Christy Joy Photography

The Mulaire's | In Family Portraits

2011-06-29T10:30:00.001-07:00

"Ewww."
Evan was sitting in the back seat of the van, flipping through the images I'd shot so far while we pulled into the Starbucks drive-thru (yep, I got to laugh and do what I love AND get SB's). He'd come across one of his mum and dad kissing. I joked with him that it was totally gross, but then mum from the front seat jestingly spoke to Evan about how it's not "Ewww", it's because mummy and daddy "looooove" each other. Then she said to him, "Evan, doesn't it make you feel all good inside that you mummy and daddy love each other?". Evan stopped scrolling through the pictures, looked up at his mom and with all the sincerity and truth a little boy's heart can hold, he responded, "Yeah".
I've had the priveledge and joy of knowing this family for just about three years now. They exude love and fun and kindness and humility and are truly genuine people who love and give with all they have. Kelly is a worship leader with a voice that would put Celine to shame and she teaches musical theater and voice at a local music school. She is full-blooded American and, as you can see by little Olivia's adorable outfit, is proud of her red, white and blue. Chene can sing as well(talented family, I know) and is one of the easiest people I know to be around. He is a dedicated dad, and as you will see below, seriously loves his lovely wife. Their kids are hilarious and both seem to be their own people, but yet embody the very essence of their parents. Evan is a rambunctious and kind little man who loves his sister and all of the pre-school girls in our circle of friends. Olivia had got her mamma's personality and is full of life, energy and spirit and she already loves singing and worshipping Jesus while she bangs away on the piano.
I like this family. A lot. enjoy!

Kelly turns 30 in a few days.....thirty and fabulous!

Bob & Joanne | In Lifestyle Portraits

2011-04-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

Not only did I get to spend an afternoon with my wonderful sister-in-law last week, but I also got to hang out with her equally wonderful parents (my in-laws) for a long over due hubby/wife session. We travelled just a few minutes down the road to the golf course where Shawna and her husband Paul had their wedding reception and I finally got to shoot some glorious spring cherry blossoms!

Shawna | In Lifestyle Portraits

2011-04-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

This is Shawna. She is my sister-in-law. She is a wife, momma, friend, daughter. She is stinkin' fabulous. She is a blogger, and you can pay her a friendly visit, here. She is fabulous and hilarious and crazy and lovely.

We spent a VERY chilly few hours at Crescent Beach being silly and cold and taking some stellar photos.

The Milne Clan | In Family Portraits

2011-04-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

The next chapter in my photo journey with the Milne's. Sean's mom, sister and her boyfriend were in town visiting so we spend a few hours downtown in the sunshine shooting and laughing......mostly at the antics Uncle Rod would pull trying to get Gracie to look at him.

Baby Gracie | In Newborn Portraits

2011-04-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a fun and comfy mini-session over at S&M's when their wee baby Grace was very new. I left feeling so blessed to know this family, and to have been able to be along for an up close perspective and front row seat as their lives changed.

Baby Shower For Gracie | In Lifestyle Portraits

2011-04-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

It's catch-up time!

It has been such an incredible journey, following Megan and her family as it grows and changes. We started our photographic journey with their couples shoot a few years ago, then their beach shoot in Cuba last March, then there was her maternity portraits and now the baby shower! We had a lovely and fun-filled afternoon celebrating the impending arrival of baby Gracie!

Be sure to check back soon fora handful of newborn pictures and an extended family shoot with M&S&G and Sean's mom, sister and her boyfriend.

Megan & Her Baby Girl | In Maternity Portraits

2011-01-22T22:26:00.000-08:00

Did you ever see such a lovely, beautiful bump?

Inside that bump is a perfect and teensie baby girl who would make a certain almost-momma a very happy momma if she would decided to join us very soon.

You may remember Megan and her hubby Sean from their Cuba portraits last year and their family session with their fur baby Jinx from even longer ago. Shortly after we returned from said trip to Cuba, I was ecstatic to tears to find out that these two wonderful people were going to be parents. That was almost nine months ago and now we wait for this precious life to arrive.
Megan and I spent sometime capturing her bump of life this week in hopes that maybe now that there are pictures of what it looked like, she might decided to come.....time will tell.
Enjoy!

