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Kim Kalyn Photography bio picture

Welcome!

My name is Kim Spears - I am a newlywed myself !  I am a natural light portrait and wedding photographer in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.  I am lucky to live in one of the most gorgeous places on earth!

I have an incredible husband, whom I love so deeply.  He is an amazing support and my biggest fan.  Well he might have to fight my mom for that title ;)  But needless to say I am so very fortunate to have such a wonderful family. 

Besides photography I am in love with traveling and seeing as much of the world as I can; chocolate, well anything sweet really ... actually scrap that, I pretty much love all food; and my two kitties Lucy and Dezzy are my little fur babies.

I have big goals for myself and with the help and support of my family and friends, I am well on my way to achieving them. Thanks so much for stopping by !  I'd love to hear what you think - so feel free to leave me a comment, or drop me a line :) 

{Kim}


For Photographers ....

I get a lot of emails asking me who did my blog. I thought I would share here. My blog is done by ProPhoto Blogs. They offer awesome, fully customizable blogs for cheap! I designed my own in half a day and I am by no means a computer programmer.  The customer service is amazing too! The people at Pro
Photo blog have generously given a discount code for all of my readers.
If you purchase a Pro Photo Theme blog and use the code KIMKAL647 to get $10 off your purchase.  Enjoy!


BIG NEWS – Official Countdown …

I am not a person who is afraid of change.  In fact, I am drawn to it in many ways.  I feel that change helps us develop and grow and live to our fullest potential.  It is easy to get used to something and become comfortable in that existence.  But living like that bores me.  Don’t get me wrong, there are constants in my life that I love and could not imagine life without. But I love to try new things, travel and see the world, and push myself in ways that scare me.  Well I am about to embark on a new adventure.  I am making a big change and am finally leaving my ’safe’, ’secure’, and ‘comfortable’ job with the provincial government to pursue my career in photography full-time.

I have been waiting to utter those words for a loooooong time.  A LOOOOOONG TIME.

I have been very fortunate in my career and have been offered many opportunities that a lot of people would be thrilled to have as their career options.  But I have known from the very beginning that it was just not for me.  I felt like I was losing myself and slipping further away from what my soul is truly drawn to, with every single day I spent in my office.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with the place I work.  In fact, it has the highest employee satisfaction scores in all of the provincial government and that speaks volumes about the wonderful work environment and the people who make it what it is.  When I finally gave my notice I felt like saying “it’s not you, it’s me … really.”  And I would have meant every word. There are so many wonderful things about where I work, but despite all of it, I know in my heart of hearts that something is missing.  I do not receive the type of fulfilment that I experience with every photo session, every client meeting and the creativity that I so much enjoy from post processing images.

Now let me take a moment to acknowledge how blessed I am in my life to be able to CHOOSE to do something for a living that makes my heart smile.  I know that not everyone has this opportunity, or the luxury for that matter, to pursue what it is they love for a living.  I am blessed with so many supportive people in my life and I would not have had the courage to take this step if it weren’t for their relentless support and constant words of encouragement.   I would like to thank my incredible husband, Darren.  Darren has been instrumental in helping me realize this goal and I can’t convey the sheer happiness I feel to have a husband who is so supportive and who has confidence in me way beyond my own.  Darren I love you :) I would also like to thank all of you!  For your on-going support and cheerleading as I work to improve with each and every shoot.  If I didn’t have you booking me for your weddings and portraits I would not be in a place where I could afford to make this change, so THANK YOU !!!!!

So I would like to announce that February 12th is my last day of work and I can’t wait :)  Let the countdown begin !!!

As no post is complete without an image, here is a pretty ring shot from Lia & Bryan’s destination wedding in Mexico.

February 4, 2010 - 3:03 am scott - congrats to firing your boss. it is so cool that your will be working for yourself full time and you will enjoy it... :-)

February 2, 2010 - 12:28 am Ayla - Congrats Kim! So happy you are able to pursue a wonderful, creative and beautiful dream!

January 31, 2010 - 7:29 pm Bonnie O'Neill - Great Kim. Your Mom had been mentioning you wanting to do this for a long time. Congrats.

January 30, 2010 - 3:40 pm Krysta - I couldn't be more happy for you... you'r following down my dream path and I think it's fantastic! I've only been shooting for about a year now, but hopefully, one day, I'll be able to leave my provincial gov't job too. *sigh* Enjoy your countdown!!!

January 28, 2010 - 11:30 pm Shannon - Yah for you Kim! I'm so happy for you and excited for your new chapters...let's stay in touch! Best wishes always!

January 28, 2010 - 8:52 pm Sean - Incredible! I can totally feel your energy above it all, this is for sure going to make your heart sing! Congratulations, Kim! I'm over the MOON for you!

