Jenn Hildebrand

Tiptoed Through the Tulips

Friends!

Spring has finally showered us with it’s presence (literally, it’s been raining NON STOP in BC). With spring showers comes May flowers, which obviously means the Abbotsford Tulip Festival! I had never been before, so when my friend Gaby asked if I wanted to go with her, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity!

If you are in the lower mainland (British Columbia, Canada), I highly recommend checking the Bloom tulip festival out (if not this year, then definitely next!). It is absolutely gorgeous. It runs until May 14th so time is running out. Tickets are $8 at “the door”, or you can purchase tickets online. It is a fun activity for people of all ages! My biggest piece of advice is to wear boots, or shoes with good traction. I didn’t expect there to be so much mud and wore my white adidas shoes. Let’s just say that was a bad life choice. They do try to make it easy for people to walk with pallet board docks to walk over muddy puddles, but these paths do not run everywhere. So it’s best to be prepared!

OUTFIT:

Top: Forever21 Plus
Dungaree dress: Primark UK
Sunglasses: Aldo Accessories
Backpack: Primark UK
Shoes: Adidas

Happy Spring!

J.x

Healthy Body, Healthy Brain

Hello! I’m going to warn you right now that this is a very long post. So grab yourself a tea and a comfy chair and let’s begin!

Disclaimer: I want to first say that every body is beautiful. If you’re a size 6 or a size 16, you are beautiful. As long as you’re happy, healthy, and confident in your skin, then that’s what matters. ALSO this was a very hard post to write, so please be kind.

Alright. Now that’s out of the way, I want to tell you a bit about how I’ve somehow became a plus sized lady and lost enough hair to make a wig. A couple months ago, I had noticed that I hadn’t been feeling myself. I noticed that I had gained a lot of weight (I’m talking a LOT of weight), my hair was falling out by the chunks, my brain was ultra foggy (we’re talking mid-sentence-word-forgetting-scrambled-brain fog) and that my depression and anxiety was becoming almost unmanageable once again.

If you know me, you know that I’m not a willing participant when it comes to getting blood work done. It’s the unknown that get’s my knickers in a twist and I’d much rather avoid it like the plague. But I knew it had to be done… and I’m glad I did.

In November, my doctor told me that I was breaching over the line of having hypothyroidism. Basically, my thyroid was NOT having it with the rest of my body. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks a sufficient amount of the thyroid hormone. That had explained why I was not feeling myself because I wasn’t. My body wasn’t producing things that I needed to feel healthy, energized, and well.. good.

Since then, I have been on medication and am due for more blood work to see where my thyroid is at.

But what does this have to do with becoming plus sized? Well, lots. You see, I have always struggled with confidence issues. When I was a kid and into my teenage years, I failed to see myself as a beautiful girl that was created by an even more beautiful God. I saw myself as fat, ugly, and oh yeah… fat. As I grew up, I accepted myself for how I looked and felt good in my skin. But since all of this has happened, I have found that my confidence had plummeted. I’ve been more concerned with the number on my jeans. I’ve felt way more depressed. I look at photos of myself and I would pick apart every inch of me (literally… like when did I get a double chin?!).

BUT HERE’S THE THING! It’s all unhealthy lies.

YES. I have gained weight but that doesn’t take away from my beauty -inside and out. I know that I can make changes outwardly by exercising and eating healthy.  But it’s important to remember your mental health too.

If you’re like me and you have found yourself picking a part how you look, here are two things I want you to remember:

1. You are capable of being healthy.
You don’t feel healthy? Make a change. Create a food plan. Cut out sugars or other things that are not good for you. Join a fitness class. Go to the gym. See your doctor. Everyone has the capability of feeling better physically. But if you find yourself wanting to lose weight for unhealthy reasons, then stop, take a step back and reevaluate why you want to do this. (TRUST ME. I’m saying this to myself too.)

