Jenn Hildebrand

Summertime Bunches

I love flowers. There, I’ve said it. I love floral prints, floral scents and bunches of flowers. There’s something so uplifting and beautiful about a bouquet of flowers. I’m also the kind of person that will not hesitate to by herself a bouquet. I mean, if it makes me happy, then why not? I think there’s also something about it being sunny outside that makes me become even more of a crazy florist wannabe. Everywhere I go outside, I’m surrounded by some type of flower. Growing up, my grandparents had the best (and I’d say the still do), garden on the block. People would come around to our home, stop outside the fence and admire the different greens. I think it’s because of that, that I’ve grown to really appreciate florals.

Now…

If you’re like me and you love to buy flowers, here’s my top three flower tips to make the most of your floral bunches.

1. The flowers…

That’s kind of the most important part, wouldn’t you say? Depending on the time of year, I like to look at my local flower shop to see what’s in bloom. I’m a sucker for peonies but it’s always a bit tricky to find them when I want them. Another beautiful choice are tulips. I think everyone and their mom loves a good tulip flower. I mean, if someone was willing to write a song about tip toeing through through the tulips, there’s something special about it. Am I right?

Today, I opted for some gorgeous pink and white dahlia’s. July is the time they usually they begin their season, making it easier to pick some up. Another flower that is in bloom right now (and in season for August) are sunflowers. You can never go wrong with some gorgeous yellow sunflowers. They are sure to brighten up any room.

2. The Vase…

What’s so great about finding the perfect vase, is that you can pick them up at your local thrift store. Better yet, you know those canning jars or pasta jars you have in your bin? Those also make cute DIY vases for any bouquet. You’ll also be super hip with the Pinterest crowd.

The vase that I’m using here is actually a water pitcher that I picked up from a local Vancouver shop – Front and Company. It cost around $20 and it looks super cute in my office. Another option that you can easily find in your kitchen are ceramic milk pitchers. My mom has some fake flowers that she picked up from a craft store resting inside a pitcher she bought from Ikea. It looks really rustic and cute in our dining room.

What’s so fun about flower displays is that you can have a lot of fun with it! There’s no set rule that you need to use a fancy vase that you bought from some super expensive home decor store. You can use whatever you find in your kitchen or local thrift store!

3. The Display…

Every home needs a bouquet of flowers. I’m pretty sure this is a rule. It lightens up any room in your house – your kitchen, bedroom, office, and leaves your place smelling super fresh and summery. Since I’m still residing at my parents (a girl has to save money in this big city some how!), I opt for my bedroom/office. In a space that I do most of my creative work, I feel inspired whenever I look at them. Plus, they smell heavenly!

What kind of flowers do you like to buy? What’s your go to vase? 

J.

London – Make A Wish

This post is a special one. This trip was a special one.

At the beginning of the month, my brother, mother and I packed our carry on suitcases, boarded a 10 hour flight, and made our way to London, England. Now, I need to share something with you. Something personal and the reason why this trip even happened.

Six years ago, my younger brother was diagnosed with a spinal chord tumour. I would be lying if I said the past six years were easy on my family, because it wasn’t. It was hard, challenging, and I definitely figured out myself a lot over this time. It was tough. It still is. It’s been a battle that my brother has been facing. The only upside to it is that it’s not cancerous (thank you Jesus!). Without going into the details of the last six years, my brother had to go through treatments. Chemo, radiation – the whole packaged deal. It was like Grey’s Anatomy circa Izzy Stevens, minus McDreamy. (Fun Fact: the brother is the one who got me into Grey’s so that reference felt needed)… 

Fast forward a few years later and my brother learns that he has been granted a wish from the Make A Wish Foundation.

For those of you who don’t know what Make A Wish is, let me explain it. According to their about page, Make a Wish is a foundation that grants the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions, by allowing them to experience hope, strength and joy. To read more, you can check out their website here.

Now I know what you’re thinking. “But Jenn! Doesn’t he need to be terminally ill to have a wish?” And my answer to that is that I thought the same thing. But nope! In fact, any child under the age of 18 can be granted a wish if they go through oncology. All they have to do is apply for it. Now, fast forward a few more years and a whole lot of waiting, J was given his wish.