January 28, 2010 - 12:29 pm Marnie - You go girl!!! I feel so alive when I am creating, so I know what you are feeling hun:) All the best...always, Marnie the MUA

January 28, 2010 - 12:28 am Alina - This is such fantastic news...I am very happy for you and all the best! You always do such an amazing job in all your photos...

January 27, 2010 - 4:17 pm Cathy Empey - Way to go Kim! I am so happy for you!

January 27, 2010 - 3:09 pm Kim Spears - I am sitting here all teary eyed after reading all of these beautiful comments. Thank you ALL for your amazing support! It means the world :) Mmmwah !!

January 27, 2010 - 1:45 pm Colene - Congratulations Kim! Following your heart is not always the easiest thing to do, but with your talent, it's a no brainer! =)

January 27, 2010 - 12:15 pm Paul - We wish you all the best with all your present and future plans. well done Kim. Go for it.....

January 27, 2010 - 8:02 am Nicole Paulk - Oh, Kim, I am so happy for you!!! I want to cry reading this post because I know *exactly* how you feel....that is my situation as well, and I hope one day I can post something like this on my blog. :) Congrats on your success-you deserve every bit of it! xoxo

January 27, 2010 - 7:48 am Christine - That is wonderful news Kim! I wish you nothing but the best - and know that you will be so successful!

January 27, 2010 - 7:35 am Mark Ledingham - My goodness, this REALLY is a BIG step, Kim! Your words are so profound here, and I do truly wish you all the best on your life's greatest journey. I've been dreaming of doing the same as you for some time now. If only I had the courage, I'd do the same thing tomorrow if I could. Congratulations, Kim - and all the best! ;)

January 27, 2010 - 2:51 am Megan - Congrats, Kim, and THANK YOU because it is all of us who get to benefit the most from you devoting yourself full time to capturing the amazing images you produce of the most important times in our lives!! So happy for you!

January 27, 2010 - 2:18 am Brittoni - Congrats!!!!! What a great accomplishment!

January 27, 2010 - 2:18 am michelle - kim, amazing! your growth, your clients and your talent and drive have all led you down this path. and darren, he is a gem. i am so so very happy for you and so excited for your full time career change. plus this means more coffees and dates for us! you are a brilliant photographer and woman and deserve the most wonderful things this world has to offer you.

January 27, 2010 - 2:17 am Patricia - During my masters studies, we learned the following term: "Spread the warm heart"....and the concepts that inspire such beautiful words. While this may not sound very academic, it resonated so deep within the learnings of our cohort, that it continues to be the base of phrases many of us continue to use, such as: "Lead with a warm heart" and "Open the warm heart". Your announcement follows the nature of this wisdom and makes my heart smile - for you, for me, for everyone who sees your work, and for the artist in each of us. Well done Kim!

January 27, 2010 - 2:11 am Jadine - Congratulations! That's so exciting. May your photography career be long lived and prosperous. You do such amazing work :)

January 27, 2010 - 2:10 am Jeremy Loveday - That is truly great news. Always follow your heart Kim! Congrats on making the leap!

January 27, 2010 - 2:02 am Carrie Hasson - CONGRATULATIONS KIM!!!

January 27, 2010 - 2:01 am anna kim - Congratulations! This is really inspiring to read....I know you will go far, your works is beautiful!

January 27, 2010 - 2:00 am s h e r r y - AHH! This is fantastic! :) :) I'm so happy for you! :D

Lia & Bryan {TTD in Mexico}

It’s official.  I could look at the images from Lia and Bryan’s “Trash the Dress” session all day long.  In fact, I have today.  I keep wanting to come back to them.  As an artist I think it is common to not be completely satisfied with ones work.  To see the flaws and the “imperfections”. However, every once in awhile I finish a shoot and just feel proud.  Where I am not picking my images apart and being a relentless self-critic.  Lia and Bryan’s wedding and trash the dress images have been one of those experiences for me.  I just feel so satisfied with how their images have turned out.  Like I said before, in their post HERE, it doesn’t hurt that these two are so photogenic I probably couldn’t have taken a bad picture if I tried.  But still, in this instance, I am going to take a little credit and give myself a pat on my back, because I think these images are some of my best all year.

Now I just hope that Lia and Bry just love them as much as I do ;)

January 28, 2010 - 9:47 pm ED - Beautiful pictures Kim ! Lia & Bry...such perfect pair...grand children please!!!! HA.HA.HA.HA.HA..

January 27, 2010 - 10:37 pm Virginia Vo - This is my first time on your site and it is beautiful-everything from the background and your style to your photos. Awesome work!

January 26, 2010 - 1:03 pm Paul - Totally agree Kim, gorgeous couple, great work.

