Elsa & Matthew

It all sprang from a casual trip in Toronto. My fellow photographer friend Owen, invited this lovely couple Matthew and Elsa to join us in a walk around Distillery District. It was a relaxing day, visiting my beloved dog Dolce, hoping in and out of vintage stores, and of course shooting as usual. When our SD cards are full, we reluctantly left for  dinner. While cleaning off our last plate, foie gras on waffle with raspberry compote, Elsa bubbly announced that they are flying into Vancouver for their seventh anniversary photo. I was thrilled, but thinking to myself that this spur of the moment will quickly evaporate. So I was pleasantly surprised when she told me that their tickets are booked.  

It is such a blessing to shoot couples who are not only gorgeous,  know how to pose, but super easy going as well ~ The artistic Elsa suggested that our shooting location be at Granville Island. It is very well chosen indeed, lined with vibrant stores, bustling market place and near the water front, it is no wonder local artists gravitates toward this place. 

The freshness of the produces really stirs our appetite. Seeing locally grown vegetables and fruits bring so much joy to me. In this time, finding the healthy ingredients seems ridiculously difficult. Matthew bought a Macadamia nut tart which he shared. Although I find it a bit sweet, the sugar really provided me a surge of energy. 

Maybe working in such a beautiful environment contributes to friendly staffs. The charming Granville Island Hat Store graciously permits us to use their store as a backdrop ~  Single light bulbs hang down from the ceiling irregularly. Wooden ladder casually lean against the shelves. The piano just begged to be played~ It is not hard to fall in love here :)

Butterfly in a Summer Garden

After living in Vancouver most of my life, I am not too used to hot weather. This past little while when the thermometer reads 30C, we were all very uneasy.  Fortunately, no matter how hot the day was, the evening would always cool down. I think Summer evenings are the most romantic time. The Midsummer's Night's Dream by Shakespeare must be inspired by this time of the year. Although I know tree nymphs and fairies don't exist but I can see how they can blend perfectly into the scene. 

I felt like my photography skill is getting dusty, and my profile picture not season appropriate ~ Using location scouting as an excuse, I decided to become a butterfly, fluttering off , venturing barefoot in this little rose garden. 

A Tastful Wish

When my English roses are blooming I will remember my " neighbour"  in Hong Kong. Keith is the friend who introduced me to David Austin Rose. Although my garden is far more inferior compare to his, it always give me great pleasure to tend the pots and enjoy the fragrant of the roses at the end of a long day. Even when it is cutting one rose from the garden, it offered me some room to imagine what it would be like in Southern France, where the towering stone walls are lined with climbing roses.

If you have lived in Hong Kong you will know how uncommon it is to have a garden. People will say it is the limiting amount of space and hot humid climate, but I think it is the culture. Chinese are just not brought up the same way as Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice. The city life seemed to deem the light of nature and appreciation for beauty. But Keith's garden exhibits broad arrays of David Austin English Roses, French and Japanese roses. There is an unforgettable charm about his home that I am sure all visitors can feel. I cannot really put my finger to one particular thing that makes it so. It be a synergistic effect of all artistic elements. 

I was always in awe when he shared with me his new interests. No matter what his endeavours  he always seemed fully equipped with vast knowledge and passion. It is no surprise success naturally follows. His secret is doing everything with his heart.

My dearest friend Anthonia and I were welcomed with a garden concert. It is so beautiful when two gifts of God, nature and music, appeared as a couple. Anthonia sat peacefully on the rustic old wooden chair enjoying the performance, while I busied myself with the camera. But finally I caught myself and sat down to enjoy the moment, the breeze and letting my mind drift. I really long for the days in the paradise, when I can hop by to a friend's place and enjoy a casual afternoon.

Our animal friends are the gentlest and most well behaved creatures ever. They loved to be cuddle and hug like a human baby. It is only fitting that the tea cup poodles be allowed to attend our afternoon tea party~ Keith, being the considerate host that he is, has washed and groomed them the night before so they looked as handsome as ever.