After doing a pro and con list of all the places he would like to see (once we learnt that meeting the Pope wasn’t a viable option… and Pope, if you’re reading this, no hard feelings…), and realizing that meeting Mumford and Sons – his all-time favourite band was also not an option (and Mumford, again if you’re reading this, no hard feelings…)  he settled for London, England.

Okay. Now if you follow me on social media, you would have noticed that we got to see Mumford and Sons IN London. And you, my friend, would be correct.

Make A Wish had learnt that Mumford would be playing a show a week after our original holiday and managed to switch our flights so that we could go while they were there. Amazing, innit? J was excited, I was excited, and even my mother was excited. It was a whole lot of excitement, let me tell you.

This trip was amazing. I haven’t experienced something like it. They blessed us abundantly – putting our family up in a really nice hotel in Central London, given us London passes (which I’ll talk more about in my next London post), and gave us tickets to see one of J’s favourite bands. Even our flights were a blessing. A massive thank you and shout out to WestJet for treating us so incredibly well. Thank you for giving J an inside look of the cockpit, for giving us first class water bottles and blankets, and for being so hospitable and kind.

We felt blessed. I still feel blessed. This will always be a trip that I can look back on and smile.

If you would like to learn more about the organization, or would like to get involved, I’ve attached some links. If you’re looking for a new place to give or to get involved with, I 100% encourage you to consider Make A Wish. I know that I will be. There’s something special about being able to help bring joy and hope to a child who is going through one of the worst things you can go through. Cancer, tumours – they’re awful. The treatments that you need to go through are even worse. I’ve had to watch my brother go through these treatments, and I can’t count the amount of times I’ve wished I could go through it instead so he wouldn’t have to. It’s draining – emotionally and physically. But Make a Wish gives these kids a chance to take a step back from all the negativity and hardship to smile and enjoy something. To laugh, to smile, to be happy. To not think about their illness. To be able to be a part of that smile, that piece of hope – gosh, I don’t know about you, but my heart smiles at just the thought.

Make A Wish – Get Involved 

J. x

Crofton House – Pre Grad

This post is incredibly overdue. I had originally planned on posting this before I left for London (watch out for a travel blog post!!) but life got busy, and well, here we are now.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of doing a pre-prom shoot (one of my first!) for a group of girls from Crofton House. It was super fun and solidified my love of pre prom-senior photography. It was from posting that shoot, and word of mouth, that I met Christina (You can see her personal shoot from a few years back here). She has been one of the coolest clients that I’ve worked with. Her enthusiasm for this little business is amazing – and always recommends me to people she knows! I basically need to hire her as my hype girl.

Anyways! It seemed like a bit of a no brainer that I would work with her when she asked me about doing a pre-prom shoot for her and her friends.

Crofton House is an all girl’s school in Vancouver, found near Kerrisdale – one of my favourite Vancouver neighbourhoods. I think what really stood out about this group was not only their super awesome personalities (because trust me- these girls were a BLAST to work with), but the fact that they opted out for dates and went with each other instead. Beyonce’s Formation and Run The World (Girls) was practically their theme songs.

I am so happy that I got to photograph their day. It started off with a pre-pre prom party at one of their homes. Champagne and appetizers were consumed, while laughter and chatter could be heard all throughout the home as they celebrated with their families. Afterwards, the girls and I made our way to Queen Elizabeth Park where we shot their portraits. I don’t think I’ve laughed as much as I have at a shoot. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do.

J.

York House – Pre Grad

One of my favourite times of the year is prom season. There’s something so exciting about pretty dresses and sparkly heels, young men trading in their basketball shorts and nike shoes for a fitted suit and oxfords, and the smell of hairspray filling the air. It’s hands down one of my favourite times to photograph.

This year, I booked three separate pre-grad sessions. Two of which were on the same day. At first, I was ready to tell the second booking that I would be unable to photograph them for I already had promised that day to another group. However, the world is in fact a very small place, and my second client was not only from the same school as my first client, but also in her group of friends. Deciding to book Lucia and her family was then a no brainer.