January 26, 2010 - 1:01 am kathyp - wow, kim, these are amazing! i love the last series on the beach! hot! HoT! HOT!!

January 25, 2010 - 5:19 pm s h e r r y - Kim, these are STUNNING. I love love love the last one!

January 25, 2010 - 1:03 pm steph - love these~ well done. i love how happy the gorgeous couple is with your work. so proud of you! xos

January 25, 2010 - 6:40 am Sean - These get better, and better, and better as the series goes down. They are AMAZING, Kim. And I'm pretty sure it's mildly unfair they are so good looking...

January 25, 2010 - 2:52 am lorna - i thought i was looking at a bridal magazine- kim hats off to you- lia & brian - you can be models for a bridal magazine - both of you look so perfect & so much in love-

January 24, 2010 - 4:59 pm Rod Young - Beautiful couple, beautiful photos Kim, you are a very talented photographer! Well done.

January 24, 2010 - 3:41 pm karen mcneil - That last one id Hot Hot Hot! Love them Kim!

January 24, 2010 - 2:49 am Lia - One of the best decisions we ever made was to have you photograph our special day. We will always treasure these beautifully captured memories! We cannot thank you and Darren enough! xoxo

Lia & Bryan {Married in Mexico} – Part 1

You know when you are having “one of those days” where something bad happens and it seems to set the tone for the entire day ?? Well, that was my yesterday. I woke up and went to check the mail, something I quite enjoy doing.  I think I like it because there is always some form of anticipation around it.  I am one of those people who absolutely loves getting fun things in the mail. Cards, packages, you name it – I love that stuff.  I love sending those too :)  Anyways, yesterday I got something in the mail that I did NOT like.  It was a bill from BC Hydro for $605 !!!  WHAT ??!  Our typical Hydro bills have always been between $100-$200 at the most.  We just moved into a brand new house that is built to entirely ‘green’ energy efficient standards AND Darren and I were away for two weeks during this billing period.  So at first we thought this HAS to be a mistake.  There is no way we used this much power.  But after waiting on hold for an hour to talk to a very sweet gentleman at BC Hydro, he assured me that in fact our bill was correct and that we are still using that much energy RIGHT NOW.  AYKM (are you kidding me?!) for those that aren’t quite up to date on the ‘hip’ acronyms these days.

Darren and I like to pride ourselves on being relatively ‘green’.  I am a recycling guru and am always getting after him for putting anything that could be recycled into the garbage.  We use energy efficient lighting.  Un-plug any appliances when not in use (with the exception of our computers).  We keep our heat around 15 degrees and rarely use our electric fireplace.  All of our big appliances (stove, fridge, washer dryer etc) are all energy star rated.  I even compost for crying out loud !!  Sooooo I am baffled.  Unless Darren has a secret ‘grow-op’ that I am unaware of I am not sure what the heck is going on.  By the amount of type real estate and capital letters I have given to this topic I am sure you can tell I am a bit worked up about this.  So thank you for letting me vent :)

Now on to something much more exciting than my energy woes – more images from Lia and Bryan’s destination wedding in Mexico!!  I posted some teaser images for them a little while back, HERE.  But because I have fallen insanely in love with their wedding images, I decided to post some more.  In two parts as a matter of fact, as there is just that many images that I heart big time.

As you could probably tell from their teaser pictures that Lia and Bryan are not the most attractive people, in fact the camera really hated them.  Eeeeeeew – look at their perfect teeth, hair, complexions, smiles … YUCK!  Heee heee heeee  !!  I am being completely sarcastic !!  Lia and Bryan are a GORGEOUS couple, inside and out.  Anyone can tell from looking at these photos that I couldn’t have taken a bad picture of these two if I tried ;)

Lia & Bryan decided to see each other before the wedding and do a “first look” which I am a HUGE fan of !! You can read more about ‘first looks’, HERE.  I will post images from their “first look” in Part 2 of this post.  Soooo cute !!  In this post I am just sticking to the getting ready shots as well as a few of the wedding party shots.

I’d love to know which shots are your favourites.  So feel free to leave me some comment love below.  Enjoy!

Lia you are the cutest !!!

January 26, 2010 - 1:09 am kathyp - so colourful kim! love the "i do" on the bottoms of the sandals... too cute! p.s. i totally hear ya on the exuberant hydro bill too! ours was twice what it normally is. and we're in the same boat... new home, energy efficient, heat pump, etc, etc... i feel like i've been robbed!

January 19, 2010 - 12:12 pm Rose A. Villano - Tremendously beautiful.. really wonderful and awesome.. love it.. wish i will be married again..

