victoria wedding photographers bc

Mount Washington Wedding on Vancouver Island // Jessica and Jordan

Jessica and Jordan’s mountain top celebration at the Alpine Resort at Mount Washington in Comox // Victoria Wedding Photographers

The last time we saw Jessica and Jordan it was for their engagement session in Metchosin. We couldn’t wait to catch up and hit the slopes with them on their wedding day at Mount Washington. Both of them were getting ready at a lodge on the mountain and it was such a fitting place! The girls took over the upstairs, and the guys took over downstairs. The whole lodge was bubbling with laughter and excitement - and a lot of pushups by the girls upstairs! Sleeveless bridesmaids dresses for the best movement of course!

The excitement spilled over into the scenic outdoor ceremony location as guests started to arrive. Whether they were locals, or out-of-towners, all of Jessica and Jordan’s guests were treated to stunning mountain views the entire day. The fog and mist rolling in just added to the remote feeling and intimacy!

After their ceremony we trekked up the chairlift for an even higher view and some alone time with Jess and Jordan and their bridal party. Wow wow wow. We will never forget that experience.

At the ceremony, we enjoyed heartfelt and funny speeches, dancing and some photobooth action!

Check out a few of our favourites!

Wedding at North Saanich Yacht Club Vancouver Island // Samantha and Chris

Samantha and Chris’ beautiful outdoor, oceanfront wedding at the North Saanich Yacht Club // Victoria Wedding Photographers

We love being around Samantha and Chris! They have an uplifting and infectious energy that’s impossible to ignore. They make each other laugh constantly, they communicate with each other just with their eyes, and are obviously very connected. After their engagement session at Lone Tree Hill, we could not wait for their wedding in Saanich - we knew their friends and family would all be just as funny, sweet and connected as they are. And we were so right!

We loved everything about their intimate wedding and how it focused so much on love and the importance of celebrating close relationships. Sam made personalized photo albums for her each of her girls, they made sure to take time for each other, to chat and play games with all of their guests, and had very beautiful heartfelt vows and speeches, then partying in our photobooth. their venue North Saanich Yacht Club was intimate and felt like we were going remote! We could not get over how sweet it was during the vows when Chris reached out to wipe tears from Sam’s cheek. What a beautiful day spent by the ocean!

Sunset Engagement Session at Sandcut Beach // Elizabeth & Will

Victoria Wedding Photographers // Exploring the rocky Sandcut Beach on Highway 14. 

Fewer things in this world are nicer than a Westcoast sunset at the beach, so when Elizabeth and Will suggested doing their engagement session at Sandcut Beach, just north of Sooke, we were all about it!  It's become one of our favourite island spots since moving over from the mainland. 

The walk down to the beach crosses over boardwalks through mossy forest, through tunnels of enormous west coast trees, up root-covered hills, and finally, descends down a staircase that emerges onto a beach covered in large rocks.  As the waves lap at the shore you can hear the peaceful repetitive chatter of the stones rolling out with the waves. 

This evening at the beach was no exception to the beauty we've come to know of Vancouver Island's west coast beaches. Elizabeth and Will wandered the beach hand in hand, traipsing over rocks and logs, up onto waterfall ledges, and basically anywhere I pointed.  We love adventurous couples!  The waterfall was a bit low on water, but it gave us the opportunity to explore the river pools and grooves in the rocks up above the falls.

We ended the shoot just as the sun dipped below the horizon, heading back into the dark trail to the parking lot.  It was an awesome evening!  Thanks, Liz & Will! 

Intimate Wedding at Wild Renfrew and Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew // Holly and Alessandro

Holly and Alessandro host their nearest and dearest at Wild Renfrew for their wild and intimate Botany Beach Wedding Ceremony // Victoria Wedding Photographers

Since moving to Sooke on Vancouver Island a couple years , Port Renfrew quickly became one of our (if not our most) very favourite places.  A quiet, rugged, wild, and mysterious pocket of coast line takes the breath away of every visitor. Winter storms are dramatic, wildlife is abundant, and the landscape is humbling. Our first trip there was a cold and grey November day as huge green waves crashed against layers of black angular lava rock. Like liquid glass colliding against a book of razors. We could only stand there and stare, mouths agape. Just around a bend from there, a short hike through twisted cedars, sitkas and firs, is a smooth refuge of flat beach, sheltered from ocean winds and pock marked by tide pools that teem with sea life.  One doesn't need to wonder why Holly and Alessandro, geologists, would choose this on all places to host their family for their intimate wedding. 

Holly and Ale got ready for their day at the Wild Renfrew cabins, overlooking the Port of San Juan, and mountains filled with new and ancient growth forests.  As a small group, their friends and family walked down to Botany Bay and gathered closely for their ceremony officiated by an inviting and humourous  Port Renfrew local Reet Buckler.  Eagles soared overhead, sea lions played in the kelp bed, and waves crashed rhythmically on the rocks.  After the ceremony and champagne, we stole away with Holly and Ale to explore the coast more for some adventurous portraits.

