Awesome.

I didn’t really know anyone at the table except our mutual friend, and at the time I was very quiet around people I didn’t know. I overheard Deb and another girl talking about Chantal Kreviazuk, who was a favourite of mine at the time. I took that opportunity to start talking to this girl who had the nerve (!!) to take my seat earlier that night.

After a couple hours we all decided to go bowling. I had loosened up a little by then and felt a bit more comfortable around these people I barely knew. Anyway, if you know me at all you know that when I bowl, I go a bit… silly. I did one of my classic bowling moves, and of course got a gutterball. As I turned to walk back to the seats, Deb was getting ready to bowl. I looked at her, and she looked at me and I felt this instant connection. We were both laughing at my bowling, and I think that moment kind of froze in time. Here was this complete stranger who I’d never met before that night and at that moment, I knew I’d be seeing her again. It was probably the closest you can get to love at first sight.

That night, when I got home, I e-mailed our mutual friend and asked for Deb’s e-mail address. I got a reply in the morning and immediately sent her this e-mail:

Hello. This is Nick here, from Shila’s party. She gave me your e-mail address… I’m e-mailing you because I just wanted to say that i had a really good time there and I quite enjoyed talking with you, and I’m interested in getting to know u better, since we don’t really know each other at all Anyway, u can e-mail me at XXXX@XXXX.com (or just hit reply), or u can phone me at XXX-XXXX (my cell)

Take it easy

-Nick Beaulieu

I know, I have a way with words… This e-mail was TOTALLY out of character for me. I had never done anything like that. I’m glad I did.

I sent this e-mail EXACTLY 11 years ago, to the minute.

I Love you Deb!! <3 Happy Meet-iversary!!!

1) This is on the UBC Campus grounds and we were shooting some group shots for Bernice & Jack and I look up and I see these amazing windows!  I’m a sucker for reflecting shots so I told Nick of my idea and we set it up.  I love the straight lines of the building and sidewalk juxtaposed with the slightly wavy reflection of the group.

2) Another one from Bernice & Jack’s wedding.  Now, this is how you score points with your mother-in-law!

3) *Cue tears!*  I love the abundance of emotion in this photo.  Nick took this one at Ali & Simon’s wedding.  Love it!!!!  I especially love Ali peeking around her guests to get a glance at Simon.  It’s as if to her, there’s no one else in the room but him

4)  This is from Jen & Jordy’s wedding.  Instead of a traditional receiving line they did it cocktail-party style.  This photo is of Jen and her good friends just having a good old-fashioned girl talk!  Laughing, gabbing and showing off how good they all look!

5)  This is from Katie & Chris’ wedding.  I saw the best man off in the corner going over his speech.  He didn’t even know that I was there until I took the photo.

6)  These are Maddie’s shoes   She wore flats for her farm wedding and she gets double points for being stylish AND practical!

7)  For Nadine & Dmitry’s wedding we decided to do something different.  We asked them to take 3 minutes to write a letter to each other about how they were feeling that very moment.  I remember it taking Dmitry a few stops and starts to get his thoughts down on paper, but he did it genuinely and it was amazing to witness.

8)  From Iona & Alston’s wedding.  We were trying out our video light and it created the most perfect light for this moment.  Soft, yet dramatic.

9)  This is from Elizabeth & Mike’s wedding during the Father-Daughter dance.  I know that this image is not technically perfect (the focus should be on Elizabeth’s face), however the raw emotion in this photo takes over and grabs you!

10) This last one is from Sharon & Thomas’ wedding.  I love everything about this photo.  The light.  The colours. Their expressions.  I love how intently Thomas is looking as he listens to his friend give their speech.

I hope you have enjoyed my Top Ten of Twenty-Ten!  Come back tomorrow for Nick’s favourites!

There were a lot of special little moments throughout this day: from her mom applying her make-up, to her dad walking her through the treetops and then down the aisle (a good kilometre long!), and to the heartfelt speaches. But what we found the most special was the fact that these two are each other’s rock. Whether it was a nervous moment in the ceremony or the sentimental words from family and friends, Will & Lindsey easily found comfort in each other. Quick glances and long gazes turned their tears into smiles and gentle laughs.

Here are some favourites of ours. Enjoy

Will & Lindsey, we had an great day with you and we wish you many, many years of happiness

Esther is so beautiful. Ben: you are a very lucky man.

And Ben isn’t too bad either This is very GQ!

And when you put them together: WOW!

I loved their ceremony! They walked up the aisle together with their son behind them in a little red wagon (complete with a sign that said “Mommy and Daddy are getting married”!). Their eye-contact with each other during the ceremony was constant and honest. Everyone that was there that day radiated such a sincere warmth which really told us something about Ben & Esther: not only are they truly and deeply in love with each other, but they have a fantastic group of family and friends.

Later in the evening Kristel and I set up a photobooth for them and their guests to enjoy, and let me tell you, we had a blast! With a handful of random props (funny glasses, bunny ears, masquerade masks and even a garden gnome!) you may never know what people will do, but you can almost guarantee that they wont forget it! There were sooooo many hilarious photos from their photobooth to choose from, so I decided to just put up my absolute favourite one. Here is Esther’s family photo!

Huge thank yous go out to Kristel, and also to Ben & Esther! I had a fabulous time!