Samara + Andrew // UBC & Cecil Green Park House Wedding

Samara and Andrew met at the UBC School of Music, so they decided to get married on the very stage where they first met. To top it off, they invited their entire choir and family to sing with them during the ceremony, while Andrew showed off his conductor skills. These personal details made their ceremony one-of-a-kind, and oh-so beautiful!

We met up before their ceremony for a first look and to photograph these two with their crew of friends before making our way to UBC for their vows. Then, while the sun set, we enjoyed a romantic dinner under the twinkling lights at Cecil Park Green House. We took a few moments to take a few golden hour photos around the grounds before returning to immerse ourselves in the kind words of their friends and family. This entire day was so thoughtful and personal. I have to say, weddings that intentionally honour the unique aspects of a couple are definitely a favourite! Thanks for having me along, Samara and Andrew!

The wonderful line-up of vendors:

Day of Coordinator: Laurel Events

Venue: UBC School of Music and Cecil Green Park House

Caterer: Scholars Catering

Music: Aurora Chamber Choir

Florist: Budget Blooms

Decor: Past Pieces

MUA: Fresh Faces by Jenn

Hair: Brooklyn at Honeylush Hair

Nicole + Chris // Mayne Island Wedding

The first time I met Nicole and Chris, I instantly adored them. There is something about these two that makes you feel welcome and at home with them. They are sweet and humble people who take time to truly listen when you speak to them. When they told me they wanted to get married on Mayne Island, where Chris’ family has had a cabin since he was a child, I knew we were meant to be. Mayne Island has always been one of my favorite places in the entire world. We bonded over our mutual love for this Southern Gulf Island, and they told me about how Chris proposed at the very point where they were planning to have their ceremony.

Their wedding day was relaxed and filled with warm, loving people. Chris and Nicole exchanged their vows in a forest overlooking the ocean, and then scaled some rocky cliffs for their photos before returning to the Mayne Island Resort for a cozy reception filled with games, good food, and a lot of heartwarming laughter.

Hats off to a great team of vendors and friends that worked hard to put this day together:

Wedding Arch: Built by the groom and stained by the couple

Blackberry Jam Favours: Made lovingly by the groom’s mother from berries the couple picked themselves!

Make-up: Friend of the Bride, Sam Hunter

Dress: Made with Love Bridal from Everly Fine Bridal in Kits

Venue: Mayne Island Resort

Catering: Bennett Bay Bistro

Cake/Cupcakes: Le Gateau Bake Shop

Florals: Maple Ridge Florist

Hair Piece: Atelier Elise in Gastown

Decor Calligraphy: Willow Calligraphy

Driftwood Decor: Friend of the Bride, Claire Boothe

Other Decor: Wood and Willow Event Rental

Megan + Glen // The Secret Garden at Woodbridge Ponds Wedding

I can’t say enough about how sweet and humble these two are. They’re an incredibly talented photo + video duo based in Kelowna (One Peak Marketing), and their choice to hire me was the biggest compliment I could have ever received. Every word they spoke to me was filled with kindness, and if these photos are any evidence, they are genuine, deeply loving humans who value their family and friends fiercely. I won’t even tell you how many times I cried during the speeches (probably as much as Megan!).

Also, can we chat for a minute about Woodbridge Ponds? The grounds are BEAUTIFUL for portraits and the reception tent is a photographers dream with all the filtered natural light and greenery everywhere. I have never been so in love with photographing in a venue! I hope to be back at this venue many, many times.

A huge thank you to this amazing team of vendors behind this wedding day:

Venue: The Secret Garden at Woodbridge Ponds

Florals: Eucalyptus Pop-Up

Catering: Simply Savory Valley Catering

Wedding Dress: The Bridal Gallery

Suit: Indochino

Dresses: Bliss Bridal Kelowna

HMUA: Rachael Mah

Cake: Rustic Designs

Stella + Chris // Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler Wedding

Stella and Chris are adventurous people who love dogs (and even brought their pup, Jello, to their engagement session- which I am a BIG fan of by the way). Stella lights up every room she walks into, and Chris is her steady rock. Throughout the reception, whenever Stella would tear up during a speech, he would quietly tuck her under his arm and hold her in the sweetest embrace while they continued to listen to the kind and loving words of their friends and family. These two are beautiful and generous and the love flowing from everyone at their wedding is sure to stick with me forever. There were probably 20 boxes of kleenex that were used during getting ready alone, haha!

