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Category Archives: TRAVEL

Domo Arigato Japan

Well it’s been over a month since we returned from our honeymoon in Japan, but it still feels like we were there yesterday. Adam and I chose to go to Japan because it was a country that was on our “MUST GO TO” list. It was was quite the experience. I was in my second month of being pregnant so I was a little worried about how I was going to handle this trip waaay overseas with the different foods, let alone the 11 hour direct flight to Narito Airport from Los Angeles. But I successfully made it through our 2.5 week trip even with some good days and some pretty rough nausea/fatigue days…ok, enough about how the ninja was already kicking my butt.  ;P

The timing for our honeymoon trip was based around the Tokyo Auto Salon in January (I’m an awesome wife right?). We met up with the DSport Magazine group in L.A. and then headed to Japan. The tour and show was about a week long but when that wrapped up, Adam and I were on our own. Adam planned most of our sites to see and had everything organized for us for this trip, which I’m SO thankful for. Some of the places and areas we went to see was Himeji Castle, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Kyoto, and Osaka, just to name a few. We even stayed in a Ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn where you get to experience true Japanese culture and hospitality. I wish we could have stayed there a few more nights since I found it so relaxing.

This entire trip had amazing and breathtaking views where pictures just don’t do it justice. I will definitely go back to Japan again, but at a much warmer time of the year. I really wanted to see some cherry blossom trees in full bloom, but they don’t blossom until the end of March – beginning of April. *Sighh…but the trip was based around the date of the Tokyo Auto Salon (again, I’m an AWESOME WIFE…right Adam??? *wink*). We are already planning to go back in a few years, then I can bask in the warm sun and take in the pretty sweet blossoms.

So enjoy some of the pictures that we took with my Canon 5D and point and shoot.

With the set of pictures at the Salon show, I let Adam have my 5D to take pictures of cars. Great pics, but with the collage below, can you tell me which picture doesn’t really belong??? I’m glad he enjoyed all the great “bodywork” there. *tsk *tsk *tsk…

They even had some cool Recaro baby seats there. We really wanted to get one but these models are illegal in Canada.  :(

I even liked the design on their street sewer covers. I love geometric shapes and patterns.

Adam striking a pose with amazing light.

This is Himeji Castle in all it’s glory. This Castle was used in a James Bond movie, “You only live Twice” and the Tom Cruise’ movie,“The Last Samurai”.

Me inside the castle.

The stairs in this castle were extremely steep. Inside, there were six levels in total, and with a lot of climbing and rests, we both made it to the top!

How can you go to Japan without seeing anything Hello Kitty?! I’m not a cat person but she is the only cat I love. So while we were out and about shopping, I found this place where they had some flavoured stuffed treats shaped as, you guessed it, Hello Kitty! Yum!

Random smoker on the side streets in Harajuku.

Inside one of the many crazy, expensive malls we just window shopped in.

Adam looking at shirts in cool packaging and interesting display.

The majority of restaurants in Japan have this type of display inside their windows or entrances. It’s a realistic mould of the dishes they serve. Pretty cool and they looked so real.

Adam finally met up with his penpal of ten years, Mariko, whom we had a nice dinner with, which included Japanese-style pizza and Baskin Robbins for dessert. Thanks for the gifts Mariko, you are too sweet!

I took a picture of this because it was the only pug I saw in the entire time I was in Japan. No Shar-pei’s either! Boo.

These next series of shots were taken at the Ryokan, where we were dressed in traditional yukata’s while we stayed there. As you can see, we liked…

Domo Arigato Japan, we will see you in a few years in full bloom with an adventurous ninja in hand.  ;P

And thankyou Adam for such a great adventurous honeymoon. Can’t wait for next time!

I’m back and married!!!

Hi everyone! I’m back and hitched! Our wedding at the El Dorado Royale in Mexico was a success. I wouldn’t have changed anything about it…it was absolutely perfect! The wedding day was sunny, breezy and the view of the ocean was breathtaking. Adam looked so handsome in his custom made suit from Mark Nunes, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. And my dress, I absolutely loved. I had it custom made by a talented designer named Lisa Van Hattem. It was perfect for the warm climate and exactly what I wanted.

I have always wanted a destination wedding and the resort in itself has now set a new standard for me, it definitely didn’t let me down. I have to admit that I was worried since we planned everything by doing our research on the internet and reading reviews. I would definitely go back to this resort again, and again. The food was exceptional, and all of the workers were friendly and willing to help you out in anyway to make sure you were happy and comfortable. All of our guests had a blast and we brought a lot of great memories back home to Canada.

