Sand Dunes + Lace Styled Shoot

I first encountered the delicate beauty of Claire Pettibone's gowns while attending Jose Villa's photography workshop in Mexico a few years ago, and every season I just can't get enough of the creative intricacies and embellishments that typify Claire Pettibone's gowns.  Here, Lani Elias highlights the luxurious details with an exotic yet familiar landscape, (sand dunes on the prairies) natural light, and minimal accoutrements....

Read More
Palm Springs Estate Wedding Inspiration

Destination inspiration will always have a home here on Vale + Vine, especially as a large contingent of Canadian couples choose to throw winter weddings in warmer locales.  Today's feature is by Alberta photographer Justine Milton, shot on a private estate in Palm Springs, California.  With a nuanced nod to the desert, the pastel gown, succulents, and cross-back chairs pair well with the natural surroundings and would translate easily to a destination weddings from Mexico to Morocco.  For more wedding inspiration, follow Vale + Vine's Pinterest boards.

Read More
West Vancouver Engagement Session

It's easy to be deterred by a grey-sky kind of day when an engagement session is on the books, but photographer Lani Elias along with Eric + Esther brought beauty and tender romance to what might otherwise seem like just a blank backdrop.  But that's where great styling choices (a dark blue suit for Eric to provide some contrast, and a light, airy dress for Esther to keep things from getting to heavy), an ideal location (water and foliage always provide a little bit of colour), and the pairing of film with a great lab (which can provide a fabulous warm feel, even on a cool cloudy day), makes all the difference...

Read More
Vibrant Frida Kahlo Inspired Shoot

I have a really soft spot for vibrant hues paired with pastels, so this shoot by Justine Milton of Alberta caught my attention immediately.  The look is bold and not for everyone, but neither was Frida Kahlo who was the photographer's muse for this shoot.  Frida marched to the beat of her own drum, much like the bride + groom depicted here...

Read More
French Hamlet Honeymoon

Recently I had the opportunity to photograph good friends of mine on their one year anniversary in Rome.  If I could shoot more of these relaxed romantic sessions where there's nothing more to do but wander through cobbled alleys or sip a glass of wine, I'd be in heaven.  So when Adrian Photographers of the Okanagan submitted a honeymoon session featuring their wedding clients Jeanie + Scott, in the French hamlet of La Bastide d'Esparon, I decided this would be a perfect opportunity to encourage couples to book honeymoon or anniversary sessions wherever their travels take them....

Read More
Best of Bouquets

For busy brides and vendors, along with new followers and those who just love a good highlight reel, I've decided to dedicate one day per week to showcasing the Best of Vale + Vine.  This week, in honour of Valentine's Day just around the corner, Vale + Vine is featuring some of the best bouquets I've had the pleasure of publishing....

Read More
Toronto Floral Boutique: Sweet Woodruff

I must admit, this is the prettiest floral studio I've ever laid eyes on and I'm truly honoured to be sharing it on Vale + Vine today.  Sweet Woodruff is a Toronto floral company founded by Lisa Collins, whose eye for beauty and knack for bringing together a multitude of elements to create a harmonious atmosphere has resulted in both a harmonious space and creative floral design...

Read More
New York City Elopement Inspiration

It's Valentine's week and Vale + Vine has a line-up of sweep-you-off-your-feet shoots to put you in the mood.  Today's feature is a New York City elopement inspiration shoot with real couple Clayton + Keely Jones, shot by Weber Photography.  Photographed in Central Park and the West Village, this elopement brings unexpected twists that would suit an unconventional couple looking to mix things up a bit.

Read More