I had been adamant about selecting the perfect locations for these two – something that would commemorate Vancouver well, and appeal to their tastes. Like yin and yang, one likes nature and the other loves the city. So where better to go than Stanley Park and Olympic Oval, one a Vancouver landmark, and the other a new addition to our city, one that is beautiful in its own right? This is a perfect analogy for Tracy and Naoto. They are great and kind people apart, and the perfect complements together.

Congratulations to you both!

Yes, in case you’re wondering – they both stepped off the plane looking that great.

More fabulousness. I can’t get over how great they look together, and how coordinated they are. Note to future clients: This is how you do timeless and modern. (In case any of you ladies out there are wondering, Tracy’s dress is from H&M.)

We learned quickly not to let Naoto’s cool exterior fool us – he is a gentlemen at heart, repeatedly offering to carry Dee’s makeup trolley. Nope, we’re not complaining!

The lovely blooms were once again provided by Blooming Bouquet Floral Design. I hear they’re booking 2012 weddings.

Love how we went from a city slick vibe to a fairy tale. You guys would look the part in both stories.

And it was a happily ever after. This, ladies and gents, is just the beginning of Tracy and Naoto’s love story.

And of course they definitely did not disappoint – I’ve never been to a wedding as fun. Seriously: they had a zombie photo shoot downtown, a flash mob at their reception, a “drunk” speech, and a laugh-out-loud interpretative dance, to say the least.

And guys – the best way to pick up a girl has been revealed at long last. Tie her shoelaces, and she’ll fall for you like MJ did for Dave.

Thank you guys for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day – I could not have asked for a better first wedding experience.

Most creative wedding shoot ever:

Beautiful ladies. And MJ – you looked absolutely gorgeous that day.

A toast from the “mob”, to a lifetime of happiness.

Congratulations Marjolyn and Dave – may you have a lifetime full of shoelace tying and fireworks.

We started off with a few meditations:

Someone can’t keep a straight face.

We couldn’t let a photo session go by without some glam up time, so we took a few couples’ shots as well, in another outfit. Note to Deepak: Even though you opted not to get your hair cut, that’s okay. Amanda makes up for it….Just kidding! No seriously, you guys both look amazing.

And if you ever pass by the swings during a portrait session, surely that’s a sign that it’s play time, right?

Deepak has a tragic-artist thing going on with the hair in the eyes. Let’s call it artsy.

The traditional dress Amanda wore for this bit was beautiful – I think they’ll definitely get points for this one, don’t you?

And of course, we end with a prayer.

If you ever see Amanda and Deepak on TV, make sure to tune in. If the guys in TV-land aren’t ready for their great-ness just yet, don’t worry: You’ll be hearing way more of them – I just know it. These are two people to watch.

P.S. Congrats to Amanda on graduating. Now rock the world!

Since we had never gone to Stanley Park to shoot, we decided to head there this time. Crossing our fingers that it would be nice and sunny, it rained instead. In July. So we stayed underneath the sanctuary of the giant evergreens and managed a beautiful shoot nonetheless.

Dee finally got to do the peacock-inspired eye makeup she had been imagining in her head for months.

By the way, this is all natural light. And photoshopped very minimally. That’s how gorgeous Rachel is.

And this one is both Dee’s and my favorite, which explains why it is our front page image for this month. It’s just so optimistic, lovely, and happy, and serene. Love it.

Thank you Rachel (and Ilona!) for being such great sports! The only question now is: What next?

The very first thing you would notice about Beth is her height. Dayyuumm – that girl is tall! Yup, we had to crank our heads up to talk to her, especially with her 6 inch heels on. And she puts her height to good use as a dancer.

We love this photo so much – it has such a glamourous vibe. And Beth: You totally rock the no makeup look.

Paula – when we first saw her, we immediately knew we wanted to play up her lips. So we went all out with a vampy red. Which totally is the opposite of who she is ’cause she is so sweet. We just wanted to have a little fun, as all girls who love makeup do.

Gorgeous, gorgeous. She’s got the Adriana Lima bedroom eyes thing down to a tee.

Thanks girls – hope you had an awesome time with us!

Their love is simple. Joyful. Silly. And fun. I should’ve guessed – after all, they planned a video-game picnic, vintage video game system in tow. Cute, eh? Dave’s into sports and MJ loves the shooters (a girl after my own heart). Best idea of the day: “Hey, let’s plug the TV into the tree!”

But when Dave broke into song and serenaded MJ right in the middle of QE Park, it was the most romantic thing. Or as they dubbed it: “romantical“. Sidenote: I’m going to have to steal that word.

Who’s got the upper hand in the relationship now? Hint: It’s the girl with the gun. Good thing you guys are on the same team – and for the record, you guys make the best team.

They danced like no one was watching.

It was time for an outfit change – MJ rocked out a maxi dress. That girl’s got style! And Dave was comfortably chic – which I think is always the best look for a guy.

MJ: you are absolutely gorgeous, and you have the most amazing smile. I cannot wait for everyone to see you on your wedding day.

Near the end of the session, MJ and Dave decided to get back into their first outfits to take a “stroll” through the fountain. Y’know – in lieu of having photos of them frolicking in a field, which is kind of cheesy. So let’s just drop all the engagement session pretense and just have some fun, ‘kay? ‘Cause that’s what love’s really about.

All I could think watching them was “This is the most perfect metaphor for love.” That, between laughing out loud watching them get soaked. Hey, what’s spending your whole life with someone if you can’t make them laugh? MJ and Dave have got it down pat.

Thanks MJ and Dave for such a great time – your infectious personalities were such a joy to be around. See you again in August!