The first booking – a group of friends from York House, an all girls school in Vancouver, had found me through Gaby – one of my long time youth girls. She had asked me if I would be interested in photographing her friends, and of course I said yes! There’s something incredibly special about being able to capture one of the most exciting moments in any teenagers life- especially for a girl I’ve seen grow and mature over the span of her high school career.

It was a rainy day – a stresser for any photographer. However with lots and lots of prayer, the rain had eased up during the course of both shoots. It wasn’t until the end, when we struggled to get past the traffic of downtown Vancouver and to our final destination, that it started to downpour. But it’s okay! Because these girls (and their lovely dates) are troopers. Graceful and elegant troopers that stood in the cold Vancouver weather, and looked absolutely beautiful doing so.

Here are a few portraits from Lucia’s shoot, and then her and Gaby’s group of friends.

Enjoy!

J.

Eric + Patricia | Engagement

Engagements are exciting! They are even more exciting when it happens between two of my closest friends.

I’ve known Eric and Patricia for almost two years, and I absolutely love this couple. They’re fun, energetic, lover of all things animal, vegan, and driven. They have a heart to see God’s work done in this city and in the hearts of young adults. They radiate love, passion, and positivity. Not only that, but they’re the nicest people you’ll meet.

When they asked me if I would photograph their wedding (way before they were even engaged yet), it was a no brainer. In February we braved the chilly winds and beautiful sunshine for their engagement shoot. It’s safe to assume that North Vancouver is one of their top spots in the city, so it only made sense to do their engagement shots there.

Here are some of my favourites from that day.

 

J.

Top 6 Winter Skincare Products

Whenever the seasons change, I always notice that my skin changes with it. As the weather has gotten colder, my skin had become a lot more dry. This is usually when I start to switch up my skincare routine, and throw in a lot more hydrating products.

Here’s my Top 6 Winter Skincare… 

CLEANSERS:

Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a good cleanser. My face has become noticeably dryer, and I’ve even been breaking out. A few months back I received a sample size of the Glam Glow: Thirstycleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser. Now listen – this stuff is not cheap. The price ranging from $16 to $43 Canadian. However with that being said, I did notice a difference with this cleanser. My skin has felt a lot more hydrated. It’s a cream, almost mud like consistency, that changes to foam once mixed with water. It’s gentle on the skin – so if you’re sensitive, it’s great.

Another option: The Body Shop: Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash. 

TONER + NIGHT CREAM:

Over the past few years, I’ve learnt the importance of a good toner and night cream. If toning and night creams are not part of your nightly ritual, I highly recommend that you implement it. Lately, I’ve been in love with the Body Shop’s Vitamin E line. Their Hydrating Toner is incredibly gentle. I pour a little bit on a cotton pad and dab it on my skin after I cleanse. It goes on nice and it doesn’t give you that tingling feeling that some harsher toners do.

Moisturizing is so important. Whether it be at night or during the day, it’s one step that you can’t miss. At night, after I finish cleansing my skin, I like to lather on the Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream. It has a thick consistency and feels cool against your face when you apply it. In the morning, I wake up with the softest skin. I also make sure I pay attention to problem areas where it’s extra dry – like around my nose, eyebrows, and hairline. In the morning, I like to use a moisturizer as well under my primer before I apply my foundation.

Another option: Fresh Lotus Preserve Radiance Lotion by Fresh  – this was a recommendation that had been made to me when I did a makeover. My skin drank it up instantly and felt so hydrated. 

MASKS:

I’m a sucker for a good mask. I don’t know what it is, but I always find that my face feels so much better after I use one. It’s also a great tool when you want to relax. Slather on a mask and soak in a tub, and you’re on a one stop trip to relaxation station.

Not too long ago, I received a sample of the Hydrating Mask by Oz Naturals: Amino Herbal. It has Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5 and E. It’s super lightweight and gentle. It’s not one of those masks where you can’t move your mouth, making it a great everyday mask. After I wash it off, my skin feels baby soft. Afterwards, I lather on a night cream and I’m good to go!

Another Option: The Body Shop also carries a Vitamin E mask.

