Hey, I'm Meg, welcome to my little corner of the cybersphere!
I'm a Fraser Valley wedding & lifestyle photographer (est. 2014) based in Langley, just west of Vancouver BC.
Take a look around & I'd love to connect with you soon!
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Congratulations! Your love proposed to you! But, now you’re engaged and have a wedding to plan. Don’t worry, I’ve got a nifty list that will get you through the next phase. Wedding season Is upon you! And it’s going to be ok! Yes, engagement brings excitement. However, you might find the process a little overwhelming along the way. Yup, wedding planning is a process. From deciding who sits where, who eats what, what to wear – there are a lot of things to consider!
Why do you need the You’re Engaged List?
Although this is an exciting time in your life, the reality is wedding planning is complex. You have endless decisions to make, and honestly, that can be overwhelming. That said, you can customize and personalize every aspect of your wedding to make it uniquely yours. In addition, as you’re faced with all the different options that come with planning a wedding – namely choosing a venue, dress, photographer (hi!), videographer, florist, etc., therefore, it’s important to take it one step at a time.
Here’s your quick checklist of essential considerations before diving into planning. I’m here to help make your wedding fun! That’s why my top 5 tips are easy to follow, and a perfect starting point!
You’re Engaged! Here’s what’s next!
- Break the News!
First, whip out the iPhone, and send out your texts. Second, post your news on Instagram (if that’s your thing). Send tweets and shares – you get to celebrate with your loved ones. Ultimately, how you share your news is up to you. - Pick a Date
Secondly, you’ll want to pick your date. Do you want a long or a short engagement? Are there any sentimental dates – a “First Date” that you want to commemorate? Is there an important friend or family that already has commitments on certain dates in the future? Considering these factors early on is going to simplify the planning process. Overall, knowing your wedding date is an important first step to planning your wedding. - Wedding Planner – Yay or Nay?!
First, many brides plan their weddings on their own, with the help of mom, friends & other family members. Alternatively, they hire help – specifically, a wedding planner. In fact, many brides choose to collaborate with a wedding planner who brings their specific vision to life. Moreover, wedding planners are planning experts who guide you through overwhelming details. Consequently, a wedding planner becomes a valuable asset to you on your big day. Why? Because ultimately, wedding planners handle all the details so you can fully enjoy every moment. - Prioritize
Initially, figuring out what you can spend where can be tough. However, knowing your priorities is key to making your big day about what’s truly important to you. Therefore, deciding on the things you really want early in the process will make the planning easier. For example, is there one specific venue that you have always dreamt of? Additionally, what about a photographer whose work you love? Furthermore, is there that one dress you just have to have? As a result, this is where prioritizing can help you budget. - Make the Call
With your budget in place, and your date picked, you’re all set to start making those calls! Start booking your priority vendors and check their availability for your date. Most wedding vendors will need a retainer fee/deposit to book your date. It’s important to confirm your ideal date. But, stay flexible – plan a backup! That said, primarily, don’t forget to do your research – in particular, check online for reviews on their business. Also, ask other wedding vendors that are already on your team – in fact, with all my couples I love extending my knowledge to you and consequently, I always have a list of preferred vendors ready to go to refer to you!
And there you have it!
I hope this has helped you even a little bit. Getting engaged sends you into an exciting emotional whirlwind of activity and it can be hard to get your bearings straight. My hope is this blog post helps focus your hopes, wants & dreams for your wedding day and gives you a starting point.
photographer for the authentic & adventurous
Booking Now for All 2018 & 2019 Weddings
Up on the blog today is the always stunning ever-talented Hannah of Hannah Cummins Photography! If she looks familiar to you, that’s for good reason since she is one of my closest photog-friends. A few brief years ago when I was just starting out in photography and getting my business established (fast forward to present and I STILL feel like I’m just getting established – small business owner problems!), she took me under her wing and I’m so lucky she did. What she saw in me & my lack of knowledge or experience at the time I have no idea but I feel so fortunate to get to work with this gorgeous lady week in and week out during wedding season. I photograph almost all of her weddings alongside her, and this August we get to trade places and she will be second shooting for me – I cannot wait to have her with me.
Building relationships with your peers and those in the wedding industry is always good but when you find a connection that goes beyond work, that stretches into a friendship, it’s pure gold. This girl has stood by me through life’s ups and downs and has always helped me find my way even when I didn’t want to admit where life was taking me. So happy to be located closer to her now in Langley! We try to sneak out at least once a year to exchange portrait sessions with each other – being business owners, updating your headshots and profile photos always helps keep you up to date & current with your clients! She always rocks it in front of the camera, and this session may be my favourite one of her yet!
All Photos by Meg Kristina Photography
Booking Now for September – November 2017 Portrait Sessions
Now Booking for ALL Remaining 2018 Weddings
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Just over two weeks ago, Karim & Michelle were wed on the beautiful sun-kissed beaches of Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana, with the turquoise waters glistening behind them and the sound of the ocean waves just feet from them. I can’t even begin to put into words how much of a perfect match these two are for each other. Michelle is from Victoria and Karim is based close to me (Langley) in Surrey BC. They both have beautiful daughters and a shared passion for embracing the ups and downs of life and living every moment to it’s fullest. They brought together not only their family but those close to them, the kind of friends you consider family, and they had an amazing turnout! Over 40 (I lost count somewhere around 25 – haha!) of those they love most in the world traveled down to the stunning Dominican Republic to join in celebrating this love together.
As the week progressed, you could tell that the unique, passionate, rare love that Karim & Michelle held for each other was spreading joy & more love to those around them. One of the couples attending the wedding even got engaged in the days following (a big congrats to you two!). It was so special to be a part of not only their big day but their entire week as well. These two brought me in and made me feel welcome and comfortable amongst everyone and I can’t thank them enough that they let me be part of capturing and photographing their beautiful day, which may be the most perfect, touching destination weddings to date.
A big congratulations to Michelle & Karim, I wish you all the best going forward and can’t wait to catch up with a glass of wine soon!
Wedding Planner & Venue: Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana
Vacation Planner/Airline: Air Canada Vacations
Photography: Meg Kristina Photography
Booking Now for All 2018 Weddings
www.megkristina.com
photographer for the authentic & adventurous
A few weeks ago, I took a bit of a break from the craziness of wedding season to meet with the Gordon family on their property in Langley. As everyone was together, hard at work haying in the field, it was the perfect time to capture the essence of this beautiful family and their story. Lifestyle sessions like this are my favourite as they aren’t as much about posing/smiling for the camera as they are about documenting you in your daily life and creating lasting memories from those moments. From the first second I met them, the Gordon family welcomed me in with open arms. From introducing me to everyone there helping out, to their kind words, all the way up to inviting me to their family dinner table for a meal after our time together. They are warm, welcoming and full of joy being able to work together as one big family. I loved capturing these memories for them. Thanks for having me you guys!
