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Category Archives: destinations

African adventure part one : Kenya

By now, you may have come to realize that I have a passion for traveling.  But what you may not know is that I would rather travel on a mission 9 times out of 10.  There’s something about going to a place and being thrust into a different culture – with people who live SO differently than you!  There’s nothing like it.  I’m always left inspired and impacted for the better.

In recent days (and because of my upcoming trip to Zambia!!!) I’m reliving my Kenyan/Rwandan trip I took back in 2007.

FYI photogs… these photos were taken pre Mark III 1Ds.  Back then, I was still rocking out the 20d  :)

First stop Nairobi… This was the view we had from our hotel called “the WAB”!

The potholes in Kenya are SO brutal.

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While in Kenya, we spent most of our time in Machakos… a little town an hour outside of Nairobi.

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The kids have gorgeous spirits… and they LOVE to touch the top of your head (you’ll see this in many of the photos!!) I have NO clue why!!

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the facilities

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my sister Amy and her lovely friend Bella – whom she became very fond :)

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their reality…

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I’m not sure about this scaffolding!

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their security system

kenya-0602The simple joys of life.

On the left: humble toys.  On the right: Amy giving the kids stickers.

TIP: ALWAYS bring stickers!!!

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This kid had NEVER seen a MUSUNGU (white person) and kept yelling “musungu, musungu” as we walked by!!

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MY best Kenyan memory… arriving at a local church and being welcomed with dancing!

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What we didn’t know was that, another church was expecting white people to come and visit (photo below)… and we weren’t planned for that.  But I took on the challenge and decided to go to that church and speak to them!

I will never forget this moment. While I was speaking, the translator paused.  When I asked her why she wasn’t asking the children my question “how old are you?”.  She told me “I can’t ask them that question because these children do not know their ages.”

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a young girl counting the mornings church offering

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the church I spoke at…

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And lastly, here’s a photo of my mom holding a “gift” for speaking at the church :)

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I took thousands of photos while I was in Kenya/Rwanda… so there will be a few more posts to come this week :)

Happy Monday!!

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Destination Wedding Photography – Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica | Jennifer & Tyler : trash the dress

There wasn’t a lot of hesitation when Jennifer asked me if I’d do a “trash the dress” shoot with her and Tyler during our week in Jamaica. I was pleased that she suggested it…

Originally she had decided to wear another dress, but the day of the shoot (which was THE DAY AFTER THE WEDDING) she chose to use her actual WEDDING DRESS. I think I gave her an applause :) What a brave woman!

Here are the photos…….

As you can see… I REALLY loved this green fence :)

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Destination Wedding Photography – Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica | Jennifer & Tyler : Destinations

Confession: I’m such a bad blogger.  I think this winter weather is bringing me down. I had so much energy when I was in Australia/Jamaica… but since I’ve been home things are taking longer than they should – like this post!!!!!! But, it’s finally here.

Jennifer & Tyler’s wedding in Ocho Rios was AMAZING!!!!!!!!  I’ve never experienced anything like it.  The beach, the ocean, the colours, the Jamaicans, the music, the love… all of those things create the PERFECT atmosphere for a wedding :)

I was so honoured to be there with a select few of their closest friends and family members… and it was pretty sweet to spend the week with these fabulous people!

perfect. paradise. passionate.

Here’s my assistant Christine in action :) Christine is a wedding planner and is amazing at what she does. You need to check out Pure Potential Weddings if you haven’t already.

She not only helped me all day long with photography… but she made all the other details happen!

I love how many girls are helping Stephanie with her dress!!

Jen’s sister Pamela has the most amazing and contagious smile :)

Tyler & Jennifer really wanted a low-key wedding because they’re both pretty shy people…  SO we laughed at how many people were staring at them all day long!

I love Jen’s expression – passionate about her new husband :)  You guys are so cute!!!

As you can see…. they kissed A LOT!!! Ha!

I LOVED this staircase!!! It deserved to be photographed.

And that’s the end of their beautiful day :)

Their trash the dress session deserves its on post – coming in a few days!

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Destination Wedding Photography – Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica | Jennifer & Tyler (sneak peak)

I’m back!!!!!!! What an amazing holiday Justin & I had in Australia with my sister Amy.  It was sweet as… I’ve decided I could probably live there – but that’s probably because I’m watching the snow fall outside my window and my winter boots are SOAKED from solely walking to and from my car!!

Anyway, I have to say I’m a little ashamed at the lack of blogging I’ve been doing.  I know there are a lot of photos that I’ve taken in the past month and they’re coming.  I promise.  But as for now, I really wanted to post a sneak peak to Jennifer & Tyler’s wedding from JAMAICA!!!  What a beautiful week we all had there…

Here’s my favourite of the sweetest bride… Jennifer!!

And here’s one from the “trash the dress” shoot

As I said… way more to come :)

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