Here we are again, at the dawn of the second wave of Covid impacting our lives. It's been quite the year, hasn't it? 

As a wedding and family photographer, I feel like I have been on the front line observing how the pandemic has impacted our intimate relationships. While some people decided to reschedule their weddings, others rushed to elope and make the most of it. I was lucky enough to get to shoot small weddings in Tofino, Ucluelet, Victoria and Revelstoke this summer but all of my Mexico and California weddings got delayed…

With everyone happy to see this year coming to an end and a fresh new year on the horizon, I can't help but be excited about the holiday engagement season! 

There is a quote that has kept me going through these hard times:

"Light is to the darkness what love is to fear; in the presence of one the other disappears."

It couldn't be more true in these dark times so close to the winter solstice. A great reminder that in these times one thing we can control is our reaction. I choose love. And if you landed here I know you do too. 

So in between the extended coffee in bed, the love cuddle sessions on the sofa, the steamy morning showers at 1 pm, suddenly there is plenty of time to organize your wedding day and indulge in all of the small details that truly brings magic to it all (for a smoking deal)!

First, let's talk about wedding guestbooks. I recently discovered this stunning wedding guestbook. From mason jar themes to elegant floral patterns, it's possible to customize your own wedding guestbook with any theme, colour and images that appeal to you for as low as $40. 

But what about the wedding invitations? It sounds like so much work! Well, not with these wedding invites. Basic Invite offers 180 colour options, where you can upload your own photos, using a variety of themes such as vintage, rustic, forest and beach. Each of the wedding invitations is part of a set. They have all the wedding stationery you need, like save the dates, wedding invitations, enclosure cards, wedding menus, wedding programs, and even matching thank you cards! Basic Invite even allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of your invitation so you can see the card’s paper quality and how it will print before you have to place your final order. They seriously make it so easy and productive that you won't even feel guilty for that extended Cafe au lait in bed! 

Need envelopes? Well no problem, they are just as colourful with their envelopes as they are with their invitations. You can use their free address collection service to request your addresses with just three simple steps. Share a link via social media or email, collect addresses, and get free envelope printing.

Need more Cafe au lait? You can save even more time using Seal & Send Wedding Invitations. Basic Invite seal and send wedding invitations are an all-in-one wedding invitation with a tear-off RSVP postcard included! The Seal & Send is their newest collection and brides are LOVING them. Currently, they offer them in over 30 designs including our ever-popular foil options, and, like our other products, they are customizable. What's special about the Seal & Sends is that guest's addresses are printed on the front of each invitation so no envelope is necessary! All you have to do is share a link, collect guest addresses, and upload them onto your design. Once you receive your order all you have to do is add postage, fold your invites, and secure them with a sticker! Simple and easy.

To top it off, you can have a Free Wedding Website that is completely customizable! They're mobile friendly and super easy to use. You can instantly upload all of your wedding details, along with images, and a convenient map with directions for your guests. Choose from 180 custom colours, and a design suite to match your wedding invitations!

So, lovers in these hard times, let's remember we can control where we focus our energy. Most often, the greatest memories from our adventures are the moments that did not go as planned because that is where the story is. I wish you to gracefully embrace the dance, the unplanned, the extra chances to cuddle with your loved ones and the joy that comes with planning a wedding.

A cafe au lait in bed is great but Basic Invite just adds that little honey that makes it even sweeter. 

Stay safe. xo