Rebecca Wellman Photography

Spring time, Inspiration, New Ventures

Rebecca — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:08:42 +0000

It has been a long time since I have been here. That is because I have been here, and have been consumed by its every move. As (relatively) new co-owner of Devour restaurant, I have most definitely lost time to blog, write and perform other assorted lifely duties.

That doesn’t stop me though, from continuing on with photog type retreats and commitments. Last year, a group of photographers from far and wide (Vancouver and its adjacent island to be more precise) gathered on Hornby Island for what is to clearly become an annual retreat. While my career may have taken a bit of a turn, my blood remains the same – full of art and passion and all things visual. And like last year, this trip marked the beginning of inspiration. My eyes opened, my heart swelled, I shed the winter coat and plugged in. Woke up. Looked around. And this is what I saw:

Clearly, I am not clever or organized enough to have captured everyone that was there. My apologies. This comes from the welcome freedom of shooting for myself, without an agenda, allowing for scatterbrain, and hopefully being forgiven for it! Here’s the guest list:

Shooting in the Dark (Gung Hay Fat Choy)

Rebecca — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:50:54 +0000

This past weekend, we celebrated Chinese New Year. It was either that or Robbie Burns Day. One way or another, there was going to be a party: a nice way to add some fun and excitement to the otherwise dull and grey January days.

You may remember Gung Hay Fat Choy from last year. Well, it was one-upped this year. A beautiful home (aka Chez Collins) replete with Asian decor, amazing food and a personal D.J. or two. Suffice it to say, we rang in the new year right.

Devour and Victory

Rebecca — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:59:20 +0000

I have more news on this topic coming soon, but for now, I will share a small taste of a recent catering job that I helped Devour with.

Devour Bistro and Catering, in Victoria B.C. is the sweetest little place for an amazing lunch, dinner or small private party. This Christmas season, I helped Chef Jena out with a catering job for Victory Barber and Brand‘s epic Christmas party! Armed with my camera of course, I was able to capture some of Jena’s amazing food and Victory’s cool space. Merry Christmas everyone!

Impromptu

Rebecca — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:13:25 +0000

I love surprise, unplanned, spontaneous coffee dates with my big brother…xo

Steve and Colleen – Married!

Rebecca — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:42:15 +0000

Two days after our engagement session, Steve and Colleen got married at the always lovely Inn at Laurel Point.

Steve and Colleen opted to see one another prior to their ceremony. Such a great time to get a few moments together.

Before guests arrived, we snuck away to Beacon Hill Park for some private portrait time…

The ceremony was held outside, on the ocean, on a gorgeous Victoria autumn day.

One of the most amazing ring designs I’ve ever seen. The diamond appears to hover between the two posts:

Colleen’s family has an interesting and very cool tradition. Over the years, during various family celebrations, these very cow bells have been present. Rather than a hoop and a holler, a glass clink or a whistle, these bells have been used for everything from graduations to wedding celebrations, whether they are appropriate or not. :) And of course Colleen and Steve’s day was no exception! I adore traditions like this!

While we didn’t stay for the whole evening, we did get a chance to see Colleen dance with her two special men.

I am always so happy to meet the people I get to meet in my photography travels. Steve and Colleen were such a pleasure to work with, such an easy and relaxed couple to photograph and wonderful to get to know, if just a tiny bit. All of this couldn’t have been possible without the following:

Laurel Point Inn

Sharon Rai - Makeup Artist

Shane Deringer, who was my stellar second shooter this day

And many more!

Congratulations Steve and Colleen. I know you are viewing these from your amazing honeymoon location as well. Cheers to you, and enjoy! xo

Steve and Colleen – Engaged

Rebecca — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:22:25 +0000

Steve and Colleen, despite having known each other for 20 years, gave themselves only a couple of months to plan a wedding. A long distance wedding at that. By the looks of it, you wouldn’t know it. It all came off brilliantly.

Because they had decided to marry in Victoria, and were coming from out of town, we did all our planning over the phone. So, it was only two days before their wedding that I got to meet them in person, take them out and capture their ‘engagement session’!

Needless to say, the wedding has already happened, and the honeymoon is currently underway in tropical and exotic locations. The wedding post is forthcoming, but in the meantime, here is a little glimpse into our beachside session together.

The Beach in Autumn (Vancouver Portrait Session)

Rebecca — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:48:02 +0000

A few years ago, I met Lynda and Michael and their beautiful little girl, Alexa. This year, I met up with them again, along with their new gorgeous addition, Danica!

I love this family. Sweet little girls and adoring parents who I could easily see as good friends.

Enjoy a glimpse of our time together on the beaches of Vancouver! xo

Black Hat does not mean black tie.

Rebecca — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:18:15 +0000

It’s October. It’s getting chilly out there. And while I will always appreciate patios and refreshing cocktails, I’m ready for this time of year when days get shorter, fires get lit and the red wine is passed around. This time where hanging out somewhere new, like The Black Hat by Bistro 28, (the second culinary endeavor by Chef Sam Chalmers) is a welcome change.

Me being the lucky culinarian/foodist/photog that I am, got invited to the grand opening, and had the pleasure of partaking in all the delights – all senses satiated.

For example, tuna tataki served on a Himalayan salt plate.

And Baccala Fritters, made with halibut & yukon gold puree and served with cilantro chili aioli.

I’ve known Sam Chalmers for a couple of years now, I think, through his first venture – Bistro 28; his trademark black hat, the new restaurant’s namesake.

The atmosphere at The Black Hat is warm but spacious, old but new and is full of charm. (so are the staff) :)

The Wagyu meatballs. Amazing…

A unique menu to say the least, you’ll need to visit to see it, and taste it for yourself.

More deliciousness.

The GQ kitchen staff.

Sam – thank you for a lovely evening, and best of luck with your new and exciting venture! I will be sure to check in often! Cheers.

Visit to Port Moody

Rebecca — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:13:54 +0000

On a recent visit to the mainland, I met up with this lovely family for a photo shoot in the park. Here’s a sneak peek…

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rebecca — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:36:22 +0000

For my family and friends, for my health and my freedom and for all the love in my life, I am grateful beyond what words can convey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. xo

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy