Blog, Portrait, Graduation, Journals Tamara Dayle Blog, Portrait, Graduation, Journals Tamara Dayle

Morgan B. Graduation

Some smiles and laughter, with Morgan and her family while snapping a few for her grade 12 graduation, amongst the vibrant colours and serene surroundings, of Saskatoon’s Forestry Farm.

I took some photos for her brothers grad a couple of years before, so it was slightly nostalgic to have the family in front of my lens once again.

Such an honour capturing this monumental milestone in Morgans life. Thanks again for having me xo.

Morgan and her mama

Daddy’s little girl gets a hug and a kiss from her father on her graduation day


A young girl in her grad dress stands beneath a tree and swirls the skirt on her grad dress.
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Blog, Family, Documentary, Journals Tamara Dayle Blog, Family, Documentary, Journals Tamara Dayle

Family Day Weekend And A Horse

Couple of weeks back my husband and I took a road trip out to see my son Dorian, and his fiancé Brie, in Whitecourt Ab. It’s a bit of a drive that’s for sure. Six hours and 48 mins to be exact. 

Luckily (dripping sarcasm) I had just fallen down a flight of stairs the night before, sober I might add, and caused some major damage to myself. One of those injuries included a dislocated and badly bruised tail bone. So that six hours and 48 mins sitting on my assaulted ass, felt more like 60 hours and 48 mins. 


Brie’s family was throwing them a surprise engagement party and they were so sweet to include us in the lies and deception. Shall we call us the decoys?

Plans well laid ..

Most of Brie’s family lives right there in Whitecourt. Which is pretty amazing that my son inherited this big beautiful family way out there in Alberta. He is surrounded by people that love him. What more can a mom wish for? 

They live on a beautiful acreage just outside of town. It’s surrounded by forest and they even have a neighbours horse hanging in the backyard. Like come on. 

The Bait

As you can see this horse became my muse for the weekend. 


The horse up close and personal looks down at my camera lens

Should I be worried about this tongue thing?


five year old Drew feeds Lightening the Horse an Apple

Grand daughter Drew feeding Lightening the Horse an Apple

I should add that my son has also inherited 3 pretty awesome grown children, and one adorable granddaughter. 

That’s right. He is grandpa Dorian. As his mom this is both bizarre and beautiful, all at the same time. This little spitfire has stolen his heart, and our hearts as well. 

Fun fact this granddaughter and I share the same birthday.


The morning of this planned surprise was allegedly our leaving day. But our plan was that we wanted to go for a walk with Dorian and Brie before we left. You know, stretch legs, get some air, before the long drive. 

This would give Brie’s family and friends time to swoop in, decorate, and lay out some brunch. 

However dorian god bless him, decided to make us one last breakfast before we left. . Now time is of the essence and it was our only job, to have them leave the house when instructed. 

It’s 10:10 am we are supposed to have them gone about 10 minutes ago.

Dorian is just cracking eggs. Oh boy. I believe I have fucked this day up and it’s not even noon.

Internally I’m panicking, hot flashes and twitchy agitation ensues. I’m putting the pressure on about having to leave and setting these anxiously rigid time lines, without being conspicuous of course..

Toast is still in the toaster. 

Brie is very intuitive. She is going to know something is up, that, or, she will decide that her newly inherited mother in law is indeed a ridiculous, uncompromising psycho.

I text my contact for this mission, Brie’s oldest daughter Ally. I let her know we are behind schedule by at least half hour. I’ll text when the eagle flys. .

Finally dirty dishes left where they are, and pans still on the stove, we leave the house, I’m in a subdued panic. 

Ally is sent the all clear. The eagle has left the nest.

Our walk although beautiful, ends up almost an hour long instead of the half hour scheduled.  Well shit, I’m sure the whole entire family has decided Brad and I are incapable of following simple instructions. 

We finally get back to the acreage, behind schedule is an understatement, and Brie’s spidey senses were tingling the whole time.

Better late then never?

Despite the morning panic and delayed start time, these two love birds were greeted with balloons, a champagne brunch, a plethora of family and friends, and a couple of afternoon card games. It was a perfect family day. Celebrating two amazing people, their love, and the joining of families.

It’s truly about the who, and not the what.

Hug your people, and hold them close. I hope your family day was as unscripted and full as ours.

Chilled mimosa cheers

xo td

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Blog, Documentary, Family, Lifestyle, Journals Tamara Dayle Blog, Documentary, Family, Lifestyle, Journals Tamara Dayle

One Christmas Night In The Kitchen

Documenting a night over Christmas, in the kitchen.

As with most homes my kitchen is the heart of most of the action. This was one of many evenings spent here, but the only one that I decided to pull out my camera. For shame, I know.

The evening like many others, was well spent, laughing, cooking, eating, clearly some drinking, and playing games. Christmas tunes playing on Spotify..

Confession- I’m relentless with the Christmas music, when the opportunity of repetitive indulgence becomes available.

It is not very often that every one is able to get together under the same roof, at the same time. And at the time of these photos not all family had arrived. Lucky for mom, she’d had enough of the shenanigans and wandered off to bed earlier in the evening.

I am so very grateful that this holiday season was one of those rare occurrences where our Reesor side of the clan gathering, was not missing a single soul.


In the series below and ones to follow are in no particular order, my dad Dennis, my youngest son Daxon, his girlfriend Shylo, husband Brad, sister Tonya. Niece and nephew Jayce & Jaryn, and last but not least, Dany the elf.




Till next year.

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Blog, Family, Portrait, Photography, Journals Tamara Dayle Blog, Family, Portrait, Photography, Journals Tamara Dayle

Jasmine

Jasmine looks up at her mama

Jasmine looks up at her mama


This sweet old girl had a photo session with her family the other day. But we all know who the star of the show really was. She probably doesn’t have many more Christmas’s left and so we made sure she got some special treatment.


I am a animal lover, and this old girl had my heart.



Such a beauty

Such a beauty

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Blog, Family, Journals Tamara Dayle Blog, Family, Journals Tamara Dayle

Ninety Seven

Grandpa Russ - This birthday thing is some serious business

Grandpa Russ - This birthday thing is some serious business

This sweet soul turned 97 in December.

His name is Russel and he is my husbands paternal grandfather. The family gathered and celebrations were had.

Although some physical ailments have decided to challenge his everyday, this man still lives on his own and is sharp as a tack.

Russ like to keep up on the worlds current events, and loves challenging the ladies around town to a good game of crib. Much to his favour there are not many bachelors to compete with at his ripe age.

This wise guy has some serious quick wit, and his sense of humour brings a smile to my face whenever he is in the room.

Losing his wife of 65 years to cancer 9 years ago, I am in awe of his dedication to making each day the best it can be.

Happy birthday Grandpa Russ. I am inspired, blessed and oh so grateful to be a part of this family you created.

Cheers to you

xo TD

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