My friend, and fellow photographer, Tamera Lackey sent me a link to some incredible stories she has on her blog and I wanted to share them with all of you.  Here is the link:  World Changers

These stories remind me, and hopefully all of us, that everyday, ordinary people are overcoming the most incredible obstacles to do something extraordinary.  I don't equate my run coming up on Saturday with the accomplishments of the people that Tamera shares with us - not even close.  But, it's not about doing something that big.  It's about getting up an doing something, you know?

We lament the world we live in, we talk about the major, earth changing issues that surround us, and we do it from the comfort of our environmentally unfriendly homes, or while on a cigarette break from work, or while driving through a fast food drive thru for our dinner.  

At the risk of sounding preachy or waaay out there, I believe every day that we are the change.  Let's say that one more time:  WE ARE THE CHANGE.  It doesn't have to be a huge change (every little bit counts), but what are we all waiting for?  If you see something that can be done, why not do it.  If you want to make a difference, then make it.  The truth is, there is no better time to make a difference then right now.

Ok, ok, I'm off my soap box for now.  I'll leave with this thought:  everything we do (big or small) creates a ripple effect and even the smallest of changes, can effect many people and many things.

4 days to go until we run in the Underwear Affair.  We shattered our fundraising goal, and we'll let you all know how we do.  Steve has been training in an unconventional way (i.e. not running at all) and I've been putting in my time on the treadmill.  It should be a crazy, fun time, and we never lose sight of the fact that we are doing this for a reason.  It's not a huge thing, but the ripples from this will be felt in so many places. 

Thank you all again, for your ongoing support, your messages of strength, and the personal stories you have all shared.  We are humbled everyday by your generosity and we will do our very best to do you all proud.

Remember, we are the change.

We had a wonderful day with Jelena and Marko this past weekend.  Depsite a little rain, Jelena's spirits were high the entire day and we are so excited to share their images with you.  We're still working on them right now, but here is one of their favorite images from their Lifestyle Session:

 In just a few more days, Steve and I will be running with our team at Vancouver's Underwear Affair.  This is especially personal for me, as I have recently had my own issues with a cancer below the waist (as you can read in this post).

The support that we have received from our friends and colleagues around the world has been truly phenomenal.  I cannot even begin to describe how incredibly emotional all the messages of support have been for me.  Every so often Steve will look over at me while I'm working and see tears streaming down my face.  He doesn't ask anymore, he know it was a message from one of you.

And it's not just your emotional support (although that means the world to us both), but it also the financial support that you have given to this cause.  We have shattered our target of $5000 and with 9 days to go, I know that we can raise even more money for this cause.   

Let's be honest - cancer sucks.  It really, really sucks.  And to have a cancer like mine or any of the others that occur below the waist is made harder by the fact that no one likes to talk about that region of the body.  So, please, if you can give even just $10 to help fund the research that is much needed for these cancers to be understood, found earlier, and treated successfully, please click on this link and give to Team Bebb.

Self described as "quirky" Jill and Ryan said three magic words to us regarding their wedding photography:  "We trust you".  We don't often get a couple that challenges us the way these two did.  They weren't looking for conventional (they knew we could do that), or classical (they knew we could do that too), or typical (we don't do that).  Nope, they wanted romantic, different, quirky, unconventional, beautiful wedding images...and they trusted us to do that for them.

"Surprise Us", they said.  

We set out on their wedding day, knowing that we could leave nothing on the table.  Everything we had ever wanted to do, to explore, to try, was running through our minds.  They challenged us to be more than what we usually are, and that challenge could not be left unmet.  

And yet, there was no frenzied running around to get the shot.  There was no panic about meeting their expectations.  And any preconceived notions we brought with us were quickly flung aside after 5 minutes with these two.  The raw honesty of their love for each other proved to all the inspiration we needed on this day.  And, in truth, the love in front of us is really all the inspiration we ever need.  We drew from them and their simple joy at being together, and together the four of us made magic of a wedding day.

I just have to start with Jill's shoes...they may be my favorite wedding shoes ever!  Not only are they uber cool to look at, they are environmentally friendly as well (a theme throughout their wedding and their lives).

Just after the dress went on:

We did the photos of each of them alone, and with their bridal party before the ceremony and I just loved how natural the girls were together.  

Ryan is an architect and Jill really wanted to have some images in front of this fantastic door.  I love the way the light is falling on her.

Ryan and the boys right before the ceremony:

The ceremony was held at the Celebration Pavilion and was made more special by the fact it was performed by Jill's best friend's mother.  It was beautiful, simple, and completely about Jill & Ryan.  It was truly all that a ceremony should be and there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

After family photos, we headed up to SFU for some time with the two of them alone.  It was made extra fabulous by the fact that the wedding day actually ran ahead of schedule and we had extra time with them.  I'll refrain from commenting on each image, other than saying this: 

A quiet look, and unspoken word, a simple gesture unique to them...magic.

Jill & Ryan, you two are truly a pleasure.  We enjoyed our time with you so very much, not just because you pushed us to be better and to meet your expectations for what we could do, but also because you are just such wonderful people.  Thank you. 

There is so much to say and so much more to see, but for now...