When a wedding occurs under a resilient, statuesque tree something magical seems to circle the couple and their guests. While Dora and Chris hail from Vancouver, they knew their wedding was meant to happen somewhere natural and Rathtrevor Provincial Park was a setting that felt connected to their shared love of being outdoors together.

My words to my hubby post-Zoom call were, “these are people I want to know.” Thankfully, they felt the same, and the wedding was booked.By the time I landed in Nevada, I felt as if I was going to visit friends. And, yes, you bet I cried at their wedding.

Chrystal and Aidan were married by two of their closest friends, and the words shared were so genuine and funny that the guests were cry-laughing when they weren’t emotional-crying. Highlights included the instrumental version of The Office theme song, a surprise flash mob dance performed by Aidan and her co-workers and seeing their friends who had travelled from all over connect in their shared enthusiasm for adoring Aidan and Chrystal.

Their love for each other was celebrated with both their parents, in the mountains next to Strathcona Park. It was a day full of laughter, kindness, color and adventure - which is a beautiful reflection of their relationship. ⁠

These two met by chance in Mexico. He was on a boy’s trip and she was on a girl’s getaway and his friends asked the gals to take a picture of them at the airport. It turned out that they were staying at the same resort. That fortunate moment led them here. Kirsten and Connor celebrated on Hornby Island at Connor’s family home and their friends came from all over to be with them for a weekend of food, drink and a shared expression of love for Kirsten and Connor.

Rya and Jonathan met in the most interesting way. Their parents became friends through a chance meeting. which involved a lost water bottle on BC Ferries. This led to Rya and Jonathan being at the same New Years ever party and becoming friends. That was in 2012. Fast forward to 2021 at a cabin on Valdez Island, and the two became engaged. When I had my first zoom with Rya and Jonathan I was instantly smitten. Their warmth, curiosity and unbridled joy lept out from across the screen.

It was a wedding that radiated loudly the love these two have for each other. When you are with Becky and John, you can sense their ease with each other, their teamwork, shared sense of humor and adoration for each other. This love was so affirming to witness. While Becky claims she is the romantic in the relationship,John’s heart was beating outside of him throughout the day.

Lynda and Len already considered each other “family” before they fell in love. After more than 20 years of friendship, it was a big “heck-yes” for everyone who loves them when they choose to build their future together as husband and wife.

In a week of rain, the day of their wedding came and the sun shone down, the friends and family circled them and it was the day they dreamed off - it was comfortable, stress-free, meaningful, super fun and gave them lots of time to be with the people that matter the most to them and lean into the gratitude of their new role together as husband and wife.

MJ and Amanda became engaged in the winter of 2021 and it was my good fortune that they chose to get married on Vancouver Island because being their photographer was a joy. These two are all the good things. Their love is gentle, full of humor, and wise and kind. Their only downfall (in my bold opinion) is that they don’t yet live on Vancouver Island. Amanda and MJ created a celebration that was true to them, that had sentiment and shots of screech, and that was circled by a stunning landscape and beautiful people.

While neither of them was looking for a partner, a wise friend envisioned a different path for these two and managed to get Jesse and Percy to meet for a blind date. So Percy found himself sitting in a coffee shop waiting for Jesse. He was feeling entirely uncommitted to the idea of meeting someone. That was until Jesse walked in, and Percy realized he was "sunk." On a Thursday afternoon, Jesse and Percy exchanged vows privately and casually on their deck. They followed up the ceremony with a potluck gathering a few days later. T

They are best friends, they share kindness, which those around them catch. The day was full of goosebumps, laughter, gratitude and awe for all that was being gifted - there is just so much beauty here, in heart, ground and sky.

After an emotional ceremony, they wisely served all their guests ice cream (note to future couples' - there should be more ice cream at weddings.) and then..... the skies starting turning black and it was clear the worst storm of the season was quickly its way. 

So what did Jenna and Josh do? They just kept smiling.

 They were so deeply focussing on their love for each other and their community and appreciative that, after months of drought-like conditions the earth was receiving some much-needed moisture. When the sky opened up, the rain boldly announced its arrival and brought along thunder that made us jump. As the rain kept pelting, we headed out to a nearby field for portraits.

Three years ago Sam and Azusa met at Yoyogi Park in Japan during Hanami and later they became engaged on the other side of the world, at Goose Spit in the Comox Valley. After a private backyard ceremony in the marriage commissioners’ Comox back yard with five guests, the couple enjoyed an incredible spread catered by More Eatery topped off by a cake from Cakebread.

Ken and Heather live in two different provinces so when the pandemic shut-down was imminent, Ken drove thousands of kilometres in a blizzard from the Yukon to Calgary. He slept in his car en route and managed to get across the border in Alberta before they shut it down. Heather knew he was on his way, but had no idea that he was coming to propose. He arrived at her doorstep, and after a wonderful day where they were both excited and relieved to be together, he asked the big question. Heather was an immediate yes.

Jen and Diana first crossed paths on the hockey rink. Diana’s easy laughter left an impression on Jen, but Jen was too shy to talk to her. About a year later, Jen, who is an RCMP officer was called to a break and enter at a local business, and when she arrived there was Jen, who had accidentally set of the alarm. It was a very happy accident though as they both, despite playing it cool, did a little flirting (it is still debatable who flirted with who) and finally planned that golf came.

They were married by Brooklyn’s brother-in-law in the lush yard at her childhood home. The adorable kids almost stole the show, but all eyes were on Brookly and Victor as they were caught up in the emotion of the ceremony. Afterwards, we had so much fun. It was relaxed as we captured the portraits and then crossed the street to their reception, which was a night filled with genuine sentiment and some 5-star limbo dancing.

The west coast feels like home to them and so it was the natural place for them to exchanged vows. With close family at Alex’s parent’s home in Royston, these two had a genuine and perfect ceremony. Their friendship, wonderful sense of humour and easy laughter was on full display - in addition to personal vows, and a rock ceremony, there was paddle boarding, champagne, the perfect amount of joyful tears.

It started 14 years ago when they connected through a mutual friend, but it took seven years after that, and urging by that same friend, for them to start dating. After their first date, they both knew it was something deeply special. Deciding to get married was something that came along naturally. These two have been incredibly busy raising their magical daughter and building their business - Rusted Rake Farm. I

We have a terrible roommate and a cat to thank for this beautiful union and day. Dylan and Ariel were working in different departments of a giant call center but hadn’t spent time together. Because of her awful roommate, Ariel spent as much time away from home as possible. This meant lots of hanging out with work friends and led to being at a house party where she connected with her future husband over conversations about theoretical physics and star navigation. T

It took 3 years of passing each other in the university halls to properly say hello. I suppose they just had to wait until they were ready. Because within two weeks of that first greeting they were on an inseparable journey, leading to this day, five years later.

Colin and Nuch celebrated with friends and family at one of Vancouver Island’s most intimate and beautiful locations, Gowlland Harbour on Quadra Island

Nuch’s family had travelled from Thailand to be with them. Watching her parents watch her, was one of the most heartwarming takeaways from the day. Everyone had such a happy, content vibe – we all knew this was a celebration meant to be.