2. Your mental health is important, too.
Don’t forget – your physical health is important, but so is your mental. Before you do anything, make sure you feel healthy mentally. Depression is a very, very real thing. So is anxiety. Talk to someone you trust if you need to. See a professional if it’s really bad. Need to go on medication for a while? That’s okay.  It’s all going to be OKAY. I know how hard it is to feel unhealthy mentally. Trust me.  But you are capable of change – remember that. You are worthy of being healthy mentally too. Seek the help that you need. You got this!

At the end of it all, I want you to know that it’s important to take care of your body. It’s the only one you get. Change is hard but you are strong and can do anything you put your mind and heart to.

J. xx

 

Winning Winter Lips

Ok! Winter is almost here and I am so excited to pull out my favourite winter lipsticks. Sure – autumn and winter are practically twins when it comes to their chosen shade of red, there’s something about December that screams burgundies and plums. Alright, alright… I know the reason. It’s because December means Christmas and Christmas means Christmas parties and Christmas parties mean dazzling dresses and fun makeup… and so on and so forth. I think you get the picture.

Anyways!

I am a lipstick hoarder. It’s actually a problem. I should probably seek counselling or join a lipstick anonymous group. Either way, I’ve accepted it.  But even tho I can supply enough lipsticks for all the Victoria Secret models (Am I the only one excited for the fashion show to air??!), I found a few that stand out in particular. These are my absolute faves.

MAC Satin Lipstick in “Rebel” ($21)

This is my go-to lipstick for the past couple of years. I’m obsessed with this colour! It is a cream plum that isn’t too dark that you feel like everyone is staring at you, but just dark enough that you feel like you’re rebelling against nude lipstick. I love to pair this with eyeliner, a black fuzzy cardigan, and some black ankle boots.

RIMMEL LONDON (KATE) lipstick in “107” ($8)

When I want to wear an easy burgundy lip, I will grab my Kate Moss lipstick. Not only is it on the cheaper end, but the quality in colour and consistency is heavenly. I’ve recommended this lipstick to a few friends, and even convinced one to buy it for herself. Plus, I find that it’s really easy to apply this colour as opposed to some of my deep burgundy liquid lipsticks.

TANYA BURR COSMETICS lipstick in “Big Kiss” ($13)

It’s very rare that I purchase products by Youtubers or other bloggers… but if there’s one blogger that I always support, it’s Tanya Burr. I think it’s mostly because I want to be her BFF and bake all the sweets with her, but really it’s because I love the products she puts out. When I was in London back in July, I looked everywhere for her makeup. I don’t know if I was at the wrong drugstores, or if they were sold out, but I had a hard time searching. But then I learnt that I can order them online at FeelUnique – an online shop that ships to Canada. I picked up this lipstick as well as another in a coral shade, a couple of her lipsticks, and a set of false eyelashes. I must say, I love this colour! The packaging is to die for and this is the prettiest shade of red. Highly recommend!

These are a few of my favourite lipsticks for winter. I have a couple liquid lipsticks that I’m also loving at the moment. If you’d like to see a post on that, please let me know in the comments!

J. xx

Yes OUAI!

I have a confession: I am the biggest Kardashian fan. YES! I know. The Kardashians. I’ve found that people either love them or hate them, but I just absolutely adore them. One thing I admire (and envy) about them is their gorgeous locks of perfect hair. Their hair is absolute goals (as the kids would say). Now if you are in the loop with the K-Fam, then you most likely know who Jen Atkin is. She’s basically a hair goddess and the girl who is responsible for the Kardashians’s hair always being on point… mostly Khloe who has beautiful dyed blonde hair. I pretty much want to be Jen’s best friend. When I saw her hair line “Ouai” in the line up at Sephora, it was a no brainer that I would buy and test it out.

The verdict? My hair has never felt or looked better! It’s shiny and as soft as a baby’s bottom. I don’t think I ever want to try any other hair product line.

