Jeff and Ellicia came from Toronto to get married in Victoria, where Ellicia’s family lives. We’d chatted over Skype a few times before the wedding, which definitely made me feel like I knew them more than I usually do with out-of-town clients. They turned out to be just as fun and friendly as I thought they’d be and their wedding party, composed of Jeff’s friends and Ellicia’s sisters, were great to hang out with too. I love that Ellicia had a fabulous green dress for the reception, along with a different pair of shoes. I knew I liked her when I saw that her main wedding shoes were Fluevogs. Fluevogers are my kind of people.

They had their ceremony at the Church of the Nazarene, which was great because there was lots of room to move around due to their short guest list. The reception was at Swan’s Suites Hotel’s penthouse, and later moved downstairs to an event room and they did some dancing to the band at Swan’s Pub as well. Swan’s is such a gorgeous spot for a wedding reception. The view over the city is crazy beautiful and the penthouse suite looks like a super luxe place to spend the night. The spread of cocktail appys and desserts was impressive and they kept the champagne flowing. I was seriously excited about shooting there and I wasn’t disappointed.

Thanks to Deanna McCollum for second shooting, driving, and staying late with me. She took the photo of Ellicia coming down the stairs in her green dress, and many others throughout the day.

Venues: Victoria First Church of the Nazarene and Swan’s Suites Hotel penthouse
Caterer: Wild Saffron Bistro/Swan’s Suites Hotel
Florist: Jennings Florists
Hair and/or make-up: Kazen Hair and Beauty
Officiant: Rev. Gary Bennett
Dress: Maggie Sottero from Jealous Bridesmaids in Toronto
Reception Dress: Tony Bowls
Suits: Moore’s
Bride’s shoes: pink/red Fluevogs and black Town Shoes

Bernadette and Sandra came all the way from Australia to get married in Vancouver. They had their ceremony at the officiant’s house near Kits Beach. They’re so friendly, they made two friends shortly after arriving in town and the guys came along to witness their marriage. We took some photos around the Kitsilano waterfront after. I love their colourful dresses and cute shoes. They’re off on a bit of a whirlwind trip around Canada and the US now, then back home for a reception. Thanks so much for having me be a part of your day, Sandra and Dette.

I love this wedding – it’s so beautiful and elegant, yet full of love and laughter.  The ceremony and reception were held at Sea Cider, where the planners have got it together. They had gorgeous table arrangements for dinner out in the tent and a super stylish candy buffett.  The cider house makes a perfect venue for dancing at a small wedding.

Bryan and Ashley are adorable and sweet.  They just looked so very happy throughout the day.  Their speeches had me crying and laughing behind my camera. Their family and friends mostly travelled from Ontario (and some other places) to attend their wedding in Victoria on a Thursday evening – that always makes for an intimate, loving wedding.

They hired a musician, Paul O’Brien, who brought along his ridiculously talented kids to perform at the ceremony and had a fiddler join him for the reception.  I adore live music at weddings, especially when it’s this good.  It really set the mood throughout the ceremony and cocktail hour and made for some lively fun at the reception.  Someone requested The Macarena and Paul obliged, noting that he’d never played it before.  There were also some energetic attempts at Irish dancing. Pretty much everyone was getting into the dancing and music. Such a beautiful celebration.

Thanks to Krysta Dey for assisting and taking some great photos.

Venue: Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
Wedding planner:  Alix Baldwin
Band:   Paul O’Brien + his kids
Caterer:  Ambrosia
Florist:  Daisy Chain – Miria
Hair and Make-up:  Fish Hair Salon
Cake: Crumsby’s Cupcake Cafe
Officiant: Dana Seaborn