Vanisha + Chris | Napa, CA

May
14

Posted in: Weddings

Written by: Davina Palik

Our history as two couples has very much been intertwined since we first struck up a friendship five years ago. We bonded over sushi, wine and hockey games; first as newly dating couples… and now, today, as two married couples. For this reason, the story of Chris and Vanisha’s wedding is one that is very close to our hearts.

When it was time for Chris to propose to Vanisha (and we all agreed it was time!), Daniel helped Chris pick out a ring, that we then brought with us to Mexico where we were all headed for our own wedding. And on the eve of our wedding, by the ocean where Daniel and I would exchange vows the very next day, Chris asked Vanisha to marry him. When she said yes, we had the great honor to be the first ones to congratulate them and share a very tearful hug with them.

When it came to planning their own big day, Chris and Vanisha knew what they wanted: a small, intimate affair in Napa Valley, a place they had always dreamt of visiting. Despite the painful task of limiting their guest list to just their parents, their sisters and Daniel and I, they stuck to their dream wedding plan.

There was something so beautiful about watching them exchange vows in the carriage house at the Charles Krug winery – a room big enough to hold hundreds of people, yet only had 8 people bearing witness to this special moment. We mused that there was just enough space to hold the invisible presence of their many friends and family who were absent.

Sharing their tiny yet magical wedding days was one of the most special moments of our lives. And, well, needless to say, we just love them so much.

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Kristiaan + Lionel | La Antigua, Guatemala

Apr
22

Posted in: Weddings

Written by: Davina Palik

From inside the stunning candlelit ruins of San Jose el Viejo, on the night of her wedding, Kristiaan told her guests that she and Lionel chose La Antigua, Guatemala because they wanted their guests to have an experience. I can’t think of a better way of describing this wedding… what an experience it was.

Daniel and I spent 3 whole weeks in Guatemala, first taking a Spanish class (y nuestro Espanol es mucho mejor ahora!) and then just taking in this incredible place. Slowly but surely, Kristiaan, Lionel and their wedding guests started to arrive. With every new arrival, the group got better and better; their families warm and welcoming, their friends an absolute blast. And Kristiaan and Lionel, well, we just adore them (they are also wedding photographers so they are obviously good people!). By the end of it, we had several sincere invitations to family dinners and one honorary adoption from Kristiaan’s mom (hi mama Karen!).

To kick off their five day wedding experience, Kristiaan and Lionel organized The Amazing Race Antigua, a treasure hunt around the city. Daniel is proud to say that he led his team to victory (I’m still bitter about my team’s loss…) and the event certainly brought everyone closer together, competitive spirits and all (I am perhaps referring to myself a little…). The eve of the wedding day began with an early morning volcano hike and ended with a salsa dance party with entertainment by Ignacio Perez Borrel, one of the original members of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club. After the wedding we followed Kristiaan, Lionel, and a few of their close friends to beautiful Lake Atitlan where we explored remote villages, feasted on homemade meals, and napped in hammocks overlooking the vast lake.

But also, of course, there was the wedding day. Filled to the brim with joy, love, and beauty, it was impossible not to get completely immersed in it all. We were spoiled with the magical combination of emotion and stunning location. La Antigua is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited… so much so that I can’t find the words to do it or this wedding justice, so have a glimpse at their full slideshow instead, by clicking HERE.

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Nadine + Andy | Austin, TX

Mar
29

Posted in: Casual Sessions

Written by: Davina Palik

We first met Nadine a year ago, when she attended a workshop we were giving in Toronto. It is easy to hit it off with a fellow wedding photographer, and it was particularly easy to love Nadine. She has an enthusiasm for the art of photography and an eagerness to learn that is, quite simply, inspiring.

When Nadine found out that we were going to be in Austin for another workshop, she immediately contacted Daniel and I for a portrait session with her husband Andy. We had never met him before but knew we would hit it off because 1. We already loved Nadine, 2. They live in Austin, one the coolest cities we’ve ever been to, 3. He is an improv actor and teacher, and 4. They are foodies like us. So on a Friday afternoon, we got together with Nadine and Andy and went on a best of Austin tour, complete with stops at the Austin mural, the “i love you so much” graffiti wall, and a classic airstream park. In between stops, Nadine and Andy treated us to some of Austin’s best food trucks… and oh what a feast it was (I’m currently craving the pork buns from The Liberty…)! We cannot wait to return to Austin for more!

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