OUAI TREATMENT MASQUE:

I’m naturally a dark brunette and over the past year I had a blonde balayage.  I currently dyed it back to brunette and I can feel the processing in the feeling of my hair.. If you are like myself and have tortured your hair to get that perfect blonde, then you know that your hair can feel like hay. It’s not pretty and actually can be a big pain. I normally wash, put some conditioner in it and go. I’m not a hair treatment kind of girl. The only time I do have a hair treatment is if I go to my hair salon. But it’s really rare. I figured there would be no harm in trying the masque… and can I just say I’m so glad that I did?! My hair feels glorious.

I purchased a pack of three (which can be found in the check out line at Sephora). After having a shower I slathered the whole packet over my hair and really focused on the ends where it’s been dyed the most. I allowed it to set for about 10 minutes (but if your hair is really hay-like and dry, I suggest allowing it to sit for longer), and then washed it. Unless I’m in a hurry, I don’t normally blow dry my hair. I’m a wash and go kind of girl most of the time. I sprayed in a scalp treatment and allowed my hair to air dry. Once it was dry, I was happy to see that my hair was super soft and looked healthy. The next day it felt and looked just as lovely as the night before. It also smells heavenly so five stars for that alone.

ALSO – The product smells glorious and luxurious and I want to bottle it up and spray it everywhere. I can’t stop smelling my hair! (It’s not weird, I promise.)

What are some of your favourite hair products at the moment? I’d love to know!

J. x

 

*Disclaimer: This is  NOT sponsored. All opinions are my own and have purchased the products myself* 

Five weddings and a Second Shooter

This past summer I worked seven weddings in total, five of which I second shot.

Second shooters are so important. I know personally when I work a wedding, I always feel a little lost without my second shooter around. One of the biggest reasons is because I have crazy anxiety, and she helps me settle myself the night before so I don’t go into a frenzy. She’s a real gem (Hannah Richter– go check her out if you haven’t already!) and I’m so thankful to be able to work with her!

This past summer, not only did Hannah second shoot for me, but I was able to return the favour and second shoot for her. What’s so neat about our relationship is that we’re not only partners in photography, but I’d consider her a really good friend. That in itself makes working weddings together an absolute breeze! We completely understand one another and most of the time we don’t even have to say anything to know what the other person needs. I never second shot before I started with Hannah, and I don’t think I’d ever want to work with anyone else. Or have anyone work with me. (Okay, this is getting too mushy…)

I’ve been wanting to share with you a few of my favourite shots from my second shooting adventure this past year and figured it would be easiest to mash them all together in one post.

Enjoy!

J. x

Pumpkin Picking

Autumn has officially arrived and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I love everything about this season – sweaters, London fogs, blanket scarves, halloween, pumpkin pie, pumpkin candles, pumpkin spiced lattes… okay let’s me be real, pumpkin EVERYTHING. I love it!

This past weekend, my bestie Liz Mannegren (from MommyMannegren  – check out her blog if you haven’t already), her family (husband, son, sister) and myself went on our traditional pumpkin picking adventure. The Pumpkin Patch in Richmond, British Columbia (Canada) has been our pumpkin patch of choice for the past two years. It has everything! Dancing vegetables, goats, roosters, fresh apples, a train ride, mini donuts and pumpkins galore. They even take you on a tractor ride with one of the workers performing songs for the kiddies to sing along to as you travel the short way to the patch.

Each person is allowed one pumpkin. This year there were tons of great options! It was also a treat to watch little Alistair walk amongst the pumpkins and pick his very own. It’s even more adorable when he tries to lift them up! Ah! I can’t wait until I have my own husband and little one to bring along. I already know I’ll be an emotional mess if I have a kid, and Liz and I’s little ones go off and find pumpkins together. I cry.  (Disclaimer: I am definitely no where close to having my own little family, but it sure does pull my heartstrings when I think about the potential of it. If the good Lord wills it, of course.)

Moving on!!

One thing that Liz and I learnt from last year is that you need to bring rain boots. If you don’t, your favourite white converse will turn a nice shade of brown. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience. Now because I want to start talking more about fashion on this here blog, let me tell you about my outfit of choice. I like to stay comfortable. Jeans, rain boots and a trusty toque is my go to choice! Outfit details can be found on the left hand side under photos.

Pro Tip –  The pumpkin patch is a great activity for all! But if you have a little one, little siblings, or want to become nanny of the year, I suggest going early (right as it opens). It’s less busy and you will get a great parking spot. Plus this way, you can make a day of it. Pumpkin picking in the AM, followed by lunch. We like to go to The Old Spaghetti Factory afterwards!

All in all, this is probably one of my all time favourite autumnal activities to do!

What activities do you and your family enjoy doing during the fall season?

J. xx

 

Twenty-Five!!

“Holy crap, I’m 25!” 

That was the first thing I thought when I woke up last Friday: Holy Crap. I’m 25.

It feels like it was last week that I had just turned 21. I was dating a super cute guy, in my fourth year of college and was supposed to graduate, find a cool job and change the world. That was what I had planned but of course plans change. Instead, I’m single, didn’t graduate and took a couple years off to figure myself out before deciding to go back and finish.  I did however manage to find a super cool job at my home church, started my own photography and creative business, and (I think) I’m playing my part in changing the world. Sure, it’s not exactly where I thought I’d be four years ago, but hey! That’s totally okay.

Twenty-five can be terrifying. It’s a quarter of a century. A whole quarter of my life (assuming I’m living to 100) is over. I’m also 99% sure I’ve already had a quarter-life crisis. (They’re a thing, okay?!) Many of my friends have established themselves in solid careers. Many of them are married and have little ones running about. While some of them are still single, they’re travelling the world and experiencing new and exciting things. It’s so easy to get caught up in the pity game. “Woe is me, a 25 year old spinster who still lives at home, whose only date in the last year is taking her dog for a walk, who still gets asked if she’s in high school. Please, everyone, play your tiny violins and feel sorry for me.” Alright… please don’t tell me I’m the only one who has felt like Bridget Jones is their spirit animal.

Even though 25 has hit me like a ton of bricks and I’ve questioned every single one of my life decisions over the past two and a half decades, I’m proud to say that I’m happy with where life has taken me. It isn’t the most ideal situation. Sure, living at home at 25 can be challenging. “No mom, you can’t ground me for coming home after 11…” Sure, being a single wedding photographer can be lonely. Yes, playing with my best friends son makes my ovaries cry out, asking when I’ll make my own mini-me. And yes, not having a full time job is scary but at least I’m dong what I love to do. But this is the season that I’m in right now. I’m not going to settle for anything.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learnt, is that things happen for a reason. My own plans don’t necessary mean it’s the same plans that the big guy upstairs has. I know that He get’s me. I know that the good Lord know’s my heart, desires, and passions. I know that He’s placed me where I am for a time, and with His grace and a lot of hard work and effort on my part, He’ll bless me abundantly.

So for all those twenty-five year olds out there – or other’s who feel the same as me, don’t worry! Everyone’s journey is different. Just because your best friend may be married to a super hunky husband, with three kids with and a killer career, doesn’t mean your life is bland, lame, and pointless. The plan for your life might look different than theirs, and that’s a-okay. It’s just as special as someone else’s. Embrace your now. Keep working hard for your dreams and don’t give up. You’ve got this thing!

Shauna + David

There is something beautiful and intimate about a beach wedding, and Shauna and David’s late August ceremony is no exception.

I hadn’t met Shauna and David before their wedding. In fact, they had booked me only two weeks before their big day. I had been corresponding through their wedding planner (something I hadn’t done before), and was super curious to meet them. Normally I like to meet up with the couple before hand so I can learn a bit about their love story, and get a feel for them and their style. I was a bit nervous going into it, but I have to tell you – these two were an absolute delight to work with!

