Gary & Laurie: September Wedding

Ohhh I’m having way too much fun going through these weddings from yester-year! Gary and Laurie were married in September of 2017 and it was so beautiful! The grass was still green, but the leaves were just starting to change. (Much better than their engagement shoot when it was something like -40 or -47 with the wind chill. (!!) ) One of these days I think I’ll have to do a feature piece on the couples who took photos under the most adverse weather systems, because I think that was a record low for me. I also think that I’m going to have to do a post on all of the little flower girls that stole the show, because I could have hired someone just to follow G & L’s little flower girl around all day, she was way too cute.

Gary and Laurie had such a fun reception- they brought each of their heritages together with food! They started things off with sushi as an appetizer, and then had perogies and sausages for their main meal. How fun!! (And delicious ;) ) I had such a great time at this wedding, I hope you’ll enjoy it too as you get a little glimpse of the day below.

Nightingale Photography!

The day has come! I am nervous and excited to announce that Snap Pea Photography is officially changing its name to Nightingale Photography! The thought has been in my mind for a couple of years now, so maybe I’ll give a quick explanation.

When my amazing friend Chantel (still one of my best friends!) and I first started Snap Pea Photography way back in 2013, we had found the perfect way to blend our love of photography with a great excuse to get together! We decided we would focus our photography on young children and families, and at the time the name “Snap Pea” was the right fit. After Chantel took a step back from photography, I decided to tackle something totally daunting and nerve-racking, something we said we would never do because it was way too stressful: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY. And surprise: I LOVED IT!!! I remember driving back from my first wedding shoot just beaming and beaming because it was SO MUCH FUN! Now its quite a few weddings later and I am happy to say that I look forward to each and every wedding. With the maturation of my business, and a slight shift of focus to include more weddings and engagements, I felt a change of business name was in order.

Let’s rewind a minute: I married my best friend on April 30, 2011, and it was wonderful. Then on May 1, 2011, I woke up and realized that I had voluntarily taken upon myself a lifetime of spelling and pronouncing my very Dutch-sounding last name. But good news! I found out that Nagtegaal actually means “Nightingale” in English. How exciting!! (My knowledge of the Dutch language has been limited thus far to words of necessity like “hagelslag..”)

Okay, I really don’t mind having Nagtegaal for a last name. But an elegant little songbird who happens to be a symbol of my other vocation of choice is much better than a bunch of phlegm for a last name. When you have a business name, it should probably be something that more than 15% of people can pronounce. With that, I would like to introduce Nightingale Photography.

This name change shouldn’t change much for anyone who supports my business, but I deeply appreciate everyone’s support and if you do refer my business, or mention Nightingale Photography to family and friends, just know that you have my immense gratitude.

Bonus: with my name change there will be a few giveaways in store for everyone. Stay tuned!

Alissa Nagtegaal

Erik & Meagan: August Wedding

Once upon a time, in a summer long ago, the friendliest people you’ve ever met got hitched. Their names were Erik and Meagan, and they sure knew how to throw a fun party. I can think of about 5000 reasons why I loved E&M’s wedding, from the outdoor reception (and perfect weather!!), to the taco bar reception. But probably my most favourite thing is that every time you looked at them they were just beaming at each other- it was pretty infectious. I’m pretty sure I smiled the whole day too :D The icing on the cake is that these amazing people just welcomed a baby boy to their home!!! I can’t WAIT to meet him and snuggle him!! So here’s a few photos for y’all, I restrained myself so that you wouldn’t have to scroll all day long. Enjoy reliving the summer weather! Hope you’re all cozied up today with this blizzard!

Brant and Janet: August Wedding

Every now and again, I like to imagine getting married again. I would do things so differently! (isn't that what we all say??) And I've gotta say, having a quiet backyard reception with just family is definitely appealing to me!! I love how intimate and cozy they set everything up, including the draping lights and the basket of blankets. Well done, Janet. Well done. I love it. (Haha okay so I wasn't actually technically there for the reception and I still love it...) 

Brant and Janet had a country-style wedding on yet another roasty toasty hot day last August. It was so perfect. It's a good thing their nieces and nephews just adore them, because they welcomed a sweet little baby boy into their lives this year! They are going to be amazing parents and I am so thrilled for them. Enjoy the sunny photos, everyone! 

