Photography Journal

Jayden & Dillon | Okanagan Elopement Photographer | Tin Poppy Elopement | Salmon Arm, BC

Okanagan Wedding Photographer, Okanagan Elopement Photographer

“Paulina is truly a one-of-a-kind gal! Dillon and I eloped at the Tin Poppy in the beautiful, whimsical Larch Hills of British Columbia. We knew as soon as we went through the photographers that Paulina was going to be perfect for what we were envisioning.  From the moment she showed up, she introduced herself and offered her hand asking “What can I do to help you” and grabbed me a glass of water to calm my nerves.

Neither of us have done a professional shoot with a photographer before, and I am quite camera shy. I was nervous of being in front of the camera – but she quickly relieved me of that and allowed Dillon and I to be ourselves and joke around with each other! She was even so kind as to make sure our dog, Wilson, was included in the photos.

Thanks to her laid back, fun loving approach to photography – she delivered the most real photos we could have asked for. I was even surprised with a mini shoot that Dillon and his groomsman did while I was inside! It was such a treat to see when we got all of our photos back! Paulina managed to capture every emotion ourselves and all of our loved ones were feeling that beautiful, foggy, mystical day. We would recommend her over & over again to anyone looking for a photographer – Paulina goes above & beyond (and then some) for her clients.”

– Jayden & Dillon

Thank you to these fabulous, local vendors! ❤

Venue, Floral + Design: Tin Poppy Retreat

Photographer: Otylia Photography

Makeup: Cassidy Watt Makeup

Hair: Linds at Ra Hair Studio

Nails: Nails by Cassidy

Dress: Willowby by Watters

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Tin Poppy Elopement

I have been intrigued by the Tin Poppy Retreat ever since I picked up one of their brochures a couple of years ago. I started following them on Instagram and then decided to reach out to Maggie Shook to see if she wanted to collaborate on an elopement styled shoot. Maggie and her husband Jeremy are the most interesting and creative people and I wanted to spend way more time talking with them.

Each unique and inspired accommodation on this beautiful, 160 acre property in the Larch Hills has incredible character and style. It has three rentals available – the Lavender House, Violet Cabin and its namesake, the Tin Poppy. It’s eco (solar-powered!), rustic yet luxurious and an absolutely perfect place for an offbeat couple’s elopement or intimate wedding. If I could do it all over again, this is the just kind of place that I would absolutely get married. Thankfully there are always vow renewals, right?

I collaborated with these fantastic artists/vendors from the central and north Okanagan:

Dress/Veil: Bliss Bridal Kelowna – Facebook | Instagram

Hair/Makeup/Bridal Model: Tanisha Langner of T. Langner Lashes and Makeup – Facebook | Instagram

Groom Model: Zach Langner, Artist – Instagram

Suit/Shoes: J.Crew / Gucci

Floral: Katie LaRone 0f Sweet Pea Flowery – Facebook | Instagram

Jewelry: JC Bradley Jewellers – Facebook | Instagram

Catering/Styling/Venue: Tin Poppy Retreat – Facebook | Instagram

Thank you to everyone involved! It was a beautiful day and I can’t wait to come back and spend a cozy weekend by the fire at this forested retreat in the hills.

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Nisga’a Valley Adventure Travel Session | BC Adventure Photographer

This adventurous First Nations womxn explored the wilderness of BC

In my other life, I’m also an outpost nurse. I guess it’s not really “other” as I have been blending health and photography through various projects for years. I work in remote Indigenous communities in an advanced practice position providing primary, public health, and emergency care. I feel extremely fortunate to have explored all over BC and in Nunavut through this work.

For nearly six years, Lach Klan (also known as Kitkatla, home to the Gitxaała Nation) has been a second home for me. It is the kindest, most generous and welcoming community I have ever worked in. I get homesick for the land and ocean that surrounds this beautiful and wild island between Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert. It feels like coming home to family every time I return.

A few months ago, after my regular five-week rotation, I drove from Prince Rupert to Terrace to attend an ACLS/PALS/BLS course. For the non-health care folks in the group, that is Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Basic Life Support – courses we have to recertify regularly to stay current and manage emergencies competently.

The drive along Highway 16 from Prince Rupert to Terrace is stunning. It’s 145 km of road tracing the banks of the Skeena River and sneaking through mountain valleys. I was in Terrace for only three days and each one was a 10-hour learning session except for one afternoon I wanted to take advantage of. I only know a handful of people in Terrace, most who were unavailable. So, after unsuccessfully trying to recruit someone from the table next to me at dinner (only because she had to work the following evening), I posted a model call on the local community Facebook page.

That is how I met Kendra.

I naturally gravitate towards strong and assertive women and was impressed at how fast Kendra responded to me and what a great communicator she was. We quickly established a wardrobe and set a plan to meet in the hotel lobby the following afternoon.

We drove to a few locations I had scouted years ago and got to know a bit about one another during the ride. Turns out she was also in healthcare, so we had lots to talk about – it also helped that Kendra was a natural model. Her 7-year-old daughter was right by my side taking photos and asking for pointers which I loved! In the end, it was a spontaneously fantastic afternoon that added a bit of beauty to the world.

This adventurous First Nations womxn explored the wilderness of BC

 

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Kelowna Woodland Bridal Session

Such a pleasure to finally work with Sylvia Hajdu from Top Notch Art of Makeup! We had been talking about collaborating for a photoshoot for quite some time. Sylvia is a super talented makeup artist and really fun person to be around. Can’t wait for our next project together!

Thanks to Wild Ginger Floral Design for your GORGEOUS floral crown and Devon from DejaVu Model Management for your mad modelling skillz.

Makeup: Sylvia Hajdu of Top Notch Art of Makeup – Facebook | Instagram

Floral crown: Wild Ginger Floral Design – Facebook | Instagram

Model: Devon Nagle from DejaVu Model Management – Facebook | Instagram 

Dress: David’s Bridal

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