LIPS:

I don’t know about you, but my lips like to get all chapped when the weather changes. Summer, winter, it really doesn’t matter. Lately, I’ve been gravitating to the Nivea: Lip Butter in Vanilla and Macadamia. It smells and tastes great (which is always a bonus), but it also makes my lips feel super hydrated. The plus side? It’s super cheap! You can pick one up at any drugstore. There are different flavours too. If you’re lucky, you can even get it on sale.

Another Option: Fresh- Sugar Lip Treatment... Okay, I know. Fresh products are not cheap for a lip balm. However, I’m obsessed with their products. I have this treatment in clear and in berry. They are incredibly moisturizing and they also come in tinted colours. How can you go wrong with that?

HANDS+BODY:

We can’t forget about our bodies! It’s so important to keep our bodies just as moisturized as our faces. I recommend the First Aid Beauty: Ultra Repair Cream. The smell isn’t my favourite, but I’m willing to look past it for how great it is as a product. You can use this anywhere, but I wouldn’t recommend your face. It’s thick so chances are it will clog up your pores. I’d suggest using a face cream instead.

Another Option: Soap and Glory – Butter Yourself  Can we take a moment to talk about how great this product is? It’s sweet scent reminds me of summertime. It’s very moisturizing and the smell sticks to your skin. You can pick it up at your local Shoppers Drug Mart (for those of you who are from Canada). 

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I hope that this will help you during the cold, dry winter months. Your skin will thank you later!

J.

* Note: this is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Products that were samples were given to me by a paid monthly subscription called Ipsy. 

New Year, New Resolutions

Fireworks can be heard in the distance while shouts of “Happy New Year” rings throughout every household. Over on Facebook, people begin to post their witty remarks to the new year with a string of “I haven’t done (blank) since last year”. While others are huddled around their televisions, with champagne in their hands, as they watch firework displays and couples catching their new year kiss in New York city. Hate and anguish have been pushed aside for the time being, as joy and laughter flourishes everywhere.

December has come to an end and January is here.

It’s a time to say goodbye to the “old” and hello to the “new”.  It’s a typical saying: New Year, New You. People are beginning to dust off their running shoes in hopes of getting fit, while others throw away all their holiday treats in hopes of getting a head start on their new years resolutions.

New Years resolutions… made on January first but normally broken by January third. I’ve never been one to do them. I always try  my best but I then see a chocolate cookie and every intention I had to get fit goes out the window.  It’s the thought that counts, right?

Well this year, I wanted to try this whole resolution thing again but with seven resolutions that are way more practical and easier to do.

My 2016 New Years Resolutions

1. Sleep More – I am an awful sleeper. I blame it on insomnia. If I’m lucky, I can squeeze in six hours of sleep, but usually it’s four or five. This year, I want to try and get more rest and go to bed earlier, when I can.

2. Be More Mindful – It’s so easy to get caught up on social media and on our phone. I know I do, but this year, I want to be more mindful. Less on my phone, and more in the present. I want to also enjoy the simple things in life.

3. Love More – I want to love people more – in everything that I do. In my actions, in my words – I want it to be filled with love, and free of judgement. I want to love as Christ loves us.

4. Be On Time – I want to consistently be punctual in everything that I do.

5. Stress Less – Anxiety and stress can be the bane of my existence. I want to stress less and to not worry so much.

6. Explore More – The world is out there and it’s screaming to be explored. I want to get out more. I want to see and experience what the world has to offer. I want to see somewhere new, go somewhere that I haven’t been before. To be spontaneous in my adventures.

7. Grow Deeper in Jesus – In everything that I do, in my business and in my personal life, I want it to be deeply rooted in Jesus Christ. This year, I want to be more intentional in seeking him more, to grow deeper in his word and to fall more in love with Him. I want to experience Christ in a new and fresh way… to be open to what he wants to teach me, and to where he wants me to go.

–

2015 was a year full of new experiences. I met new people, and went to places I’ve never been before. I was stretched, grew, and cried. I got to see my favourite band live, and photograph friends’ weddings. I celebrated my nephews first birthday. I saw my business grow and met new clients. I loved, laughed, and smiled.

I’m excited to see what 2016 has in store for me. This year, I want to see and photograph more. I want to meet more people. I want to live intentionally and authentically. I can’t wait to see what happens this year!