Thank Holly and Ale for having us there to be a part of your beautiful, natural, an intimate day. We hope you love the photos!

Intimate Spring Wedding at Stanley Park Pavilion // Hilary & Chris

Hilary and Chris host their intimate spring wedding at one of Vancouver's most iconic wedding venues, Stanley Park Pavilion // Victoria Wedding Photographers

It's iconic, it's romantic, it's timeless, it's subtly grand. Stanley Park Pavilion is one of Vancouver's most recognizable and desirable wedding venues. Plunked in the middle of Stanley Park in downtown, it feels like a remote destination. It's no wonder that Hilary and Chris wanted this gorgeous property to host their classic wedding. 

Hilary and Chris started for their day at Westin Bayshore, with views of downtown, Burrard Inlet, the North Shore mountains and Stanley Park.  After a sweet first look, we ventured over to Stanley Park, where Chris proposed, for photos before their intimate, indoor, standing ceremony by the pavilion's beautiful fireplace.  After the vows were exchanged, and the champagne popped, it was time to party!  A very special musical performance kicked off the celebration, followed by dinner and speeches and a whole lot of dancing!

Thank you Hilary and Chris for having us there to celebrate with you! We hope you love the photos! 

Thank you to our second shooter, Laura Scotten for your help that evening!

Stanley Park Engagement Session // Jane & Joseph

Jane and Joseph stroll the Seawall and explore the Stanley Park Gardens in Vancouver // Victoria Wedding Photographers

Wowee! Spring was fabulous, but summer has made a booming arrival!  What gorgeous weather we've been having. On days like these, we love to stroll somewhat aimlessly, check out the sights, play tourist, and take in the long days. That's just what we did with Jane and Joseph during their Stanley Park engagement photos! he park was abuzz with tourists and locals like, as we wandered from the Aquarium, to the gardens, and then the Seawall. It was a perfect day for people watching and flower gazing as we stopped to admire the rhododendrons, azaleas, roses, and alliums all around the park. All the while we chatted, giggled (and twirled!!) with Jane and Joseph, and took the opportunity to chat about them, their upcoming wedding and their excitement for their big day! 

Thank you Jane and Joseph for taking a easy breezy Saturday stroll with us during your engagement photos, we had a blast!

 

Shawnigan Lake Engagement Photos // Jacqui and Sean

Packers fans unite as Jacqui and Sean romp and dance around Shawinigan Lake during their sunset engagement photos // Victoria Wedding Photographers

It's been almost two years since we moved to Vancouver Island, and we've felt at home since we got here!  We've met so many great people, and experienced so many new and wonderful places. One of our favourite things to do is to find out about and explore a new-to-us place that is a long time love of our couples. We've heard so many great things about Shawnigan Lake and it's always been on our radar to visit, but it was even better to head there to do engagement photos for Jacqui and Sean, who have Shawnigan Lake summers near and dear to their hearts.

They brought us to Shawnigan Wharf Park near their parents' house to walk the decommissioned train track trail, and watch sunset over the lake. We had a great time photographing as these two romped around the park, danced on the dock and then donned their Packers jerseys and cheese-heads for some laughs. We really caught a glimpse of Jacqui and Sean's dynamic, what makes them such a great couple, and so fun to be around.

We can't wait for their Bear Mountain wedding!

Glamorous and Adventurous Whytecliff Park Engagement Photos // Shirley and Darwin

Shirley and Darwin get glammed up to explore Whytecliff Park in their engagement photos in Horseshoe Bay near Vancouver // Victoria Wedding Photographers

Whytecliff Park is one of Vancouver areas most popular spot for engagement photos, wedding photos, and sunset viewing, for very obvious reasons.  With views of the ocean and the island, it feels like a remote escape, without having to leave the city.  This time of year it seemed that we had the whole place to ourselves.  This all made for a dramatic setting for Shirley and Darwin's engagement session as they explored the cliffs before enjoying a beach sunset in their formal gown and tie.  When we met Shirley and Darwin, we immediately infatuated with how sweet they were and how natural they are together as a couple, but we were blown away by how adventurous they were climbing around Whytecliff Park... in their dressed clothes! We were shaking in our own boots as we watched them navigate around the cliffs and trails looking as brave as they were stylish!

