Brittany Esther Photography » photography

Gill Family | Calgary Photography

Brittany — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:01:16 +0000

I have to confess something. I have been neglecting my blog something dreadful. There are weddings to be posted and sneak peeks to be made. I have to confess something else. After being chosen to document peoples’ weddings, families and life events the next best thing to me is blogging. I love it. I love choosing the images that will best tell the story of the day or session. I love being able to press that ‘publish’ button. Blogging is pretty much the definition of therapeutic for me. So, on that note, the lack of blogging is not on account of boredom but rather the lack of proper time in a day. When and if you come across extra time please some my way. That would be absolutely lovely.

On that note I couldn’t help throwing together this small(esque) blog post at 5:30am. This family makes me smile so much.

Enjoy!

Lena and Michael | Calgary Henna Party

Brittany — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 03:30:42 +0000

Lena’s parents held a henna party at their home just a couple of days before Lena and Michael became husband and wife. The henna night is full of pre-wedding ceremonies and generally spans the entirety of the week – however the couple and their friends had an absolutely delightful time celebrating the upcoming marriage in just several short hours. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about their culture and enjoying their absolutely amazing humour.

After enjoying some of the most amazing sweet food I have ever had the Sagan began in which a token gift is offered by the bride’s parents to the groom and likewise by the groom’s mother to her future daughter-in-law in the form of money or sweetmeats.

This was followed by the Haldi ceremony in which family and friends prepare the couple for their forthcoming wedding by applying a tumeric paste typically to their hands, feet, and faces of the couple as it is known for improving complexion. It is also known to turn those already of a lighter complexion yellow – hence the not so overly enthusiastic reaction of Michael on account of one of his groomsmen (said with a hint of sarcasm).

By far the most touching ceremony had to that of the Choora ceremony. Lena’s only brother placed bangles that had been in buttermilk on Lena’s wrist and presented her kaleereas, or golden metal dangling plates attached to a steel bangle or ‘kada’. Lena was then blessed by five happily married female family or friends.

The henna portion of the evening begun by Lena’s sister-in-law applying the first design to the palm of her hand. Each of the ladies and the children then had henna applied to their hands and upper arms – absolutely breathtaking designs.

The evening ended with the Jago ceremony. Jagos are the colourfully decorated steel jugs with candles in them – carried on the head of the maternal family’s heads accompanied by singing and dancing, it is a way to alert everyone to the joyous ceremony to be held.

Needless to say it was an amazing evening to photograph.

Enjoy.

Osoyoos Wedding Photography

Brittany — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:05:23 +0000

At the end of June I had the absolute pleasure of seconding for Amber of Amber Hughes Photography at a gorgeous vineyard in Osoyoos, British Columbia. The day could not have been better and I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside such a brilliant photographer. To see Amber’s images of the day see this couples’ wedding here.

Antara and Mike Wedding | Just One

Brittany — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:05:21 +0000

Antara and Mike. So in love. Such amazing families. More to come shortly.

Antara and Mike | Edmonton Engagement

Brittany — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:16:46 +0000

This past week I had the delight of meeting with Antara and Mike for the first time over dinner before we braved the mosquitos and threatening clouds for their engagement session. Needless to say I am thoroughly excited for their wedding next week at the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Enjoy!

Thanks so much for looking!

Desirae and James | Calgary Engagement

Brittany — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:44:53 +0000

I’m literally clapping my hands with excitement for Desirae and James’ wedding at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis at the end of July. They are such a sweet easy going-couple, so photogenic, and an absolute delight to chat with. I can already tell just how much their family and friends mean to them and that a grand time is to be had on their wedding day – and with amazing views and with two people such as Desirae and James how can you go wrong? Enjoy their engagement and check back in only a few weeks for their wedding!

Thanks so much for looking! Feel free to leave a comment!

Elizabeth and Wayne – Canmore Wedding

Brittany — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 01:22:39 +0000

Elizabeth and Wayne are married! They could not have chosen a more beautiful location – oh how I adore Canmore. The people are so friendly, the views amazing, the air so crisp, it really is delightful to have such a gem in our very backyard. It was an absolutely delightful wedding – I can not say enough for how much I adore intimate weddings. The very closest family and friends of Wayne and Liz’s were in attendance at the Iron Goat where they enjoyed a small ceremony and later enjoyed absolutely amazing food in good company.

All the guests took home a jar of Liz’s father’s honey, as he was a bee keeper, and maple syrup brought from New Brunswick by Wayne’s parents.

These two are so delightful. I so enjoyed photographing them – so much joy, and love, and they were so willing to meander to the oddest location. Delighted to share these with you.
Enjoy!

Dress | Lyn Lugo

Florist | Willow Haven

Cupcakes | Crave Cookies and Cupcakes

Ceremony and Lunch Reception | The Iron Goat Pub and Gril l

Hair and Make-up | Nadia from Wild Orchid Salon & Spa

Thank you so so so much for looking. Would love to hear from you!

Trisha and Matt – The Engagement

Brittany — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:34:26 +0000

Such a delightful engagement session. Trisha and Matt were so kind in allowing us just to meander through the town of High River, no particular destination in mind, just taking in the sights and sounds. We were there on a Sunday and it was eerily quiet. Anyone who drove by would somewhat curiously stare but wouldn’t say a word. All but one or two shops were closed in the area and I swear there should have been some tumbleweed blowing down the street.

Trisha and Matt are getting married at Emerald Lake Lodge in September and I am so thrilled to be their photographer. They are such a fun and loving couple. Enjoy!

Feel free to leave a comment. Love to hear from you :)

Megan and Cody – The Engagement

Brittany — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:08:03 +0000

Oh Megan and Cody. So much to say about Megan and Cody. They are such a fun-loving genuine couple. Honestly, I am certain I haven’t laughed more at a session than I did with these two.

How they met is such a delightful story. Megan caught Cody’s attention at the local hockey rink in Lethbridge – rather, Megan’s hair caught Cody’s attention at the local hockey rink in Lethbridge. He says he did not even see her face but he knew he had to meet this girl with the gorgeous red hair (and it is eh?!). It required mutual friends to introduce them but as we can all see now it’s a love story.

Enjoy!

Thanks so much for looking. Love to hear from you!

Megan and Cody

Brittany — Fri, 13 May 2011 06:36:52 +0000

Such a Canadian couple. Such a Canadian engagement.
More to come.