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This morning I had the privilege of working with my friend Hilary Keller yet again.  Hilary is a great girl so when she approached me to do some shots for her Miss Saskatchewan portfolio, I was more than thrilled.  She definitely is a beautiful girl but she's just as beautiful on the inside and I can't wait to see her compete for the title of Miss Canada on August 29th. Currently Hilary is working towards a nursing degree at the U of S in Saskatoon. Congrats again Hilary on becoming Miss Saskatchewan and I will be cheering hard for you to become Miss Canada.
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Loni says:

Love them all!! The third-last one is amazing!

(03.22.10 @ 11:23 PM)
samantha says:

i love the second last one!

(03.29.10 @ 05:12 PM)
Kathy Patellis Schmdt says:

Hillary you look absolutely amazing and we are so Proud of you... Good Luck with the Miss Canada Contest..Kisses. Kathy Rodger Anastasia from Switzerland

(06.20.10 @ 12:25 PM)
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Well this is a bit different but I am actually going to post some photos taken of me instead of taken by me, lol.  This winter, Rory and I were very lucky to travel to Honolulu, Hawaii for vacation.  Before we left, I did a bit of research and found an amazing photographer there named Christie Pham.  I loved her style so booked a session for the two of us.  You know how the mechanic drives the broken down car.....well, the photographer has no photos of herself, lol.
Anyway, I am so glad that we did this.  We spent a great afternoon with Christie and her boyfriend/assistant Matt and made some wonderful new friends.  On top of it, we got some amazing photos that we can hang on to forever.  Its funny how even a photographer can forget the importance of documenting our lives and the wonderful people in them.  I am attaching a few of my favorite images from the day.  I hope you enjoy them :)
Sorry for the size of them but that's all I have right now.  The full res images will be a bit yet but was too excited to not share them right away.
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Lisa says:

Sharon, I think you look STUNNING...! There is such a great feeling of love and emotion in these images; a true representaton of your loving relationship. I am so happy for you - what a wonderful gift to yourself :)

(02.23.10 @ 09:36 PM)
Jana says:

Sharon, the pictures are all so fantastic! I agree with the last person, there is so much love in each picture! I am truely glad you found someone to make you smile like that again! Your the best!

(02.24.10 @ 08:53 AM)
Candice Cook says:

Sharon, I saw your facebook profile change and was wondering who took the beautiful picture. These are beautiful.

(02.25.10 @ 01:00 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Christie Pham Photography . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://valleyportraits.ca/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/84
On Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting Kristle and Josh's winter wedding.  We were very fortunate to have quite a nice day, for February that is.  But with such great families and bridal party, I think we could have handled anything.  Thanks everyone for being so wonderful to work with and to Josh and Kristle for being such a relaxed bride and groom.  A special thank you goes out to Tom and Mike at the Regina Flying Club.  They really rolled out the red carpet for us.  Thanks guys.  Much appreciated.

When we were so warmly welcomed at the Regina Flying Club, the guys there filled us in on a recent Fashion Shoot that had been done in the summer by the very talented Nikole Peters of Nikole Peters Photography.  We all loved it so much we decided to try our "Winter Wedding Version" of it. 



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Last night I had so much fun with my niece, her hubby and their first baby, puppy Pebbles.  But very soon, one week to be exact, a new first baby is coming into their family.  A real baby, that up until now has been lovingly called "Eggbert", lol.  Here are a few images from their maternity session and since this special little one is due within a week, you won't have to wait very long for newborn photos.  Hope you enjoy!

IMG_1164b.jpgLook at Pebbles being such a good girl for mom :)

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IMG_1301.jpgI love this shot of Becky!!

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And this one.....

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And of course a little bit of John Deere attire.  What baby's wardrobe would be complete without it :)


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Mom and her two babies.

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And finally a special shot of Pebbles and her friend Pooh!  Thanks to my assistant Terry for all his help getting her attention, lol.  Great job Terry.

