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

Posted in Adventure Session, Weddings | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

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

 

Posted in Adventure Session | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Gabriela + Juri | Los Angeles Engagement

Gabriela + Juri. Venice, California.

Continue reading »

Posted in Engagements | , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Collecting the details | North Vancouver, BC

20160917-oty_8386

Collecting the details before they blur. You fell in love with these details. The gold dipped roses. The monogrammed purses your mother sewed for you and your bridesmaids. Your grandmother’s handkerchief. The expression on your father’s face when he first saw you. The anticipation. The jitters. People that love you by your side, calm and reassuring. Despite the rain, everything would be as you had hoped.

Wedding preparations are some of my favourite moments to capture. I was delighted when my cousin-in-law asked me to photograph her and the closest women in her life while they got ready. Thank you for inviting me, Jana. The day was beautiful from beginning to end. Wishing you and Vince a lifetime of happiness!
xo
Hair: Denise Elliott Beauty Co.
Make Up: Rebeca Coloma – Make Up
Wedding Dress: Blush Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bari Jay

20160917-oty_8124

20160917-oty_8133

20160917-oty_8139

20160917-oty_8150

Continue reading »

Posted in Weddings | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Flower Whisperer | Sweet Pea Flowery | Winfield, BC

20160914-oty_7812

Katie LaRone. Flower Whisperer.

On her one acre family-run specialty cut flower and herb farm, she and her partner, Shawn Hunt, farm using permaculture principles and are passionate about soil health. “Taking good care of the land makes the best flowers and allows our farm to be an ecosystem for critters big and small. We don’t spray any pesticides, herbicides or conventional fertilizers, not even ‘organic approved’.”

They believe in the importance of ‘slow flowers and local flowers’. “Most people don’t think about where the cut flowers they purchase come from and the majority come from South and Central America – roses for example are mainly from Columbia and Ecuador. They travel thousands of miles by plane to get here which isn’t very environmentally friendly. In addition, they are sprayed a lot. Some florists have to wear gloves because of their exposure to all these toxic chemicals on the flowers.”

Sweet Pea Flowery grows flowers for both the big moments in life and for everyday enjoyment. If you would like more beauty in your life, get in touch with Katie through Facebook or Instagram. A new website is on its way soon!

Gorgeous outfit and accessories (pictured above) contributed by Cento Wear in downtown Vernon. “Cento Wear boasts a beautiful selection of carefully curated feminine apparel and accessories from a variety of Canadian, American and European designers.”

20160914-oty_7568

20160914-oty_7561

20160914-oty_7558

20160914-oty_7512

20160914-oty_7521

Continue reading »

Posted in Styled Shoot, Women Who Farm | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anne & Victor

Otylia Photography {Weddings}

Two beautiful, brilliant friends were married in Boston, MA last summer. While many friends and family members captured happy moments over the course of their wedding day, they didn’t have the opportunity to have any professional portraits of the two of them.

Anne and Victor brought me to the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and there, with the luxury of time and a beautiful sunset, we were able to create images they will delight in for a lifetime.

20141109-oty_8207

20141109-oty_8238

20141109-oty_8225

20141109-oty_8255 Continue reading »

Posted in Weddings | , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
Book Now