Victoria & Tanner's Victoria Wedding

I have been WAITING to share this wedding

The idea of writing this blog made me so excited. This day was special. When I think of what an amazing wedding looks like and feels like, this celebration checked all the boxes and more. There are many ways that I connect with couples for wedding photography. Some find me through google, some from instagram-and my favourite? Word of mouth. We already have a link as someone we both know has made the connection. Victoria, the amazing bride was referred to me through my best friend. Is there anything more kismet? I think not.

Getting to know this lovely couple was amazing. They were laid back but organized. Excited but calm. It was truly a dream to connect with them for their celebration. Every time I look at their gallery, I see and feel all the emotions. Isn't that what wedding photography is all about? Keeping the memories. Pausing time and encapsulating emotions.

These two opted for a full day of coverage which once again is my favourite. Wedding Photography is storytelling and there is no better way to tell a story than being there from start to finish.

Their morning and getting ready space started at The Parkside Hotel in downtown Victoria. OMG this place! The rooms have incredible views, the bridal suite facing St. Ann's Academy.

Ok, here's where things get NEAT. We had planned to do most portraits at Mount Doug but the days leading up to the wedding had been wet (typical PNW) and we considered changing plans to keep everyone from trooping through muck. We decided that between the amazing setting of The Parkside Hotel, downtown and St. Ann's right next door, we could use those spots for stunning photos. Bonus? We were saving travel time which meant more time for portraits- yay! Victoria's lovely bridesmaids took off to the rooftop of the hotel to check it out while I captured some bridal portraits and it was perfect! So it was going to be one of the spots we were going to!

This was one of those things that work out better than you had planned. The settings were stunning! So much beauty in close proximity.

To kick it all off was the first look. Starting in the lobby of the hotel, I set these two up at the koi pond for a unique and beautiful spot to see each other for the first time. There were a few onlookers who gave us space and watched quietly (all removed from their photos of course :))! We took a few fun and romantic portraits at this spot and then made our way to that amazing rooftop spot we had all to ourselves! We took some photos, popped some champagne and we were on our way to the next spot!

Next, we were off to the stunning St.Ann's! This spot is so gorgeous. Beautiful park setting, lovely architecture, leading lines, ALL the things. Amazing! We captured bridal portraits, bridesmaids, groomsmen and the whole wedding party here. Lots of fun was had in capturing these before we made our way to the ceremony. It's directly across the street from the hotel. It doesn't get much better than that!

From there, it was time to head to the ceremony! These two were hosting their ceremony and reception at the beautiful Fireside Grill in West Saanich. This place is stunning! The restaurant is in a grove of wild oak trees, with a beautiful field and the most quaint cozy atmosphere you can imagine. The bride and groom wanted intimate, romantic Harry Potter style vibes for their reception (think great hall) and ohh myyy did this spot deliver. Their palette along with their decor, style and florals really elevated this room to another level. Having the team from Blue Lily Event Planning made the following events just that much more special. Wow, wow, wow!!

Post ceremony, we had a sneak away moment before family photos where we captured their just married energy in the beautiful field behind the restaurant. It was playful and fun, just how you would except right after the big moment of tying the knot! Then we took a private moment for the two of them to see their reception space in all its stunning glory while their guests mingled at cocktail hour. It was amazing!

From there the evening flowed into dinner, speeches and another sneak away moment as the sunset. There were some amazing first dances that were especially touching and I don't know that there was a dry eye in the place. I've become a pro at blinking back the tears to keep my eye sight fresh but this one was a moment. These two were so present, happy, connected and joyful. Everyone there to celebrate them was so lovely and the day was honestly just spectacular.

I feel all the wonderful energy shining through in these one in a lifetime memories preserved in images. A true love story for the ages.