Keltie and Chris reached out to me (after I had photographed a wedding for a friend of theirs in Italy a few years before) and asked if I would consider flying to Canada to photograph their wedding, I was immediately interested. But my first question was of course, where?
Fate had it that they were going to be married on Hornby Island, a small island off the coast of Vancouver Island, and the island home of my sister and her family. Not only that, in a few weeks time I was going to be visiting my family in Canada. We set up a session to meet and take some engagement photos. Keltie and Chris were instantly likeable, fully in love, and a dream to work with. We were all in on the project of bringing me to Canada to shoot their fall wedding.
So, 1 year later I boarded a plane, and another plane, and another plane to travel across the world to shoot their wedding.
For anyone who has travelled to the
islands in British Columbia Canada, you know that there is something
very unique about island hoping, and reaching these often relatively
remote comunities. The ferry lineup, the waiting, the sea air, the tar
on the pilings and docks. Visiting the islands are an experience
ingrained in my memory, as much time in my childhood was spent on the
water with my family.
The
ferry ride across the Island of Denman to reach Hornby, and travelling
by car over Denman island, is a trip I have made countless times in my
life. An honor to be travelling to capture Keltie and Chris' wedding.
The sunny fall weather broke, and the wedding day arrived bringing in a misty morning and West coast beach atmosphere. Keltie began the wedding day calmly getting ready with her mother and her aunt doing her hair and makeup, while the groom and groomsmen took a morning mountain bike ride in the rain.
The bridesmaids showed up for a girls first look and popped some Champagne.
The details that make a wedding unique. They may not be the first images you graviate towards, but they are the memories that make the day live forever in your memory. The towel your mom got you so you could get ready in her room. The to-go coffee after a rainy bikeride with your friends.
Your friend who was still working on his thesis, but came to your wedding anyway, and had to borrow a screen the morning of. Another friend bringing you a burger your father cooked in the rain to make sure all your wedding guests had lunch. The moments of life, the people you love, and who love you. That is what a wedding celebration is also all about. Keltie and Chris's wedding day was full of these moments, family and friends celebrating and supporting their lives.
The rain changed our initial plans for the first look and bridal party photos, but it didn't matter. Plan B was made, we adapted, and their emotional first look could not have been more perfect. The most important thing to remember on your wedding day is to live it, and enjoy every moment.
After the first look we drove to Helliwell provincial park to take pictures in the forest and on the beachside cliffs.
The drizzling rain stopped for just enough time for some beautiful and moody moments in the long summer grass on the bluffs of Helliwell park.
The bridal party met us at Whaling station beach. The girls kicked off their heels to keep them ceremony ready, and everyone was amazingly cooperative and chill. For the bride and groom keeping your cool on the wedding day is essential, but when you have your squads by your side being fully supportive, that is the best. It makes it so much easier for everyone.
I am also always really conscious of capturing the moments and locations we planned, but also not pushing too hard, especially when the weather isn't perfect. If you are the bride and you choose to do a first look and photos pre-ceremony, it is part of my job to make sure you don't ruin your look for your walk down the aisle, and I make sure you have time for touch-ups when you get back to the venue.
While the bridal party met back at the resort and took a minute to regroup, guests began gathering for welcome drinks before the ceremony.
Keltie's family had been visiting Hornby Island for many years throughout her childhood, so the place and people had a special place in their hearts. It was a natural place of connection and the perfect setting to begin their journey as husband and wife.
Always remeber to take some time after the ceremony to soak in all the love and hugs. Sometime couples have so much excited energy after the ceremony they forget to just take it all in. I always encourage couples to remember to leave 10 to 15 minutes to just be in the moment with each other and your guests after the ceremony.
A pod of Humpback whales put on a little show in the bay outside the resort during cocktail hour, who could ask for better natural guest entertainment.
Keltie and Chris's puppy joined the cocktail party to celebrate with mom and dad.
I could tell immediately speeches were going to be a big part of the evening, and they did not disappoint.
Keltie and Chris choreographed a dance after taking dance lessons all year. After the big number everyone flooded the dance floor and danced the night away.
Ravelloweddingphotographer
Florals
.jpg)
