Tammie and Marks’ Anti-Wedding – Part II

Part II – The journey starts at the bike shop the day before the ride only to find out it had snowed at the top of the peak that morning.

And so it begins…early Sunday seven of us left at 8:30 to begin a rather long climb. Our goal was to reach the top of Granite Mountain where the rest of the party would be waiting for the ceremony. Included in that group was Tammie’s oldest sister Sherry and her husband Sheldon, the Wedding Commissioner and the rest of my camera equipment (thanks Sheldon!).

© Cecile Gambin Photography
Mandatory riders meeting for the first wave of riders. Close to 100 riders participated.

We slowly made our way uphill through gorgeous single track moving in and out of the pine scented forests. Fashionably late we arrived at Granite Mountain 45 minutes behind schedule (probably my fault as I wanted a few photos along the way and was a wee bit slow climbing). The ceremony was held on the platform of a small warming hut at the top of Red Mountain Ski Resort where the clouds blew in and out faster than you could say ‘I do’. I suspect it was a balmy 2 or 3 degrees Celsius.

The Wedding Commissioner, Roberta Post, began as Tammie and Mark stood opposite of her. I’m sure she was using the hut to shield her from the wind. Smart. The rest of us gathered around, cold yet warm. Every so often a cloud would lift revealing the layers of mountains below. In a few weeks time this area will become snow-covered leaving behind any trace we may have left. Yet this special day will live forever through stories and photos among friends and family.

The ceremony was without a doubt beautiful as the commissioner read the vows. We looked on as both Tammie and Marks’ smiles warmed our cold hands. And as if on queue the clouds lifted and a ray on sunshine fell on them both just before their kiss. Cheers and clapping erupted as we congratulated them on the beginning of their life journey together.

We took a few photos of the group and left fairly quickly to make the 1:30 pm Poker Ride cut-off time. At this point I believe we had covered the largest portion of climbing and looked forward to shorter, steeper, smaller climbs and fast downhills. The recent rains made for excellent trail conditions offering unrivaled uphill traction and stable corners.

Part of the attraction of a Poker Ride is the camaraderie and Revolution Cycles brought it out in full-force. With check-in points along the 36 km route riders drew cards, threw darts, played Trivial Pursuit, and belted out old TV shows songs for everyone to hear.

I would like to thank Revolution Cycles for a very well organized event. And for the cool t-shirts (in both men and women’s cut non-the-less)!! Maybe one day I’ll have another opportunity to tackle this ride. It was hard but not impossible and I’m super happy to have completed it….albeit in my own fashion.

En route...
En route…

© Cecile Gambin Photography

© Cecile Gambin Photography
Those of us who have taken the plunge understand this moment perfectly…

© Cecile Gambin Photography

© Cecile Gambin Photography

 

© Cecile Gambin Photography
No it wasn’t an o-ring but it was a beautiful blue sapphire encased in platinum….that way Tammie can’t damage it!

© Cecile Gambin Photography

© Cecile Gambin Photography

© Cecile Gambin Photography

 

© Cecile Gambin Photography
The Wedding Party – Kelly, Tennille, Sherry, Sheldon, Paul, Lisa, Mark and Tammie.
© Cecile Gambin Photography
Most at this point take a limo but not these two…it was a rocky descent to continue our 36 km trek across the Kootenays.
© Cecile Gambin Photography
Some of the checkpoint festivities – throw the dart and hit your favourite politician!
© Cecile Gambin Photography
Spin the Wheel and hope you don’t land on the Vegemite!
Saltine crackers and Vegemite. Mmmmm...
Saltine crackers and Vegemite. Mmmmm…
Showing our age (well maybe mine only) and trying to remember the theme to The Love Boat.
Showing our age (well maybe mine only) and trying to remember the theme to The Love Boat.
Riding a tricked-out Brodie. Feel free to leave messages if you think you know what's up with this bike.
Riding a tricked-out Brodie. Feel free to leave messages if you think you know what’s up with this bike.
The Flying Bride - Tammie ripping up the downhill.
The Flying Bride shreds the downhills.

© Cecile Gambin Photography

© Cecile Gambin Photography

© Cecile Gambin Photography
YAY!…we made it!

 

Mark getting that garter belt and throwing it at the post-ride BBQ.
Mark getting that garter belt and throwing it at the post-ride BBQ.

Congratulations to Tammie and Mark for a wildly fun and successful day!! It was an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to photograph and share this special day with you.

If I’m going to shoot a wedding let it be this type. Thanks for allowing me creative freedom 🙂

© Cecile Gambin Photography

 

A Bride, A Make-Up Artist and a Photographer

© Cecile Gambin Photography

I haven’t been this giddy about a wedding in a long time. It’s not that I didn’t like my own but this one was different. For starters, there was no groom. There wasn’t even a wedding. There was only one photographer, a make-up artist/hair stylist, a model and a wedding dress.

Desiree Ellis (make-up/hair stylist) and Sambrina Lawrence (model) met me for what turned out to be one of my most memorable photos sessions to date. Dressed in a wedding dress Sambrina bravely carried her train in her arms as she negotiated a steep, narrow rocky dirt path down to the waters edge.

After a small detour (I took a wrong turn) we settled on a nice rock and began shooting. The magic didn’t happen though until the party boats dropped by, and the liquid sunshine poured in.

I had been planning this session for a few months with Desiree and had originally thought about setting camp at Whyte Cliff Park. Checking with the marine forecast I realized my chosen spot was to be underwater for the time frame and date that had been selected. Re-booking the session was not an option so I worked around the tides and found another suitable location. The goal of the photo shoot was to highlight Desiree’s work.

My set-up was simple and appropriate – two lenses, a light, a voice controlled tripod and a reflector. I wanted a clean, energetic and bright shot that could be found in a haute-couture print ad that showcased Desiree’s make-up, and Sambrina’s refined look against deep blue-bird skies.

As we shot, on-lookers peered and party-boats danced and cheered on us from behind us. It was rather amusing and added to the excitement and buzz of a not-so-real wedding bridal shoot.  To say the least it was a festive and productive afternoon that put all 3 of us in a superb mood. Simply said it was fun!!!

I love working with people that allow me creative freedom. I also enjoy the challenges that come with working on a live set unscripted by walls. Thank you Desiree and Sambrina for your professionalism. I am beyond stoked with my photos and had an awesome time!!

© Cecile Gambin Photography

© Cecile Gambin Photography