I’m still adjusting calling Adam my husband but I’m sure it will become the norm after a year or so…heehee! He is my best friend and the one I can turn to for anything. I love you Cutes and am looking foward to the many years ahead together!

Come back to this post soon because I will be posting some pictures that Emma Smallbone from barebonephoto took of our special day! CAN’T WAIT for you all to see them!

***UPDATE*** Look below for just a few of my favorites. Thanks so much Emma! Enjoy! If you’d like to see more, check out her blog.

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Our outdoor reception.

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Here are some pictures taken a few days after the wedding…

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My turn to say “I do” … in MEXICO!!!

Hola friends and fellow blog followers! I am out of the office because in a few hours I am off to get married in “Meh-hee-ko”– The Mayan Riviera to be exact. I cannot believe one year of planning has gone by so quickly…oh how time flies.

Right now, my soon-to-be husband Adam is power napping while I stay awake writing to you. I can’t just abandon you without telling you where I’m going…especially when it’s such an exciting point in my life. Honestly, I don’t even know how he can sleep. We have to be up and out the door by 6 a.m. but I’m too excited, anxious and nervous to even close my eyes! Ohh I can’t wait to feel that breeze of warm air when I take that first step off the plane. Then hit the beach and dig my toes into the warm sand while gazing at the gorgeous blue ocean. Wow, in less than a week’s time, I will do what I’ve seen soo many beautiful bride’s do…is say “I do” while staring into their best friend’s eyes. Love. *sigh*…

Don’t worry, I’ll come back and post pictures from our big day, but right now I must calm the brain and get some beauty sleep. ;P

Buenas noches! Zzzzzzzz..

Beach

JESSICA + RISHI – Kashmir, India

What can I say about these two special friends that are close to my heart? They are two of the most kind, caring and generous people I know. I wouldn’t have missed their wedding in Kashmir, India for the world. The wedding was beautiful, full of rich crisp colours, and the turning of the leaves made an amazing backdrop for their portrait shots. Having the ceremony and celebrations at Rishi’s family’s retreat, Green Acres, made it feel even more welcoming and special. I hope to go back there one day. 

Stay tuned for some more pictures on my travels through India.

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“Hug hug, kiss kiss, hug hug, big kiss, little hug, kiss kiss, little kiss.” :P

HOLA CUBA!

Since the subject of my first post was about a wedding in Cuba, I thought I would continue with an additional Cuba post. 

While waiting for Amy and Damis’ special day to arrive, a group of us took an early morning day trip into the countryside which included our own rented jeeps! – that was one of the main selling features of the package! We all followed our tour guide off the main roads, made stops in small villages, schools and farms to learn about Cuba and their culture. Some of our activities included: a visit to a coffee plantation, horse-back riding, lunch on a hill-top, viewing of a Christopher Columbus landmark, and watching a historical dance ritual for marriage – just to name a few. Needless to say by the time we made it back to the resort that evening we were all happily exhausted and looking forward to a dip in the pool.

Here are a few pictures from that memorable day. Enjoy!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I got kisses from a couple of the marriage show dancers...oooo la laaaa!  ;P

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I got kisses from a couple of the dancers...oooo la laaaa! ;P

AMY + DAMIS – Playa Costa Verde, Cuba

This past January I was asked to be the photographer for my fiancee’s good friend Amy. When she asked me I was honoured! Not only was I flattered that she asked me but I was ecstatic because the wedding was going to be in Cuba! How exciting! Just as the winter blues set in, a trip away to a bright sunny, sandy beach would be the best fix.

Even with the sunny days and warm weather at our fingertips, the beach and sea still call to me. Here are some pictures I’d like to share from their wedding at beautiful Playa Costa Verde Resort. Needless to say, with a guest list of 90 and a hot looking bride and groom, the week in Cuba was amazing! Thanks for the great time Amy and Damis!  

 

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The hot couple!

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Ceremony.

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Damis and his handsome groomsmen.

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Amy and her sexy ladies!

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A wonderful wedding party.

A ring shot after a warm rain shower.

A ring shot after a warm rain shower.

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I couldn't resist...another ring Shot.

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The kiss.

Guest list of 90! Such great company!

Guest list of 90! Such great company!