Their energy was vibrant and their love is so contagious. They had me swooning and smiling the whole time. The way that David would look at his bride – it’s how every bride wants to be looked at. Full of love, adoration and joy.

They had arrived at the beach together, taking away from the traditional “first look”. But everything about this wedding wasn’t traditional. (And that only made them even more fun to work with!) Shauna rocked a short, lace dress, David – an effortless, rockstar attitude with a simple black suit, and their guests were dressed casual. I mean it is a beach wedding after all!

The ceremony was short and sweet, full of love and laughter. The sun was beating down on us, but that didn’t matter at all. I mean, Vancouver is extra gorgeous in the sunshine.  It was the perfect weather making for a perfect day!

Here are a few shots from their beach ceremony.

Enjoy!

J. x

Eric + Patricia

These two lovebirds are married!

It feels like yesterday that I photographed these two gorgeous people. First their engagement, and then their wedding. It’s already been over a month since they said “I Do” and I’m excited to be able to share with you some shots from their day.

Eric and Patricia are some of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet. They are filled with so much love, affection, compassion and heart. When you meet them, you can’t help but be drawn to their passion for animals and others. They have absolute hearts of gold and I couldn’t imagine a better person for the other.

The day started bright and early at 6:30AM with the girls. Patricia only had a maid of honour – her sister, but a few friends were also there to get ready. Once everyone was looking beautiful, we pilled into a few cars and drove farther up North Vancouver until we hit Grouse Mountain. Known for the “Grouse Grind”, this is an stunning location for an outdoor wedding. Plus, everything is right there. Ceremony, portraits, reception – it’s a wedding dream.

With the sun shining bright, these two said “I Do” in front of seventy of their closest family and friends. There’s something so beautiful about an intimate wedding! After the ceremony, I took them farther into Grouse and towards a dusty road. These made for some textured shots that are to die for. With only their siblings as their bridal party, it made photographing super quick and easy – and the results, amazing. The ceremony had been an afternoon full of vegan food and treats, loads of laughter, tears, and infectious love. It’s undeniable the love that Patricia and Eric’s family and friends have for this couple. All in all, it made for a wonderful wedding between two amazing people.

Also a BIG MASSIVE THANK YOU to Hannah Richter from Hannah Martin Photography for second shooting. This girl is an absolute gem and there is nobody else I’d want to work a wedding with more. If you have a chance, look at her website. She just launched it and it’s gorgeous.

Alright!

Here are some photos from Eric + Patricia’s breathtaking mountain wedding.

J. x

The BFF turned 25

One of my besties, Kaysee, turned 25 not too long ago and I had been racking my brain for the best, most perfect gift that I could give her.

Here’s the thing. I love giving gifts. There’s something special about picking out something for someone you love. However, I suck at picking them. It took me ages to think of the best gift for Kaysee. I normally buy her makeup – she’s the only one who truly understands my obsession with it… but I still felt like it wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t the right gift to give her.

However, when I did think of something, I felt like a right idiot for not thinking of it sooner.

A photoshoot! 

Kaysee loves a good photograph. I think that’s why we get along so well! So to celebrate her big 2-5 (ps, when did we grow up so quickly?!?), I arranged to have a fun, golden hour shoot.

Driving to the shoot was an adventure in itself. Our first location ended up being a dark, mosquito ridden forrest in West Vancouver and we were not feeling it one bit. So we jumped back into her car and drove even further out, past the ferry terminal to Wycliffe Park. We climbed some rocks, caught that golden hour light, and ignored the itchiest mosquito bites we’ve ever gotten. And it was worth it! Flower crowns, a pretty dress, and lots of laughter later, here are some of my favourite shots from Kaysee’s birthday shoot.

J. x

       

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis