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Olivia + Robson’s Baby * Belly * Love

Recently I had the pleasure to photograph of one of the most adventurous husband and wife ski + hiking guide teams in the Rockies, Olivia Sofer + Robson Gmoser.  They are the owners of Wild Trips, specializing in Heli Skiing, Rock Climbing, Hiking and Backpacking.  Now they are about to enter a whole new type of adventure as they are 32 weeks pregnant.

They welcomed me into their lovely home asking for us to take just a few images showcasing Olivia’s baby belly.

The fantastic energy these two share is contagious– they giggled and naturally put each other at ease in front of my camera. This little baby is one lucky child to have two parents so deeply in love and so very cool!;)

 

 

 

 

Mom + Dad’s visit to Alberta

This month my brother and I have been enjoying our parents visiting from Halifax, NS.  Needless to say my children are on a high and my parents too are so happy to be with their grandchildren.  With all the crazy weather we have received this summer my parents agree, never before have they seen extreme weather shifts!

In one month we have experienced (weather wise),  daytime highs that range from +10 to +33, marble size hail, funnel clouds, rainbows and harvest moons.

To boot, Mom and Dad have seen their first canola fields, prairie sunset, bears as we drove through the Icefields Parkway, and the amazing wildflowers that cover the Bow Valley in July.

All in all, their trip has been a success and there is still one week to go:)

 

I am convinced, after this last vacation to the flatlands of Alberta, why many prairie folks who have become mountain climbers are so darn tough.  The elements these people endure are EXTREME!  The photos above were taken last week when the temperature in Black Fauld was +33.  In basically the same moment I was taking these images I turned around in the opposite direction to see the images below!  Holly Molly!

Storm clouds rushed towards us faster than I have ever seen cloud move… then they started circulating above our heads!  My brother and sister in law were convinced we were under funnel clouds and we were about to witness a tornado!

It didn’t tun into one, thankfully, although you’ll also see below the rain that showed from the sky!  REALLY impressive~

My little Julia doing what she loves best… dancing to the beat of her own rhythm!

 

 

 

Jamie + Glen, A Rimrock Wedding

Venue THE RIMROCK RESORT + HOTEL | Wedding Commissioner RICK KUNELIUS | Photographer CRISTA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY | Catering THE RIMROCK RESORT HOTEL | Music THE HARP ANGEL

 

In late June I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Jamie + Glen.  They wanted to share their vows amongst an intimate group of very close friends and family in beautiful Banff.  In the pursuit of the perfect venue they found the Suit 900 of the famous Rimrock Hotel + Resort.

Jamie stressed to me portraits were not what she longed for.  She wanted candid images showing love, friendship and loyalty. In fact they didn’t want to spend any time doing a formal portrait session which was really unique.

I spent three lovely hours with this wonderful family and I was really touched.  Their kindness and ability to make people feel welcome and loved was really special.

Thank you Jamie + Glen for choosing me to work with.

Inside of the beautiful bridal Suite 700 were roses, Prosecco (Italian Bubbly), fresh chocolate covered strawberries and of course one of the most stunning views imaginable!

Before we all went upstairs for the ceremony Jamie and her bridesmaid/daughter  were preparing all the final touches.  There is something so powerful about a mother and daughter who laugh together… and these girls sure did.

Witty and full of life, Wedding Commissioner, Rick Kunelius joined us to give the details of what we would find upstairs in the Suit 900.

Jamie outside on her bridal suite terrace.

 

 

Jamie’s two lovely children.

Jamie this shot is for you! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alex + Leah- A Banff Wedding

Photographer CRISTA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY | Wedding Commissioner  RICK KUNELIUS

The precious love story Leah + Alex share is so sweet… they were high-school sweethearts! Now as Alex is finishing a PHD they decided to have their wedding in an exotic mountain landscape- Banff.  From Indiana to Wisconsin their parents and siblings joined them to celebrate their big day.  With Rick Kunelius aboard everyone felt humored and at ease– their intimate wedding was one to remember.

Golf for Girls- Canadian Women’s Foundation

Host LISA BOWES | Event Specialist HEATHER DOUGALL | Flowers  DIVINE CREATIONS | Venue + Catering  RIVER SPIRIT GOLF CLUB

I have had the honour to photograph two fundraising events for the Canadians Women’s Foundation this past year.  Raising money to create programs that will empower girls + woman with confidence, courage and critical thinking skills.

This most recent event, Golf for Girls, was hosted by CTV’s Lisa Bowes–  featured 20 celebrities 18 of which were Olympic Athletes!  Themed in the colour purple the entire day was a slamming success and raised $27,000.

Divine Creations donated all of the impressive table arrangements, as well as, one of the most beautiful centerpieces I have ever seen.

The day began with a lovely lunch where all the gals mingled amongst the Olympians and receive personal tips from a couple of amazing golfers. * 2010 CJGA Mizuno All – Sydney MacDonald and Six Time Canadian Long Drive Champion and Keynote Speaker- Lisa “longball” Vlooswyk.

After the informative golf input the participants set off in groups of 4 each having their own celebrity in tow!

Throughout the course there were real bob sleds set up for the ladies to sit in and have a laugh, as well as, goodies donated from Canada Safeway! Post golfing everyone returned for a silent auction, a fun filled dinner and a fashion- show hosted by CTV’s Lisa Bowes and Jocelyn Laidlaw. All cloths were modeled by none other than three local Olympians!

Another highlight of the evening was seeing an interview with, a young girl named  Sam Brown who participated in one of the girls empowerment programs CWF supports.  She explained how the CWF helped her build the confidence to explore her love for science- despite what other kids at school may say.

I really encourage for you to take a look at the CWF website and see how you too can donate to this incredibly important cause.

M o r e   i n f o