Wedding - Adena and Mike

On Saturday we headed to the south end of Calgary to photograph Adena and Mike getting married at The Ranche Restaurant in Fish Creek Park. These two love Italy and are both avid photographers, so needless to say we have a few things in common. We were having such a good time that we made them late for dinner. Sorry guys, but I think when you see the photos you agree it was worth it!

The brides bouquet designed by the talented Stephanie Laprairie, owner of Stems Floral Gallery.




Adena before the ceremony at the Ranche.


Adena and her mom.


This is horrible lighting, but I just love the expression on their faces at the end of the ceremony. I bet Mike made this same face on Christmas morning when he was a 5 year old!


The fellas.

The ladies.








As the party raged on.

Big Elbow - Good Sushi

I took full advantage of a rare Saturday off and did one of my favourite bike rides - the Big Elbow/Little Elbow loop in Kananaskis. Raoul and Paddy joined me and we managed to get through the ride with only one broken chain and one flat. After the ride we went to Globefish Sushi on 14th for a feast. A perfect way to end the day.

Paddy and Raoul in Tombstone Pass


A shot of me compliments of Paddy.


The B.C. roll.

Wedding - Tracy and James

Wednesday sounds like a good day for a wedding and it was the day Tracy and James picked for their wedding. Things got a bit steamy in the Devonian Gardens, but it didn't seem to phase the couple who are obviously quite in love with each other. Thanks for introducing me to the Hotel Arts, what a cool place for a reception.

Bridal prep at the farm.




Bride waiting before the ceremony.


Groomsmen holding the rings.

Farewell Dr. Laura

Last night we went down to say goodbye to Laura and Brian who are moving all the way across the country to Newfoundland. I first met Laura a few years back when I joined a bunch of med students for a hike on the West Coast Trail. Along the trail I got to know Laura and found out she was doing her residency in Calgary. She is a personality clone of Suzanne, I don't think I have ever seen her in a bad mood. Since moving to Calgary we have done numerous hikes, bike rides and skiing trips together. We were really excited for her when she met Brian last fall as they are a perfect fit. Brian added a bit of excitement to the farewell last night by proposing to Laura a few minutes before we got there. We are really sad to see them leave, but so excited for them at the same time and look forward to visiting them in Newfoundland.

Here they are on Sunday's hike. Brian actually had the ring in his pocket all day and wanted to propose somewhere on the hike, but he just never found the right time. Bye guys, we'll miss you.

Back in the Alpine

Its been a while since Suzanne and I had the pleasure of hiking in the alpine. We took advantage of the grandparent's baby sitting services and planned two days of hiking in Waterton. The weather was just about perfect and we were fortunate to be joined by a great group of friends.

Saturday July 1st - The Carthew - Alderson hike from Cameron Lake back to the Waterton townsite. Its 18km one way with a bit of elevation gain, but the grade is so gentle you'll never know you're going up. Great hike.

Karl on the last bit before the pass. Glacier National Park in the USA behind him.


Wildflowers near the pass.


The view from the pass looking down the way back to town. The prairies off in the distance.


There is no better way to celebrate Canada day then playing in the snow.


Old growth forest on the way down.




Sunday, July 2nd - For the second hike we did the Forum Lake to Wall Lake loop over the the Akamina ridge. Its a 20km route on one of the most scenic ridges I know of.

Pat and Jill over looking Wall Lake.


Heather, Kipp, Laura and Brian near the high point on Akamina Ridge.


This is pretty much what I figure heaven will look like.

CAUTION - Men in tight shorts!!!

We were in Cranbrook yesterday and I met up with a long time friend to ride the Mt. Baker trail. A new (somewhat epic) trail that climbs 3000 ft up the tele-communications gravel access road and then descends down the west ridge on single track. It was 34 degrees at the bottom of the trail and I am probably in the worst shape I have been in for as long as I can remember, so needless to say things got ugly. At one point I started to shiver, not a good sign. Any ways, sorry about the spandex, but sometimes function outweighs fashion.

On top and still alive. Al on the left, Hamilton (aka Hamsolo) on the right


The smooth part of the way down.


This is probably the best view on the trail. Mt Fisher is in the largest peak on the skyline with the Kootenay River valley below.

Engagements Session - Joanne and Kevin

It's so much fun when you get a couple that's willing to try whatever I throw at them. I dragged these two around for a couple hours in the heat on Monday afternoon and it seemed they were having as much fun as me. I think you guys will be pretty happy with the result!

Wedding - Brandi and Chris

Summer at last! Brandi and Chris picked a perfect day for a wedding, not too hot, but lots of sun. Thanks to the wedding party for being such good sports and hanging in there with us right up to the dinner bell.