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

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

The family who skis together, ends up in a big family hug. Last weekend to hit the slopes friends.

How come babies make you equal parts delirious, hysterical, manic and whole heartedly changed?

I fear the day he eats like a teenager.

Something about film and travelling that makes the whole experience so much more nostalgic when looking back. Thank you to @indiefilmlab for the processing.

I have gone through times when I felt afraid of what the future would be like for our kids. Legitimate fear keeping me up at night and wondering how the hell to protect them. But then you see kids- KIDS refusing to let their futures be left in the hands of humans who clearly are not considering the long term implications of their inactions and actions. You see babies standing up and asking others to stand with them. Showing up and raising their voices and taking the lead. How fucking empowering is that to an entire generation. They are way more awake than so many of us. I wanna grow up to be like those kids. And I think the future is in good hands. May we all strive to show up in our own lives and be seen and stand up for the things we believe in.

The grace to meet yourself where you are and move without fear to where you want to be.

I see you spring. Ready for you. #swheatgrassorganicwheatgrass

I've been thinking about legacy lately. All the parts of ourselves we pass along to a new generation. Our dreams, our wisdom, our mistakes all embedded somewhere in our people left behind. You might see an old woman reading the comics but I see all the pieces of her family tree reaching out from her. I see her combing the paper for friends she's known. I see her looking to her family for traces of who she was and who she is. Her legacy is wide and expansive. And I can't help think what I'll leave behind.

Small towns.

To strong women everywhere. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.

The mountains may have my heart but the prairies sure got something special.

Serious question for you my loves- when you have more days behind you then you do in front of you, what do you hope to look back and see? What's trailing in the dust you leave behind? This isn't just inspirational fluff/rhetoric but I actually want to know.

I re edited this series to look more like it actually looked. The pink was not real and it really really bothered me. Because it feels like everything i see is pushing to a pretty kind of rose coloured glasses when actually sometimes those quiet darker moments have beauty in them too. So that's why this photo looks like this and not like the one I deleted and if you don't know what I'm talking about don't worry the world will keep spinning. Because that's what it does no matter if you are in the rose coloured sunset or the darker stormy night. So be where you are and bend with the wind. And that's all I have to say about that.

LA- with all the Instagram worthy eye candy.

I don't generally lean towards the feminine energy. It feels foreign to me. The softness, fluidity, the vulnerability. But I also have a sneaky suspicion that the thing I shy away from is also maybe a saving grace. The feminine energy, which has nothin to do with being female or male, is needed in times of upheaval. The world needs it. Boys and girls need it. I am all for a strong next generation, for girls who are strong and brave and fight for their rights. But there is equal power in softness. It is not a lesser energy. It is needed to raise, to move the energy up. And because it feels a little unknown to me, I thought I might try something different in my work. I've been slowly working on a personal project exploring the feminine energy of movement. I want to try to see it or maybe understand it a little deeper. Here's the newest piece to be added to the series. PS @larissastavrou was such a badass goddess dancer. Taking on arctic conditions with grit and softness. I am in awe of you. Thank you for collaborating with me.

After a hiatus the girls if @heysecondbase blew out the cobwebs on the store and are selling these #radasfwords tees. But once they gone, they gone.

Winter and I aren't speaking right now. I'm going to try to make up with him tomorrow. But for today I will feel nostalgic for summer evenings and yoga outside.

You guys this book, makes me so happy and has started so many incredible conversations for the kids. Definitely recommended