Julie Williams Photography

CHRIS+YALAN. EMERALD LAKE WEDDING.

juliewilliams — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:27:41 +0000

Last time I saw Chris, YaLan and their pup Bilu was one of the most beautiful snowy days Banff experienced all winter. Fast forward a few months to their wedding day – a stunning bluebird day at Emerald Lake. When I arrived, I was pleased to notice the winter’s ice had broken up about two weeks early, the water was as clear and vibrant as ever.

What a nice way to kick off my summer wedding season. Congrats you two!

I love it when couples walk in together.

A WEEK IN SWEDEN.

juliewilliams — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:29:23 +0000

On my way home from Italy, I decided to zip up to Sweden to visit some family. My great grandparents immigrated to Canada many, many years ago so the family in that part of the world is many generations removed. However, my aunt has made several trips to this part of the world over the years which have kept our ties strong. Our Swedish roots have always been enthusiastically celebrated, especially during the holiday season, this is a trip I have been excited to do for several years. I’m so grateful I was given the opportunity for this visit this part of my heritage.

The hospitality extended by all of the family was unrivalled. I had only met a small handful of these relatives while visiting Canada when I was much younger, but each one welcomed me into their home with open arms. Furthermore, everyone was so kind to speak English to me…in their own country. Us English speaking travellers are so fortunate.

I hope you’ve enjoyed following along for my little European adventure. I’m so excited to continue exploring, there is so much more to see. But in the meantime, I am refreshed, inspired and ready to dive into the craziness of wedding season!

Thank you EVERYONE!

Of course I loved the red houses dotting the Swedish countryside. It is no coincidence that they are all red, I was interested to learn the history.

This was the home where my great grandmother Svea was born and raised. It is still in the family. As a girl who grew up in a home and yard that my parents built from the ground up, there is so much family history in the Hajom area.

When my great-grandparents left their home in Hajom, they departed on a boat from this pier on Lake Lygnern. And then they got on a train. And finally a ship across the Atlantic. What a journey! A few years back the community held a fundraiser and locals could purchase engraved planks. The Svenson family gifted one to my aunt Marian who has always been fascinated with the story.

These giant cinnamon buns are a signature cafe offering in the Haga neighbourhood of Gothenburg.

Svea is my middle name [after my great-grandmother who I've mentioned a couple times earlier in this post] …the name was everywhere in Gothenburg!

These white flowers are a sign of spring in Sweden. Usually they just blanket the entire fields. Many people mentioned that 2013 has been the longest, coldest winter…everyone is ready for spring! I hope the fields have finally bloomed!

Lots of very old family photos!

These ones are of my grandma and her siblings taken on a trip to the Rockies many moons ago and then sent back to a family member in Sweden. Like myself, my grandma just loves the mountains and has always told me happy stories of family trips to Banff!

I got to visit an amazing textile factory.

Filip and I didn’t speak the same language [he hasn't started learning English in school yet...and me, well unfortunately I certainly don't speak much Swedish] but he wanted to show me the fort he and several friends have built over the past few years. No help from parents, very impressive!

And lastly, my very lovely hosts! Dan and his son Sven-Ove will be spending 5 weeks in Canada and USA this summer, I can not wait to have them visit us in Canmore!

Behind the scenes of the entire trip can be found on Instagram: #juliesveagoesabroad

LINDSAY’S BABY SHOWER.

juliewilliams — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:37 +0000

Last time I met up with Lindsay and Justin we got just a wee peek of her growing belly…a couple months later and she’s nearly fully ripe! Her lovely ladies that we’ve met a few times before [at her stagette and again on their wedding day] threw a beautiful baby shower at her and Justin’s Calgary home. Thanks to all these great gals for waiting for my return back to Alberta from Europe so I could be there to shoot this party…I’m so glad Baby Burger didn’t arrive early!

Next time I [& you!] will see Lindsay, she’ll be a mumma! Enjoy.

Remember this adorable little lady from one of our previous sessions!

What a happy year worth of images in this corner of their living room.

Any parents out there not familiar with this hilarious bedtime story? You probably should be!

Umm…believe it or not, this is actually the first baby belly I’ve ever touched. Lindsay, it’s been so fun watching you and Justin get this far…can’t wait to meet Baby Burger!

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a session like this…I just have to mention again how much I adore this Photographer For a Year project. If you’re interested in a bit more information, check it out.