Tyler, Margaret & Baby Myles | In Family Portraits

2010-07-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

Margaret is the twin sister of a long time friend's wife.....phew, glad I got that out right. Said sister, Maryann, emailed me in May and said she wanted to gift a family session to her sister, husband and soon-to-arrive new baby while they were in town visiting. I was, of course, thrilled and met the the little clan of three on Margaret's family farm for a relaxed shoot in the warm summer sun.Little Myles let us know right from the start that he'd like to be cuddled up with mommy, thank you very much, and between his adorable-ness and his parents relaxed personalities we had a lovely time!

*All the best T&M as you navigate the foreign waters of parenthood together!*

Adam & Mindy | Tying The Knot

2010-07-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

He was the service writer and she was the girl on the other end of the phone at the auto parts store.They fell in love.Then they got married.I met Adam and Mindy for the first time just before the ceremony.Adam's jitters were endearing.Mindy's emotions were overflowing.Their intimate backyard wedding was lovely and beautiful.It didn't take much time before I felt like I'd known them for longer than I had.And on top of their ridiculous love for each other, their fun senses of humor and easy-going personalities, they were uber photogenic to boot!Thanks for having me A&M and all the best during every moment of your life together......

CAKE by Alana | In Edible Portraits

2010-07-09T16:52:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago we threw a little shin-dig to celebrate my first-borns second birthday party........since I'd just arrived home from a week long trip to Ontario the morning of the party, I had my friend Alana of CAKE by Alana to make our Little Miss the perfect sweet treat to dig into on her big day.I didn't have a specific idea of what I wanted except it needed to be purple, sage green and white. The first email I got back from Alana pretty much detailed exactly what I didn't know I wanted.The cake wasn't only beautiful but it was YUMMY.Drop me a comment in you're in my area and need a yummy beautiful cake for your special occasion!

Matt & Stephanie | In Portraits

2010-06-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I met up with a super-fun couple and their adorable fur-baby at the park for some laid back and fun family portraits. These two were so relaxed and chill and up for anything....thanks guys!

Amber | In Promo Portraits

2010-06-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

This is Amber. Amber is young, hardworking and a very talented up-and-coming graphic designer and event planner. I've known Amber for many years and watching her persue her talent and skill is inspiring and impressive. She is establishing quite a name for herself with AH Designs and you can check out her website here.We met downtown this week to shoot some promo portraits for her website. One of the first things Amber said when we met up was that I was going to need to tell her what to do and how to pose.....yeah, right. I'd tell her where to stand and by the time I'd set my exposure she had struck a stellar pose.

Caleb & Gavin | In Fun At The Park

2010-06-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I met these two little men for a fun playing-at-the-park portrait shoot. Their mom wanted some update pictures from the ones I shot back in the fall.Little boys grow up so fast!

Charlotte Hope | In Newborns

2010-06-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

On May 14, 2009 at 6:08 in the evening, a very special thing happened......my good and dear friend Natalie and her husband Kurtis welcomed the newest member to their family.May I introduce to you Charlotte Hope who was born weighing 8lbs 9oz and 21 inches long.I got to snuggle her the day after she was born......

A Little Girl, Some Water & A Balloon

2010-06-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

This, is my favourite person in the world. She is my sunshine, my angel, my joy.She is happy, creative, curious, smart and just loves all her "kids" or her friends.We took her to the beach during the long weekend. Off came the shoes and socks, rolled up went the pants and into the water she went. This was not a warm day, nor was the ocean water she was playing but it didn't phase her a bit!se

We came home from a local home repair store where Missy D has been given a balloon. I could hardly get the thing off of her wrist to put her down to nap. But I couldn't resist a mini-shoot in the front yard with my baby and her pretty pink balloon.

In Family Portraits | The Wikkerink Family

2010-05-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

This, is my surrogate family. We have known these wonderful people since my family moved here almost 16 years ago. We still do Christmas morning brunch together and I've gotten to watch as wives were added to the brood as well as babies, the most recent being only a couple weeks old. Grandpa and Grandma (Uncle Henry and Aunt Wilma to me) wanted some portraits of the whole family at their lovely out-of-town home before they pack up move closer to town and all their grandbabies. They have truly taken this property and turned it into a gem with the gazebo being a very special spot as two of their boys were married there.

