Welcome to my wedding photography blog!

Ashley contacted me while I was away on my photography course in Kyoto, Japan held by Scott Robert Lim and Matthew Jordan Smith (blog post is coming, I promise!). She was finishing up her degree in Halifax and wanted to schedule a photography consultation for her wedding in Edmonton, Alberta.

If these guys entered a, „How Did You Get Engaged?“ contest, they would surely win. James flew all the way to Paris, France for ONE night to propose to his girl! Ashley was wrapping up her Europe trip with a girlfriend. Imagine her surprise when she saw James on one knee by a gorgeous fountain with a ring in his hand?! I mean, seriously, can you imagine? This gives me goose bumps just thinking about it. Wow! So romantic.

As you can see, I was--and still am--floored.

We almost canceled our engagement session. That particular day, the rain clouds were rolling in like mad. In spite of the thunder shower warnings, we decided to go ahead. I am really glad we did. We chose an urban setting for their engagement photographs ... I honestly cannot recall how many locations we shot, but it was a full two hours worth. I can't recall where the time went.

As you can see, Ashley and James are super cute together.Their big day is this August 28 and I can't wait to shoot this couple on their big day.

xo

Kinga

Ashlee and James are super cute together

James is quite photogenic :)

This one is one of my favories. Ashley and James look like two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together.

Funny story about this shot. As we were driving to our next location I noticed this tiny spec of light. I just HAD TO take advantage of it.                   I must be honest in that it did NOT smell too nice in there ... we lasted 10 seconds, but I am glad we did it!

The Art Works in Edmonton has the COOLEST window displays I have seen thus far ... in Edmonton ;)

If you knew Ashlee, you'd know how 'fitting' this setting is :)

Another one of my favorites

This location was ALL Ashley! James and I agreed this was a perfect choice.

A month ago, I received an exciting email from Kristen Bass. She is a soon to be grad from the NAIT Photography program and was looking to shadow me for a final school assignment. Due to the WPPI conference in Vegas, my first destination wedding of the year and many other things, I didn’t have a chance to reply right away, but in the end we figured it all out.

Our journey started on April 12 and ended on April 18. We had a short time frame to cover a lot of material. I was really excited and prepared a detailed 6 page itinerary to help us stay focused and on track. Some of the points we covered were:

Starting a business – Registration, Licenses & Hidden Start up Costs

Business Operation – Bookkeeping

Continuing Education – Seminars, Courses, PPOC

The Many Hats of a Photographer

Secrets – How to pay less for ‘stuff’

Contracts

Social Media

Shooting – Natural, Flash & Off camera flash scenarios

Editing

What a busy week! I wanted to give Kristen as much, ‘real life’ situations as I could so, here is what we did: 

Monday was our first meeting. We met up at Starbucks, grabbed a coffee and got to know each other. Later that evening, we met up with a local photography group, “For Each Other” (FEO) with the Dane Sanders’ Edmonton Fast Track Group. It’s really important to meet with local photographers, keep in touch and learn from each other.

I had three photography sessions that week so Kristen had an opportunity to experience some ‘real-life’ shooting situations. One was a corporate group session with the Polish Veterans Society of Edmonton. The second was a fashion shoot with my dear colleague, Jeff Gibbons and friend Agnes Klebek. The third was a family portrait session.

On Friday we had a real life wedding consultation with a bride, Ashley. Kristen showed up a lot earlier then I asked her to come. It’s a good thing she did, as the couple arrived 20 minutes early themselves. 

I had a great time with Kristen. Here is what she had to say about her experience:

"I had an excellent week with Kinga! She was so much fun to work with and so organized which was a major bonus! She has a wonderful way with people and it really made me see the importance of having good interaction skills since as photographers we are always dealing with people. Overall the week was a really enjoyable experience. I had a blast and am stoked to have met and worked with Kinga!"

~ Kristen Bass ~

This past weekend, I shot one of the most relaxed weddings to date. Andrea and Lindsay tied the knot on a beautiful May afternoon. The ceremony was at noon and took place in St. Charles Parish.

