Emily and Joshua came from Toronto to Emily’s hometown of Victoria to get married at the art gallery. The gallery is such an elegant place for a wedding, which was nicely complimented by the beautiful decor that Emily’s mother’s friend Deanne Young put together. We did some location scouting earlier in the week, which gave me a chance to meet Emily and Josh in person for the first time, but things ended up going a little differently than planned on the wedding day due to lots of rain. They had a first look at the Inn at Laurel Point and we took some photos on their suite’s balcony (the room was ridiculously gorgeous, by the way) and outside the hotel with umbrellas. As we headed downtown, the weather started to clear up a bit, but the wet ground still wasn’t ideal for pre-wedding photos. We made the best of it and they didn’t complain once. Thanks so much to my assistant Jon Faulknor for making the day run much smoother, and as a last minute fill in for a sick photographer.

Both of their families were really friendly and easy-going, making the task of getting family portraits done a snap. Emily’s grandfather played the bagpipes during the ceremony and her mother made jam favours for all of the guests. This wedding was very personal and emotional and I adore the range of expressions in the photos. The one of Emily’s father giving her away is one of my favourite photos of the year. After the first dance and parent dances, it seemed like every guest hit the dance floor – and they hit it hard. I’m sure the after-party at their hotel was a fantastic time.

Venue: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Decor: Deanne Young
Caterer: Truffles
Hair: Laura at Ginger Group
Cake: Pure Vanilla
Officiant: Don Gunn
Dress: Luz Boutique
Tuxedo: Moores

Bryn and Dan got married on Pender Island on Thanksgiving weekend. I was so excited for this wedding because these two are super fun and have great style (check out their adorable engagement shoot).  The wedding ended up being even more emotionally charged due to a family tragedy shortly before the event.  I’m so happy that everyone managed to still come together and celebrate their love.  Bryn and Dan are such a sweet couple and lucky to have found each other. I think the family definitely needed a bit of joy, and this wedding was certainly full of joy – best demonstrated by the look on Bryn’s face during the ceremony.

The couple and friends arrived the day before and started putting all the little DIY details into place. I love it when couples put so much of themselves into their weddings, and this wedding definitely was their style. They had mismatched tablecloths and napkins (and handkerchiefs in case you felt the need to cry during the ceremony, which I know people did), they put together the bouquets themselves, made poms to decorate the ceiling (in my favourite colours, pink and orange), had woodland creature masks for the kids to wear (by the end of the night, everyone had one on their head, if not their face), personalized signs, and plenty more. My favourite was the best bridesmaids dresses ever, which were a surprise to the groom, along with the bride’s reception dress. Oh, and the bride and groom’s matching shoes. They also had a cask of extra special beer brewed for them by their friends at Salt Spring Island Ales.The reception was full of great music, dancing, and even karaoke. So much fun, sweetness, and emotion. I loved this wedding and I really hope these photos can do it some justice.

Venue: Pender Islands Community Hall
Officiant: Dan’s father
Hair Stylist: Nicole Payer from Hope Bay Hair Salong
DJ: Johnny Pollard
Dress: Blush
Flowers: Red Barn Market
Shoes: Converse
Caterer: Fat Daddies (really yummy home-style and barbecue food)
Cakes: farmers’ market
Beer: Saltspring Island Ales

Susan and Tyler eloped at Abigail’s Hotel in Victoria, travelling with their daughter, parents, and Susan’s friend from Regina. I loved hanging out with them for a few hours and witnessing Susan’s excitement at seeing the gardens at Government House. She was in such a great mood, and for good reason. Though the champagne might have had a little bit to do with it. They took photos with their iPhones and sent them out to their friends and family after the ceremony, as they kept their elopement a secret from almost everyone.