tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37074272054634914272024-03-05T06:48:06.996-08:00Alana Couch :: BlogObservations | Musings | CommentaryAlana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-62118419579308041882009-05-07T23:26:00.000-07:002009-05-07T23:27:02.663-07:00New Blog!!I've decided to say goodbye to this blog, I've had it for ages and am starting to get a little bored with it :) Now I have a new, prettier-looking blog, with bigger photos and I love it! <br /><br />Check it out at <a href="http://www.alanacouch.com/blog/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">http://www.alanacouch.com/blog/</span></a>Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-40911186832956720172009-05-03T09:52:00.000-07:002009-05-03T10:04:38.842-07:00Krista & MikeKrista and Mike were a breeze to photograph - so spontaneous and fun!! And it was extra cool because Krista and I were friends way back in elementary school but had lost touch until about 6 months ago when she contacted me about her wedding..<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike01.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike09.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike02.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike04.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike05.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike07.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike11.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike03.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike08.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike10.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/kristamike12.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-5893270499968291442009-04-30T10:59:00.000-07:002009-05-01T18:04:58.732-07:00eyelash extensionsMaria Rahmany of <a href="http://www.vancitymakeupartist.com/blog/"><b>Van City Makeup Artist</b></a> gave me eyelash extensions the other day and now I am in love with them! I was a bit nervous because I thought it would be painful or uncomfortable (or that I'd get my eyes glued shut.. yikes!!), but I just about fell asleep a couple times while she was putting them in, now I can't even feel that I have them! <br /><br />I thought I'd blog about them because they're perfect for weddings (I wish I'd know about them a few months ago!) because they look WAY more natural than most fake lashes I've seen. And they last three weeks, which is a bonus too!<br /><br />Here's a few before/afters that Maria took for her blog..<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/alanaeye1.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/alanaeye2.jpg" /><br /><br />Here's one more that Jin took yesterday (and I'm not wearing any make-up here, just the lashes)<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/alana2.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-39736431891873631422009-04-28T09:15:00.000-07:002009-04-28T08:40:09.517-07:00Stacie & WarrenStacie and Warren were up for anything, which was great! Their cute little dog Luna also came along for the session (I <span style="font-style:italic;">love</span> including pets in the photos) and she was so sweet<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren01.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren03.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren02.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren04.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren05.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren06.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren07.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren08.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren09.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/staciewarren10.jpg" /></div>Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-58757675377707161002009-04-26T13:36:00.000-07:002009-04-28T08:46:05.606-07:00Elaine & JayI had a really tough time choosing images for the blog today... There is no doubt in my mind that this is going to be one FUN wedding!!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay12.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay05.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay06.jpg" /><br /></div><br />This one is for you Jay :P<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay07.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay08.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay04.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay09.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay02.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay10.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/elainejay11.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-72783363323716659412009-04-23T21:28:00.000-07:002009-04-25T14:42:45.926-07:00UclueletWe decided to escape the city for a couple days and headed to Ucluelet... We totally lucked out with the weather and enjoyed a couple lazy days :)<br /><br />We also ate reallllly well! (one of my favourite things about travel/getting away!) There's a bunch of new restaurants in town, a couple of our favourites were the "Offshore Seafood Restaurant" and "Rooster's Cafe". If you're going over anytime soon, definitely make sure you eat at both!!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ucluelet01.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ucluelet02.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ucluelet04.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ucluelet05.jpg" /><br /></div><br />I kept myself busy for ages looking around for what the sea had left behind.. it's pretty amazing the patterns that the sea and wind can make in the sand.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ucluelet06.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ucluelet07.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ucluelet03.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ucluelet08.jpg" /><br /></div><br />This was the view from our room at night!!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ucluelet09.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-51853738356858300512009-04-20T09:02:00.000-07:002009-04-25T14:43:17.187-07:00Christine & BernardChristine and Bernard have this wonderful tenderness between them which really came through in the photos..<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern01.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern02.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern03.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern04.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern05.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern06.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern07.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern08.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern09.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/chrisbern10.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-81296331951364840452009-04-12T09:27:00.000-07:002009-05-06T22:28:08.977-07:00Kristal & EricI could have spent ALL afternoon photographing Kristal and Eric, the camera just <i>loved</i> them! 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<img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/krier11.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-28367638412616245242009-04-09T08:55:00.000-07:002009-04-09T09:25:07.959-07:00Spring Fun!These cousins were SO sweet together.. and they were real troupers too because it was a <i>cold</i> morning!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta03.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta3.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta05.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta01.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta02.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta04.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta06.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta07.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta08.jpg" /><br /><br />Their pup was super cute too! Only 6 months old, she is going to be HUGE!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta09.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta10.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/avta11.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-81263483610508326932009-04-01T10:33:00.000-07:002009-04-01T10:33:42.957-07:00DekkerI haven't posted any photos recently of our sweet pup..<br />
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they brought these great fighting masks...<br />
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We ended the session with some family photos..<br />
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I couldn't resist including a nose-picking image :)<br />
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<img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/ellakai11.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-67230303482441841802009-03-08T20:47:00.000-07:002009-03-08T20:56:23.110-07:00Lauren & Jeff!!What a great couple to start off the season with.. These two were AWESOME!!<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/laurjef01.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/laurjef02.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/laurjef08.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/laurjef04.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/laurjef05.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/laurjef06.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/laurjef07.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/laurjef03.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/laurjef09.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-77425503362148327632009-03-05T16:31:00.000-08:002009-04-25T13:07:42.180-07:00Our wedding photos!!Our wedding took place at the <b><a href="http://www.meliacaboreal.com/">Melia Cabo Real</a></b> resort in Los Cabos, Mexico who did an incredible job in setting up the ceremony and reception sites. I loved what Christina Robson (778-772-8880) did for my hair and make-up!<br /><br />Our talented photographers, Hollie from <b><a href="http://www.frozenmoment.ca/">Frozen Moment</a></b> and Mandy from <b><a href="http://www.leapphotos.com/">Leap Photographic</a></b> captured a ton of amazing photos!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/1.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/2.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/3.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/03.jpg" /><br /><br />We decided to do a 'first look' (seeing each other before the ceremony) so that we could enjoy the cocktail hour with our guests..<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/4.jpg" /><br /><br />You never really know until the day of the wedding, but I was sooo pleased with how our colours went together!!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/5.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/6.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/8.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/9.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/10.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/11.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/12.jpg" /><br /><br />My maid of honour became ill the day before we were to leave for Mexico and was told she couldn't fly.. Two days later she was given the clear to fly and arrived just in time for the ceremony to surprise us<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/13.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/14.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/15.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/16.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/17.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/18.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/19.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/20.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/21.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/22.jpg" /><br /><br />The reception ended with a trail of sparklers!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/23.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/img_7824.jpg" />Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-25415889678705917552009-02-20T13:00:00.000-08:002009-02-20T13:00:32.008-08:00Married!!I can honestly say that our wedding day was one of the most incredible days of my life. The entire day went better than either of us could possibly have imagined, from the morning with our friends and then our 'first look', to our almost surreal ceremony (which included whales swimming just offshore!) to some really touching and hilarious speeches.. It's hard to put into words what I felt about that day, and really the entire week, which we spent with all our closest family members and friends.<br />