I was speechless when Andrea walked down the aisle.  She looked so angelic and the dress suited her personality perfectly. The two bridesmaids wore stunning gowns themselves. The vibrant colors reminded me that summer is coming! J

Lindsay had a wonderful idea to stop in Chinatown to pick up a refreshing cup of bubble tea before taking the family photographs. What a wonderful idea. Andrea and I had a mango flavor. I won’t lie, they were YUMMY!

We took many wonderful photographs and had a blast through it all. We started taking photographs with the bridal party at the University of Alberta. The grounds are quite beautiful and hold many photo opportunities. We made a quick stop at the library and headed downtown for some urban style photography to wrap things up. I had an amazing time with everyone.

The reception took place at the Sutton Place Hotel. Everything looked beautiful with the brown and blue wedding colors. The candles and dim lighting created an inviting and gentle mood. Guests mingled, shared stories and enjoyed cocktails before the bride and groom arrived. Once they did, the party started! Andrea’s sister, Maryanne, made an amazing speech that made a lot of people shed some tears. The best man broke down and overall there was plenty of happy emotion. Shortly after, the couple cut their wedding cake and had their first dance.

I had a chance to reconnect with a past bride and groom, Shannon and Alex. They wed two years ago and I had the honor to photograph their wedding. Shannon’s inviting smile radiated twice as much than on her actual wedding day as she expecting a little bundle of joy in less then 2 months! It was a pleasure to catch up with them and her parents…

Once the dance started, I snuck Andrea and Lindsay out for a quick one-on-one session around the hotel. I am so glad we did! Thank you for the memories and the wonderful heartfelt, “Thank you” I received at your reception.

xoxo
Kinga!

Detail images of the ceremony

Andrea minutes before walking down the isle

Andrea saying, "I do!"

Guests at the ceremony

The first kiss

Walking down the isle as husband and wife-y :)

Another kiss ... LOTS of that going on that day

First stop: BUBBLE TEA. Yum!

Andrea with her lovely bridesmaids

Lindsay sure looked good that day

The girls could NOT stop laughing

A lovely kiss at the U of A library

One of my favorite shots taken that day

The bridal party

We walked around the U of A grounds and had lots of fun!

Andrea ... she looked stunning

The bridal party. I had way too much fun with this group.

Extra kisses :)

I love how the contrast of the red wall brings out Andrea

A bridal portrait of Andrea

Some of the reception images taken at the Sutton Place Hotel

Lots of great looking guests

This is Andrea's grandma. She was really extatic that her grandma was feeling strong enough to attend her wedding. These images were super special for her.

The speeches.\

The first dance

The cutting of the cake

Andrea kissing her father

After the couple cut the cake and danced their first dance, I snuck them out for some photographs aroung the hotel

Last night, I had the pleasure of shooting Lovely Ann & Paul’s engagement session.
We chose an urban theme and used the Edmonton downtown core as the backdrop for their photography session. Being all serious was out the window with these two, especially with Paul. I wish I had a pen and paper handy to write down his material; he should have become a comedian.

Lovely Ann had her makeup trial done before the shoot so she was excited. Her lovely dress and black heels completed her elegant look. Although it was a tad cool, windy and looked like it was going to rain, we took the risk and headed out for the multiple location shoot.

We had a great time. After the last camera ‘click’, we headed to Mikado for some sushi and Sapporo. Thank you for a lovely evening!

xoxo
Kinga

Ps I met Lovely Ann in 1997 when we attended Archbishop MacDonald High School. We lost touch over the years, but our paths crossed again two months ago when she came in for a consultation. What a surprise! It was really great to catch up … Looking forward to this wedding!

This is one of my personal favorite shots taken today

LOVED the glass reflection. The first person I thought of when I saw it was a famous photoghraper, Jerry Ghionis!

Awwww, lovely hug :)

Paul was making Lovely Ann laugh ... and me too!

I love these small gusts of wind on roof tops

I wish I could take credit for this pose. As I was switching my camera cards, I looked up and there it was

Who said parking lots are not great locations for engagement shoots?

I love red background walls for "love" shoots

That is a true love embrace ... Can you feel the love?

I drove by this building MANY times. I noticed it a couple of days ago when the sun was hitting the gold windows in the middle of the day. Took my breath away and I just had to shoot here.