January 19, 2010 - 4:49 am Paul - Really nice Kim I love the shot of Lia holding her flowers, her look of anticipation, great location if you ever need an assistant put me on your short list.

January 18, 2010 - 11:18 pm stephanie fay - These are gorgeous!!! AWESOME job!!!

January 18, 2010 - 5:22 pm Sean - You actually expect us to be able to pick a favourite? Ha! I love the details, I love everything about the backgrounds & locations. I love the deep, vivid colours & high contrast in all of them. Her smile & laugh is contagious.

January 18, 2010 - 4:53 pm s h e r r y - AHH! So fabulous! :) I love her dress. And all the detail shots on the... tree? Super cool, can't wait to see the rest.

January 23, 2010 - 10:31 pm Lia & Bryan {TTD in Mexico} » Kim Kalyn Photography - [...] just feel so satisfied with how their images have turned out.  Like I said before, in their post HERE, it doesn’t hurt that these two are so photogenic I probably couldn’t have taken a bad [...]

January 27, 2010 - 1:52 am BIG NEWS – Official Countdown … » Kim Kalyn Photography - [...] As no post is complete without an image, here is a pretty ring shot from Lia & Bryan’s destination wedding in Mexico. [...]

My friend Cara … who happens to be ridiculously good looking

Today I have spent most of my day editing Lia & Bryan’s destination wedding in Mexico (click HERE for their teaser post), which I CAN’T WAIT to share more of !! I am really proud of their images and I am so happy with how they turned out !

When I am editing images I try to make sure I take breaks away from the client’s images and come back to them as I want to keep the creativity fresh and flowing.  So today, I took a break from Lia & Bryan’s images and re-visited a fun shoot I did with my girlfriend Cara as part of my one-on-one learning session with Amy and Richard from Red Leaf Studios.  I stumbled across this image of Cara, and couldn’t believe that I did not edit it before and put it up on the blog with her other post.  Anyways, better late than never right ??!

I am off to hot yoga with Cara in just a few minutes, so some of you may get to see this before she does !!

January 14, 2010 - 5:25 pm Alexandra - This is such a beautiful photo!

January 12, 2010 - 5:56 am Sean - I remember your full post of her, and I can't believe this image didn't make it up there! SO BEAUTIFUL! Love the tones of blue from the ocean & the sky. Perfect.

January 11, 2010 - 11:41 pm s h e r r y - Yep, gorgeous! :) Love the even lighting despite the FULL SUN! :) Amazing!

January 11, 2010 - 10:52 pm Laurie - this is simply beautiful Kim!

January 11, 2010 - 7:39 pm Mandy Jill - She has a beautiful smile and you captured her wonderfully. Love this shot!

Fun in the sun – Maui style !!

Before I start this post I would just like to say that I have discovered the recipe that allowed me to make my best Yorkshire Puddings yet.  I made these fabulous creations last night for a spicy roast beef dinner, complete with delicious honey roasted root vegetables and parmasean zuchinni.  Not saying that I am culinary wizard in the kitchen or anything, but these were pretty darn tasty !!  I thought I would share this recipe that my mom so kindly googled for me yesterday.  She said is was from a lady by the name of Maggie Tim who runs a B&B in Maple Ridge.  And I got to give credit where credit is due and I was able to dig up her website and click HERE to to see it.  So now for these awesome Yorkshire Puddings:

2 Cups Flour

2 Cups Milk

6 Eggs

1 tsp Salt

Whisk together all ingredients (ok to have a few lumps).  Keep it at room temperature until you’re going to use it (personally I think this part is key – I didn’t do this last time and my Yorkshire Puddings failed miserably).  Put a half teaspoon of oil in each muffin cup.  Then heat the muffin tins @ 400 degrees F until they are very hot.  Remove from oven and fill muffin cups half full and then bake for 25 minutes.  Voila !!  By the way, you can easily halve this recipe, which is what I did.

Ok now in case you think you stumbled across some cooking blog by accident … you didn’t.  Let’s move on to the real reason you stopped by my blog today, to see some pictures!

While Darren and I were shooting Dave and Colleen’s destination wedding in Maui, we were also fortunate enough to meet up with Dana, Scott and Marcus.  These guys are one of my FAVOURITE families to work with.  They are always up for anything and have been using me as their chosen family photographer since I first started.  Colleen actually found me because I had shot Dana and Scott’s wedding last summer and Colleen is Scott’s sister.  Small small world it is. So Scott, Dana and Marcus were in Maui for this wedding as well and we decided that what better place to shoot their annual family images than right there in Maui !! We decided to shoot at the beach across from where were staying and had a beautiful sunset shoot.  There was lots of activity down at the beach which gave us a different feel than what we had shot in the past.  I like the element that added to these images.  There is a lot going on with the light, the textures of the sand and beach accessories, and the fun everyone is having all around them.  I can’t believe what an adorable little man Marcus is becoming.  He is so grown up now!  It is amazing the difference a year makes.  He is no longer playing shy around me.  Instead he wanted to talk, talk, talk and show me all of his cool beach discoveries.  I know that there is also a new addition to the family in Dana’s belly and I just love watching their family grow and feel so honoured to be apart of their journey.  Next year’s session with have one more and I can’t wait to meet them!