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We haven't seen the professional photos yet, but the second I get them I will be making a massive post! In the meantime I leave you with our vows:<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;"> You Have Chosen To Exchange Your Wedding Vows In Beautiful Baja Mexico. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">We Stand Between The Sea Of Cortez And The Pacific, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">Surrounded By The Spirits Of The Sun And Sea, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">And In The Presence Of Friends And Family Who Are Here To Surround You With Their Love.</span> </div><div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">This Ceremony Is A Declaration Of Your Love And Union With Each Other.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">This Marriage Should Provide Spiritual Growth And Discovery For Both Of You, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">Expanding Your Capacity For Love, Intimacy, And Joy, And The Intentions You Will Jointly Pledge Today Should Act As A Guide For The Future: <br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">To Explore The World Together</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">To Always Be Truthful And Love Fearlessly</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">To Live Your Dreams</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">To Meet In Unconditional Love</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">To Be A Happy Family</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">Love is patient, love is kind</span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">It does not evny, it does not boast, it is not proud</span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs.</span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth</span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always preserves.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">Love never fails.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">Marriage is not always 50-50. You need to realize that there will be a balance in compromise. There will be times when one will need to carry the other, and give more than the other.</span> <br />
</div><div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">“May your days together be good and long upon the earth. Now you will feel no rain . . for each of you will be shelter for each other. Now you will feel no cold . . . .for each of you will be warmth for the other. Now there is no more loneliness. Now you are two persons but there is only one life before you”</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: AvantGarde; font-size: small;">May Infinite Happiness Accompany You During The New Life You Are Beginning Together.</span> </div>Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-55368682051544769172009-02-05T20:41:00.000-08:002009-02-05T22:05:46.913-08:00counting down the days...I can't believe that in less than a week we're going to be MARRIED!! We're back in town for about a week to tend to any last-minute wedding details (I just finished the seating charts this evening!), as well as a ton of client meetings and other errands that need to be done after a month of being out of town.. I'm actually pretty pleased with how much we managed to get done before we left for Brasil because most of what's left to do for the wedding are just small details and anything that doesn't get done won't be the end of the world.. I also want to cram in as many pilates sessions as I can the next few days to look great for the wedding :)Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-69050893422826337982009-01-25T17:10:00.000-08:002009-03-15T11:23:31.519-07:00Brasil #2Okay, I know I´ve been bad about posting and I apologize! What little time I spend on the computer I´m generally responding to various client emails so I haven´t had a chance to blog but I promise to be a better blogger in February/March :)<br />
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Here are a few more images from the trip...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4C5BuInBe2DrcDNsuOFjafBj7LKjNOPRKUuDXqt82WN1PEdneVn_lTuJZpjUbJ1nXpmY8TIXRvPluorAgJXWA3bxY53Yji-hbdEPfqgfBJJ4t2xjnNcMc5ldygY4WrwDLX8RT-ERgkHX/s1600-h/DSC04773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4C5BuInBe2DrcDNsuOFjafBj7LKjNOPRKUuDXqt82WN1PEdneVn_lTuJZpjUbJ1nXpmY8TIXRvPluorAgJXWA3bxY53Yji-hbdEPfqgfBJJ4t2xjnNcMc5ldygY4WrwDLX8RT-ERgkHX/s320/DSC04773.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxW7KW9l1QEqke5EAwuI5TsPJi3fJfsK66RnYzbTbirmocZ_E_qzyHMVs9lI7okVvvZ_BC9IrT-5ccDeguEnWyhppxtJejW-TG97-fXkNHD9sD2U38vya7S4_BQITMH50XfPeFoLksTC2/s1600-h/DSC04783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxW7KW9l1QEqke5EAwuI5TsPJi3fJfsK66RnYzbTbirmocZ_E_qzyHMVs9lI7okVvvZ_BC9IrT-5ccDeguEnWyhppxtJejW-TG97-fXkNHD9sD2U38vya7S4_BQITMH50XfPeFoLksTC2/s320/DSC04783.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_TcGP1RnYOCpYNBi4gP-V-WARu-3g0XJ7j2hfKewMJ2R1TenKQy2FvgDo1X5LboJ6Dm9lI5WSBALCLfhQqayUtUbamBJLoBeGj7YeST2g1ib-Oy-VEA0bVd8Ej6nn1WIsUbTc0tKAkP9/s1600-h/DSC04198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_TcGP1RnYOCpYNBi4gP-V-WARu-3g0XJ7j2hfKewMJ2R1TenKQy2FvgDo1X5LboJ6Dm9lI5WSBALCLfhQqayUtUbamBJLoBeGj7YeST2g1ib-Oy-VEA0bVd8Ej6nn1WIsUbTc0tKAkP9/s320/DSC04198.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8onKQrTMou7fxqQkvQ6PcMFb6rncYNND62Ib6Odm9jMpbdYPhL5P-qZvR9EHlCrqagy7hHktHsIPTK-yLbWcKHERcKWq5LzaV2IhI27K9vNnal3mDxjHwW7RysHhB-64adz02M8N6STcO/s1600-h/DSC04418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8onKQrTMou7fxqQkvQ6PcMFb6rncYNND62Ib6Odm9jMpbdYPhL5P-qZvR9EHlCrqagy7hHktHsIPTK-yLbWcKHERcKWq5LzaV2IhI27K9vNnal3mDxjHwW7RysHhB-64adz02M8N6STcO/s320/DSC04418.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />
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We started in Salvador...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2b0q9gpRFc1EOndP-3BEgCcSdhyphenhyphenofaTH1SHKu4QvKKmKXIchrMZ-busDmcaTMtvEjSiyvLd1sorlcmxEQ8H_3rtVnOIstPrgckthJ9Hw6U-AREfZ5OiD0_lZ4c8rDztlxy3ugdgVbG25z/s320/brasil2.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1tRjDXwzVskxah_eQkES9YmSGTl0myxrp558hzzIBi35_pANp-XUP5Lwnn_yb0bULg6oHTNq-v6hsqgzKtTKETiS2xIdjjJzJOJsYbT54GjhyphenhyphenX7gEVajTubLoSzjSzX5pTAO_nliVY-Z/s1600-h/brasil1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1tRjDXwzVskxah_eQkES9YmSGTl0myxrp558hzzIBi35_pANp-XUP5Lwnn_yb0bULg6oHTNq-v6hsqgzKtTKETiS2xIdjjJzJOJsYbT54GjhyphenhyphenX7gEVajTubLoSzjSzX5pTAO_nliVY-Z/s320/brasil1.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDZQXp6QHcTp9-ejz2m5uWzCtbm9j01VnGLXFppAHJbV_QJcF1ZOmvtOG7TuO6w_cUp0QDLqDCTL_7nHQaJ1DyZWvMEMtuHTRUGrfk75C1C2zLDC4OuJ6eVfxNq_MIJJEgBuhzwmaqeKp/s1600-h/brasil3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDZQXp6QHcTp9-ejz2m5uWzCtbm9j01VnGLXFppAHJbV_QJcF1ZOmvtOG7TuO6w_cUp0QDLqDCTL_7nHQaJ1DyZWvMEMtuHTRUGrfk75C1C2zLDC4OuJ6eVfxNq_MIJJEgBuhzwmaqeKp/s320/brasil3.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
This is the town we're in now.. the first time I came here was about five years ago and the friend I was travelling with and I had only intended to stay for one night.. The day we arrived we wound up making some local friends and had such an incredible time that I stayed 3 weeks (and I only left because after 8 months of travelling it was about time to be heading home) and he stayed 3 months.. Now is my third time back and it's still one of my favourite places in Brasil, it's starting to get a bit more tourism here, there's a total of 8 bed-and-breakfasts here now instead of the 2 that were here the first time we came, but it still has the same laid back feel it always did.. our days here have mostly consisted of going to the beach and chilling out in hammocks for some much needed R&R.. now that it's almost the weekend I'm looking forward to some dancing at night!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0RiyySS9h-F2dILxZab8krSYDywOVPkUMmA5S9uDHh0O9Z8gTQLkm7Ghr58MdzdPXaVu4FACHp2WFfBg9DSNu7tMFxtemIV-OR5mVy7VvaLmqRrALiMtqL856SoZEbaQyNWpFL0C3POS/s1600-h/brasil4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0RiyySS9h-F2dILxZab8krSYDywOVPkUMmA5S9uDHh0O9Z8gTQLkm7Ghr58MdzdPXaVu4FACHp2WFfBg9DSNu7tMFxtemIV-OR5mVy7VvaLmqRrALiMtqL856SoZEbaQyNWpFL0C3POS/s320/brasil4.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PXGplboXXZ4qcYrh-ax4UkPlK2thQPX6jo2VbTNtGfbphP0Bm-hVAR3j8e_pnbvNdMmEvvWUA2riZ7cAxunthfWJRH4Q9vQw8RKsSYN4Rm_eQe313WYrUEbzDMRYx063Lrqb_IeuSnXX/s1600-h/brasil5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PXGplboXXZ4qcYrh-ax4UkPlK2thQPX6jo2VbTNtGfbphP0Bm-hVAR3j8e_pnbvNdMmEvvWUA2riZ7cAxunthfWJRH4Q9vQw8RKsSYN4Rm_eQe313WYrUEbzDMRYx063Lrqb_IeuSnXX/s320/brasil5.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-27418720210546776662009-01-01T10:40:00.000-08:002009-01-01T10:40:00.899-08:00Happy New Year!!It's been an incredible year.. We worked with so many <i>awesome</i> couples who we've had a ton of fun with. It's always kinda sad when it's time for them to pick up their final albums, knowing that our work for them is done (well, until they start having babies, of course :P But I know we will keep in touch with many of them..<br />
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We're about halfway booked up for 2009 and already have some amazing weddings to look forward to - I can't wait!!<br />
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Maybe in 2009 we will combine our love for travel with our love for photographing weddings, here are a few places we would love to photograph weddings this year!: <br />
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1. in a European Castle<br />
2. in a Tuscan winery<br />
3. on the beaches of Mexico<br />
4. on the top of a mountain, arriving by helicopter, hot air balloon or any other interesting flying device :)<br />
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Although really, anywhere will do :)<br />
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Happy New Year!Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-64690720833444392802008-12-19T09:11:00.000-08:002009-03-15T11:17:31.300-07:00Fun winter plansThere's going to be a whole ton going on for us in the next month or two, in a really REALLY good way!! First there's the holidays, my second favourite time of the year (after summer - I love the sun), then we head off to Brasil for our honeymoon (who says the wedding has to be first?), then after a few days back home we're going to Mexico for our wedding!!! I'm so looking forward to it all, this is going to be a WICKED winter! I plan to do my best to keep the blog updated with all our going-ons and will be responding to email while we're gone. And I don't doubt there will be a mongo post after the wedding :)<br />
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The other reason for the Brasil trip is for me to <i>hopefully,</i> finish my book that I have been working on for about 5 years now.. or to at least have enough photos for the book, because I'm sure it will take me another couple years to find a Brazilian to write the text (writing is definitely not one of my strong points), as well there are a bunch of negs that I still have to get scanned, find a publisher, etc.. But I'm getting there! The book will be entirely b&w and show the day-to-day life of many Brasilians and although I don't ignore the poverty and hardship that many face, I do focus more on the positive to show what an incredible people they are. Every time I visit Brasil I am completely amazed by the joy and pride that they have in their lives, despite the extreme poverty that many of them live in.. <br />
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Funny how those with very little can be 10x happier than others with way more.. Maybe a good thing to keep in mind during the holidays<br />
