A Dreamy Engagement Shoot at Fishtrap Creek
I have known Jordanna (Jo) for a very long time. We played softball together for years (since we were about 6 or 7) and went to neighbouring high schools in Langley. We have always been buddies and are always so happy to see each other. The first time I met John, Jo brought him to Sean and I’s bachelor/bachelorette camping trip with our other friends. He fit right in, and immediately had us all cracking up. I have never seen Jo so happy and at peace in all the time I’ve known her.
I have had the privilege of doing Jo’s makeup in the past, so it felt like a full circle moment when she asked me to do her wedding day makeup, hair and engagement photoshoot. The couple live in Abbotsford, and wanted to do their engagement shoot somewhere close to home and in nature. We settled on Fishtrap Creek, a beautiful green space with weeping willows and a duck-filled pond in the centre.
Jo and John recently adopted a dog, Jinny, the sweetest little lady I’ve ever met. She was a good sport as we toodled through the park. Jo’s friend Lauren came along for the shoot to help assist, and had the brilliant idea to play a YouTube clip of a squeaky toy on her phone whenever we needed Jinny to look at the camera. 10/10 I will be using this trick for future puppy shoots.
We took this opportunity to also hold Jo’s bridal trial the same day as the engagement photoshoot - we couldn’t let her bridal makeup and hair go to waste! For the photoshoot, Jo requested long, wavy hair, and a warm toned makeup. I used bronzes, golds, and chocolates on her eyes to complement her peachy complexion.
It was a surprisingly warm and muggy day for the time of year, but we didn’t let the heat get to us and everyone was giggling their butts off the whole way through the park. I decided to lean into the weather and incorporate it into the editing style for this engagement photoshoot, and gave the final photos a dreamy, hazy finish.
I sent the photo gallery to Jo about a week after the shoot, and this is what she said:
“Omg I’m in tears
They are absolutely perfect
There are soooooo many I want to put on my wall!!!!!!!!”
Nothing makes me happier than hearing this :)
The only thing left was for these two to get married! They had quite a few people wanting bridesmaid makeup and hair on their wedding day, so I brought two of my lead stylists with me, Taylor and Daniella, to help expedite the wedding day. I am so fortunate that I get to work with such talented makeup and hair artists.
The bridal party consisted of some very familiar faces (I’m looking at you Chelsey and Mackenzie) and some lovely new faces. The whole morning was relaxed, filled with laughter and love between friends.
We made a few changes to Jo’s wedding makeup and hair, so it wasn’t exactly the same as what John saw at the engagement session. We added a thick braid across the top, pinned it behind her ear, and switched the eye makeup to cooler tones.
Thank you so much Jo and John for trusting me with your engagement photos. Jo, I am so happy to call you my friend and I feel so privileged to have been a part of your special day. Congratulations you two, I can’t wait to see you soon!