Monday, September 24, 2007

Something Old...

We recently shot some portraits for a client for their 10-year anniversary. We would have loved to blog about this shoot, however, our clients have requested not to be blogged about and we respect their wishes. So, we have decided to post about the charming location where the shoot was held - a grand Victorian mansion on the corner of Queen's Avenue and 8th Street in New Westminster called The Galbraith Manor.

We first learned of the Galbraith through our clients, Dave and Laura (you'll see their e-shoot on this blog in a couple of weeks), who will hold their wedding at the mansion in December. We've only seen the place through the Galbraith's website, but still, we instantly fell in love with its old world charm and elegance. When our anniversary portrait client told us that they wanted to do their portraits at a private setting, we immediately thought of the Galbraith.



We were welcomed by the Galbraith's current owner, the lovely Angela Kerslake, who gave us a quick tour of the charming house. Built in 1892 for Hugh Galbraith, the Galbraith Manor has been lovingly restored to its historical authenticity. There was real careful attention to detail in its restoration to retain its exquisite look and feel typical of the Stick Style in the High Victorian Era. Here are some sneak peaks of the house's interior (images posted with our clients permission).









If you're still looking for that perfect venue for intimate weddings and special occasions, check out their website at www.thegalbraith.com and give Angela a shout. We can't wait to shoot Dave and Laura's winter wedding with the mansion all decked out in Christmas decor! You'll definitely see more of this great house then!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Addicted...

Before we launched Pelaez Photography, I had no interest whatsoever on blogging. Now, not only do I have to blog about our gigs, I find myself frequenting other blogs (mostly wedding photographers). Apparently, I'm on my way to being an addict - I have subscriptions to other photographer's blogs and a good couple of hours a day just going through their posts. And while reading Justine Ungaro's blog, I found that I should get a diagnosis on how addicted to blogging I have become...

60%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

No, I don't need an intervention yet, but Rico could beg to disagree... now back to editing...

Honestly...

It's not everyday that brides and grooms-to-be shop for a photographer to cover their wedding. While they can turn to family, friends, wedding planners, bridal mags and online wedding resource websites for advice, here's a site that aims to discuss your questions about wedding photography with answers from real wedding photographers - http://www.wedfog.com. We hope this will help anybody planning a wedding out there to make an informed decision when hiring their photographers.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Jeff + Camy Engaged!

For Jeff and Camy, school was never out. There are 5, yes, count 'em, 5 bachelor's degree between them, all from no less than Simon Fraser University. Now that they're done (well, almost... Camy has one more course to finish this coming school year), they're taking up a new life course towards wedded bliss. Now, if only Camy can convince Jeff to adopt her Shih Tzus...

Got this shot BEFORE I even gave them any directions for posing... very natural...
The bling shot... The ring that was in Jeff's possession for over a year before he popped the question - he said he wanted to take Camy by surprise so had to wait a while to throw Camy off from the big reveal...
Love brick walls...
A little texture for ya....
Jeff's been reading Dostoyevsky's since I've known him and he's mentioned this book a year and a half ago... I didn't know it takes that long to read it... hmmmm.... Another bling shot... as Camy casually tells Jeff, "now your bling will be all over the internet!"
Just in time to catch the last rays of the sun...
Dramatic lighting to end the day...
Can't believe we have to wait a year to shoot your wedding! Rico and I are looking forward to it. Don't forget to keep us up-to-date with the planning!

-gracci

Monday, September 3, 2007

Ernesto + Rosalie Wedding

August 24, 2007
Good Shepherd Church
Riverside Palace

When we did Ernesto and Rosalie's e-shoot a couple of months ago, Rosalie warned us about being shy and not knowing how to project in front of the camera. While she warmed up to us as we progressed during that afternoon, the Rosalie we saw on August 24 was a totally different person. I guess a little make-up and a white dress make the difference - all we had to do was point and shoot! Ernesto, or EJ to his family and friends, was the same guy - always ready to have some fun. Here are our favorite images from the day.

Some getting ready actions... Loved the halter top dress! Rosalie had too much fun in the summer sun, they were trying to cover the mild sunburn on her shoulders.
On to some portraits with our beautiful bride.
Meanwhile, the groom and his men were busy playing poker... he was even willing to bet the wedding rings. That must've been a pretty good hand!
On to some group shots with the bridal party
And of our couple...
At the church, Rosalie disappeared to freshen up... when I found her, the lack of light gave me this beautiful image bespeaking of calm and bliss...
Father Galvon on what the wedding rings stand for.
Ladies in teal
During the Filipino ceremony of the cord and veil
Ernesto and Rosalie, quietly admiring their new bling...
Playing with Shadows
The groom, EJ
The lovely Mrs. Jose...
Our lovely girls hanging out before dinner...
The reception had a kissing game where selected guest couples were to show Ernesto and Rosalie how great kisses make successful marriages. Here's Ernesto and Rosalie trying out one couple's trademark kiss!
The couple's first dance...
Ernesto and Rosalie, we had great fun shooting you, your family and friends (imagine finding some girls from my old all-girl Catholic school alma mater - truth in love, girls! Haha!). Enjoy your time off and enjoy your time with your family!

- gracci