tell my clients’ stories in a real, honest way. My blog space stems from a love of many things, the good, the bad, the beautiful. I believe life is an adventure and hope you’ll enjoy my thoughts along the way.

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You guys.... I haven't really been sharing my work work on here for a bit. But!!! This! This was for one of my absolute favourite companies in Kelowna. @urbanharvestokanagan has been the BEST service I have ever paid for. They are the best and oldest food delivery services in the okanagan. I started ordering their food box when it was just chad and I. And I have been a loyal customer since. Their service has saved my mom brain from imploding on itself. Every week new organic and local produce is delivered to your door, along with other goodies which you can add-on and customize every order. I LOVE the idea of supporting local growers and suppliers but the idea of stopping at 40 different vendors to grocery shop doesn't work for my life. Which is why I am forever grateful for @urbanharvestokanagan. Lisa (the owner) is an incredible woman and has an amazing staff of some of the best humans I've met. They take customer service to the next level. I can't say enough about them and tell all my friends about them when I get a chance. Working with them on this shoot was a dream so I wanted to tell you all about them in this gushy lovenote. If you live in the central okanagan I strongly suggest checking them out.

Faded

During a conversation with my in-laws about the merits of the education system (they are both retired teachers and firm believers in the paved path) chad and I were joking that not going to university worked out for both of us. My father in law turned to me, with a twinkle in his eye, and said "well at least you got your MRS degree" as in at least I married up. 😖 He is one of the kindest men I know and meant it in jest but WHOA did that one take my breath away. And it still does. But why? Why does it feel like a slap in the face when other comments I know to be untrue simply roll off my back? Maybe because somewhere in the shadowy part of my gut, I believe it. Maybe by marrying young, and staying home to raise my kids, while also building up a photography business from scratch and helping chad build his company, I can't really see my own worth. Sometimes it feels like none of those things carry enough weight for me to be "enough" on my own. My autonomy as a woman is somehow muddled by my title as wife and mother. My accomplishments seem less when I have leaned on others for support, than when I have muscled through on will power. Is it any wonder so many women are afraid to reach out? In the thousands of conversations I've had with female clients, friends and entrepreneurs the underlying theme is- I'm not enough. This isn't enough. What I'm choosing to expend my energy on, isn't enough. We are afraid to lift others up for fear of dimming our own brilliance. How F//ked up is that? By having men at our side supporting us, it is somehow a crutch but a woman supporting her man is a strong woman. This story line is exhausting and archaic. There is work to be done in how we see each other's worth and value in the world. ALL of us beings stumbling around the world trying to find our way. But how do we start to see our own worth and shed some of these stories we keep believing in?

I can feel summer slipping away and moments like these make me want to catch it in a jar and stick it on the shelf to gaze upon. Not pictured is the complete and total mess the wild children make when they tear through the morning with open arms.

I use to think parenting was going to be 90% blissful moments Like this. I did not anticipate trying to convince tiny humans that pants are,in fact, pretty necessary most of the time.

Her house, the one she built with my grandpa 50+ years ago, belongs to someone else today. We're in the process of moving out of our house, the first one my husband and I designed and built with our own hands. Do you think your stories soak into the walls and stay hidden there?

There is something so beautiful about the trees in Africa. Something beyond the natural beauty. They are the meeting place for their communities, a reprieve from the sun, a place to take a break and reflect. Beneath them so much life happens. So many connections and resolutions. It got me thinking about the places every community has that are sacred meeting spots. The places we come together to unite. The coffee shops, and sports arenas and hiking paths and churches/temples/mosques. Where are the meeting places that are sacred to you?

Just sitting here trying to figure out something witty and wise and thought provoking to go along with this photo from today, of myself trying to look thought provoking and wise but actually I look hangry. #youwinsomeyoulosesome #selfiefail #myphoneisaniphone4becauseIdroppedmynewoneinthelake

That feeling of the last days of June and the taste of the long stretch of summer ahead of us. Tastes like rocket popsicles with some sand, smells like coconut suntan lotion, sounds like laughing so hard no sound comes out and feels like that moment before the heat comes on and everything’s quiet and no one is telling you what to do. Defining freedom.

If travelling has taught me anything, it’s that our likeness outweighs our differences. Our skin, our culture, our houses may look different but most of us are looking to be seen, to be heard and to feel connected. This image of Hannah preparing the corn kernels for pounding reminds me what I was thinking during our morning together. There she was prepping food for her kids, multi tasking and getting them dressed, fed, thinking about work and I kept thinking “this is what happens in my house in the mornings.” We are different, I have been blessed with privilege and opportunity not afforded to many, but the underlying current of forging our paths and doing our best is there. This print is available for sale.

I have a hard time trusting the process. I feel like we’re conditioned to think life needs to be laid out in front of us like this sweet, clean paved provincial park path where any time there is debris, it is whisked away by some park attendant. But then you hear about the trail blazers and the people who “have it together” and you start to realize they’re scared shitless of walking into the bush but something urged them forward anyways. So onwards friends. Into the wilderness. Down the dark paths and fingers crossed it leads us to greater things.

Boop.

You know those instagram couples who take those totally amazing selfies? We not them. But if it’s about selfies or fun weekends I’ll take a good weekend any day.

Adventures lay ahead this weekend.

Oh June. Every year you just sneak up and bite me in the ass. Pretty little, vixen.

Weekending...

I’m always so surprised when people respond to suicide by saying it’s a selfish way out. The sentiment is not only a cruel remark for survivors to have to wade through, but it shows a lack of awareness about the nature of mental illness. Imagine the agony one must feel to end their life? To think they haven’t considered their loved ones is so short sighted. I read a beautiful analogy recently and to paraphrase- “suicidal depression is like being on the top floor of a burning building. There comes a point where jumping to your death is only slightly less terrifying than being burned alive.” Until we truly start to understand mental illness is, in fact an illness, and not something a person can carry on and muscle through, we will continue to lose people. We have to stop expecting perfection and start seeing our own humanness in each other.

I’m starting a new series on here called- Shit my kids say that makes me laugh. Because I know I post a lot of feely stuff on here, but I actually don’t take life quite as seriously as this account may lead one to believe. And also I kind of do. So first up: Smith- dad I don’t know how to tell time. Chad- that’s ok sometimes I can’t tell what time it is on that clock either. Smith- actually I can!!! I know that when the big hand is pointing to a number it’s time to eat. Me- this explains so much. The end.

I sometimes think there’s too much emphasis on “focus on the positive” “just be happy” “think positive thoughts” and I understand the sentiment. But I think there’s a difference between cultivating contentment and sweeping the “negative” emotions Under the rug. If I’ve never experienced sadness can I ever understand happiness? If we shy away from one do we ever really know the other?

I’ll take one of everything please.