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More at <a href="http://www.alanacouchphoto.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">www.alanacouchphoto.com</span></a><br />
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Happy Holidays everyone!!!Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-42895701484908160552008-12-16T19:28:00.000-08:002008-12-16T20:23:21.744-08:00Chuck, Mandy, Lynden & BraydenI just love this family! We wound up doing the majority of the session in the bedroom, just because after about 2 minutes outdoors the boys were chattering their teeth and freezing from the cold (supposedly it was about -10 today..brr!) But it was no problem at all because the light coming into the bedroom was gorgeous! The images all have a very clean and simple look to them that I just love.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam01.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam02.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam03.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam04.jpg"/><br /><br />babies loooove to touch camera lenses :P<br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam05.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam06.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam07.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam08.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam09.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam10.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandyfam11.jpg"/>Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-79807054253811617382008-12-15T15:41:00.000-08:002008-12-15T16:05:53.135-08:00CherylNormally I don't do 'headshot' type sessions, just because they usually feel a little too formal for me but after chatting with Cheryl when she called the other day I just couldn't say no and am so glad I didn't! It was an absolute pleasure to photograph you and a ton of fun. You are such an incredible and inspiring woman, I could have spent all afternoon chatting with you! <br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/cheryl01.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/cheryl06.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/cheryl02.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/cheryl03.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/cheryl04.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/cheryl05.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/cheryl08.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/cheryl07.jpg"/>Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-13237206488329058402008-12-13T10:59:00.000-08:002008-12-13T14:17:38.697-08:00Cans DonatedThank-you to all of you who posted comments this past week I will be donating 26 cans of food to my local food bank this weekend!!Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-80881511163385783002008-12-10T16:20:00.000-08:002009-03-15T11:25:28.736-07:00Mexican Wedding BallsThis week's baking.. Perfect for the holidays! (and yum!)<br />
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<img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mexicanweddingballs.jpg"/><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
* 1 cup butter, room temperature<br />
* 2 cups icing sugar<br />
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
* 2 cups all purpose flour<br />
* 1 cup pecans, toasted, coarsely ground<br />
* 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
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Preparation:<br />
Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add 1/2 cup icing sugar and vanilla; beat until well blended. Beat in flour, then pecans. Divide dough in half; form each half into ball. Wrap separately in plastic; chill until cold, about 30 minutes.<br />
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk remaining 1 1/2 cups icing sugar and cinnamon in pie dish to blend. Set cinnamon sugar aside.<br />
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Working with half of chilled dough, roll dough by 2 teaspoonfuls between palms into balls. Arrange balls on heavy large baking sheet, spacing 1/2 inch apart. Bake cookies until golden brown on bottom and just pale golden on top, about 18 minutes. Cool cookies 5 minutes on baking sheet. Gently toss warm cookies in cinnamon sugar to coat completely. Transfer coated cookies to rack and cool completely. Repeat procedure with remaining half of dough. (Cookies can be prepared 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature; reserve remaining cinnamon sugar.)<br />
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When balls are cool roll a second time in icing sugar. Makes about 4 dozen<br />
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I had actually made them for a cookie exchange with a few friends... Here are the resulting goodies I wound up with!<br />
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<img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mexicanweddingballs2.jpg"/>Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707427205463491427.post-13626991154102257142008-12-06T17:05:00.000-08:002008-12-06T17:38:42.818-08:002nd shootingIt's rare that I get to second shoot a wedding these days, just because I'm always so crazy busy with my own weddings, but I had the opportunity to help out Mandy Anderson from <a href="www.leapphotos.com"><b>Leap Photographic</b></a> recently and had such a blast!! I even got to shoot the guys getting ready, which I was excited about since I haven't done that in ages! <br /><br />Here are just a few fun, random images from the day:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandy01.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandy02.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandy03.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandy04.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandy05.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandy06.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandy07.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandy08.jpg"/><br /><br /><img src="http://www.alanacouch.com/blogfotos/mandy09.jpg"/>Alana Couchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03580610563489989644noreply@blogger.com3