YOU GUYS!!!!
I don't even know where to start with this blog entry. I absolutely adore Alexis & James and the special day they planned. When couples first inquire, we hop on a call to get to know each other and chat details about coverage and wedding day plans. I also send a questionnaire along beforehand. One of my questions is asking about what your passions are. When I see things like "outdoors, hiking, camping, exploring, kayaking, running" or anything like that- I know it's a match! I actually think I audibly say something like "YAS, bingo, ohhhh yeahhh" or something along those lines when I read that. Well these two shared a passion for the outdoors and many types of adventures. My mini mission statement is "Love & the Wild West Coast" and I think pairing a couple with an undeniable connection with a passion for nature its a home run for setting the stage to create an amazing experience and stunning art. I know that was the case with these two.
Alexis & James opted for my largest package meaning I was lucky enough to capture everything amazing in their day from getting ready, all the way to sunset (and OMG was it ever a sunset) It also meant they received a complimentary engagement session as part of their package. I have said it more times than I can count, but the engagement session is invaluable. I actually removed it from my packages for a time a couple of years ago but I added it back because I knew how much this elevated my couples experience. When you are investing in me, I want to give you the best. Getting to know each other and get comfortable working together makes the world of a difference on your day. You already know what and who to expect. Plus, you get gorgeous images to celebrate your engagement. As a photographer, it's amazing as well. I get to see what prompts, suggestions and vibes you respond best to. I get to see how you interact with each other and how you move. It's a total win-win.
For their engagement session we explored beautiful Neck Point Park in Nanaimo, one of my favourite spots. It really has it all. They were so brave about navigating rocks and getting in the water (yes, photographers love when you are willing to get into the water!) This session was also unique because it was in JULY but you would never know. The one random moody summer day that looked like it could have been November. Just see for yourself :)
When it came to planning their wedding, everything sounded just lovely. It's always still a surprise when you see what actually has been planned for the day. Hair, dresses, colours, venues. All have details you could never imagine, I absolutely never tire of it. It's so amazing to see all things that were hand picked for one of the biggest days of a couples life. I love capturing all those special details just soaking it all in.
We started their photography coverage at their Airbnb tucked away in the forest. It was such a cute spot. I arrived as hair and makeup was getting finished and took off with Alexis' dress for some dress hanging portraits in the forest. I always love that brides trust me with their dress, I can promise you I carry it like a newborn baby- lol! Always being super careful as can be. When it was time to capture bridal details, I started looking around for interesting light as I always do. I found a glass door that had light coming in at an angle onto a textured floor with a beautiful pattern. Bingo! I probably look like a crazy person arranging all these items in the most random spots. staircases, tables, floors, desks, dressers, you name it! These are some of my favourite details to date. The beautiful bride had a great selection of details set aside and I was ready to make some magic!
Then it was time for getting her dress on (WOW) we decided these portraits would be best on the sun soaked deck with lots of space and ample light. After a touching mother-daughter moment and a few bridal portraits, it was time for the first look with her Dad. This was something special all in itself. Heartfelt and lovely. I had to blink back the tears too.
From there her groom arrived and we had their first look, more loveeee!!! It was just toooo much. A perfect way to kick off their day I already knew would be soooo wonderful. Since they had their first look, we captured bridal portraits and wedding party photos all before taking off to their venue for the ceremony!
When I arrived at their ceremony and reception venue, I am pretty sure my jaw dropped. Since sharing photos from this day, I've been DM'd more than once asking where this amazing wedding venue was! It was in fact, a family property in Port Alberni. Stunning fields lined with forest and some pretty epic mountain views as well. It took everything I had not to run around like a kid trying to capture it all!
Their ceremony location was tucked away in the far corner of the field. It was a warm day but they were prepared with parasols and cold water for their guests. The beautiful arch set it all together and we were off and running for the afternoon.
Following the ceremony, we scurried over to the shade for family photos. Beautifully backdropped by the forest, it was really lovely. We got all the moments & formals that were important to them and then it was time for a few portraits of the bride & groom at this new location. Seeing the gorgeous parasols and stunning arch, I knew we had to use those. We explored, them giddy with the excitement of being newly married and me being overjoyed for them and the lovely new space for more photos! A total dream. Then it was time to for them to join cocktail hour! This was such a fun time as everyone mingled, grabbed drinks from the bar and played games. They also had a donkey serving ice cold beer! How fun is that? Of course we had to capture some portraits for a few moments to document this unique wedding guest :)
Reception timeeee and you would think the beauty was slowing down for the day but nope. Amazing dinner, touching speeches and great vibes all around. The open air tent was the perfect setting for this lovely celebration.
Alright now all this beauty you would think ok, thats probably it for the day right? WRONG! It was time for sunset sneak away photos and they were amazing. First, I knew we had to capture some portraits at their beautiful seating area set in front of the field. So we started there and then hopped on a little golf cart and over to the neighbours field for the sunset packing my gear along for the ride. When we got there it was just breathtaking. I am not sure what was growing in that field but it had this lovely sweet, floral smell I can still recall to this day. The sky was all sorts of colours and the views were insane. I started up their first dance song on my portable speaker and they took it away. From there we played in the field and even had the mars bomber fly overhead while capturing them in this moment. I think we were all speechless.
This day was nothing short of incredible.