In Family Portraits | The Dunn Family

2010-05-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

I like this family. A lot.Michelle and I met when we were both working at the same office and she is truly one of the sweetest most lovely ladies that I know. When she emailed me wanting a family session (with her fabulous sister as well) I was so excited to be able to see her and her great family. We took a nice walk in the gorgeous sunshine on the train tracks and through the forest and laughed and laughed.Did I already mention that I really like this family?

Sean and Megan | In Portaits

2010-04-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

The other amazing couple we had the delight of holiday-ing with were Sean and Megan, whom I have also have the pleasure of working with before. You can check out their family session (with their fur-baby Jinx) here.

These two are so comfy with each other and there is never a lack a laughing happening when Megan is around.....needless to say, they make my job really easy.

S&M, thanks for letting me shoot you again......and thanks for making our trip so memorable!

Daniel & Rebecca | In Portraits

2010-04-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favourite from Dan & Becca's couples shoot in Cuba. I had never worked with them before and they were up for anything I threw at them and are, as you will see, extremely photogenic and very in love.

Possibly my favourite picture. Ever.

Rebbeca | In Portaits

2010-04-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

My husband and I had the priviledge and blessing of being able to travel to Varadero, Cuba last week with two amazing and ridiculously fun couples.While everyone else napped by the pool, I went for a walk with Rebecca and had a very mini-shoot on the beach.

Love this.

Denay | In Everyday Life

2010-02-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

Just catching up on some shots I'd forgotten were on my memory card.....I just love this little face.

Launching | New Logo

2010-01-27T13:52:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time coming and I am so excited to finally launch my new logo and header.

Being a full-time momma and wife has made sitting down and spending long periods of time at my laptop working a seldom practised task.

But alas, here I am and there a bunch people that need mentioning for their help, support and talents to get me where I am.

A huge, giant shout of deep gratitude to Stephenie of Chester Creative for my super awesome logo. I don't think you could have possibly come up with something that is more "me"! You rock.

To my mother-in-law Joanne for my 1-on-1 learning session and for encouraging me, believing in me and supporting me.

To Jamie of Jamie Delaine Photography for spending eight straight hours in a coffee shop teaching me, sharing with me and being very patient with me. Thank you for the wonderful promo shots (featured in my header).

To Amber for walking me through the confusion that is Photoshop.

To my husband for always being awesome and to my daughter for being my inspiration.

To my parents, family and friends for putting up with my constant snapping and for also supporting my business.

I truly look forward to where this venture will take me in the years to come!

Abigail | In Birthdays

2010-01-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I had a very special birthday party to go to for a very special little lady. Abigail's 1rst birthday party was all about the ladybugs and Natalie did a wonderful and creative job of incorporating the theme into everything.It's hard to believe it was a whole year ago that I got the call, it's a girl an her name is Abigail Grace. I was down at the hospital just a few hours later to give her a snuggle. Now she is a cute and sassy gal that always seems to have a big smile on her face.

Happy Birthday lil Abby-girl!

Denay | In Having Fun

2010-01-23T22:10:00.000-08:00

Busy, busy. That is the reader's digest version of what I've been the last month. Does anybody else find it takes them longer to recover from Christmas than it does to prepare?

Anyways, it's been far too long since some photography has been displayed on this photography blog so when we took Denay to the park today, I was snapping while she was playing.

It was such a treat, actually needing use a shutter speed in the three and four digits with all that glorious sun. Just a sweet reminder that summer gets closer with each passing day. Needless to say, many tears were shed when it was time to leave (by Denay, not me, of course).

I'm still busy working on lots of great stuff so please don't write me off quite yet......stay tuned!

The Kolk Family | In Portraits

2009-12-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago I spent a couple hours shooting this adorable family. Carly's parents own a gorgeous Bed and Breakfast just south of here where they were also married so it was extra special being back for their first family session with one-year-old Mason.

The Schramm's | In Portraits

2009-12-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to catch a break in the flood-causing rain around here to fit in a shoot with this seriously adorable family. We kept it short so the babies wouldn't have to be out in the cold for too long but it was such a delight to spend some time with them!

Lovely, lovely Mercedes.

Daniela | Grad Portraits

2009-12-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

Last week I got to shoot Daniela's grad photos. She is home schoolers and her mom wanted something to send to family and friends.The shots speak for themselves but this girl is a photographers dream!