For their photos, we ventured up the Whistler Gondola for photos on the misty mountaintop. All the fog and cloud made for some pretty wonderfully dramatic images! We even spotted a few bears on the ride up. At the top, Stella and Chris took time to read their vows to one another in private. It was a beautiful and tender moment for them to share prior to their ceremony. After descending the mountain, these two tied the knot and partied with their friends and family until late in the night (and Stella’s dad might have been the best dancer there!).

The fantastic team of vendors:

Venue: Nita Lake Lodge

Planner: Elle Weddings

Officiant: Tracy Kerr

Florals: Billie’s Flower House

DJ: Wailin Dalen

Hair: Alyssha Chiang Makeup & Hair

MUA: Makeup by Rae

Dress: Champagne & Lace

Suit: Tom Ford from Harry Rosen

Mark + Thomas // Sea to Sky Gondola and Shaughnessy Restaurant Wedding

Thomas and Mark have officially taken up residence in my heart after majorly bonding with them over the course of their wedding planning. In fact, at their reception, Thomas spent more time sitting with my second shooter, Laine, and I, than he did with his own guests. We simply adore these two! Mark is calm and collected and absolutely SMITTEN with Thomas, and Thomas has the most infectious smile in the entire world, and it’s extra big with Mark is around. These two are the perfectly balanced couple and far too much fun to hang out with. Their intimate wedding on top of the Sea-to-Sky Gondola (which is sadly closed temporarily due to someone vandalizing the gondola), was a bit rainy, a lot of fun, and filled with many, many happy tears.

Also, fun fact: I have a granny cart of 30+ clear umbrellas that I bring along on wedding days if there is a chance of rain. I’ve never felt more like a superhero than when it started raining in the middle of Thomas and Mark’s ceremony and I tossed clear umbrellas to people left, right, and center.

The fabulous team of vendors behind this dreamy day:

Decor: Bespoke Decor

Florals: Flower Factory

Ceremony: Sea to Sky Gondola

Reception: Shaughnessy Restaurant

Suit: Harry Rosen Menswear Vancouver

Kilt: Tartan Town Coquitlam

Drink Coasters (Favours): Sarah Rachel Finke

Explore BC // Woods on Pender, Pender Island

Pender Island has called me back time and time again. 4 times in 2.5 years, to be exact. As you know by now, I have a soft spot in my heart for the Southern Gulf Islands, and Pender is no exception. But perhaps the most unique element on this island is the incredible glamping experience at Woods on Pender. Just hop on a ferry from Tsawwwassen, and in two hours time, you step onto the magical shores of North Pender Island.

Woods on Pender consists of a collection of airstreams, cabins, bunkies, shastas, and a charming motel. There is an experience for everyone. On my first visit, we opted to rent an airstream with a private hot tub. However, some of the airstreams are paired with beautiful bunkie cabins for an added room for the kids (or another couple!). Each air stream is equipped with a fire bowl and hammock, and many of them have private hot tubs.

You can also pop into the massage airstream for some therapeutic muscle relaxation, head to the camp food truck for a bite to eat, or sit down at the Woods restaurant and enjoy the most flavorful farm-to-table meals.

One of my favorite oceanside spots to explore is Brooks Point Regional Park. Situated on South Pender Island (the two islands are connected by a short bridge), this beach is accessed through a magical woodland walk. Once you emerge from the forest, you’re greeted with long grass and rocky beaches full of treasures. It’s a great spot for a picnic!

I’d also highly recommend taking a hike up the popular Oak Bluffs trail on North Pender Island. This short hike is sure to get your blood pumping, but before you know it, you’re enjoying stunning views of Moresby Island and Victoria.

As nighttime falls at Woods on Pender, the true magic of this place comes alive. Campfires, hammock hangs, and a dip in the hot tub as the stars appear overhead. I can’t think of anything better!

The mornings on Pender are my favorite. Gorgeous sunrises, a good cup of coffee, and wildlife around every corner. These hues were a special treat during my second visit to the island.

It’s always nice when the journey sports just as many views as the destination. I always enjoy ferry rides (even if I don’t enjoy the cost!). The ferry to the Southern Gulf Islands received an upgrade a few years ago, and it’s a really nice way to take in the sights and sounds of the ocean as you journey to Pender. Get used to it, too, because once you visit the Southern Gulf Islands, you keep going back.

Hilary + Greg // Fraser River Lodge, Agassiz Wedding Photographer

This wedding is an extra special one for me. Hilary and I became pregnant with our first children around the same time- and pregnancy, childbirth, and raising babies has brought us close together. I’ve known Hilary for years, hiked many mountains with her, and now am learning what it means to be a mother with her. Capturing her wedding day was a grand honor.

