Increasingly, couples are looking to find a way to capture the intense emotion of their wedding day using photography as a vehicle. There are so many beautiful moments that happen “behind the scenes” on a wedding day that are missed because the bride and groom are trying their best to make every picture perfect by striking just the right pose. However, the best photos are often taken by a photographer who knows how to stand back and wait for the truly meaningful moments to materialise so she can capture them in the quietest and most unobtrusive way possible.

Not only does this approach allow the day to develop organically, it also tells the story about how the event unfolded. As a time capsule of a special moment, a photograph of this nature is rare and priceless.

Couples looking for a way to individualise their wedding photograps have never been more fortunate! Now that LaNovia Bridal offers photography packages that perfectly translate a couple’s individual style through the use of artistic and creative photography, the options for telling the story of your special day are not only endless, but sublime.

Lorilee Keller, LaNovia Bridal’s owner and photographer, has made it her mission to provide couples with photographs that don’t just capture the guests, cake, first dance and the like; she wants to give couples photographs that accurately translate the feeling of the day and the individuality of the couple with style and edge. To accomplish this, she makes sure to get a clear understanding of how the couple envision their day, the dynamic between them and their aesthetic preferences.

Lorilee has managed to elevate wedding photography from the traditional pose and smile style we’re all used to seeing to something intimate and captivating:

By blending the principles of fine art and documentary style photography, Lorilee caters to unconventional couples who want their wedding photographs to be something they’ll never tire of looking at. Fortunately, Vancouver is a perfect place for this because it offers the perfect mix of lush nature and urban chic. Perhaps the most enticing aspect of this type of photography is that it can be reminiscent of high-fashion or editorial magazine spreads that can can range from abstract to minimalist.

Add elements of creativity and spontaneity and you get photographs that combine art, emotion and personality to achieve an exquisite result that any couple will be proud to show off for years to come. No set of photographs is the same; expect your package to be as unique as you are.

Most importantly, Lorilee’s clients know that they are going to be able to relax and have fun while having their photos done:

“Throughout the chaos of the preparations, the pictures, and the wedding ceremony, Lorilee was so calm and reassuring.  Not only did she do an amazing job of the pictures and of executing out our request for “something different” but she also has a knack for capturing  the very special moments during the ceremony. She truly was an angel sent to us and was a huge part of making our day an extra special one. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

-Wayne and Deanna, newlyweds

If you are a couple who want something different and special that truly speaks to who you are together and tells the story of the most important day of your life, contact Lorilee  Keller at La Novia Bridal.

All of the above photos were shot by Lorilee; for more examples check out the photo gallery.

Do you have any questions about wedding photography or experiences that you’d like to share? If so, please comment below.

Looking for places to have your wedding photos taken in Vancouver? La Novia is here to help! Check out our list of best places to snap those all-important shots on your big day. In no particular order:

Granville Island

Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s most enchanting spots. The little shops, eclectic market and marina combine to create a true west coast background for wedding photos. There are plenty of opportunities for quirky and unusual shots: climb on to a water taxi, pose in front of a giant yacht or feed each other candy apples from one of the many kiosks in the market. Your wedding photos will have an element of whimsy that regular photos lack.

Science World

At night, few buildings are more recognizable in the Vancouver skyline than the Science World globe. Covered in golden lights, the building is a ideal location for wedding photos for the couple who wants a dramatic and luminous backdrop. Taken at the right angle, it can look like the bride and groom are smooching inside the sun. Plus, every bride looks stunning in golden light- you really can’t lose with this choice.

Fort Langley

Step back in time by having your wedding photos taken in this charming village complete with old-fashioned shopfronts and an early 20th century train station. If you are a car enthusiast and happen to be getting married in August, sneak over to the antique british car exhibition and strike a pose beside on of the classic cars.

