Gillian and Murat got married on Labour Day weekend at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which is an amazing venue for a wedding (and photos). Gillian and Murat met vacationing in Cuba. She’s from Victoria; he’s from Turkey. She’s been studying arts management in New York City, so I only got to meet her about a week before the wedding. I must be really lucky because Gillian, like all my other clients who I didn’t meet before their weddings, was really friendly and easy to get along with  (and absolutely gorgeous). There was no bridal party because Murat’s friends and family weren’t able to attend, but Gillian had a great group of girlfriends to share her day with. I joined them at the Empress Hotel to capture some photos of them getting ready and enjoying some bubbly.

Yes, I know I post a lot of getting ready shots.  I’m a bit addicted; they’re just so fun and pretty.  On to the art gallery, where Gillian’s parents, Murat, and friends were setting things up and getting all the little details just perfect.  Gillian arranged the flowers herself and I think she did a pretty great job.  Their ceremony was full of some great moments: the guests passing the ring pillow around and wishing them well, a friend reading “Dance Me to the End of Love”, and the recessional to one of my favourite songs “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out” (Gillian has awesome taste in music).  The officiant was the bride’s uncle, making the ceremony even more special.

We wandered about the gallery for a bit to take some portraits.  I love that they allow wedding photos to be taken in there, even if you can’t use flash.  I love The Lab, a little room that usually has an interactive exhibit in it.  We took a little time to participate.

The reception was held in the beautiful event rooms of the gallery.  I didn’t have any of the food (except for some baklava, which was amazing), but it looked delicious.

Thanks to Jon Faulknor for shooting this wedding with me. He took the last great images of Gillian and her girls, the photo of Echo speaking about the coin, several excellent images in the slideshow below, and many more.

Caterer: Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry

Hair: Hive Hair Lounge

Make-up: Echo McNaughton

Officiant: Stanley Fowler