Hope you guys love your images.  It was so much fun to work with you as always :)

January 11, 2010 - 5:19 am Sean - Ahh, these are beautiful. Just... utterly beautiful. The images are so warm, and summery. I'm pretty sure that last image is screaming to be a huge canvas print ;) GORGEOUS!

January 11, 2010 - 12:34 am s h e r r y - Cuute! The last one is particularly adorable!!! And I'm pretty jealous of their Maui vacation. Haha, I could use one too.

January 10, 2010 - 9:24 pm Mandy Jill - All the shots are great. Some lovely family moments you've caputred.

Darren & Michelle {A New Years Eve Wedding}

When I woke up last Thursday the sky was so dark and the clouds looked like the couldn’t contain the rain much longer.  I was right.  I had hoped that the weather forecasts would be wrong and that Michelle and Darren would have nothing but a crisp clear day for their wedding.  But you know what, it poured, and it didn’t matter.  Nothing on that day could have dampened Michelle and Darren’s spirits.

I spent the earlier part of the day with Michelle as she transformed into a winter princess.  Michelle could not have appeared less concerned about the blustery wind and substantial down pour we were having.  And that is just one of the reasons I think I have the best brides!  Michelle drew me back to the true meaning of the day with her words “it’s about the moment.”  She uttered those words as she glanced for a moment outside, with a little smile on her face.  That is when I knew, that Michelle was going to let NOTHING ruin their day.

Having clients with that kind of attitude is the perfect blessing.  Their priorities are in order and they are trusting that everything will work out just fine, as it always does.  Having that attitude helps me in ways I can’t even convey.  Both Darren and Michelle trusted me completely with their photos.  When we first began discussing their wedding plans it became apparent that if they were going to have their ceremony in the evening at the uber romantic Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse, it would be dark and would have no light for their formal portraits.  So we decided that opting for a “first look” was the way to go.  For those of you who do not know what a first look is, one of my most favourite photographers, Jasmine Star, describes it perfectly on her awesome blog, here.  We set up a special moment just for them and after their first look we continued on with their wedding party and formal portraits.

Michelle did not even hesitate to brave the elements in order to achieve the images that we desired.  Yet another reason I have the best brides.  It was not only raining but it was COLD.  Thank goodness Michelle’s mom had made the most beautiful white cloak with a fur lined hood.  Talk about an awesome addition to the photos!  It was gorgeous and another perfect detail that was added to their day.  It is elements and details like these that can make a wedding and the images become one-of-a-kind.  And I love that.

Michelle got ready at one of my favourite hotels, the Sidney Pier.  I love the modern look to all of the rooms, and not to mention the gorgeous floor to ceiling windows looking out towards the ocean which provided us with a lovely source of light and a cozy spot to shoot her getting ready photos.  Michelle’s five bridesmaids helped her get into her fairytale gown that she purchased while in Paris!  How incredible is that ?!  It was fit for a princess and was truly the perfect dress for Michelle.  Swarovski crystals sparkled on Michelle’s gown, necklace and tiara.   Marnie of Marnie the Make-Up Artist did Michelle’s make-up and I have to just say that she did an outstanding job!  Marnie was super personable and fun and I could tell she is incredibly passionate about what she does.  Make-up is such an important element for wedding photos, so it was awesome to see that Michelle was in good hands :)

Now on to the photos !!  Hope you love them :)

Michelle had some HOT shoes for her wedding day, and this is just one of them!  I love awesome wedding shoes!

Michelle you are just stunning.

The lobby was bustling, so we opted for a more private ‘first look’ outside Michelle’s hotel room.  Can’t you just feel the anticipation in the first photo?!

I heart this one below big time.

Doesn't the wedding party look like a bunch of carollers ??!  LOL :)

Doesn't the wedding party look like a bunch of carollers ??! LOL :)

We had to duplicate this one from their e-session photos!

January 8, 2010 - 8:43 am Paul - Stunning you have captured some very special moments for Darren & Michelle. (I love the landscape of the the couple after the bunch of Carollers best) nice work Kim

January 8, 2010 - 1:07 am Marnie - Absolutely stunning pictures. Love it and the sweet words also. What a magical day...