The Clarke's || In Portraits

2009-11-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

Every year at our church, the youth group holds a Spaghetti Dinner and Auction fundraiser. Up until I was about 17, I worked as a youth and benefited from the genersity of the church congregation. Every year since I've been out of youth group, I have bought tickets and been served instead of serving, in order to bless our youth like I was blessed.

This year I was so excited to be able to donate services in order to continue to support the youth ministry at church.

The Clarke's "won" me, so-to-speak, and I met them at their place on Saturday for our family session. Their two kids are the cutest and we had blast shooting at their house right on the river.

Funny faces!

Thanks so much to the Clarke's for supporting the youth and letting me shoot your adorable family!

The Luney Sisters | Best Friends

2009-10-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

When I got an email from Sarah wondering if I would do a portrait shoot with her and her three gorgeous sisters I knew it was going to be an awesome time. These four made my job seriously easy. I've known this family ever since I've lived here and have always been a little bit jealous of their awesome relationships with each other.
HELLO people.....simply devine.

Erin - the brand new momma

Sarah - the middle daughter
Lindsay - the youngest of the ladies
Megan - the newlywed
So fun.
Favourite.

Pretty sure they couldn't be more beautiful.

Ladies, thank you for such a fun afternoon and for entertaining my creativity!

Loni & Rosa | A Mother And Daughter's Love

2009-10-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with with a very wonderful mom and her totally adorable red-headed little girl. You may remember Loni's baby shower shoot from back in July and this was the second half of her gift.

I've known Loni through church for quite a few years and her and her husband welcomed their firstborn, Rosa, in June.

Loni is a fellow photographer (check her out here) and I confess I was a little anxious about shooting her.

We just relaxed and talked and gave it our all to get wee Rosa to give us a smile!

Bert & Laura | Joy In Love

2009-10-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was a sunny, bright and crisp fall day in the Cowichan Valley.

It was also Bert and Laura's wedding day. Their ceremony was held at the local Forest Discovery Museum and all the guests got to ride an old train to get to the ceremony site.

Their's was a simple, fun and intimate ceremony overlooking Somenos Marsh.

Bert & Laura - Thank you so much for the honor of being a part of your day and may your marriage be blessed and abundant for all your years!

Sean & Megan & Jinx | Family Portraits

2009-09-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

When Megan contacted me and asked if I would do a portrait session for her family, I immediately said yes and knew that it was going to be fun. It was a very hot day but Sean and Megan were troopers in their sweaters and jeans. Jinx is their hairy four-legged child who tolerated me and even let me get a couple get shots of her for mom and dad.

Seriously, SO fun.

Chance & Chantal | Best Friends

2009-09-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

We were hanging out at Dairy Queen one Sunday afternoon after church when I spotted something shiney on a very special finger and let out a little squeal.

Chantal and I have been friends for about eight years and ever since my wedding, in which she was a bridesmaid, I wondered when it would be her turn.

These two are seriously so fun of fun and life and I knew their ceremony would be much the same.

Chance & Chantal - You two really were made for each other and I look forward to many dinner parties and happy memories with you both in the future!

Justin & Amanda | Real

2009-08-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

We drove for four before we got to the run down sign pointing us to Mussel Beach Wilderness Campgroud in Ucuelet. We then proceeded to drive another half hour down and unpaved, dusty logging road before arriving and being greeted by a smiling bride.

It was on a West Coast beach that they said their vows in the hot summer sun and what a wedding it was!

Kerry & Chloe | Love At First Sight

2009-07-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I made a date to spend the afternoon with a very good friend and her two week old baby girl Chloe. Kerry and I have been friends since we were ten and have experienced all of lifes ups and downs together and was thrilled when I found out they were expecting and beside myself in tears when I got the news that their little girl was here.

It's extra special because Kerry and I are about a half a year apart and our girls are just one year and four days apart and I can't wait to watch them grow up together!

Loni & Rosa | A Celebration

2009-07-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

Little Rosa is the umpteenth baby girl that we have welcomed in our church's young marrieds clan. I think C&L were expecting a boy because of the plethora of girls that had already come along that year but they added one more little lady to our giant tea party.

I was asked by one of Loni's friends to come and shoot her shower and also do a portrait session for her as a gift (pictures to come!).

It was such a well thought out and fun shower full of laughing and encouraging and some really interesting parental advice!