 

 

Jon and Kim: July Wedding

Jon and Kim had an outdoor wedding in the River bottom on another scorching-hot day last July. I joined them after the ceremony (although I stole a photo or two of the ceremony spy-like) and we took some family photos and portraits. Their kids are seriously amazing. We have taken fall photos before also, and they are so much fun-not one complaint about melting in the hot sun.

Kim, I gotta say, you are one smokin' hot mama, so the weather was only natural. Thank you so much for letting me take a few photos with your family! I hope you are all doing well. 

Patrick and Rachel: May Wedding

Patrick and Rachel got married on May 5 last year and it was the first hot day of the year! It was over 30 degrees, and it seemed like after that it stayed hot right into October. I don't even remember having a spring or fall last year. I absolutely loved getting to be a part of this wedding- both families were so welcoming. Patrick and Rachel chose to do their photos first, and have the ceremony and reception back to back late in the afternoon. This gave us a chance to recreate an old photo from Holland when Patrick came knocking on the door to "collect" his bride- how fun!! I think I just need to point out the difference in getting ready photos- while the girls are primping away for hours, the guys are playing tackle football in the basement :D. Thank you again for letting me part of your day, Patrick and Rachel! It was such a great day. 

Ken and Courtney- Canadian reception

Okay, so technically Ken and Courtney got married in New Zealand... but to be fair, if I could have gotten married in New Zealand I would have too. So I don't blame them. BUT we got to meet up for a Canadian reception! And since the shin-dig features a beautiful bride in a beautiful wedding dress, I am going to include it in my train of weddings. Congratulations again, Ken and Courtney- all the little girls kept looking at you like you were a princess ;). 

Evan and Laura wedding

Yay-another day, another wedding blog post! And you're in luck, its another winter wedding. Evan and Laura got married in February of 2017 and it was such a beautiful winter day- it was a bit nippy but while we were taking photos it started snowing the biggest, most magical snowflakes. The wedding party braved the cold until they started turning into ice cubes and then the Lodge was nice enough to let us take some spontaneous indoor photos. I am so grateful for Evan and Laura and how easy going they are! It made for such a fun, relaxed day. The wedding ceremony and reception were at Country Kitchens, and they had a pizza bar for supper (my favourite!!). Laura has such awesome style- she handmade her bouquet and it's probably one of the most exquisite and unique bouquets I've ever seen. And check out the tea-themed centerpieces and favors! I loved them. Thanks again Evan and Laura for such a great day!

 

 

Jerrett & Jamie Wedding

Oh, hello there. Its been a long long time since I've been here. But actually this blog has become about two years outdated. For shame! There is no time like the present to catch up, especially if it means starting out by sharing all the weddings from the last two years! So here goes, the wonderful week of weddings!!! I will share a wedding a day until I'm all caught up and then I can go back to sharing some family and other photos. 

So whether you're a new-to-be bride looking to see a typical wedding day or glean ideas, or you want to reminisce about weddings gone past, or you just plain like weddings and photos, please grab some popcorn and enjoy some photos!

Today we are going to start the train with Jerrett and Jamie's wedding. Jerrett and Jamie got married in January of 2017 and I think it was one of the most beautiful winter days I've ever seen. It was so perfect. Since that time, J2 have been blessed with the most adorable twin girls!! If you Facebook stalk them, I'm sure you'll agree that their girls are the cutest little kids ever. Also, I'm sure raising little twin teethers is not easy so if any of you are ever in their neighbourhood drop off some cookies or something. Cookies make everything better. Here's a brief preview of their beautiful day! 

The Rodermond (extended) Family

I am having so much fun going through all these fall pictures again because I got to meet up with such fun families! I absolutely love the Rodermonds- always have! They are so much fun, and full of laughs. And once again, my favourites are the photos that show that kids are kids- they're goofy and wiggly! (And they are so full of personality!) PS. these grandkids obviously adore their grandparents ;) Enjoy, everyone! 

Kooiker (extended) Family

Last October was the Kooiker's 40th wedding anniversary, and I got to meet up with them for a celebratory photoshoot- it was such a blast!! This family is so fun, and so full of laughs. I think my favourite pictures of the day are actually the imperfect ones, because, well, boys will be boys. Congratulations, B&A Kooiker, and thank you so much for letting me be part of your anniversary! :) 

Barlow- Morrison Family

I am so glad it worked out to get together this past fall with this family- this was probably one of the most beautiful days of the season! And these kids were so friendly! Here are some of my favourite pictures of the day- I am so looking forward to being part of their wedding later this year! :) 

The Praud Family

I met up with the Praud family on a rainy fall day- it was really special to me because I actually have the privilege of working with both of the Prauds in my other life! They are both amazing at what they do and I am so proud to have them as my colleagues. And their little girl is such a little sweetheart! She is not shy at all, and talks and talks and talks- what a cutie! Enjoy everyone! Sometimes I think I should be living on the coast because rainy days like this actually make me so happy- is that weird? 