January 8, 2010 - 12:16 am Mandy Jill - The shoes! My goodness!! The eyeshadow matches and it all comes together so wonderfully. Well shot! The fire hall shot is just perfect too. LOVE IT!

January 7, 2010 - 11:45 pm Sean - Gorgeous once again, Kim. I love their first look.. so sweet, and content. Lovely getting ready photos of her, the light is marvelous :)

January 7, 2010 - 11:35 pm michelle - kim they are very very pretty. i love the first look photos so sweet and you can totally feel the emotion in the photos. amazing job. and her dress is so fairy tale wonderful!

January 7, 2010 - 9:21 pm s h e r r y - These are gorgeous, Kim! I love the recreation at the fire hall :) And I LOVE the dress. It's very exciting.

January 7, 2010 - 6:47 pm Mom - Stunning! Everything - the bride, dress, hair, make-up (Groom too). I got all teared up seeing their first look photos. The cloak Elaine made is just beautiful. Can't wait to see more.

January 18, 2010 - 3:14 pm Lia & Bryan {Married in Mexico} – Part 1 » Kim Kalyn Photography - [...] look” which I am a HUGE fan of !! You can read more about ‘first looks’, HERE.  I will post images from their “first look” in Part 2 of this post.  Soooo cute !! [...]

Dave & Colleen {Married in Maui}

I have been fortunate enough to wrap up 2009 by shooting three fabulous weddings in December.  Two of which were destination weddings in tropical paradise.  As I sit here at my desk with my decaf earl grey vanilla tea, cozy blanket and kitty on my lap and a fresh dry pair of socks *up until a few minutes ago when I got home I had been experiencing one of my biggest pet peeves of having to wear wet socks with not a dry pair in sight* I can’t help but fantasize about powder sand beaches and ocean of the turquoise persuasion.  I may also have to wipe a bit of drool from my lip as I can salivate the instant I think of my new favourite frozen beverage, Tamirind Margaritas, while lounging poolside in Mexico. The pouring rain on my windowpane snaps me back to reality.  Ahhhh yes I am back in this rainforest climate I call home.

Darren and I spent Christmas in Maui shooting Dave and Colleen’s dream wedding.  Their wedding took place on a secret beach, surrounded by some of their closest family and friends, complete with a beautiful guitar serenade and butterfly release.  Tropical leis and palms which were so loving placed by Colleen’s aunt framed the spot where they would say their vows and become husband and wife.  Now not that in itself wasn’t spectacular enough but during their traditional Hawaiian ceremony they had somehow arranged for grey whales to breech in the background !! I am not even freaking kidding !  Un-flipping-believeable.

For their formal photos we spent some time on the beach where they were married and then moved on to an equally breathtaking black sand beach that Darren and I had discovered a couple days prior.  After we had our fill of sand and sea we headed to the Wailea Golf Course where we were wined and dined in a stunning setting.  Of course I had to sneak a few more shots there as well.  I love me some photographic variety :)

Before I display their first teaser images below, I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all of those who participated in the “cans for comments” fundraiser I was participating in along with many other photographers.  You helped me more than DOUBLE my contribution from last year and I will be donating 63 cans of food to my local food bank on your behalf.  Thank you THANK YOU thank you for all of your support to this amazing cause.

January 11, 2010 - 12:02 am Andrew Bairnsfather - Congratulations David and Colleen!

January 10, 2010 - 3:13 pm Jenny - The butterfly picture is so beautiful. I dont know this couple, but that picture says a thousand words about them :) Beautiful as always.

January 10, 2010 - 1:08 am Mike Smithson - Hey David--congratulations and what a great place--Cheryl and I celebrated our 25th anniversary on Maui last February! Put it on your calendar to rtn there often--it is magical!

January 9, 2010 - 5:37 pm David Bratzer - Hi Kim, I'm not sure if Colleen got back to you about these. We've been soaking up the sun & beach since the wedding and haven't been on the computer much. Anyway, we both absolutely love the photos. Thank you so much for getting a teaser up so quickly. I love the butterfly shot and I know Colleen really liked the bamboo pictures & the pineapple photos.

January 8, 2010 - 7:55 pm Melanie - I love the one in the bamboo with the out of focus frond in the foreground!

January 8, 2010 - 2:26 pm shanni - ummm.... butterfly shot = epic. being in maui for it = double epic. you = triple epic. take. me. to. maui....

January 6, 2010 - 12:54 am Shannon - OMG Kim!! These are amazing! You never cease to amaze us with your truly, beautiful, captivating photographs! What a gorgeous couple.

January 5, 2010 - 9:42 pm s h e r r y - Omg. Fabulous. Faaabulous. Looking at these sandy photos make me wish I could suddenly teleport to Maui. <3 Ah. Gorgeous images too!

