Me & You, together
The ability I have to put people at ease and “read a room” allows me to capture your day in the same authentic loving way I will take care of you from the moment we start working together.
I am inspired by your connection, true moments and creating photos amongst the legendary Vancouver Island beauty that will frame your day. Does this resonate with you? If yes, let’s connect.
Your Vancouver Island Wedding Experience
Getting Ready
Photos of you getting ready is a special opportunity to capture the excitement of the day and the relationships within it. The hours leading up to the exchanging of vows are filled with reflection, shared emotion, and, sometimes, organized chaos. Whatever it is, it’s your story and a terrific time to capture who you are.
Ceremony
This is one of my favourite parts of the day. Watching you take that deep breath as you see each other, then hearing how you choose to express your love, and your loved one’s reaction to the outpouring of commitment and love - it fills me up. This dedication to each other is the reason for the day.
Couples Portraits
A compliment I receive from couples is - “that was so fun”. Couple portraits are a time to pause, lean into each other in the midst of a busy day and reflect on the day so far, while it is all fresh. As for locations and tips on being photographed, from the beach to mountains and forest, I have you covered.
Family & Wedding Party
Before your wedding, I will guide you through deciding how these photos will unfold. It is different for all couples. I make sure all the important people are captured in a meaningful way that doesn’t detract from your wedding guests for too long. On the day, you can just enjoy visiting as I ensure that we move through creating these images in a fun and efficient way.
Reception
This is where the surprises happen - speeches that bring you to tears, the stories that send you into fits of laughter, these moments are full of heart. Beyond speeches, cake cutting and games, there are endless little moments for me to document. Dad talking to your best man, the flower girls hiding under the table - sometimes these precious moments aren’t even seen by the couple until they receive the photographs.
Dance Floor
It starts with your loved ones dropping tears as you two melt into your first dance, then my camera moves to your ring bearer showing off his hip hop moves until grandma starts ripping it up on the dance floor. I am right out there with her getting all the moments and capturing the life of the party you gifted your friends and party. It gets silly and I love ensuring you will relive it all through photographs.
what my couples are saying
Such a blessing.
“We were surprised at how the focus of the photography kept us balanced throughout the emotionally overwhelming day without detracting from it. Karen not only excelled as our photographer but also as a guiding light of support. Exceptional outcome with professional and gracious delivery. The whole experience was such a blessing. ”
— Chris & Meghan, married in a private home, Comox
A true professional.
“From the moment we spoke on the phone, it was apparent she was a true professional. On our day, Karen was our bright shining light amidst the chaos of having a Covid wedding with very tight time constraints. She was able to get in all our location requests and all the pictures we wanted. She was so calm, prepared and confident”
— Ian & Tracy, married at Local’s Restaurant, Comox Vallley
They are breathtaking.
“We want you to know how very much you mean to us. From the bottom of our hearts. You are just an unbelievable person and artist. We couldn't have imagined our wedding without you. The images are breathtaking. Please know how special of a place you hold in our heart.”
— Jenna & Brendan, married at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, Parksville
telling your wedding story
Parksville Wedding with a Beach View
Like many couples, Kirstin and Joe had to abandon their original wedding plans. They paused and then regrouped, and then we regrouped again, as we all adjusted to the new pandemic reality. They were committed to putting together a beautiful celebration and with some flexibility, they were very successful. At Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, in Parksville, they had an incredible day full of tears and joy. They had close family friends, stunning weather and of course their two beloved pups, Emma and Molly.
Cumberland Forest Elopement
Surrounded by the richness of the Cumberland Forest, Dave and Chantal quietly said “I do”. They were welcomed by a tapestry of ferns, moss and a forest canopy. With some nerves and much excitement, Chantel made the quiet walk up to join the very cheerful Dave, who was waiting at the top of Devil’s Ladder to exchange vows. The marriage commissioner Craig Gillis, myself and one guest, all knew we were part of a very magical moment.
FAQs
We are still deciding which collection is right for our wedding photography. Is it okay to still book?
Absolutely! These days planning is hard. If you know you are having a full wedding, it is especially helpful to contact me before you have everything decided. I can give you information about how long photos might take, location ideas and the best time of day to get married.
Will you help us plan our wedding itinerary for the day?
Yes! That is exactly the type of care I like to give my clients. For full weddings the conversations I will guide you through will be invaluable in creating a flow to your day that keeps in mind your guests, your energy and how capturing moments and portraits fits within the day. We will talk through all the details about what is important to you, including all the people who will be there to make your day memorable.
For elopement and micro weddings, I can provide tips on the right time of day to get married and some incredible locations for photos.
Can you recommend other Vancouver Island wedding vendors like make-up artists, caterers and florists?
I would love to. There are so many talented and caring wedding professionals on Vancouver Island. I like to find out a bit about your style and then I can point you in the direction.
Do you travel?
Between Nanaimo and Campbell River there are no travel charges. For Hornby, Denman, Gabriola and Quadra Island clients are responsible for ferry costs and overnight fees if I am unable to get off the island. If your wedding is outside of this area I am happy to create a custom quote to cover my travel expenses.
When should we book?
I am currently booking for 2025.
How do we book you?
Please email me at info@mckinnonphotography.com and I will set you up with an online contract and questionnaire. Of course, I will also be available for any questions you may have. As part of the booking, I require a $1000 retainer to hold the date. The balance is due four before your wedding. It is quite simple really. I can’t wait to meet you.
Pricing
Your package does not need to be decided on for us to move forward with booking.
Vancouver Island Micro Weddings
If you are keeping it intimate this is the right option for you. With up to three hours of coverage, you can look forward to having your ceremony captured and some epic portraits, as well as potentially some photos getting ready. Available: Sundays and weekdays in 2024 and 2025 for weddings with up to twenty guests.
Includes:
Up to three hours of coverage
Recommendations for other vendors and locations
Zoom call to discuss your day
All images delivered digitally within 6 weeks
$2450 *additional hours available
Vancouver Island Wedding Collections
From getting ready to the ceremony, portraits and the party - you can choose your wedding collection based on what will suit your day and photography vision the best.
Wedding collections begin at $3600