Glen Flett shot and killed Margot Van Sluytman's father during a botched robbery in 1978. In 2007 they met and are working on reconciliation. As Margot says, in all cases of crime the victim and the perpetrator are both locked up. The two will speak to school kids and various other groups this week on unlocking the power of forgiveness and redemption.
Spent the day skiing at Blackcomb/Whistler with Canadian Olympic athlete Donovan Tildesley. Donovan carried the flag at the Bejing Games and competed in the pool in various swimming events. He is a great athlete and a fun guy. He's also blind from birth.
Donovan skis with a professional guide using a two-way radio system that allows him to ski untethered. Without a doubt he is one courageous athlete.
After chasing him up and down the mountain all day not only am I sore but I'm still in awe of someone who is living his life with such abandon. Donovan may not be able to see as most of us do, but he certainly has a great perspective. We hiked the glacier and skiied areas reserved for experts. And after pointing my skis straight down and closing my eyes briefly I got a chance to see where he's coming from.
It's a good thing Erika+Joe played it cool at Marisol+Rob's wedding or all eyes may have strayed onto them. They are so hot together and this combination of passion together with the hottest day of the week made for a great session. They're getting married next year in New Jersey and I sense an upstate heat wave. BTW: E+J took advantage of our special offer on a session for guests at weddings we are at this year. Anyone else interested?
More favourites from tonight with M+R.
It was muggy hot today at Marisol+Rob's wedding in Puerto Vallarta. Napkins were needed to wipe sweaty pates but moreso to dab the flow of tears as joy prevailed. More to come as there are just too many...
Not that I ever completely lost it, but my faith in the work I am doing and the direction I am taking in this work was completely restored today. Perhaps it's just the first destination wedding of the year, the hot sun on my head, the late-night tequila in a quiet Mexican bar, or the moon and the stars alligned; who knows? Marisol and Rob's Puerto Vallarta wedding tonight really drives home an ongoing theme with me: love and rockets. Where else is love as prevalent, as raw, as outwordly tangible as it is at a wedding? Where else do clans collide and collect to ritualize and crow and cry and laugh together as one? Marisol and Rob's wedding was not the most-spectacular. It wasn't the most-expensive. It was, however, a true testament to love and rockets. The love came pouring in as 80 guests represented in these troubled times. The rockets surfaced as laughter and giggles as tears erupted time again over stories and friendship and family. For me this is why I do the work I do. As I sat on the beach today watching dear friends laugh til they cried I knew what I have known for a long time: that I am so priviledged to do what I do. To document this love and those rockets.
Tomorrow's the day for Marisol and Rob. Today we poked around old Vallarta.
The Simpson family has a long history in the eastern Fraser Valley. Easter is always a special time to gather at Bob and Edie's farm where grandchildren like twins Madeline and Chelsey and a 10-day-old colt run wild.
Cyndy Connah is a piano-playing, singer/songwriter from Chilliwack who will put out a cd this year. Here are a few from today's session meant to garner some artwork for the sleeve.
The 87th Annual Chilliwack Plowing Match took place today on the land just behind our house. I have been photographing the event off and on for 17 years and it felt great to finally feel some warm spring sun and get down in the dirt again with these hard-working men and women, horses, tractors and plows.
