Come away with me – My brothers wedding (Part 2)

When I last left you Ben and Christina had said their I do’s. Ben gave Christina the wrong hand to put the ring on and also struck a fantastic chord in everyone’s hearts confirming his love for her. Following the reception we found a few locales for some wedding party shots, and then rolled into the reception. 

As we did the shots, I realized how automatic movement has become for me. The countless flashes of light I have seen has created an instinctive manipulation to create different pictures. Browsing through the wedding pictures it became obvious, as frequently I was the only one varying in pictures.  Time to get back on topic.

With the majority of guests arrived, our 2 SUVS pulled up to a beautiful golf course setting. With music starting to pump each party member began to dance in and then make our way to the head table. I briefly introduced the wedding party, and gave thanks to everyone for accompanying Ben and Christina through their joyous day. Of course now that Christina was in our family I had to immediately tease my little sister. During thanks, I asked her to come up and say a few words. Unprepared, her face turned red and she slowly moved towards me at the podium. As she got near me, I welcomed her to the family and gave a hug. 

Most of the way through dinner, we started with speeches. I lead the way with a toast to the groom. With plenty of ammunition and inside jokes, I decided to keep those for another time. I shared some fun experiences of Ben and I, reminisced of the first time he spoke of the new delight in his life, and continued into describing how his life had changed for the better with Christina there. Following myself, the Bride’s father delighted is with a heartfelt and deep dedication towards his daughter. My father, a man seldom of few words, kept short, meaningful and full of power. Lastly, the maid of honour came up to share a few words of thanks as well.  

As we wrapped up dinner and proceeded into the first dance, Ben and Christina took the dance floor to the tune of Louis Armstrong.  For that song, it was clear that nothing else existed in the world other than the two of them holding each other.  I think Adam captured it perfectly here.  Of course not long after that was the cutting of the cake with the two smearing cake over each other’s faces.

The music continued the rest of the evening having people up and down, shouting, and shaking all they had. A beautiful evening capped a gorgeous day, so many of us caught up and socialized on the deck outside the hall.

I was busy outside socializing as the bouquet toss and garter toss happened, but I have been assured it was equally entertaining. 

Finally as the take was so long and all of us were tired, I escorted the bride and groom off to their hotel for the night, with a honeymoon in Cape Breton to follow the next day.

Of course big thanks to Studio35 Photography for the pictures. If you like these, please be sure to check out them on facebook. 

A wonderful life – My Brothers wedding (Part 1)

Just over 2 weeks ago, my younger brother and my now sister in law got hitched. Redneck slang enough for you? A massive congrats to Ben and Christina, may the years to come be filled with love and happiness.

Weddings are a pretty big deal. Interestingly enough, the notion of committing to a partner is universal no matter the culture or region we come from. I am also getting to that age (guess if you don’t already know) where friends and family are pairing down to tie the knot. 5 weddings this year, and unfortunately I won’t be able to make it to most of them. Ben and Christina was the reason I came back from Asia a little shy of fulfilling full-length contracts. 

1 week before the wedding things were starting to look bleak. I had just arrived from Singapore via those crazy connections, and the heavens decided to team with the mountains of Alberta and produce the worst flooding since this city has come to exist (not to mention High River ironically, or Canmore which were both devastated). Lucky for the bride and groom for their day and their locations on June 29, 2013, weather cooperated. 

Being the first of their group of friends the couple had a lot of learning to do as they prepared for the wedding. I helped when I could (being on the other side of the world does present challenges), but they did well getting things organized. Despite a slip here and there, most the ducks were in a row. 

As the big day arrived, Ben stayed with the parents so he wouldn’t see the bride (as per tradition) and the girls stayed at the couple’s house to prepare for their early start. A long morning of hair and makeup put the already busy day behind schedule for the girls. To lend a hand for the girls, Adam and I did what we could. Subway waiting for them, dresses all lined up with shoes and jewelry splayed in an organized fashion.

A number of times I will mention how helpful Adam Kuzik (and Amie Le Blac) @Studio 35 Photography ( Studio 35 Facebook)for their help, going beyond just snapping pictures. Adam did wonders for helping the girls get prepared, as well as keeping the bride to be calm and happy. A relaxed bride is a happy bride, this can sometimes be hard to find on these particular days.

Lending my hands to help with the girls, I arrived back at the boys meeting place to “suit up”. Within 12 minutes the 4 of us, Groom, the 2 groomsmen and myself (bestman) were ready. With Amie the boys and I took some Groomsmen pics, then rolled out shortly after that. VIP Style of course.  The first picture is essentially what we look liked upon arrival at the church. 

Twenty minutes later the women arrived. Escorted in their own VIP ride, the beauty herself remained hidden from everyone but the select few (as per tradition). Ten minutes later the ceremony started.

Everyone followed his or her directions to a T for the ceremony. Jaws dropped and minds blown, but not a smile compared to Ben’s (with teeth which can be rare for him) shined as bright, during that exact moment when he first laid eyes on his bride. Seeing my younger smile that way with joy, touched a soft part somewhere in my chest. Not sure what it was, maybe heartburn or something (bad timing I guess).  

Overall the ceremony went off without a hitch. There was slight confusion as to which finger the wedding band may go on, but if anything that just provided a sense of realism to a picture perfect day.

I will continue with another post later regarding the reception. 

Don't forget to read about my wedding last year in may. Phuket Wedding

The as per tradition is a reference to the southpark episode called "The Royal Pudding". 

My Thai My Pride

 Look back, way back, okay maybe that far how about May. Do you remember that fateful day where I shared my love with a beautiful woman on a boat amongst an incredible backdrop? No? This may refresh your memory then Wedding in Phuket

Now a little controversy was created as my cousin and some family members thought I actually got married all of the sudden.  While I am all for “taking those shots”, I shy away from jumping into a relationship let alone marriage thoughts. That blog was all written with regards to a Thai Airways commercial I was filming. Well, it’s here!

In Calgary, the leaves are falling, frost is etching the windows of cars in the morning. Yikes every day that is gets colder becomes the coldest day I have seen since I packed away my winter jacket and headed for the tropical environment known as Singapore. Freezing cold and wearing gloves I willingly traded for sweating bullets and flip flops. I will be leaving Calgary one month earlier this time around, although Korea isn’t exactly the 40 plus degree environment in October that Singapore treated me too, I am equally excited if not more. 

What’s the dealio, yo?

Since coming home, I keep having these desire to write, crazy ideas about climbing mountains, traveling the world and yet I just haven’t been making the time lately to write. The longer I go between posts the more of these ideas of pure awesomeness leave and get replaced by others. 

I think I mentioned at some point that my summer job has been as a bar tender. After a nearly 2 year hiatus from the industry, I am back into slinging drinks. Brewsters specializes in our own craft brew beers and many are delicious (right now the exception is the West Coast Steamer – don’t get steamrolled).  The place has been fun to work at and on some days quite lucrative.  The management team is great, the staff is great, its not often you find a inviting environment like that.  

This summer I had 3 modeling jobs in Calgary, one I will post pictures of as soon as I learn where to get my hands on the magazine.   I auditioned for 2 TVC’s and made it to the shortlist of both, but unfortunately didn’t book either. Thanks again Adam and the Studio 35 team (www.studio35photo.ca).

Found it!

I also attended a few weddings, Congrats Bonnie and Clayton as well as Rob and May, I wish both you couples a long loving marriage and thank you for allowing me to be part of your celebration. Here is a few pics of the shenanigans.

Back to the dealio. MASSIVE UPDATE!

Ooo what's next!

All summer I have been pondering what is my next move. Should I stay or should I go now, Clash style. I decided on keeping both opportunities open.  Immediately I picked up the preceding mentioned bar job to earn cash, I continually apply for Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical, and Agricultural sales jobs in Calgary and Toronto, and keep open discussions about Seoul, Tokyo or Hong Kong with my agents.

And its here! My next move, unlike Bobby Fischer I am not 6 moves ready in my head, but instead going play by play. SEOUL here I come.  The contract is signed and delivered, no need to seal as its emailed these days. 

High Stepping ( second set on magazine shots + my french TVC)

Wow, I haven’t been incredibly busy lately, but for some reason I have neglected the period of personal reflection I like to share so much. As a matter of fact I actually just read about my wedding again (Oh the memories) to refresh me on where I left off.

Hold up before that. About a month and a half ago I briefly mentioned that I was hanging from the side of a building for a TVC.  Well my buddy Charles who just returned home to France saw my face pop up on the television this morning. Here is what he saw:

After the wedding I didn’t get to enjoy a honeymoon, it was straight back to work.  Unlike these two friends:

Ben and Janelle, got married on May 12 in Calgary and they decided to visit me here in Bangkok. Well not quite, these two lovebirds are off to enjoy their honey moon (a real one). Congrats!

I haven’t worked as much since the Thai Airways ad was filmed.  Today being the 3^rd job since that fateful.  In all my hipster bashing of Kevin, it seems as though stylists for brochure (today) and catalog (last week) are set on making me look hipster. I can imagine someone just prodding my eyes out of the lens less glasses, or turning my suspenders into an evil death contraption suitable for an episode of Games of Thrones.  Example of me being an evil leprechaun.

I have made friends with some incredibly fun Brazilians and also took the opportunity to knock back a Brazilian BBQ with them, cooked by a Brazilian. It was cool as I learned some of the traditional dishes and also ate some incredible cuts of meat. 

For those that never have experience Brazilian BBQ, get on that ASAP. It’s pure deliciousness on a sword of awesome.  You essentially get to eat all the meat you want, beef, lamb, pork, chicken heart you name it. After finishing a meal I end up with a food baby, which is born the next day.  I didn’t get a pic with my camera but here is an example. 

Lastly it appears as though I have really honed the fashion sense for golfing. Now I just need to learn to be a decent golfer, damn that slice, or draw or fade or whatever that send my ball 250 yards straight and then makes a left turn at Albuquerque.