Blogging from the middle of the Atlantic!

Writing you from the middle of the atlantic tonight - it's 9pm here and in the midst of the worst storm since I've gotten here. It's rainy and windy so much so that you can hear it inside the house. I am currently staying with my grandmother (in portuguese: "Avo" sounds like Ah-Vo) and my aunt and uncle who live with her. It's been a good/bittersweet trip since I've been here. It's been great to be here with family I haven't seen for years, but difficult. It's hard to see my Avo in pain and seeing her age on her face. The last time I was here, her age did not catch up with her - this time you can tell that she has lived life (she's looking great never the less). It's also hard in the fact that I'm pretty sure her short-term memory from day-to-day is going. I find myself repeating things everyday that she has already asked me. 

So far I've been given a few pearls of wisdom, mostly regarding marriage and men. "Make sure you find a good man, who will always appreciate you - and when you find him, marry him! Make sure he works hard, and believes in God!" - Avo Rita. I'm not going to lie, her pearls of wisdom are great - and I completely agree (with a few additions of qualities). 

I came for a sole reason - to see her, and ask her questions. She doesn't remember a lot of things now, and I find her struggling to answer my questions about the old days. It's been helpful though being here, because my one aunt remembers everything. Today I managed to film my grandmother, mother, and my aunt (secretly mwuaha camera on the table, sneaky) -- all singing child hood songs - songs that my mother now sings to Aliza (my niece). I'm filling up a legacy book with questions and answers from this trip but sometimes I blank on what questions I could ask -- I'd love for YOU to tell me what you wish or are glad that you have asked your grandparents about?

This is along the marina and near the boat dock.

 left: view down the street from my grandmothers - featuring a VW "Polo"

 one of the main streets in Villa Franca do Compo (the village my grandmother lives in on the island)

 architecture that is taken for granted, that gives Europe it's unique feel

 the boat dock/marina -- where the fishermen work

 While walking throughout the village, it's currently Lent and I had the pleasure of seeing the Romeiros. 20-40 men singing "Ave Maria" down the street give away to the romeiros (pilgrims) of the island of Sao Miguel coming up the street. The bright colors of their scarfs, which symbolize Christ's crown of thorns.On their backs, they have food in hand-made back packs, covered by hand homespun woolen shawls. They look like hunchback as they walk by. They carry this as a sacrifice much like Christ carried the cross and is only taken off when they stop on the side of the road to eat. The shawls represent Christ's royal tunic. 

In 1522 there was a terrible earthquake that completely levelled the village my family is from (Vila Franca do Campo) killing most of the towns residents. This religious practice of walking the entire island since the disaster is a pilgrimage of prayer. Each Saturday during lent, for a week - groups of men walk the island. They pray the Rosaries, and Ave Maria the whole walk around the island. They stop at all the churches and chapels praying at each, more than 100. The men each take a wooden staff, representing Christ's scepter. When it comes to night time, these men take shelter in the villages they get to at night and the community takes them in and shelters them and feeds them.

This is Jose - my cousin Nelia's brother.

I had the pleasure of going to a mass for the Romeiros, and it was so lively and full of faith. The tiny stone church was jam packed shoulder to shoulder of villagers and family members of the men. My cousin Nelia, her brother Jose was one of the many men making the pilgrimage. The mass was so emotional, that it was hard to hold tears back from the faith that was felt in one room. There was one song that stuck out more than the others in the mass:

"Abençoa senhor a família amém...

Abençoa senhor a minha também

Abençoa senhor a família amém...

Abençoa senhor a minha também"

such a beautiful song played on acoustic guitar.

after the mass we ate with the men in an empty farmer's garage, some ate on blankets on the floor - others made tables and we all ate together.

 Road blockage - on account of cows.

 Farmer coming home from his land with milk from his cows.

 Left: old school truck heh, Right: my grandmother's door

This is the church called "Matrez" in Villa Franca, this is where my grandparents were married and my parents. One day I would like to say my vows in this church.

The hotspring's entrance - we went there this past weekend. It's heated water from underground volcanic activity. "Posas de a Beijia"

I gave my cousin my camera and a mini camera lesson so I could get a few photos :)

"My Boat Makes Bread" aka Bread winner!