Foggy, Rainy, Puppy-y Engagement Photos at Mount Douglas // Melanie and Matt

Melanie, Matt and their puppy Nova explore Mount Doug in Victoria during their rainy engagement session // Victoria Wedding Photographers

With Melanie and Matt's December wedding fast approaching, we were so happy to hear they had a bit of time to take for themselves to visit friends in Victoria!  What a perfect opportunity for us to do some engagement photos with them, and meet their sweet puppy, Nova.  Having photographed at Mount Doug in the summer, we thought it would a great place to go with Melanie and Matt. We daydreamed about sunkissed autumn leaves trees at the base of the mountain, and miles and miles of stunning views at the top, that they could experience as out-of-towners.  Well, everything works in theory! Ha ha ha! The fog and mist rolled in creating a very dramatic atmosphere around the whole mountain, which was pretty amazing to take in. We were pretty excited for the images it would create.  The rain followed shortly after; starting up the second we took the lens caps off our cameras.  Being outdoor wedding photographers on Vancouver Island's wet coast, we've gotten comfortable working in all types of weather, but we were so glad to see how easily and enthusiastically Matt and Melanie embraced the rain and fog!  They were all laughs and giggles as their puppy dashed through puddles, and as their clothes became drenched in rain drops.  Even with the dense fog at the top of the mountain, we were still able to take in some spectacular views as tree tops and hills jutted out here and there through the mist. It created an isolated feeling, blanket-like atmosphere: perfect for enjoying some cuddles under their umbrella together!

Thanks Melanie and Matt for dancing and skipping in the rain with us, and bringing silly sweet Nova along for us to meet.  We're excited for the wedding!

 

 

Beacon Hill Park Elopement in Victoria // Kaiti and Mike

Kaiti and Mike's secret September wedding in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria // Victoria Wedding Photographers

With September being our busiest month, and the month of our anniversary, we weren't really expecting to have enough time to really celebrate our anniversary.  With so many wedding on the docket, we figured we'd probably spend the day editing, consulting, updating our portfolio, catching up on social media, or meeting with couples.  As it happens though, we were given the opportunity to do something very special on the day of our anniversary.  When Kaiti and Mike approached us with their elopement so secret that we'd be the very witnesses on their marriage certificate, we knew that would be the most memorable way to spend our anniversary.  We couldn't wait for the day to hurry up and arrive so we could spend it photographing, witnessing, and celebrating he marriage of a fantastic couple who would end up sharing the very same day! What a treat!

Kaiti and Mike came from the Mainland to elope in Victoria, and to spend a couple days enjoying the city. We met the two of them on that sunny September afternoon in Beacon Hill Park for their intimate elopement amongst a secluded grove of Garry oaks. What a gorgeous place to exchange such heartfelt felt vows, and rings. After their official ceremony, we spent time exploring around the park and beaches nearby, taking in the sights, the sunlit fog, and wedded bliss!

Thanks, Kaiti and Mike, for including us in such a great day, and congratulations on your marriage!  We hope you love the photos!

Revival House Wedding in Stratford Ontario - Amy and Paul

Amy and Paul get married on Amy's homestead property near Stratford, and host a glamorous reception at Revival House // BC Wedding Photographers in Ontario

A few weeks ago we got the opportunity to head back to Ontario to photograph Sayde's cousin, Amy, marry her fiance, Paul.  Photographing family and friends is always a special treat for us, and this one was extra special since we got to spend some quality time with Sayde's mom, Melanie, decorating the ceremony site where Amy and Paul would be married.  With an added touch of personal meaning, Amy and Paul married on the front yard of Amy's childhood home where her and her siblings were raised.  In addition to becoming a great venue location, we thought this was a wonderful sentiment for a wedding day.  This happened to be right next door (in country terms haha), to where Sayde and her own siblings were raised, so brought back lots of great memories!  

After weeks of rain leading up the wedding, the sun was shining brightly as we started Saturday with Amy, who was effortlessly and beautifully styling her hair and makeup for the day.  The three of us met with Paul in Stratford at the Shakespearean Gardens for them to have a private first look together.  

As friends gathered at the ceremony, it was clear that some were seeing each other again for the first time in a little while, and had come from all over to be at Amy and Paul's wedding: everyone was full of happy greetings, group hugs, and big laughs as many of them played catch up.  With their siblings as their wedding party, Amy and Paul exchanged vows in the glowing sun, in a ceremony lead by Pastor Will Kraemer, who has been Pastor since we were all wee kids, and has performed most, if not all, of the wedding ceremonies for this generation of our family.  Afterward, Amy and Paul made their way to Revival House with all their guests for drinks, dinner and dancing.  Revival House is unlike any wedding or reception venue we've ever photographed, and was decorated so glamorously Design's by Cate that we just could not stop clicking away that night. The energy was contagious as everyone hit the dancefloor to celebrate, mingle amongst the tables, and went ga-ga as Ken's French Fries truck, a Stratford Staple, pulled up later in the night to hand delivery some delicious, salty-vinegary goodness.

Thank you Amy and Paul for inviting us to be part of your big day, it means so much when friends and family want us to be the ones to capture it all.  You both looked absolutely stunning and your never-fading smiles made it clear how much you both burst with love for each other.  We hope you love the photos, and that you had the best day ever!