LOTS of laughter on this session, I had to increase the shutter speed to compensate the "laughter camera shake"

You don't need to ask these two love birds to show some love

I still smell the pink sweetness of the cherry blossom trees...

That is one hot couple!

That is a true, "cuddle"

To view more of my engagement photographs, check out my engagement gallery or the rest of my blog

On May 4, 2010 Edmonton was covered in snow by early morning. By the afternoon the white stuff was everywhere and there was no end in sight. The snow just kept on coming. I had a shoot schedualed today and I was 100% sure mom would be calling to reschedual Oliwia's 9 month baby photography session. To my surprise, it was a go. Come 4:01pm she arrived all ready to Rock&Roll, so did Oliwia and her grandma, Grace. We all had a great time making little Oli laugh. This kid is so photogenic. The faces I got made me laugh and the giggles are still echoing the room. 

For this session, I also included some behing the scenes footage ... I hope they bring a smile to your face.

xoxo

Kinga

ps If you are still thinking of what to get your mom for Mother's Day, perhaps a gift certificate for a Family Portrait Session? The Mother's Day package is on special for a limited time only for $99+tax from May 3, 2010 to May 7, 2010.

Please email me at kinga@imagesbyfrost.com or call 780.288.2519. I guarantee it'll be a hit!

Nothing but F-U-N at the Images by Frost studio. Moms are happy and so are the babies!

Oliwia looks great in a tutu ... maybe ballerina classes are in her future?!

Babies love playing with their feet at this age.

Oliwia and her playpen buddies :)

What child doesn't love teddy bears at this age?!

Behing the scenes: Oliwia L-O-V-E-S to crawl. If she could she would be running already! In 4 seconds she was on the go. We had to be quick to take the shot FAST!

Behind the scenes take 2: If Oliwia could talk she would say, "Being stuck in a tutu is not glamarous ... M-O-M!! " :)

Kids are really curious at this age...cute.

Jennifer and Craig's wedding was my first official wedding of 2010. The couple said their, "I Do's" in the beautiful Banff Alberta. They chose to be married on March 6, 2010 at the Banff Park Lodge. Although the mountains are fairly chilli at this time of year, the couple had a day full of sunshine and warm rays. By the afternoon, the frozen river we planned to shoot on had gigantic puddles of water on it.

The morning was a very emotional time for Jenn and her mom. These two ladies share an amazing bond. Although her mom tried really hard not to cry, many happy tears were shed, complete with big hugs and many wishes. As soon as Jenn bounced out of the room wearing her gown, it was all business. She could not wait to walk down the aisle!

We had plenty of photographic opportunities all over. After some laughs and great wedding photos we headed back to the hotel. The girls kicked back their heels, freshened up and showed up ready to Rock&Roll to the reception. There were lots of tears that day. Jenn & Craig have an amazing circle of family and friends that came from all over to help celebrate this special wedding day.

One of these people was Jenn's grandmother. During the 'getting ready' part of the day, I saw her sitting quietly by the window and looking out. I just had to take this shot. She looked so peaceful even though the room next door had so much going on. I had a small chat with her. She told me about the "old days" and how Banff used to look like. The many trips the family has taken out here when the grandkids were small. She also showed me her wedding ring and a very special diamond & ruby anniversary gift she received from her husband. She wears it every day...

A week after Jenn & Craig were married, they were off to Mexico to celebrate her friends wedding. They planned on having a great time, taking a breather and relaxing.

The door to Jenns room was purposely left open. Many relatives dropped in that morning, lots of emotions...made me cry!

This is Jenn's Grandmother. The photo on the top right is a ring she received as an anniversary gift. The one just below is her wedding ring.

A Fine Art Image of Jenn. She was so gorgeous!

The Bride moments before walking dow the isle.

Jenn could not wait to walk down the aisle! EVERYONE showed up. The room was completely full.

Jenn & Craig saying their vows to one another ... and sealing it with a kiss.

Jenn & Craigs Bridal Party.

The Girls were hilarious.

The Guys :)

Jenn running in her gown.

Jenn's Fine Art Wedding Portrait

The reception

Jenn & Craigs first dance.

Say, "No" to traditional wedding cake and, "Yes" to Cup-Cakes!

Jenn & Craig's Engagement Pictures in Edmonton, Alberta