January 5, 2010 - 5:13 pm Jenelle - Gorgeous wedding images!!! What an ending to the year! I adore the pineapple shot so much, and the first shot of her dress.

January 5, 2010 - 1:12 pm Ashley McCormick Photography - Kim, these are AMAZING!! I LOOOVE the first one of her dress. Next time you book a Hawaii wedding, give me a call! ;)

January 5, 2010 - 11:57 am Paul - Stunning location... just like Scotland without the palm trees!!! Nice work! Kim.

January 5, 2010 - 8:16 am Shawn Moreton - Stunning location...and amazing images! I love the ring shots! Bravo...

January 5, 2010 - 4:05 am Sean - OH my goodness, Kim Spears. You ROCKED this, and I LOVE how you let the creativity flow in the detail shots! These have such a relaxed, beautiful feel to them - I'm sure they'll adore these! Love that shot on the dirt road!

January 5, 2010 - 2:07 am Megan Bush - You KNOW I'm in love with all of these pics, Kim, for obvious reasons...but I just had to say...OMG the pineapple!! BEST PHOTO EVER!!! Such a great idea...makes me think of the good old Pineapple Express! I hope you guys had a great Christmas in the most beautiful place on earth!! xo

Lia & Bryan {Married in Mexico}

Darren and I had the honour of flying to Mexico to shoot a fabulous destination wedding for Lia and Bryan.  Where do I even start ?? This wedding was one of the most intimate, fun, exciting, and happy happy happy celebrations I have ever attended.  This couple was surrounded by so much love that you couldn’t help but smile all day week long.

The close family and friends who attended their fabulous wedding treated Darren and I like we were their own family.  They included us in everything they did and were so grateful and appreciative for us being there, which was just the sweetest.  Sometimes I just can’t get over how lucky I am.

On the day of the wedding I would describe Lia and Bryan as so completely content and calm and peaceful about the wonderful day ahead.  They definitely set this wonderful tone and their day unfolded in an amazing relaxed manner and it was such a pleasure to be apart of.  I am only posting a small teaser of some formals and a few from their trash the dress session and I promise there is much more to come.  I have to pack tonight as we fly out tomorrow for Dave and Colleen’s Maui wedding.

Lia and Bryan, I am so grateful that you chose me as your wedding photographer and that you allowed Darren and I to document your incredible wedding in paradise.  I hope these photos bring back some of the special memories of your day.

Lots of love,

Kim

December 28, 2009 - 6:07 pm Lia - Kim!!!!! WOW! These are absolutely amazing :) We are so lucky to have you as our photographer and of course Darren was excellent too! Thank you so much and I cannot believe you were able to put up some teasers already. I totally agree with what my mom said - these pictures are PERFECT :) Hope you're having an awesome trip, talk soon!

December 25, 2009 - 1:31 pm steph - ahhhhhhh.. i love these! they are gorgeous in the biggest sense of the word. magic work my dear one. i am so proud of and happy for you. blessings on christmas. xos

December 23, 2009 - 3:13 am Sean - Kim Spears, you are fabulous! These photographs are like... perfect. They are. You rocked the ocean shots, I LOVE those! Oh my goodness, I envy you.

December 22, 2009 - 10:03 pm Jenny - wow.. amazing, Kim. No words...

December 22, 2009 - 7:24 pm Kim Spears - Thank you so much for all of the comments! It was such an amazing wedding celebration. Paul - the lens I was using primarily was the 35mm f1.4. Love that lens!

December 22, 2009 - 5:34 pm Nicole Paulk - OH KIM!!!! These are just so incredibly gorgeous! Your processing is FABULOUS!! Her dress is killing me too - soooo beautiful! :)

December 22, 2009 - 3:00 pm Jessika - Wow- LOVE the picture of them lying in the water, it is incredible and belongs in a magazine! Beautiful work as always Kim, and stunning couple :)

December 22, 2009 - 1:22 pm Jonda Spurbeck - beautiful woman!! love the boat and sandy beach shots.... fabulous my dear ;)

December 22, 2009 - 1:19 pm Rebecca - I just LOVE her dress! And that one shot of them on the sand in the water is perfection. Could this get any more gorgeous? :)

December 22, 2009 - 10:47 am mirian hanninen - well what can i say... awesome couple and of course awesome photographer!! fabulous!!

December 22, 2009 - 10:13 am Paul - Wow beautiful couple, great images, what lens are you using Kim!

December 22, 2009 - 3:53 am Mark Ledingham - What a great looking couple, Kim! I love the compositions here and the wonderful intimacy of these shots. Just terrific. ;)

December 22, 2009 - 2:07 am Megan - So amazing, Kim!! Beautiful colours and you can just tell how relaxed and calm it all was...and I LOVE their outfits, so chic and unique!! Kudos to the bride on "trashing the dress"! Such a great idea!