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The week before Christmas I shot the long awaited of Jeremy and Whitney.  Long awaited as I have had it booked for a few years now, lol.  This was a local wedding and local weddings are so special.  I have known Jeremy and Whitney for a long time.  Actually I have know Whitney since she was born.  It seems so crazy that I am now shooting the weddings of my friends children.  Well this wedding was a blast.  It was definitely filled with love and happiness that you can definitely see in the photos.  Sorry in the delay in getting this post up over the holidays guys.
Enjoy your images!
IMG_8980.jpgWith the wedding being held one week before Christmas, could you think of a better place to do the ring shots?

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IMG_8989.jpgMore beautiful bouquets from Jane and Kristin and Flowers on Main in Melville.  They always do the most beautiful work!!

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The Wedding Boots.  How awesome (and warm) are these!!

IMG_9019.jpgThese pearls belong to Grama Lutz.  She wore them to her own wedding, then the brides mother wore them when she got married and now passed them down to Whitney.  I love special traditions.

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Waiting to be worn.....

IMG_9038.jpgThis is the first image that shows what a hockey family this is.  This image is especially for the brides father and brother....The biggest Detroit fans I know!

IMG_9046.jpgAnother special keepsake.  This ring box was made by Grama Lutz for for the brides mother Leanne.  I thought it would be a great place for another ring shot.

IMG_9047.jpgAs happy an occasion as this was, it was also a little bitter sweet as Grampa Clarence was not there to share in it.  This is Grampa's ring which you will see tied into the brides dress later on.  Clarence was such a wonderful guy and the life of the party.  I know that he was there, watching out over his very special Grand daughter.

IMG_9055.jpgGetting ready!  Thank goodness for great friends like Morgan Cyca.  She did all of the hair and the brides nails for the wedding.  Awesome job Morgan!

IMG_9062.jpgThe makeup was done by Chris Miller from Mary Kay in Regina.  What a nice treat to have someone come to the home to do makeup for everyone.  I love when that happens.  If you are looking for a great makeup artist, make sure you check her out!

IMG_9064b.jpgOMG Whitney.  You are gorgeous!

IMG_9086.jpgI was not surprised to see this lying around.  Whitney is one of the most organized people I know.  She comes by it honestly as her mom IS the most organized person I know, lol.

IMG_9091.jpgJeremy sent a very lovely letter for Whitney to read as she was getting ready.  It was a tough job to keep those tears at bay and not ruin the lovely makeup. 

IMG_9104.jpgA special something blue from Grama Lutz.

IMG_9118.jpgWhitney's dress was so beautiful and it was from Tracey's on Broadway in Yorkton.  Talk about extra special service.....Tracey came out to lace up all of the girls dresses.

IMG_9125.jpgBeautiful bride in her beautiful pink striped socks, lol?  Hey, in Saskatchewan you need to prepare yourself for a winter wedding!!

IMG_9136.jpgGrama Lutz passing down the pearls.

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IMG_9156.jpgOn the way to the church.  The girls were nice and warm in their fur trimmed capes.

IMG_9171.jpgRight before we left for the church, we took 5 minutes to snap this photo.  This special play house was Grama Lutz's when she was a little girl.  A special request of the bride.

IMG_9181.jpgThe guys!!!  Everyone is ready to go!

IMG_9198.jpgA quick huddle and now we are really ready to go, lol!

IMG_9241.jpgFirst time seeing the bride.  Wow!

IMG_9247.jpgHere comes the bride.

IMG_9249.jpgGiving the bride away.

IMG_9258.jpgThe ceremony was held in the Lutheran Church in Lemberg.  Its so pretty and has great light.  I love all of the white!!

IMG_9299.jpgThe bride and her sister are both singers.  Shelby sang a special song just for Whitney and Jeremy.

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Like I said earlier.....happy, happy, happy.

IMG_9431.jpgHappy tears!

IMG_9436.jpgA special surprise from Minister and friend PK.  The groom is a huge Toronto fan, so right before "The Kiss" PK changed into something special just for Jeremy, lol.

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Happy!

IMG_9528.jpgOne quick group shot before we head to the studio for more photos.

