Bruce walked down the aisle with his children by his side and stood at the front. Then, as Sunelle rounded the corner with her children at her side, their faces lit up as they saw each other for the first time. As they met at the end of the aisle the pastor said that Bruce and Sunelle had a few words to say before the ceremony started. Their children turned and faced them and B & S told each child how much they meant to them and that with this new beginning they wanted their house to be a place where they felt safe and comfortable. Their family started with two parents knowing the change would be a challenge but the importance of having a mother and father as an example, together , far outweighed that.

When I heard about Bruce and Sunelle getting married I immediately needed to write them and encourage them in the choice that they made. They both come from broken relationships and both have children but fell in love with each other and wanted to start new. This is what happened in my family. My parents divorced when I was 2 and my dad got remarried when I was 6. My step mom has 2 daughters and my brother and I with my dad. I would say that seeing my parents marriage (Dad and Step-mom) growing up had a profoundly positive impact on my own decision and feeling about marriage. I lived between houses and when I went back to Dad’s there was this feeling of safety from having a family unit as opposed to being at my Mom’s. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my Mom and she had a huge impact on who I am today as well but we are talking about marriage here. I had to write Bruce and Sunelle because they needed to know what they were doing would be hard but the best decisions not only for them but for their family!

B&S had a beautiful small ceremony surrounded by those people who love them the most and that have been there to support them through the thick and thin. This was one of those weddings for me that I had to hold back tears because I could resonate so much with what was happening. My heart was so full being able to capture this new amazing beginning. After the ceremony we had some alone portraits and then family portraits. There were so many laughs and good memories being created! All the kids were having a blast together and it was so great having them laughing and running around.

The evening was spent at the Mighty Peace Brewing Co. This place is a MUST go to if you are in town. They had amazing service and even more amazing food. It is the perfect place to host a small event and enjoy having people close to you. Everyone had a good time being with each other and eating, drinking and dancing. The dance party was definitely one of the best ones I have been to because all the kids were having a blast and bringing the hype.

Bruce and Sunelle, I love that you both chose each other to do life together and that your goal is to cultivate a family that has a Godly foundation. You will see the fruit in the future and I am so thankful that you allowed me to capture your special day <3

Reception: Mighty Peace Brewing Co.

Florist: Ms. B’s Cut Flower Specialties

Dress: Banana Republic

Makeup: Make Up by Dyaln Piper

Young growing families, this should really be Fort St. John’s slogan. When I was pregnant with Judah (our first), Josh and I decided that we should move up to Fort St. John so that we could be closer to his family. I was super intimidated because it meant I didn’t know anyone and would have to start from scratch with all relationships. I honestly had no idea what I was stepping into. I was pleasantly surprised when Josh and I decided we were really going to make an effort to make relationships. There were SO MANY young moms here but the city is good about keeping us sane and putting on activities! It has allowed me to meet so many new friends as well as make lifelong relationships for my kids. There is nothing more important to me as a parent. I want my children to see their parents making an effort to make connections in such a disconnected world.

The Koop family is one of those special families in our life. Joel, Kassie, Milo and the newest addition Arden. Kassie is a trooper and when these photos were taken Arden was just 2 weeks old! It is such a blessing to a part of the Koop family’s life and be able to grow together. I am also so thankful that they trust me with taking their family photos! It can be intimidating taking friends photos sometimes; I don’t want to mess things up! I never have but I always go into a friends session a little nervous!

Congratulations Koop family! I love you guys and we are so fortunate to have a family like you our lives! Looking forward to more memories together!