This was my first wedding away from my own baby, so it was nice to have Hilary’s little babe along for me to snuggle whenever I needed. It was very special watching Charlie see her parents get married. However, the real tear-jerker moment was when the groom brought his baby girl out during the father-daughter dance and made the entire room collectively sigh “awwww” and reach for the tissues. It wasn’t the only time the day had a few tears- Hilary and Greg chose a beautiful tribute to Greg’s late mother, who passed away a few months earlier. It was a focal point throughout the reception and many reminisced on the wonderful memories they have of her. During the ceremony (which was clouded and moody), the sun burst forth during the exchanging of the rings, and everyone agreed that it seemed to be a sign that Greg’s mom was watching over the ceremony and sending her own little blessing.

Knowing Hilary and Greg well, it’s easy to see how the beautiful life and family they’ve built is only going to continue to grow and bless them as they grow old together. Lucky for me, my part in their story doesn’t stop at their wedding day.

Florals: Kaye Fleur

Dress: Truvelle

Venue: Fraser River Lodge

Officiant: Young, Hip, and Married

Leanne + Taylor // Priddis Greens Wedding Photographer

Leanne + Taylor’s wedding felt like a beautiful breath of fresh air. I admit openly that their ceremony was so full of joy and praise that my soul was rejuvenated just by witnessing it. The delight was palpable, especially between the parents of these two. There were many, many, happy tears throughout the day!

After their ceremony in Calgary, everyone headed to Priddis for the reception. To kick things off, a cocktail hour complete with axe throwing, got the party started. We watched the sun set across the Priddis hills as friends and family spoke their words of love and admiration for these two incredible humans and the beautiful way they found each other. It was an absolutely jubilant day from start to finish and I feel honored to have been a part of it.

Ceremony Venue: Southview Alliance Church

Reception Venue: Priddis Greens

Hair and Make-up: Leah Murray

Dress: Pearl and Dot

Florals: Hen & Chicks Design

Bridesmaid Dresses: Park & Fifth

Suits: Indochino

Ice Cream Bar: Made by Marcus

Videographer: Jessica Sanchez

DJ: I Capture Entertainment

Britney + Brandon // Pipe Shop North Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Britney and Brandon hail from Seattle but chose North Vancouver as the spot to get married in. Their friends and family (and adorable dog, Hobbs) made the journey up for a weekend full of memories and gorgeous fall weather. Everyone feasted on delicious pizza (with generous servings of ranch, Britney’s fave) and listened to a whole lotta Kanye (who was a integral part of this couple’s theme!). Hobbs was a big part of the day (maybe even the main attraction!) and acted as the ring bearer and official cuddler throughout the day. He roamed the venue during the reception and received scraps from everyone’s plates, and afterwards he danced all the treats off by joining in on the first dance. Safe to say, Britney and Brandon are my kinda people.

Venue: The Pipe Shop

Florals: Our Little Flower Company

Dress: Sarah Seven from The Dress Theory

Groom’s Suit: Bonobos

Catering: Whistler Wood Fired Pizza

Explore Yukon // Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

A few weeks ago, I was invited to the Yukon by Tourism Yukon and Air North. As part of the #twohourtradein campaign, Air North wanted to demonstrate the accessibility of the Yukon to Canadians. Only a two hour flight from Vancouver, this getaway is much closer than you’d think! I was honored to be brought along to experience everything the Yukon has to offer. It was my first overnight trip away from Ezra, which of course wasn’t easy, but the moment I hopped on the plane, I was more than excited to explore on my own again!

When I landed in Whitehorse, I was eager to explore before the sun set. I drove off to Kluane National Park with my friend Ashley and her two dogs, Sitka and Aspen (the sweetest and most loving dogs EVER). We explored a frozen and quiet Kathleen Lake and were lucky to be there on a wind-free day.

After we left Kluane, we headed to Haines Junction to watch the fleeting final moments of sunset. The sky lit up in mesmerizing shades of pink and purple. It was an incredible ending to my first day in the Yukon.

Finally, the activity I was probably most excited for: hunting the northern lights! I was lucky enough to join Arctic Range Adventure on one of their Aurora Tours at their property just outside of Whitehorse. In between moments of watching the incredible star-filled sky light up with the aurora, we could pop into the heated yurt for warm beverages, or head in to the teepee with a roaring campfire. I barely spent much time in either, I was so captivated by the changing sky. Every few seconds, the aurora would shift and morph into new shapes and colours. I couldn’t risk missing a single moment. I barely even realized how tired I was (the tours go until 2am!), but I collapsed into bed with a huge smile on my face.

The next day I spent some time exploring the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. This place is quite spread out, with over 5km of trails. I braved the wind and walked the trails, hoping to glimpse the various wildlife enclosures. Because these enclosures are quite large, seeing the animals is not guaranteed, and if you’re lucky, some are quite close! I lucked out with some close encounters with a mountain goat, lynx, and foxes!