The reason I'm here - Avo Rita

Should I Post?

The whole point in this blog is so you can get to know me besides the obvious - I am a photographer. But I have other thoughts and feelings and I really wanted to share this. They say never post "bad" or "not uplifting" topics on a "business" blog. So I wasn't sure and gave it time to think about whether or not I wanted to post about the devastating scene in Japan right now. I noticed that none of the photographer's that I follow had wrote anything, it was just business as usual... well it isn't. My heart is saddened, there is so much grief to the East. And the fact that we are on a major fault line here in BC, and could have very well been in the same scene makes my heart go out to them even more so.

Japan was hit with a 9.0 magnitude earthquake just off the coast, then causing a Tsunami to hit the coastline -- which then lead to a N-Emergency, a Nuclear Emergency - a possible melt down. Earlier that week China was hit heavily with an earthquake, weeks before New Zealand and the list goes on. With the spot-light on Japan as their situation is so terribly bad. I pray that the scientist and researchers in Japan are given strength and knowledge on how to tackle this nuclear crisis. I pray for the victims and families that are effected, may their love ones be found, may the injured find help, and those trapped in the debris be rescued. I hope that the search and rescue teams have the strength they need to work the endless hours they are putting in to help. That food,water and various other supplies get to Japan asap. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Give the individuals working to cool the reactors, or working in the danger zone strength - they are making the largest sacrifice - thank you. My prayers go to you, and your families, thank you for being so courageous.

I read the paper this morning as I usual do, and found that BC now wants to practice its earthquake preparedness and tsunami awareness, by practicing on March 23 - I won't be in BC then, but I am impressed by officials for making attempts to up our preparedness for possible natural disasters. They realized through the tragedy in Japan that we are not prepared as efficiently as Japan - which says a lot.

I just felt I had to write today about Japan. We find ourselves so consumed in our busy lives, and are constantly bombarded by tragedies all over the world by TV, or internet - that we can find ourselves numb. Do not feel helpless, you can help in various ways whether that be donating to a non-profit organization (if you would like to know my favourites send me a message), or keep them in your thoughts or prayers. 

{ Aliza }

Aliza, my little niece - I love this little peanut so very much. 

Me in the Raw

Last week I was given some devastating news - my grandmother was seriously ill. She had been in the hospital and her condition was worsenening. Panic hit me, and I just knew I had to be there - yesterday. The whole mentality that I may never see/speak to her again hit me hard and scared me. I planned a flight the following day to leave March 18th. I was a wreck, and couldn't process anything. All I knew is I was wasting time being here and not there. 


Everything raced through my mind on the questions I wished I could ask, all the things I'm still so curious about - and I worried, worried I would miss out. I started writing, furiously a list of things I wish I could ask if given the chance. And then came the "chance". Her condition is now stable, with her usual concerns. I realized though I couldn't pass up the opportunity to possibly see her for the last time - not necessiarly that her condition will worsen - but more so the last time I could go to Portugal was 5 years ago. I'm leaving next week and I'm ready to be present in the moment with my family and ask all the questions -- and make sure there is absolutely no regrets. And the best way to prepare is to be present and in the moment. If you'd like to email me just be patient with responses. I'm excited to share my journey with you all.


I'm really excited to photograph Stephanie & Arien's Wedding this Saturday, March 12 -- The best possible way to leave. I've been looking forward to their wedding - these two are a fun couple and really comfortable with each other. If you missed their engagement photos here's a re-post:

And the Winners are....

Alright, yesterday I was having issues with blogger (my blog host) - to get the ball rolling on announcing the winners, but finally it's working! Let's begin!


Brides of 2010/2011 will be announced next Valentines Day for your Tiffany & Co necklace, I know its a while to wait but have to be fair with all the 2011 bookings :)


The first winner from the Tiffany & Co. and a free photo-session DRAW is Kailyn Manscott!!!! You win the Tiffany & Co. heart and key necklace along with a free photo session! Please contact me asap to claim your prize!

