My first wedding back!
These two lovely humans and their intimate celebration was my first wedding back postpartum at exactly 6 weeks. I remember feeling pretty good and being really excited to be back at my job that I'm soooo passionate about. So many people thought I was crazy but that’s a story for another day, lol!
I knew when I first connected with these two that we were a great match. I meet with all of my couples over a complimentary consultation and its a great way to get a feel for who ya are, ask any questions and hear more about all the lovely details of their big day. Before these meetings I also send a questionnaire to prepare for our call and get all the information I need! Come to think of it, even before we met- I knew they were amazing!
Even better, they were having their wedding was at one of my favourite venues- Tigh Na Mara! This venue is one of my favourites for several reasons. Firstly, it's beautiful! They also have great staff, amazing food and their weddings run like a well oiled machine. They have the gorgeous gazebo for ceremonies, sweeping ocean views and multiple options when it comes to reception spaces. They are also in close proximity to some of my other favourite spots for portraits in Parksville! There really is no shortage of goodness!
These two Disney lovers met me for a sunset session at one of my favourite quiet beaches in Nanaimo and they popped champagne, frolicked in the ocean and cozied up in the sand for a pretty incredible session. I always love an engagement session before the wedding as it allows us to get comfortable with each other and connect before your big busy day! After we had so much fun and I got to see just how kind and relaxed they were in person, I knew we were going to have a great time on their big day :)
Fasttt forward to their June wedding and let me tell you, it was AMAZING. There's a moment for every photographer when they enter the bridal suite for getting ready photos, it really tells you a lot about the day. You enter with an open heart and mind and start moving with the flow of the day. When I entered, everything was calm, tidy and buzzing with quiet excitement. Janelle was getting her finishing touches in front of the big glass windows facing the ocean and soaking in the morning moments of her wedding day. I took some lovellyyyy detail photos, getting ready shots and dress hanging photos before her first look with her Dad and her Groom to be.
Shortly after they were zipped off to the forest in the infamous golf cart by the awesome resort coordinator to prepare prepared for their first look. They wanted a variety of landscapes in photos of their day and we started with woodland. It was emotional, heartfelt and just beautiful. There's nothing that compares to a couple seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day.
Their ceremony was a beautiful highlight of the day. The sun peeking out at the most perfect moments, the love in the air, the intimate gathering. All. so. lovely. During our call way back, they had also told me about some images they wanted with their family and that they wanted to do some FUN family portraits as they weren't planning on having a wedding party and thought this would be a good fit! It totally was. I planned some interactive opportunities for photos and we made magic!!
For their STUNNING portraits we headed off to Madrona Point which turned out to be sooooo windy! It was rather comical when we first started but we shifted around the beach for the best spots that gave shelter and beautiful light. Next, I took them up to little mountain where we captured some more stunner exploring the beautiful scenery. That spot is truly so special. Just see for yourself !
Later, J & K had their reception in the lower covered patio with such an amazing atmosphere, touching speeches AND some truly lovely first dances. I always love this part of the day for couples where they get to relax. sit down, have something to eat and connect with their guests. There's always this energy of PHEW we did nerve wracking part and now its time to just soak it all in. The best! We ended their coverage by sneaking away on resort grounds to catch the rest of the days light. Dancing in the street, cuddling up in beautiful spots and embracing while the sunset before returning to their reception for the evening.
First wedding back? Absolute perfection.
VENDORS
Venue: Tigh Na Mara
HMUA : Bride & Beauty
Dress: Bliss Kelowna
Florals: Petal & Kettle
Cake: Sugar Fix Cakes
Rings: Cavalier Gastown