Grouse Mountain

There is no shortage of photo ops at this gorgeous mountain setting and, lucky for you, most of them feature world-class scenery, technology or adventure. For example, the Eye of the Wind, Grouse Mountain’s enormous wind turbine is one of the most unique places in the world to have your photos done. For another up in the air photo sequence, board the aerial tram and snap away!

Pan Pacific Hotel

Are you and your groom the quintessential urban couple? Do you love making sunday morning runs from your condo to the Starbucks on your corner? If so, why not highlight the fact that you are a through and through city bride and groom by having your wedding photographs done in front of the striking Pan Pacific Hotel. Make sure to ask your photographer to take panoramic shots so you can capture the metropolitan feel of the hotel and its surroundings.

Brockton Point

How would you like to have an east coast feel in your west coast wedding photos? It’s possible when you choose the lighthouse at Brockton Point as the location for your wedding photos with the large red and white lighthouse jutting out over the pacific ocean. This is an excellent locale for black and white photos, which showcase the drama and intense beauty of the local while imparting a sense of history.

Van Dusen Botanical Garden

Charming wooded walkways, a hedge maze, light displays and fountain gardens make Van Dusen Botanical Garden one of the most sought after locations for wedding ceremonies and photography. There is no shortage of places to snap picture that will result in one of the most diverse and artistic photo shoots. With all the different colours, plant species and ornamental landscaping, you’ll never get the same image twice.

No matter where you shoot your photos, the quality of photographer you choose makes all the difference. Lorilee Keller of La Novia Bridal knows how to take any backdrop, anywhere in Vancouver, and turn your photos into magic. For information on our artistic photography packages, see our packages or contact us.

1920s: Flapper style. In the 1920‘s, fashion became more relaxed as victorian ideals were met with resistance from young women who wanted to express themselves through what they were wearing. This little fringe number recalls the roaring twenties without going too far into floozy territory. The bodice cutout and the sparkly details invoke the rebellion that characterised one of the 20th century’s most energetic decades. This short flouncy and beaded 20’s-inspired wedding dress is an excellent choice for any bride who wants a wedding dress that represents the trailblazing spirit and idealism of the 1920’s.

1930s: The 1930‘s is the era of major glamour, the true origins of “movie stars” and the resurgence of femininity expressed through embellishment of the neckline. Brides re-embraced the restraint of the early 1910‘s but added their own touches with floral elements in the hair, on necklines or on gown sleeves. This updated 2010 bias cut bridal gown includes a 30’s inspired shell-shaped veil which adds elegance to this simple feminine bridal style. There are so many modern ways to interpret this look that you simply can’t go wrong.

1940s: Long sleeves, lace and gowns that trailed delicately: war era wedding dresses got creative with sleeves. Pouffy, lace, or long and gauzy, this is where bridal individuality was expressed. Another development in 1940‘s bridal gowns was the incorporation of the fuller skirt, which made it’s first appearance in this decade, but didn’t really flourish until the next. This example from the Fall 2010 bridal fashion runway shows the attention paid to the sleeve, followed only by the flowing simplicity of the silhouette. Today’s brides who prefer to be more covered up can turn to this style of gown for a new, yet old, take on elegance.

1950s: Va Va Voom! 1950‘s bridal gowns got shorter, wider and more revealing. One of the biggest developments in 1950’s bridal fashion was the tea-length or mid-calf gown. The silhouette emphasized the waist and decorative embroidery or beading got more complicated and intricate. Brides tried to add sex appeal without it being too overt with bare arms and exposed shoulders. The real icon of this era is Marilyn Monroe and how could any 2010 bride looking for a 50’s inspired gown ignore the iconic white dress from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? This interpretation is an excellent example of how vintage bridal fashion can also be timeless.

1960s: Think Twiggy. The pulled together, structured look of 1960‘s fashion showed up in unconventional bridal wear. Instead of actual gowns, women’s wedding attire more resembled highly co-ordinated outfits comprised of short coats, simple sheaths, novel hats and interesting textures. This vintage style is one of the least duplicated and most difficult to pull off, so if you are a bride who loves a challenge, we urge you to make this your pick.

