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.

Categories

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.

Remember when we went to Seattle?

If freedom could speak I’m pretty sure this is what it would say.

Dusk. When everything that culminated starts to fade away and you know you can’t hold onto it so you just sit back and let it go. Also known as surrender.

You guysssss I just don’t know about selfies. I feel weird about them. I also feel weird about pictures of myself on my instagram feed because I like to hang back behind the scenes and just watch what everybody else has going on. I feel weird because I wonder if I post it is everyone going to be like- oh look at her thinking she’s looking all that” and “ooooooh why is she wearing that hat?” And then I think “wow this is the stupidest thing you’ve written on here yet” so maybe delete it. Or maybe don’t and just let everyone know that pictures of yourself make you feel weird even though you are in the business of making pictures. Ok but here is the actual point- being seen, in a photo, in real life, doing something that is just a little outside your comfort zone or maybe way outside your comfort zone, those things are strangely scary. But in a good way yes? Push share. Feel weird. End story.

@projectgrowghana new website is live 🙌 This project changed the way I look at the world in a way that I find difficult to articulate. But at the heart of that change was realizing that when we really and truly LISTEN to the needs of those around us we are trying to support, change is possible. Being able to see each other, not for the circumstances we are in, but for the people we are at the heart of it- that is motivation behind this organization. To witness, to listen and to support where they can. It’s a simple structure and it has lasting impact. Check it out. I’d love to hear your feedback. Link is in my bio or better yet check it out on your computer www.katienugent.com

Pause. Stay little, stay wild. Long weekend is here.

How come as we get older we’re a little more afraid to try new things? Is it because we don’t know what we’re doing? Or we want to stay safe? Or maybe we’re all just a little afraid to be seen? Ask a class full of kids-who can paint? and they all raise their hands. Ask them who can sing and they all raise their hands. Who can dance, who can play, who can try something new. They raise their hands. So how come as we get older we stop raising our hand? I want to just start raising my hand you know? So on that note I’m going to start stretching into some different territory. I’m trying really hard to do things that make me uncomfortable. Like shooting in studio. And talking about my work. And a whole bunch of other things that we can talk about in person. But know that this shoot stretched me. Yesterday in studio with the amazing @larissastavrou. She brought her A game and I leaned into that place of trying something new and kind of uncomfortable. And I’m digging the results.

Summer in BC- no filter needed.

The path of motherhood will lead you to places you never expected. Did you know the Saturday before Mother’s Day is dedicated to birth mothers? Today we’re holding space for these amazing life givers and for those who are missing babies, missing mothers and still finding their way to motherhood.

What does it mean to be feminine? Or what is the energy of femininity to you? I’ve been talking this one through with some insightful friends and I’m curious what you think. Is it pink and soft and doey eyed? Is it flowing and curvy and movement? Is it vulnerability? Is it none or all the above?

A quiet moment at the local water pump. So much action happens at this little spot. Where moms come to bathe their kids, chat with neighbours or have a moment to contemplate.

If I can take photos are remind you of what it felt like in that moment, even when you weren’t there, then I’ll be content.

The morning hustle to get to school on time seems to be a universal mom thing. When you take away the labels and all the things that seem to make us different, you end up seeing that we’re all a little more alike than we think.

Let’s just pretend spring is here-ok?

How come when our eyes are open to another way of living, it’s so much harder to ignore those layers of ourselves that feel impossible to strip away? Shot on film to make it all feel more nostalgic and tangible