IMG_9539-2.jpgAfter the wedding it was back to the studio, but first, about 15 minutes for some quick outdoor shots while there was still a bit of light.

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A few bridal shots.  Whitney, you have always been such a gorgeous girl.

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Love these two shots.

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Okay, I've got to say that Jeremy was looking pretty handsome himself!!

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Love this shot so much that I had to post both versions of it.

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True hockey players, through and through.

IMG_9905.jpgA quick fun shot before we head to the hall.  Aren't these hats a great idea from groomsman gifts?  Hmmm....with all those different teams, how do they all get along, lol.

IMG_0225.jpgTheir big entrance to the reception!

IMG_0271b.jpgThe first dance.

IMG_0281.jpgAnd to end this post, a special moment caught between husband and wife.  I love those moments.  All the best to you Whitney and Jeremy in your new married life together.  I know you will be oh so happy!!!!

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Joanne Hope says:

Awesome we especially enjoyed the hockey ones..........imagine that..

(12.29.09 @ 09:44 PM)
Dave & Sharen Scheirer says:

WOW!! Amazing photos. The outdoor shots with the hoar frost are unbelievable.

(12.30.09 @ 02:24 PM)
Wendy Richards says:

Just wanted you to know that I LOVE the outdoor photos, so romantic!

(01.03.10 @ 09:32 PM)
Carla Erdelyan says:

Oh Sharon you do such outstanding work! I catch myself smiling, shedding a tear and being left feeling like I was actually there! Well done and Congrats Whitney & Jeremy.

(01.04.10 @ 04:34 PM)
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This is not a typical blog post.  In all honesty, I don't even know what to write but I know I want to write something.  This past Friday, one of my clients and new friend passed away and needless to say its been a very sad time. As I said I don't know where to begin so I guess I will start at the beginning.  Last winter Todd called me to talk about doing a surprise family session in the spring for his wife and his parents.  He thought it would make a nice Mother's Day Gift for Jodi and also would be a nice surprise to do photos on the farm as his parents were going to be retiring.  So we started our basic plan to do them in the spring.  When the spring rolled around the weather wasn't the best so it got postponed till summer.  It actually got postponed a few times due to various everyday things.  He was so concerned that he was becoming my client from hell, lol.  Of coarse he was no where near that.  Finally in July we got all our ducks in a row and my assistant Niki and I headed to their farm near Melville.  We had the best time with them.  They seriously are the nicest people.  It was obvious that Todd was a great guy, but so was everyone in the family.  I guess the apples never fall far from the tree.  When Niki and I left that day we talked all the way home about what a wonderful family this was and how we were made to feel so welcome.  A few days later I got their blog posted and that night I received an email.  I must say, at first I thought it was coming from Jodi but when I scrolled to the bottom, I saw that it actually came from Todd.  I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.  Its an email that I have never erased and I don't think I ever will.  Todd Miller was a wonderful man.  He was a great father, husband, brother, son and friend to everyone who knew him.  I don't think that there is a person that he didn't touch and I truly hope that in his last moments on this earth he knew that.  Todd, you will be greatly missed.
In closing I am posting a few photos and I am also going to post the email that he sent me that night.  One thing that has stuck in my mind is this line,  "the reason that we did this was to preserve our children for eternity".  If we had only known at the time, we were preserving his memory.

IMG_1200final.jpg IMG_1337final.jpgSharon.   I wish there was a way I could say thank you via email that would come through with as much sincerity as is deserving right now.  A few of us have seen the postings tonight and are extremely happy with what you have done for us.  We are considering remortgaging in order to purchase them all!  The "ooohs" and "aaawwws" have just begun..  The best compliment I can possibly give you is this; our main goal in doing those pictures was preserving our kids for eternity, if you changed one thing about the kids photos, they would be wrong.  They are exactly what we wanted. 
When Amy first recommended you after their engagement pictures, I took a look at your website and decided immediately that this is what we wanted..  Not only have you not disappointed, you have taken things to another level in our books.  Thank you very much (and please thank Nikki as well, its deserving) for all of this.
 
Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.
 
Todd


In closing I want to extend my heart felt condolences to the entire Miller Family.  Todd was such a wonderful man and I will remember him forever.  You are all in my hearts and my prayers and always will be.  To anyone reading this, please leave your comments about Todd in the comments area below.  I am sure that all of your love and support will be greatly appreciated by the family when they are feeling up to reading this.  Also, please remember that there is a trust account set up at the Horizon Credit Union for Todd's children if you would like to make a donation.  In closing all I can say is this.  Friends and I have been discussing what a horrible loss this is and what could there possibly be to take from it.  I think Todd would agree when I say "hug your family and friends".  Make time for them and love them as life is too short and we truly must treat each day like it could be our last.  Let's use this as a way to remember our friend and honor his memory.
 
Click here to see the rest of the blog posting from their family session.

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Shelley Feiffer says:

Sharon, I saw those photos when you posted them and they are gorgeous..and will indeed be cherished since Todd has now passed. This is a very nice tribute to him and his family! He will be truly missed by so many people.

(11.24.09 @ 11:36 AM)
Raelene Ottenbreit says:

That is beatiful Sharon...It is just amazing, his expression in the family picture is the one image that will stay with me forever! That was his trademark expression!
We will miss Coach Miller ~Melville Novice Blues 2009

(11.24.09 @ 02:07 PM)
Amanda Barr says:

Thank you Auntie Sharon for such a beautiful tribute to Todd. He was one of the nicest people you will probably ever meet. His email to you brought tears to my eyes. Rest in peace Todd!

(11.24.09 @ 03:11 PM)
Sandie Dales says:

Hi Sharon,
I worked with Todd for a number of years at the CU. And he was a terrific guy, he was so much fun to work with, a real prankster, so he totally fit in. I was stunned to hear of his passing. Your pics are such a wonderful tribute and memory to his life.

(11.24.09 @ 07:27 PM)
Denise Krochak says:

I have known Todd for many, many years...probably since he was about the age of his own son...I spent many hours with the Miller's both on horseback and "just hanging out at the ranch"...watching him grow from a young boy into the fantastic young man he was!...from the moment I met them all...they welcomed me to their family like one of their own...kind, genuine and honest people....Truly...you do not find these type of friends but once in a lifetime! Todd was one of the greatest people you could ever meet, and the photo above is so typically "Todd"...beer, pop & sippy cup in hand with that infectious smile he always wore! A very great tribute indeed, capturing is true spirit! Although his being as we know it is gone from this Earth, his life will be preserved for eternity, not only in pictures, but also in all the memories he has created with all those who knew him. Heaven has gained another Angel.

(11.24.09 @ 10:41 PM)
Corla Rokochy says:

Sharon. This is such a sad story. My heart breaks for Todd's Family and for Jodi. I grew up next door to Jodi's cousins in Davidson and was in shock when I heard the news. My sincerest condolences go out to Jodi and the whole family. These images will be so cherished.

(11.24.09 @ 11:03 PM)
Misty Waldbauer says:

Sharon - After I heard of Todd's passing, I immediately thought of the photos you had done for the family. I'm so happy that they will have the beautiful photographs to cherish for the rest of their lives. I lost my father about the same age as Brady is now, and my family has never been really into taking photographs....so to have the great photos that Brady and Brooke have with their Daddy, is priceless! Many thoughts and prayers go to Jodie, Brady, Brooke and family!!!

(11.25.09 @ 07:47 AM)
LIsa Rathgeber says:

A great tribute to a great guy. He was so genuine. He will be missed by many. Many prayers to Jodie, Brady, Brooke and the entire family, as the days ahead will be so hard. What a beautiful way to honor his life and memory.

