Leah Rempel Photography

Well, it has been a while since we chatted about @faithschoolpod in this feed and we have had some INCREDIBLE conversations this series (+more to come!) When we created the outline for this BACK TO BASICS series, our hope was that this would refresh those who have been in the faith for awhile AND be a discipleship tool for newer believers. Any of these episodes sound like a good fit for you? Maybe someone you know? TAG them below!

Yesterday was my 32nd birthday and nothing went as planned. All of the places I wanted to eat were closed. My husband forgot about dropping Micah off at school while I slept in (we can laugh about it now ). And a few of my other expectations were dashed. But right when we could have packed up, we pivoted our plans and made a really lovely afternoon out of the mess we found ourselves in. ... We chased the sunset (you know that is already one of my favourite things), we sipped on Chai while playing board games at a local, legendary cafe and we simply relished the time we had together. But isn’t that like God? Making beauty out of unmet expectations and closed doors. I don’t know about you but I have found myself in so many of those places. Not getting what I had on my 10 year plan but getting a richer, more beautiful story than I could write myself. So, while in some ways I hope to never lose some of my expectations, I do hope that I can welcome the unexpected and believe that God knows the greater narrative and has chosen to make it more than I dare dream. Through some tears of what I may end up losing out on, I am more ready now than ever to welcome the new with peace.

Our 9th Anniversary Photos have some serious 2020 Vibes. The Plan: Indian take-out picnic Self portraits using my new remote!... Our first out of the house date night since COVID began NOT the Plan: Pouring rain Searching for my tripod for an hour Burning the tip of my finger with my flat iron (only to have my hair drenched) If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that sometimes plans just don’t go as planned But through all the downpour that this year has brought, there has still been JOY HOPE PROVISION LOVE There is no one I would rather be on mission with throughout this whole year, even as we have had to learn to dance to a new tune. God is GOOD. All the time. Through every storm, every burnt finger and every pandemic: He is GOOD.

In love with my 1st Anniversary Sessions. Thank you to my 2019 wedding couples who keep coming back to do these. Also, N +T you guys are the best.

I had the opportunity to get shooting again on Monday! It was so delightful to work with Stephanie, Andrew and Lucas for their maternity session. I can't wait for this little newborn to make his appearance!

Emily and Jared were the perfect ending to my 2019 wedding season. Thank you my friends for being such a delight to work with. To all of my 2019 clients, I am so thankful for all of you and all that you have trusted me with. I am so proud of this wedding season and this year of photography. While I don't know what the future holds in this industry for me, this is what I know: I love this work. I am so thankful for the support I have had... and I have a lot to process about the last few years and where to go from here!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT: Clothing Swap Fundraiser! Dressember Team Dress to Protest is hosting an EPIC Clothing swap on November 24 with live entertainment, custom ornament calligraphy and tons of amazing goodies!! If you are wanting more details, ask me questions below! We would love to see you there!

Day 1 of this round of Fall Minis was short but SO sweet. Thank you to my fabulous clients for joining me at one of my favourite spots in the city. Just a note that I still have 2 spots left on Wednesday, the 9th at 5:00 and 6:00.

September 21: Marie and James Marie and James were married nearly a week ago at the Faculty Club at the University of Alberta. It was a gloriously beautiful fall day that celebrated this wonderful love story. I love how they met. James was playing a game on his phone on public transit when he saw a pretty girl sitting close to him. Using the game as a way to flirt with her, he managed to grab her phone number by the time they were done their trip. They have been togeth...er for 6 years since! Smooth moves James! Some notable details: the gorgeous fall colours, live music almost the entire time played by friends and family of the bride, the smashing of the plate tradition, an hors d'oeuvre menu for dinner and many homemade Czech treats for dessert (YUM). Thank you Marie and James for having me at your special day. It was an absolute pleasure to join you! See more

Marie and James were married a week ago at the Faculty Club at the University of Alberta. It was a gloriously beautiful fall day that celebrated this wonderful love story. I love how Marie and James that was uniquely their own and true to who they are. It was so sweet. Thank you Marie and James for having me at your special day. It was an absolute pleasure to join you!

August 31: Lauren and Matt Oh I can not even tell you how much I loved this day. First, they are so stinking IN LOVE (enough to make you sick.. kidding). Second, they are some of the nicest humans you will ever meet. Third, I could not ask for people who were (at least pretended to be) so comfortable in front of the camera (my job looked so easy). We did dodge rain all day but the Lord was gracious and when we needed it most, we got our sunshine. The venue was the Clymo...nt Community Centre (a hidden gem close to Devon) which had some really pretty spots on the premise (perfect for photos). One thing I want to note is that I honestly don't have a lot of 'performing' type friends in my life (probably because I am a D level performer myself), so the culture of theatre and performers is very new to me. But one thing I absolutely loved was how comfortable everyone seemed to be in their own skin. So many of the guests are theatre folk (as are Lauren and Matt) and I was seriously in awe of their authenticity AND how inclusive they were (even to little old me). It was beautiful to witness. Some notable details: Vows that had all of us in tears, copious amounts of rain, comic and pop culture galore in the decor, the outrageously fun dance floor, the welcome sign to the hall, and how smitten as a kitten these two are. Lauren and Matt, I hope this post shows how much I adore you both and can't wait to see you on the BIG stage or big screen one day. I will be cheering you on in all areas of your life. Thank you so much for absolutely everything. xo See more

I had the opportunity to get shooting again on Monday! It was so delightful to work with Stephanie, Andrew and Lucas for their maternity session. I can't wait for this little newborn to make his appearance!

Emily and Jared were the last wedding of 2019 (and the last for the foreseeable future) and I was so blessed to celebrate with them. It was a beautiful, chilly day to get married but they did so with grace and walked in the snow for me, so I really can't complain! Emily and Jared were surrounded by a multitude of family and dear friends who were so supportive of their new life together, it was such a delight to be a part of. Thank you Jared and Emily for inviting me in to the day! It was such a pleasure to end my wedding year with you both. Blessings!

Emily and Jared were the perfect ending to my 2019 wedding season. Thank you my friends for being such a delight to work with. To all of my 2019 clients, I am so thankful for all of you and all that you have trusted me with. I am so proud of this wedding season and this year of photography. While I don't know what the future holds in this industry for me, this is what I know: I love this work. I am so thankful for the support I have had... and I have a lot to process about the last few years and where to go from here!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT: Clothing Swap Fundraiser! Dressember Team Dress to Protest is hosting an EPIC Clothing swap on November 24 with live entertainment, custom ornament calligraphy and tons of amazing goodies!! If you are wanting more details, ask me questions below! We would love to see you there!

Day 1 of this round of Fall Minis was short but SO sweet. Thank you to my fabulous clients for joining me at one of my favourite spots in the city. Just a note that I still have 2 spots left on Wednesday, the 9th at 5:00 and 6:00.