Canucks in Portugal

This is the last week and a bit here in Portugal -- I started this trip if you read my blog post with the goal of learning more about my family, and here we go - I'm going to share some of my finds! These photos are so cool for me, for multiple reasons -- one they're vintage and original, and C'mon their photos - I'm a photographer but more so it's my family! This image is incredible precious to me, and i'm saddened that its slightly ruined. My grandfather and grandmother's faces are the only faces that are not ruined. I wish I knew of a way to fix this image. 

It's crazy to think when I leave here it's going to be life as usual (although I've stilled work while being here). I think the oddest part is going back to my home where it will be quiet again. Everyday I've been here I've had loads of family surrounding me! All my aunts and uncles and cousins visiting every night in my grandmother's home, sitting in the family room conversing into the late hours of the night, and talking about old stories. I can't wait to get back and write everything I've learned down. I still feel like I haven't had enough time here, or done enough with family. But it makes me hopeful only to justify another trip, sooner than how long it took me to get here. It had been at least 6 years ago since I was last here. I'm already planning a future trip next year or the next. I want to always maintain roots with my family and where they come from. Anyway, I'll be back in Canada soon! And I'm bringing back goodies(cakes also known as Quesadas da Vila).

My mom is the little girl infront

On a side note thought i'd share my secretly love for Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks (even though he's American! jk!). I had to wear my jersey on a beach in Portugal. Me  and Kes on the beach. This beach is in Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel - Azores, Portugal. Just had to share my 'Nuck pride!

Round One NHL Playoffs! Here we go!

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!