For more gorgeous dress choices, check out our Jason Matlo Collection.

A good place to start when making decisions about wedding photography is choosing the colour tone of your pictures. For example, would you prefer full colour for a vibrant and energetic feel, black and white for a formal, posh presentation or sepia for an antiqued look? Each tone says something different about the wedding and the bride and groom. If you can’t decide, do your engagement photos with the same photographer who’s shooting your wedding and ask for some pictures in each tone; that way, you can decide which tone you like best before you get married.

Location is another important element of you wedding pictures that should not be overlooked. Luckily, Vancouver brides have many enviable choices when it comes to scenery. Stanley Park, various beaches and downtown skylines all make perfect choices. However, the 2010 brides have the added advantage of getting married at the tail end of the olympic year: make sure you get some pictures in front of the Vancouver 2010 rings and in front of the Olympic Flame. Even if it rains, umbrellas will only add to the story of a happy couple getting married in the olympic city.

Lastly, consider how many pictures you want to have taken of guests and relatives. Some couples like the energy of candid group shots taken throughout the night and others prefer more pictures of the bride and groom by themselves. It’s a purely personal choice but one that should be carefully thought out and discussed with the wedding photographer you have hired. At La Novia, we want to make sure that you get exactly what you want and Lorilee is always able to take your suggestions and turn them into magic.

If you are looking for a package that suits your individual needs and speaks to your personal taste and style, check out our list packages and contact us to discuss your wedding day needs.

Don’t forget, photography is not the only thing we do better than anyone else: we also offer a line of bridal gowns by Vancouver’s best designer, Jason Matlo and full service hair and make-up consultations. Happy planning!

Feel free to rock a short wedding dress if it suits your style.

Lately, we here at La Novia have been receiving all kinds of wedding-related questions that we have not yet addressed on the blog. It seems that brides, their attendants and their families are struggling with etiquette and style concerns since the wedding world of 2010 is firmly rooted in the new “anything goes” tradition. Since we are so much more than just a collection of gown designers, hair stylists and make-up artists, we are more than happy to help you out with you little conundrums. Here are our Top 3 questions in no particular order; after all, we’re the experts!

Q: Is it possible to wear your hair down and still pull off the traditional look, or is it too casual?

A: This question is interesting because it has a long historical precedent. Back in medieval times, women wore their hair down up to and including their wedding day as a sign of carefree girlish innocence. However, more recently, the 1950′s for example, women wore their hair mostly down until their wedding day when they put it up to signal the transition into womanhood. The 2010 bride is lucky because today it depends mostly on personal style. Is your wedding gown formal or does it have intricate beading in the back? You might want to wear your hair up. If you are getting married on the beach, leaving your hair down is a nice touch. That said, it is very much a personal choice and, whatever you decide, we at La Novia are equipped to give you the look that you want.

Q: Can I wear a short wedding gown to my church wedding?

A: This is a tough one because it really depends on the policy of the church. If it doesn’t matter to them, then a shorter wedding gown would be fine. For a retro look, wear a tea length gown (mid-calf to ankle length) and pair it with a short veil. For something more avant garde, wear a dress with interesting applique.

Q: Who is supposed to throw the shower for the bride?

A: This is an easy one. Tradition says that it is the maid of honour, but depending on your cultural background and size of your wedding, it can be whomever you choose. The easiest way to take care of the wedding shower is to form a small committee and assign tasks. That way, anyone who wants to can be involved including aunts, parents, bridesmaids and friends. When the big day comes, make sure you bring everyone who helped with your shower along for some pre-wedding pampering at La Novia, they earned it (and so have you).

There you have it, Vancouver brides. We love to help, so feel free to leave any other wedding, bridal or photogrphy questions you may have.