When I first heard about SNKCR I immediately wanted to be a part of this cause.  But then I heard I was to ride across Canada on my bike.  "What?!" I said.  "Yeah, you start in beautiful Vancouver!" a fellow rider tells me.  "What?!?" I said again.  "Then you ride for several days until you end up in the majestic shores of Halifax!" the rider continued excitingly.  "What?!?!" I uttered for the 3rd time. While he continued to explain the 15 day journey, my mind started a journey of it's own.  A race where I travelled through doubt, nervousness and lack of confidence.  I wanted to rub my brow while he spoke as if I was already sweating just thinking about the ride.  

I somehow steadied myself and asked myself my personal question when ever I'm faced with a challenge, a life changing experience or encountered negative outcome.  "Is this greater than the worse day in your life"  And if the answer is "No".  Then my immediate response is "Than this too you can overcome"  

Not many people can have the unfortunate experience to recall the worst day in their life.  However, I can.  My worst day was when my daughter died in my arms.  Though Jaida did not die to cancer, I too know what it is like to wait helplessly by the bedside why your child fights for their life.  I too know the suffering and pain the child endures as they are administer medicine to help with their progress.  I too know the feeling of devastation when you are told the unthinkable "Their is nothing else we can do for your child".  And I too know what it's like to say goodbye as they take their last breath.  And if the Lord was able to bring me back from that depth of pain only to conquer anything that is put in my path, surely I'm able to accept and fulfil this challenge as well.  

After I answered that question in my head, my imaginary journey transformed from doubt to confidence.  I could envision the accomplishments from the beginning to end.  I like to say I decided right there and then but ofcourse I needed to speak with my family, my closet friends and my Lord.  But now that I've decided I'm more excited than ever.  Please join me on my journey as I train, raise awareness to this cause and ultimately ride across our beautiful country Canada.  

"But first thing is first", I said when I finally gave my answer "Where can I get a decent bike?" 

My name is Carl Reid, I'm a member of SNKCR and I'm riding across Canada.  

Thank you for the compliment of your interest and support.

 

And now the reveal...the amazing event planner Lida from Save my Date who developed this secret engagement concept from start to finish was watching the proposal unfold from the balcony seats.  

It didn't end here but rather Dani was wisked away in a limousine to another secret proposal celebration that continued long into the night.  When you have a moment ask Dani what happen after the limo ride???  

Congratulations to both Dan and Dani...it's only just the beginning.  

Event Planner: Save My Date

Location: St Lawrence Theatre of Arts

Entertainement: Errol Fisher

With the help from Lida, an Event Planner from Save My Date, they elaborately decorated the path, staircase and ultimately the stage for the purpose of proposing to Dani.  And so Dan sat in a huge theatre reserved for two, quietly and calmly waiting for the next phase of his life to enter the theatre doors.  

I imagine he was reflecting on past memories as a picture slideshow of Dan+Dani displayed above the stage.  Or perhaps he surrendered to the excitement of it all and was closing his eyes to steady his nerves.  Or maybe he was just rehearsing the words leading up to the proposal.  Either way, Dan waited until he received the words that launched him out of the chair with eager purpose..."she is here!"  

We quickly got into positions waiting for Dan to escort Dani into a theatre, down the stairs and on to centre stage.

    

But then there is more...stay tuned for part II.

Being a photographer sometimes I get questions like how did I get into photography, what do I like to do besides take pictures or what is like to work with your wife?  

But only once has someone asked me how old I was. I always pause as if to double check my age to ensure I haven't miscalculated before I answer 39.  It is still hard to believe that I'm approaching 40.  In fact, today I'm officially 40 and I can't think of a better way to accept and celebrate this milestone by listing 40 lessons learned by 40.  It will be interested to refer back to this when I have 50 lessons learned by 50.  

1. Don't be afraid to try something new

2. Don't risk anything that you feel will impact your value-added time 

3. Compare your life to no one

4. Seek advise from those you respect

5. You can't be friends with everyone

6. Your brother and sister are your best friends

7. Hold on to the Lord through all circumstances

8. Hold on to your childhood so you know what to expect from your children

9. Apologize when you are wrong

10. It's okay to continue with family traditions

11. Don't be afraid to share stories with your children that are not always your proudest moments

12. Make her laugh at least once a day

13. Always say hello and goodbye

14. Recognize improvement in myself

15. It is scary how much love I have for my wife and kids

16. The older I get the more my parent's advice make sense  

17. Don't rush the kids to grow up too quickly

18. Remind yourself why the Lord introduce you to your wife

19. Most of your fears are related to being a father

20. Be prepared for moments when only you can make the final decision

21. Set 3 tasks per day and be happy with your accomplishments regardless of the outcome

22. Do not forget where you came from

23. Remind yourself of your end destination

24. Take in the view every now and then

25. Spend more time to witness his blessings

26. Double check your side view mirror...just in case

27. God is always looking for an opportunity to reveal his blessings

28. Some problems can't be solved by yourself

29. Procrastination leads to unnecessary consequences

30. If they promise to try at all their practices I promise to be at all their events

31. Don't forget your vitamins...it really matters

32. Listen to his words at least once a day

33. Save dedicated time to give him praise

34. Spend more time reading and learning

35. Spend less time worrying about things you can't prevent

36. Life is what happens to you while you are busy making plans

37. Know who you are and try to be "you" perfectly

38. Do one thing at time

39. Focus on the most important thing first

40. Start it right now

It occurred to Blake that the best way to propose to his girlfriend Megan was to take her on a surprise trip.  And what would make it even greater is if he proposed on one knee at Niagara Falls and have the whole moment captured on film.  So after a few discussions regarding time, location and the all too important "be ready with your camera proposal signal" ("I'll lift both my hands up like an airplane...she we'll never notice" Blake said) our secret engagement was set.  

On that amazing day as they left the hotel with me close behind that's when we noticed it started to rain.  But that's okay...we planned for a little drizzle.  Except as we came closer to the falls the combination of a drizzle combined with the niagara fall mist it created a blanket of fog that could only be described as "Oh No!!!"  And that's where we lost each other!!!  

I'll skip past the moment of panic that felt like an eternity except to say it all worked out in the end due to thoughtful planning, creative adjustments and comfortable shoes for running.  

Enter Blake and Meghan... 

Enter Dave and Mag...

Enter Mike and Jennipher...

When meeting Dave, Mag and their beautiful children we progressively moved through several scenarios from wedding planning to engagement photos to family images.  I'm still not sure how we arrived to showcasing the family in their restored vintage sky blue Jimmy.  But after hearing Dave's enthusiasm and positively glee in his voice when describing the truck we knew that the Jimmy should be our jumping off point for the family/engagement photo shoot.

The beautiful family, the magical skyline, calm waters and outstanding Jimmy lead to a lively and charged photo session.  Is there any way to describe the chemistry, the romance and the beauty captured between Dave, Mag and their immensely cute children without using the word Stunning?  

Enter Dave and Mag...