Words by Maureen Young

Sharon + Anthony met at the bus stop in Grade 10 and if it was love at first sight, it definitely wasn’t because of Sharon’s shoes – Anthony made fun of them!  When their respective groups of friends began to hang out together they became friends.   Sharon swore she wouldn’t fall for a lady’s man like Anthony, but, after a sunset proposal in Hawaii, they’re now marrying.  Seriously, Anthony had planned an engagement so perfect it beats a Hollywood romance.  For their engagement shoot, we accompanied these two transplanted Calgarians around their new hometown, Vancouver.  For us, aside from the obvious name twins, we had so much in common with Sharon + Anthony it was a day spent with great friends.

Anthony is part-owner of Raw Canvas; part pub, part art studio.  We are definitely stopping in our next trip to Vancouver as Rina didn’t have a chance to pick up a paint brush this time around.  Share a bottle of wine and get creative with friends by purchasing a canvas and painting.  Sharon + Anthony’s major artistic tip?  Start with a plan.  They self-criticised that the painting was their worst collaborative effort to date and, now that it’s online, Sharon’s afraid our mutual friend Sam who did art with her in high school, will make fun of her.

The fire alarm went off at the restaurant next door to Raw Canvas but, being  optimistic, we opted to continue with the shoot.  After all, firefighters had arrived to save us if necessary :).  Anthony was hungry so we stopped off for a bite of lunch at Japa Dog’s new restaurant in Yale Town.  We first heard about Yale Town years ago and it’s become a Vancouver tradition for us as well as a few celebrities.  Usually it’s a matter of finding the street vendor on the right corner and finding a bench or something to sit on so we’re excited about a restaurant and Japa Dog with fries! It was great to run into Philana + Gary as well.  After lunch and a wardrobe change, we hit the late afternoon light in Gas Town.  Unfortunately, the lighting was ideal but the temperature wasn’t.  Sharon’s joined our amazing brides by braving pain for the sake of art and beauty.  Sorry about your cold toes!

There’s something about Vancouver and our desire for cherry blossom backdrops that seems to result in near brushes with the law.  We escaped campus police with Michelle + Terry and fortunately escaped speed cameras with Sharon + Anthony.  We drove like mad to get to Stanley Park in time for the sunset amidst cherry blossom paths and looking onto Vancouver’s cityscape.

Sharon +Anthony, it was awesome spending the day with you and hearing your stories.  You two were brilliant at braving the spring chill and you rocked every pose.  We can’t wait to shoot your big day in Vancouver!  It was great to meet fellow foodies.  We’re rather proud of the food babies we came home with!  We’re definitely looking forward to more all you can eat sushi when we’re next in town.

love
Anton (aka Anthony) and Rina