The 2nd winner from the "free photo-session for likes on Facebook" is Candice Wong with 140 "likes"!!! You have won a free photo-session from Dragonflight Photography, contact me as soon as you have the chance and we'll arrange a session!


Just want to thank everyone for participating, it was fun to see all the photos and comments and all the love! A lot of my couples participated too! The response was great and I'm thrilled at everyone who shared so much. I learned more about friends and clients!


On a new note: the website is ALMOST DONE - I know right, I keep saying it's going to launch next week and then I have some sort of problem or I find a spelling mistake! (spelling.. psh). Here's a sneak peak of the new look:

I'm hoping to launch it soon, I had help from an amazing friend - Vanessa, who read over the info, checking for my terrible grammar (which I even spelt wrong at some point)... Thank you so much Vanessa, your time was truly appreciated! 


This past weekend I had the pleasure of photographing Mikyla & Dustin (May 2011, Cuba) - they are originally from Red-Deer, AB - and we met in Kelowna, BC to do their engagement photos - here's a sneak peak of the photos to come!

What a week! | Vancouver, Victoria and International Wedding Photographer

I had the pleasure of meeting with my Kamloops couple Julie & Manny, and I'm so excited to photograph their wedding this coming August! Julie and I had an amazing phone-call conversation pre-meeting. I felt like she was part of my group of friends, or we should be going out for wine weekly for a girls night! I love when a Bride becomes a friend! When a couple books me to photograph their wedding, engagement photos are included with every and all packages regardless of time - why? So that I'm not a stranger on the day of their wedding - I couldn't imagine not knowing my couples prior to their wedding. I'm spending such intimate time with them on their biggest day! I want them to know me and feel comfortable in front of my camera! 


Whenever I meet with couples, I get so excited to hear about their wedding stories and how they met. This week was such a reminder about how blessed I am, and how honoured I feel to share in each and everyone of your special days! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! 


This week has been a crazy whirl-wind and not enough hours in the days! This weekend/week has been filled with meetings with new clients with weddings this summer, and one of the hardest things I have to do as a wedding photographer is turn away couples because I am unavailable for the date of their wedding. I have these amazing couples who will pour their heart out in emails or phone-calls, tell me about their love stories and I end up having to turn them away. Its so hard to tell a couple after they've told me they would like to book - to tell them I am unavailable. Luckily for me I know amazing photographers in the lower mainland & victoria that I tend to send couples too. This week I had to turn away 3 couples, which made me really sad. I remember coming home and calling my mom and saying "she was so beautiful and fun, and they fit so well together, I'm going to miss out!!!". The best advice I can give couples is plan in advance! 




Regarding the Valentine's Day contest - the blog comment contest is closed, and I'll be announcing the winner of the draw next Monday! Along with the winner of the free photo-session on Facebook - that contest closes next monday! 


Thank you all for sharing your photographs and stories, it's been so fun to read your comments! Not only that but I've had brides participating just because, and I love knowing more about each of you! I have a big grin on my face as I write this, because i'm thinking in my head "My brides kick butt!!!!!".


I have some photo-sessions that are going to get posted soon! Paisley's baby session and more! But for now I'll leave you with some "healthy train" motivation. I've been on a fitness kick working out at least 5x a week, and I went into the Nike Store this weekend and saw these awesome tee's. Thought i'd share them, because I got a good laugh out of them!

Day 7 of the Valentines Day Giveaway - ADDITIONAL PRIZES!

I cannot believe that amount of success this contest has brought about. And in that case - this weekend I was trying to figure out if more prizes should be given out as I've generated such a buzz! And the answer is YES! 

Not only will a draw be held for liking the "Dragonflight Photography" facebook page but also commenting on the blog and the winner shall still win the Tiffany & Co necklace and Photo-session -

-- but NOW starting today another winner will be announce, but YOU will choose the winner of a 2nd prize photo-session. 

Simply post on the "Dragonflight Photography" facebook page a photo you've taken to facebook of you and your beloved or family, and the photo with the most "likes" on facebook will win a free photo-session as an additional bonus! Make sure you post the photo onto the Dragonflight Photography wall, and get your family and friends to like the photo! You have today-onward! So get posting! Make sure to invite your friends to Dragonflight Photography on Facebook to get them to "like" your photo!

Next week, I'll be announcing the winner to the blog prize and facebook photo-session!

Spread the love, and Happy Valentines Day!

                                               ---welcome baby Paisley - photo session from a couple weeks back---

Day 6 of the Valentine's Day Giveaway - Tiffany & Co. + Photo-session

Tomorrow is the last day of the draw, which is really exciting. I'm so happy with the amount of involvement the valentines day draw has brought up - also I'd like to thank each and every one of you for contributing your stories in the comments!


Yesterday I made my way downtown Vancouver and purchased the necklace from Tiffany & Co. and it's sitting in the pretty blue box awaiting it's home. I don't want to open the box to un-do the white ribbon, but I'll post pictures of the box tomorrow and the necklace off the website. Since this is a really late post, I'll follow-up tomorrow. Just wanted to share the news!

Dragonflight Photography: Day 4 of the Valentine's Day Giveaway - Tiffany & Co. + Photo-session

I feel so profoundly thankful for all of you sharing your stories with me! I loved hearing about the romantic moments, how you met, and just the little things that your partners do for you! And yes, Kristina I'm a sap! Today I'm going to be photographing Angela's amazing family in Langley and afterwards going to finish up designing/working on the NEW WEBSITE - so I can launch it this week!


I felt so touched that so many of you wrote in the comments section yesterday, real genuine answers, and details! I loved hearing about you and your guys - especially my Brides who have decided to comment too! It's awesome to learn even more about each of you! 


Today's comment question -- What makes you feel sexy or confident? What makes you feel really good about yourself?


I find a really nice pair of heels does wonders - I have a passion for high-heels, especially stilettos! Bring on the Christian Louboutin!

     Boudoir Session with Monica.

Day 3 of the Valentine's Day Giveaway - Tiffany & Co. + Photo-session

This morning I woke up so sore! Last night Angela and I went to "Dancer's Bootcamp" and wow. My body hates me - but it was so rewarding. As part of my "healthy train" regime, today is the gym then off to dance later this evening. And as I was racking my brains as to what to share today, Angela said to stick to passion - and it clicked! I just had to share my favourite quote about love.

"When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every part of your body. No... don't blush. I am telling you some truths. For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away. Doesn't sound very exciting, does it? But it is! "

-Captain Correlli's Mandolin

That right there is my favourite quote about love, I feel that its so true and real. I love the idea of roots being intertwined together - it's so romantic. And it made me think of my parents, okay not the quote directly but just how things are. My parents have been married for 35+ years and I remember so many memories of my parents when I was a toddler of them dancing in the kitchen, or my dad sneaking kisses while my mom washed the dishes. I think my favourite was when my dad would surprise my mom with Pink-Cream Soda. Yup, the simply surprise of bringing home her favourite soda. It just shows that it's just about the thought, not the quantity. Just simply remembering your mate. 

In the comment section below: I'd like to hear about the most romantic moment your lives, what was your proposal story, how did you meet your mate, or the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for you. Share it in the comment section below!

I've shared in so many couples big days - and I feel honoured to have gotten a front seat view of their wedding. It's almost like watching a romantic movie and being immersed in it. I get to hear the family give speeches, see their slideshows of them as a couple and it just makes me so happy to be invited into their lives. 

Some of my favourite memories from the weddings I've photographed was seeing the Bride/Groom when they receive a surprise in the morning from their mate. Whether it be a little note expressing their excitement prior to the ceremony while they're getting ready, or roses with a little card just saying I love you. Seeing the Bride shed a tear and Groom get excited even gets me giddy. One of the notes that a Bride received that I remember vividly was written prose and the last line was "God has blessed me today, for I am going to marry my best-friend". And I just loved that concept and it made so much sense. We are only here for a short time, our precious moments should be spent with our best friends. 

This was Kerry's note to Andrew - she asked me to take it to him when I saw him prior to the ceremony.

I was going through my hard-drive and noticed that I hadn't shared an amazing engagement photo-session featuring Robin & Simon from Grand Prairie - AB. Simon was originally from London and moved over to Alberta for a work position, and Robin is in university.

I met these two back in November, and they flew to Vancouver to have their engagement session. I remember Robin expressing that Alberta was not fitting for the style of photos she wanted. She was "over" the barn-themed weddings. So I met them downtown Vancouver and we wandered the winter-afternoon. These two completed complimented each other, it was so wonderful to watch them together. Especially hearing Simon talk to her sweetly with his accent!!!! 

Day No. 2 of the Valentine's Day Giveaway - Tiffany & Co. + Photo-session

Today is going to be a "good news" blog. So much to share, but I was saving it up. I was figuring that if I just collectively waited to share the most exciting news, then maybe more news would pile up... Okay, so I wish I had that mentality but it was more along these lines. I've never really submitted any works to be published and I think it's because I was afraid. Afraid that someone in some great office, who manages a publication would tell me - "you are not good enough". And that would be it, the moment I realize I need to find a different career -- and curl up into a ball (I know, a little dramatic). What? Rejection hurts, it's hard not to take it personally. 


Good News #1 -- But last week - I took the plunge and I submitted a few weddings to various publications. Some magazines and a few online publications. I didn't put much weight on it, and just went with the mentality that we shall see what happens. I haven't heard back yet from most of the publications - some are still under review.... BUT I did hear back from two lovely blogs! Borrowed & Bleu and Pretty Little Weddings! I'll be sure to repost when the photos go up on their blogs! Anyway, when I found out -- it was an instant call to Alicia & James (their wedding was chosen) and we both were so super excited... I called Sunday to tell her that Borrowed & Bleu were interested, and then the next day found out about Pretty Little Weddings! 


Good News #2 -- I have "booked" my 2nd destination wedding for this year! In May I'll be going to Cuba for Mikyla and Dustin's Wedding. And now, I'll be going to Mexico for Ric & Nicky's Wedding!!!! That's right, my brother FINALLY asked his girlfriend Nicky (of a million years) to be his wife, and they're doing it in July and I'll be photographing!


Good News #3 -- I started on a healthy train in late November/December 2010. It was more like December when I really kicked myself into gear. I've somewhat kept it on the down-low because I wanted to just be POW - look at me I'm fit now! But I realized so much more along this journey thus far. I've slowly been changing my eating habits to include healthy foods aka kicking the mac n'cheese from the box and including more veggies. I made a "Life-style" change and not only do I feel so much better, a lot of my digestive issues have died down. I have more energy, I feel amazing after a workout and I've tried so many new things! 


I've gotten a pass at the local Langley Town-ship Rec-Centre, and go to the gym 5x a week or I mix it up with fitness classes. I signed up for a Burlesque dance class, and it's SO MUCH FUN! The instructor was teaching us choreography from the actual Burlesque Movie.  And I tried Cardio-Striptease... it sounds super riskay, but it was a CRAZY workout. A friend of mine - Angela, and I went and it just shreded our muscles (me more so, then her). It was a mix of cardio, stretching and core strengthening. The classes are at Tantra Fitness - totally check them out if your looking at trying something new and a little outside your comfort zone. And ladies - it will make you feel sultry! Never hurts to boost the self-confidence!


So here is the real part of the good news, I've hit the 15lbs down from my start weight! The goal was to lower my BMI, and slowly but surely I'm going to be hitting that goal. I want to be as healthy as possible, so I do not let life pass me by. 


Alright, no more rambling! Thanks for all the amazing comments yesterday ladies!!! I'm so excited for this draw, it's such a treat that people follow my work -- so I just wanted to give a little something back! 


So, keep the comments coming - so I can enter your names again in the draw!

Incase you missed it, Alicia and James were married on Jame's parent's property in Whiterock, BC. -- Their Wedding was a beautiful DIY inspired wedding, with lots of great details that Alicia and James worked so hard on! Their ceremony was held in a clearing in the woods on the property.

This was the first photo I took as I got off the plane in the Dominican for Mahla and Chris' Destination Wedding last May. They had their Wedding at the Melia Caribe in Punta Cana.

I actually grabbed Mahla and Chris' drinks when we were hanging out on the beach, and took this photo. I love the colours.