Thomas Family

Last mother's day, I held a draw on my Facebook page for a mini-family session, and the Thomas family were the lucky winners! :) I was so glad this gave me a chance to meet this family- they are SO nice!! 

PS. Did I mention I love fall? 

Jerrett & Jamie Engagement

Exactly one week after Hailey's wedding, I had the privilege of taking engagement pictures for her sister Jamie! This is definitely not something that happens every day so it made it very special. And I have to say that whereas the weather for Hailey's wedding was cold and WINDY, just one week later it was sunny and warm and perfect. This just goes to say that you really can't plan your wedding expecting a certain forecast! Good ole' Lethbridge. You never know what you're going to get. Please enjoy some of my favourites of Jamie, Jerrett, and the cutest little girl EVER- that little grin!! I couldn't be more excited for their wedding in January! :)

Chais & Hailey- September 17, 2016

When I first sat down with Hailey over coffee to talk about her upcoming wedding, it occurred to me- this girl is a lot like me! We are both Registered Nurses with a passion for photography. We are both Lethbridge girls that fell in love with Edmonton boys. And we both have a little bit of geek-ness going on- (Doctor Who, anyone?) I was so glad I was able to get to know Hailey better on her wedding day- Hailey is beautiful, kind, and has the biggest heart. Hailey and her family are welcoming and loving, and made me feel right at home on her wedding day, on a very, very windy day in September. Here is a sampling of the day- hopefully enough that you have a good taste of the whole wedding. Congratulations, Chais and Hailey, and thank you so much for having me! 

The van Garderen Family

Once upon a time, my good friend Chantel and I took pictures of these little cuties. Now it is a few years later, and have they ever grown!! I'm going to start out with a picture from our first session together because it's just fun. And then I will show you a few pictures from this spring- this brilliant gal had the BEST idea to surprise her trucker-husband for Father's Day. She arranged a mini-session so he could have a few photos of his kids to take on the road! I thought it was such a great idea. And then we got together this fall for some full family pictures! I seriously love this family and getting the chance to meet up with them every now and again! 

The Kooiker Family (extended)

Hi all! I have just started back at my nursing job and as a result things have been a little bit slower around here as far as posts go. I wanted to take a minute here though to share a handful of the pictures that I got to take with the Kooiker family a couple of months ago! It was SUPER windy this day so I was so glad we got to hide a little bit with some buildings. The Kooiker "kids" got together and arranged this photoshoot as an anniversary gift for their parents and I still feel this is one of the best gifts you can give! Genius! 

 

 

CIBC Run for the Cure

For those that don't already know it, October has been Breast Cancer-awareness month. On October 2 I had the privilege of stopping by the CIBC Run for the Cure (run by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation) to take a few photos of the run. This is an annual event which raises millions of dollars each year towards the breast cancer foundation to help those who have had, do have, or will have breast cancer. This year the run raised $17 million for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The run is full of emotions and solidarity, and I commend everyone who was involved in some way. As an RN I have a hard time thinking of anyone who has not been affected in some shape or form by this terrible disease. I am also going to put on my nurse hat here for a moment by posting a metaphorical photo I came across using lemons to help distinguish some early warning signs that you should seek further assessments from your physician... I will post the link also to where I found it. 

The first photo is from here: http://www.worldwidebreastcancer.com/

And for more information on the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's CIBC Run for the cure, visit http://cibcrunforthecure.supportcbcf.com/site/PageServer?pagename=2016_home. 

The Van Maanen (extended) Family

When I look at these pictures I am reminded how fast time flies! Why? Because even though it seems like just yesterday, this was the first time this year that I saw yellowing leaves! And now look outside- or don't maybe look... Regardless it was great to meet this family (and their little grandsons) back when it was green and warm outside. Plus (spoiler alert!), Rachel is getting married in May and I am so thrilled that I get to be there! Thanks again for meeting up with me, Van Maanen family, and I look forward to seeing you again soon! :D