What are some of your new years resolutions? 

J. x

My Holiday Table

It’s two days later and Christmas has come and gone. Presents have been opened, films have been watched, and a copious amount of food has been consumed. I’m not sure about you, but I have definitely eaten more than my share of christmas treats in the span of three days.

This Christmas season, my family opened up our home to our extended family. All eighteen of us sat around our table for a Portuguese style dinner. This meant potatoes, chouriço, and chicken that would put Nando’s out of business. Everyone had a task to do to make this dinner a success. Mine? Table decorating.

As some of you may know, I love decorating. With two Christmas banquets from the year already under my belt, I was excited put my new found knowledge of holiday table design to the test. I always find that Christmas decorating can have the tendency to look a little tacky. I wanted to stay away from that and give our table a more modern (or in other words, Pinterest inspired “this looks like it came from tumblr) twist. I’m a sucker for anything rustic.

My holiday table…

I kept the table simple with a white table cloth and white plates. For candlelight, I used mason jars (which you can find at any thrift store or even your local grocer) and placed white, unscented tea lights in each. The stumps were borrowed from the church I work at, which gave the table a rustic feel. I added foliage, a gold spray painted pine cone (to bring out the gold trim on the plates), and some berries that I found in my garden. The other two stumps were used as a “mat” for the hot dishes.

What’s so great about this, is that you can find most of the decor from your backyard, a local park, and even a dollar store. It’s cost efficient which is great for the holidays when money can get to be a bit tight.

Even though Christmas has come and gone, you can easily use this similar idea for any dinner party or even New Years day! New Years is all about gold, black, and glitter. Trade in your red napkins for gold or black ones and dip your jars in some glitter. Or, bookmark this page to keep in mind for next Christmas!

I hope that your Christmas was wonderful – spent with everyone that you love, and full of so much food, laughter, and joy.

J. x

FAMILY: MITTELSTAEDT, RYDER + JACOB

Have you ever had a friend from childhood that moved away, but then ten years later you reunite? It’s one of those situations that could go either of two ways – really, really awkward, or really, really good (almost as if you saw them the day before).

This reunion was definitely the latter.

Katelyn and I were the best of friends when we were preteens. We both attended the same church where her father was pastoring. With two other girls, we were our own little group of pals. It was when we were thirteen that her family moved churches and we quickly lost touch. Thankfully with technology being as great as it is, we were able to reconnect over social media. Not only that, but her cousins, Phil and Simone Mittelstaedt, are my pastor and friends. (Small world, innit?)   Thus, leading us to this shoot. It’s pretty neat when things come to a full circle!

It was a very rainy day – typical of Vancouver. Bundled in jackets and scarves, with umbrellas in our hands, we made our way to Stanley Park. Even though by the end of it our fingers were numb and our faces painted a rosy red, it was a fun filled shoot!

Enjoy!

 

Creative Wrapping Ideas using Brown Paper

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s that time when the weather get’s a bit crisper, the ground a little icier, and the clothes a little warmer. It’s that time of year when you put on your comfiest shoes and immerse yourself into the madness that is Christmas shopping. It’s an exciting season, but what I love most about it is the activity that comes after the hustle of gift buying. It’s christmas gift wrapping.

I’m a bit obsessed with it. I think it’s my all-time favourite activity during this time of the year. If you’re a creative person like myself, you get a thrill of excitement when you wrap up a gift. It’s the best time to try something different – maybe use twine and foliage instead of a bow; or chalkboard paper instead of wrapping paper. Whatever it is that you choose to do, it’s a great opportunity to try something different. And besides – who doesn’t love a good DIY!

Just like Julie Andrews, brown paper packages tied up with string is definitely one of my favourite things. It’s a pretty simple way to wrap a gift. It’s easy and it looks pretty too! This year, I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my favourite ways to use kraft paper when wrapping gifts. I hope that this will inspire you in case you’ve run out of wrapping ideas, or if you want to try something different!

Go ahead and have a look, and be sure to tell me which idea you like or if you have any yourself!

Some of the supplies used: brown kraft paper, letter stamps, twine, burlap, and foliage. 

       

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