(11.25.09 @ 08:33 AM)
Lynn Torlen says:

Sharon: I've wanted for years to get family pictures done! Seeing the amazing pictures of Todd's family coming to life, just brought tears to my eyes. I've known the Miller Family all my life and truly, they are definitely the nicest family you can meet. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Jodi and the children, Ken, Bonnie and Jackie for the tragic loss of such a wonderful man, TODD. Your excellent work will be the greatest gift for the family. God Bless you and may you continue your excellent work. Perhaps with my family! Love You!

(11.25.09 @ 06:45 PM)
Coralie Schick says:

Great tribute to a wonderful family. Todd will be dearly missed by many !
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family...

(11.25.09 @ 07:35 PM)
Sandra Gallinger says:

This is a fantastic thing you did in memory of Todd. He was such a wonderful man that touched everyone's heart that knew him. My deepest sympathy to Jodi and their children, along with his parents and family. He truly will be missed!

(11.26.09 @ 10:27 AM)
Carrie Banerd says:

WOW!! You have TRULY CAPTURED the ESSENCE of an AMAZING MAN and FAMILY!!! FANTASTIC work! Any one who knew Todd will look at these and and say that this was Todd exactly as he was!!

(11.26.09 @ 01:18 PM)
Deanne Arnold says:

What a beautiful memory for the family. I knew Jodi as she was my son's fourth grade teacher and he still talks about how great she was. She is a wonderful person and I can only begin to imagine the pain she must feel. She is a kind and caring person!! Mmy heart goes out to you Jodi. Our sympathy goes out to you and your little ones!!!! You are in our hearts and prayers each day!!

Ryan, Deanne, Hunter and Reid Arnold

(11.26.09 @ 01:19 PM)
Gary Banerd says:

Todd....what can I say? You and I grew up together since we were 5 years old. We did everything together; play hockey, ball, fish, golf, camping.....and the list goes on. There are so many great memories of the time that we had together. We always had a smart remark for each other to make us laugh, and we always had time to listen if one of us needed that helping hand. Like that song said "Hey God I just lost a dear old friend;"...... you were a TRUE FRIEND, you were like a brother to me. I am going to MISS YOU BUD, FRIENDS FOREVER!!!!! Sharon, thanks for posting these photos. You have truly captured my BUDDY at his BEST!!!!!

(11.26.09 @ 03:08 PM)
Denise (Banerd) Steinke says:

Thanks Sharon for posting these photos of Todd and his family. As well, thanks for your wonderful words. I am Gary's older sister and grew up with Jackie (Todd's sister) & with Todd at our house playing hockey, ball, etc. with my 'little bro' and the rest of their crew. Your words describing Todd, Jodi and the Miller clan are very accurate. They are one of the most wonderful families I have had the pleasure of knowing! I am still in shock (as I'm sure we all are) over Todd's death. My heart goes out to Jodi, Brady, Brooke, Ken, Bonny, Jackie, Randy and their family and ALL the extended family and friends that Todd has left behind. Thanks again Sharon for sharing these photos with us! God bless you BIG!

(11.26.09 @ 10:50 PM)
Renee Reccord (Stelmacowich) says:

I had to send a note to say how beautiful the photos of Todd and his family are and how touching it was for you to post his email and your thoughts on what a wonderful man he was and what a wonderful family. I grew up with Todd and your words couldn't be more perfect and true about his character. He will be missed. I also wanted to comment on your work - it is truly unique and beautiful - I only wish you could come to Montreal to photograph my family! Take care, and again thanks for posting your blog.
My thoughts are with Todd's family through this difficult time.

(11.27.09 @ 09:23 AM)
Candace Hill says:

These are absolutely amazing photos, I agree you have truly captured Todd and his family to a Tee. What a great memory to have. Todd was an amazing person and I am truly blessed to have been friends..

(12.03.09 @ 12:31 PM)
Shirley Schlechter says:

Jodi, Brady and Brooke - treasure the photos and the great times you had together. He will be sadly missed. Always a smile or a wave, he was and always will be a great friend who will be missed dearly.
Take care.

(12.03.09 @ 12:35 PM)
Carissa says:

God works in mysterious ways, what a wonderful keepsake for his family.

(02.23.10 @ 08:25 PM)
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