Photography Blog | Brena Currelly

Part Two: one year older in Paris

2010-02-11T03:50:36Z

Twenty-nine one day, thirty the next. Just numbers, they don't mean anything. I now believe becoming a year older only matters if you also feel a year older, and that my friends can be avoided by doing what we love every day. Travel, friends, family, wine and good food; if everyone filled their days and lives with more of these, the world would be a happier place.

As a Canadian, I constantly compare our North American way of life with that of the European's; and with most of the outside world really. Why do we measure our success by how much money we make, by our job titles or by the size of our house? Why are we expected to willingly sacrifice our time with friends and family for our careers? Why must the career define who we are? Why do we settle for two or three weeks vacation a year? Why oh why do we take life so seriously? I know I am generalizing, but it seems to me that other cultures break up the work day with a walk to the local cafe to meet friends for a glass of wine, complimented by a bowl of fresh olives, good bread or a plate of fine cheese, then it's siesta time and back for just a little more work before nightfall. At the end of the day they head home for a delicious feast around the table (remember those? dinner tables? what a brilliant idea to eat at a table instead of on the couch in front of the TV, it does wonders for your posture).

I know the "grass is always greener on the other side" but perhaps in this case it actually is. Those Europeans seem to know how to live correctly. I did a lot of reflecting in Paris, as I often do when traveling. It's what I love about traveling; having all the time in the world to just observe life. At home, life is too fast and the days become weeks and months and then years, it all becomes a blur. I don't want my life to be a blur so I'm going to continue to live doing what I want, when I want, fill it with friends, family, delicious food, and perhaps, some time soon, a dinner table.

(Click HERE to see the blog entry of my first day in Paris)

Banff to Victoria

2010-02-01T01:22:39Z

Fall of 2009 was a busy and exciting time for me. September was Steve and Laura's wedding in Toronto and a week in Paris, October was a road trip from Banff Alberta to Victoria B.C. and in December I spent a week in Mexico. The Mexico photos will be posted eventually and I still have to finish posting all my Paris photos, but in the meantime I've decided to post some of my favourite photos of my road trip in October.

My friends Tristan and Jenna were getting married in Victoria, both of them are photographers, and pretty much everyone else at their wedding was too! We all attended the Western Academy of Photography in Victoria back in 2006, so their wedding was also a reunion. There were a LOT of cameras there! It was a great week: the road trip, the wedding, the penthouse apartment in Victoria, lots of sushi and lots and lots of photos. The trip reminded me of how much I loved my year at Western and how lucky I am to have made so many great friends there.

Toronto

2010-02-01T00:58:52Z

A Winter Wonderland

2009-12-19T00:10:55Z

In November I photographed a "Winter Wonderland" themed event for Mountainscape Productions & Events. An ice archway and centrepieces, giant 3D snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and a 110 foot long themed backdrop are just a few of the decor elements that created yet another spectacular event.

Our First Day in Paris

2009-12-12T19:10:46Z

Arriving outside our apartment.

The green door is the entrance and the open window above will be our home for the next 7 days.

Baby Photos of Fergus!

2009-11-24T03:25:31Z

Below are a few of my favourites from a short and sweet half hour photo session back in August. You may recognize Jeff and Naomi from this blog post of some pregnancy photos I took at the beginning of the summer. I love the photo of Naomi holding Fergus up to her face, it shows just how tiny he was at only 2 weeks.

Toronto Island Wedding - Steve & Laura

2009-11-22T16:17:28Z

Ward's Island has got to be the BEST location in Toronto to get married. I love this city and this location couldn't have been more perfect; the view of the cityscape is unreal. It was so great hanging with old friends and seeing one of our best friends "tie the knot". Congratulations Steve and Laura, we love you guys! Also, a special shout-out goes to our friend (and Steve's best man) Luke McFadden, for the world's best speech and an incredible performance of a Bert Bacharach tune on the piano.

Banff Family Portrait - Heather, Alan, Hannah and baby Evan

2009-10-15T04:45:41Z

I met Heather and Alan through my good friends Michelle and Andrew. Heather was very pregnant at Michelle and Andrew's wedding that I photographed back in May. In August, Heather and Alan drove into Banff for some portraits with 2 year old Hannah and the newest member of the McGrath family, 2 week old Evan. We went to Cascade Pond and ducked out of the rain a few times, but the clouds created beautiful light and the mountains were a spectacular backdrop. I am always amazed at the beauty of this little town. Thanks again Alan and Heather for spending a fun Sunday afternoon in Banff with me.

Alberta Wedding - Shaelene & Chris

2009-10-08T02:18:10Z

Another hot and sunny August wedding in Edmonton Alberta. Amara and I started the day at the chic Mousy Brown's Salon which, by the way, has fantastic photography on its walls, then into the limo for some champagne and onto the church for a beautiful ceremony.

British Columbia Wedding - Jered & Monique

2009-09-22T03:53:28Z

Short n' Sweet sums up Jered and Monique's wedding that I photographed in Kelowna B.C back in July. Held at Two Eagles Golf Course on a sunny afternoon with just their family and closest friends, it was an evening that will definitely be remembered. The tunes were provided by the famous DJ Eddie C (my husband!), so the two of us had a great time working together (although, it didn't feel like work!). Kelowna was on fire that day and guests had to leave to evacuate their hotel rooms. Thankfully everything turned out all right and everybody was able to return to continue the celebration. Congratulations Jered and Monique and thank you for having us, your wedding was HOT and we had a great time!