Caitlyn & Kaynon
Planned a spectacular day at lakeside private family residence in Nanaimo. It was one of those times where you've been told about plans, so you envision. It sounds lovely and exciting but when you see the real thing in person - it's more beautiful than you could have imagined. I think when you hear "backyard wedding" you really think simplicity, minimalism and really casual, or at least I used to. I have photographed countless "backyard" weddings and honestly they are some of the most stunning. First, the space has unmatched energy. It's where memories have been made, maybe for generations. It's been thoughtfully cared for with love. Also, when it's your space, there really aren't any rules. Decorate how you please, move things where you want. Dream big! This celebration was absolutely one for the books.
Their coverage for the day started with some venue detail shots, and capturing some of the spaces they had put so much effort into. Next we prepared for their first look. After checking out the property, I led them to a space with some shade and privacy where they were able to connect for the first time on their big day. Their sweet, quiet love shone through as we moved into portraits and explored for their photos. It was such an amazing way to start their day.
In opting for a first look (which many couples do), they had the ability to capture the majority of their portraits before their ceremony. This lends to a shorter gap between ceremony and reception and also means you can likely join your cocktail hour if you so choose! After their portraits we had a blast getting their wedding party photos. Manyyyy laughs were had and some truly stunning images were captured as everyone worked together for the lovely bride & groom.
As we were finishing up their wedding party photos, guests were arriving! They all snuck back into the house, waiting for the ceremony to begin. I made my way down toward the lake, capturing details and guests arriving and mingling. This is one of my favourite fly-on-the-wall moments of the day.
Their ceremony began and it was perfect. So much love, so many smiles and a beautiful warm sunny day. Ceremonies are such a highlight of the day, the real reason everyone has gathered. To celebrate and witness a union. Everyone watches quietly, soaking in all the love. There is nothing else like it.
Post ceremony, we planned for a sneak away! This is such a perfect way to flow into the next events and I tell all of my couples about it. Of course, your day is yours and you do what you please but I always want you to have all the information! So a sneak away happens in variety of ways. In its most basic form, it's me leading you right from your ceremony aisle exit to another nearby location out of sight from your guests. While you are away, your guests clear out to cocktail hour and family stays behind at the ceremony location for group formals. This way everyone has a place to sit, to put down phones, purses, keys, jackets etc.
Some couples opt for the sneak away alone, some read private vows, have a toast and some bring along their wedding party! Caitlyn & Kaynon chose to bring along their wedding party! We planned to have a couple of fun moments with a champagne spray for the brides party and a cigar for the grooms party! I loved this for them. It was so fun and a really great addition to their day.
After the sneak away, it was time for family photos. We did this with the lake in background, and made pretty quick work of it. Then it was time to soak in the evening. Cocktail hour into dinner and some of the most amazing speeches. There were tears, incredible stories and funny jokes. I always love the look into who the couples are in the eyes of the people who love them most.
Dinner and speeches rolled into mingling and dances. I also knew that the late evening light on the lake would be something special and we made a little evening stroll out there to take advantage of it. This is another time of day I tell all of couples about. Another opportunity for quiet connection on a busy day. A moment to soak in all the big events and just embrace, talk and connect. I always recommend it if you have time in your timeline.
Remember, your day is yours. Plan it and dream it as you wish. Make it yours to remember for a lifetime.
Vendors
Makeup: Amanda Little Makeup
Hair: Lovely Locks Studio
Catering: Livewire Catering
Rentals: Triple T, Encore Events