December 22, 2009 - 2:05 am Shannon - Kim, amazing pictures! What a beautiful couple. You continue to amaze me with the shots you capture! YOU'RE THE BEST!!

December 22, 2009 - 1:45 am s h e r r y - Omigosh, these are so wonderful!!! Wow. I love the sun, how warm it looks, and just the overall fabulousness!! I LOVE the ones on the beach- and how deserted it looks... Wow...

December 22, 2009 - 1:23 am Cathy Empey - Kim, those are beautiful. Especially the ones by the boat, and that last image of them in the water. Great job!!

January 11, 2010 - 7:03 pm My friend Cara … who happens to be ridiculously good looking » Kim Kalyn Photography - [...] I have spent most of my day editing Lia & Bryan’s destination wedding in Mexico (click HERE for their teaser post), which I CAN’T WAIT to share more of !! I am really proud of their [...]

January 18, 2010 - 3:05 pm Lia & Bryan {Married in Mexico} – Part 1 » Kim Kalyn Photography - [...] destination wedding in Mexico!!  I posted some teaser images for them a little while back, HERE.  But because I have fallen insanely in love with their wedding images, I decided to post some [...]

Can’t control the cuteness …

I just have to show off a few more of beautiful Belle.  She is one of the cutest kiddies I have ever photographed FOR SURE :)  The cuteness factor is off the scale !!

January 7, 2010 - 2:09 am Alicia - The one with her back turned to the camera takes my breath away... Kim... Wow!!!!

December 13, 2009 - 12:41 pm Erin Wallis - How sweet is she?

December 12, 2009 - 11:43 am Paul - last one for me too Kim, lovely shoot, lovely little girl.

December 12, 2009 - 3:41 am Sean - Mhmm, the last one is over the top cute. For sure. GORGEOUS photography.

December 11, 2009 - 3:53 pm Kristin Partin - i think that i need that chair. and you to take pictures of it :)

December 11, 2009 - 8:19 am Maria - Gorgeous! What a sweetie

December 11, 2009 - 1:05 am Jessica - LOVE! the last one :)

December 10, 2009 - 11:21 pm Nicole Paulk - Stunning images, every one of them, Kim! And that blue chair is DIVINE! :)

Beautiful Belle

I had a lovely photo session with this incredible cutie and her mom, Camille.  Belle is not only one beautiful little lady but she has sooo much personality as well.  She had so much to say and was so curious about our surroundings.  She was particularly concerned about a cow that we could not see but she was determined to find this cow.  I can still hear her saying “Where is cow ??”  Too cute !

I couldn’t believe what a little trooper she was as it was quite a chilly day.  She was all smiles and giggles and in the best of spirits.

Mom had brought some adorable outfits and accessories from her business Oma Gosh Designs.  Click here to check out their incredible creations!  I only wish the weather was warmer so that we could have shot so much more.  Belle was so photogenic and the outfits mom brought were some of the cutest I have seen.

Here is just a little teaser with more to come soon!

3 days left for cans for comments, so make sure to leave some comment lovin!

December 10, 2009 - 5:22 am Paul - Very nice Kim can't wait to see full post.

December 8, 2009 - 3:44 pm Alison - Sooo cute!! Can't wait to see some more!!

December 8, 2009 - 3:19 pm s h e r r y - So cute! She looks so happy there :) :) Can't wait to see the rest.

December 8, 2009 - 2:09 am Sean - Stunning photo!

December 8, 2009 - 12:59 am Jadine - What a cutie! Awesome picture :)

December 8, 2009 - 12:02 am Leola - You have captured the essence of this child whom I hold so dear - the quality of photography is unsurpassed and you have captured her little foot in the air that suggests the energy that this child has. I can hardly wait to see the rest - what a tease! Thank you so much for taking this picture. Oma Leola Camille's Mom

December 7, 2009 - 11:57 pm Avril - That's my niece!! such a sweetie!!

December 7, 2009 - 11:53 pm Camille - AMAZING!!!! I can't wait to see the rest!

December 7, 2009 - 11:47 pm caitlin - what a sweetie! i remember my little brother being obsessed with cows when he was small. his line was, "what do you do when a cow says moo?"

December 7, 2009 - 11:45 pm Aliciadavenport@shaw.ca - Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! And look at those eyes!! Can't wait to see more.

December 7, 2009 - 11:40 pm Bev - Gorgeous girl, beautiful work.

December 7, 2009 - 11:36 pm Nicole Paulk - absolutely beautiful, kim!! :)