After touring the wildlife preserve, I headed to my second most anticipated activity: dog sledding with Sky High Wilderness Ranch. If you don’t live under a rock, you know I have an unhealthy obsession with canines, so being pulled around in a sled by a pack of them is probably the most wonderful form of transportation I could ever dream of! These dogs LOVE to run, which was evidenced whenever we stopped to take photos or change places. After a quick romp in the snow, they were barking and begging to get running again. Patience is not a virtue among sled dogs.

Sky High boasts 150 of these incredible creatures, and I spent over an hour walking through the dog yard and meeting every. single. one. They each have a cozy dog house and an area to walk around in, and they’re not exercised on more than 4 runs a day. When I was visiting, it was dinner time, so I was able to watch the employees gather the dogs and line them up for their meals. The dogs were all very excited and very chatty. As I was leaving, I was lucky enough to meet the newest sled pups- only 2 weeks old.

I also enjoyed tobogganing and snowmobiling at the ranch, and got to explore Fish Lake and check out some of the locals ice fishing (which seems like it requires too much patience for my liking!).

On my drive back to my cabin, I managed to spot a moose crossing the road. It was my goal to spot a moose in the Yukon, and after having the moose at the wildlife preserve evade me, it was a serendipitous encounter on the road.

The next morning, it was sadly time to head home. I watched the sunrise while I checked in for my flight, and then was treated to the most incredible views the whole way home.

I’m already eagerly planning my next visit to the Yukon, and I have a mile-long list of hikes I’d like to accomplish when I do. I can’t wait to visit this place once again. Thanks for having me, Whitehorse!

Dwell on Pender // Our community retreat to Pender Island

Years ago, I felt a tug on my heart to foster a deeper sense of community among my fellow wedding photographers. In our industry, it can be far too easy to compare ourselves to one another and grow isolated by discouragement and feeling like we don’t measure up. Wedding season can be a difficult and exhausting time, especially without friends by your side. I became to dream about what this could look like, and soon enough, Dwell was born. I approached a group of women, some of whom I knew and some who I didn’t, and asked them if they’d be interested in retreating into the BC wilderness for a weekend to rest, worship Jesus, create, and grow in community with one another. I invited them into vulnerability with friends and complete strangers, and they all said yes.

As you know, I have a deep love for the Southern Gulf Islands, so of course I made Pender Island our home base for our weekend away. We packed our cars full of gear and boarded a ferry together- nervous energy and all. Thankfully, the moment the ferry departed, we were invited up to visit with the captain and crew and a few of us even got to steer the ferry (a dream come true for Kat!)

A generous thank you to the incredible Camp Brand Goods for outfitting us on our adventures! I’ve loved Camp Brand for years, and truly appreciate their commitment to fostering community and storytelling. They featured our journey on their blog, the Good Times Journal, if you’re interested in checking it out!

All 9 girls in attendance of this weekend are incredibly gifted photographers. Please feel free to browse their incredible work here:

Michelle Karst Photography

Art and the Aerialist

Danaea Li Photography

Hello Tomorrow

Alba Photography

M&him

Meghan Bustard Photography

Lesley Laine Photography

We rented a beautiful home on the ocean on South Pender Island. Perhaps my favorite part was the gorgeous sunroom overlooking the beach, which is where we spent a large majority of our time. Another special thanks to the incredible Salt Spring Coffee, which kept us caffeinated with coffee and mugs for all! I’ve been drinking this organic and fair trade coffee for years! After fueling up, we spent the last remaining hour of daylight on the beach, capturing some creative portraits of one another.

Mornings were probably my favorite time on our retreat. There is something about sharing a meal around a table full of laughter and friends that is soul-filling. After breakfast each morning, we would spend some time in worship and listening to teaching in the sun room.

On Pender Island, there are adventures around every corner, so we took advantage of the many trails and explored to our hearts content. Our first afternoon was spent having a seaside picnic and checking out an enchanted forest (legitimately what it was called, and I have to agree!). Then, it was back to our little slice of airbnb heaven for some relaxing in the hot tub!

It goes without saying that when 9 photographers get together, there will be some fun creative things happening. We played with lights and smoke bombs one evening and experimented to our hearts content before heading in to build a fire and share our stories with one another. Each evening, if we felt comfortable enough, a few girls would share their life stories with the group. This time spent together was probably the most fruitful of the entire trip. We laughed together, cried together, and even UGLY cried together. The bond built through hearing how God has worked in our lives knit us together so tightly. It was an uplifting and encouraging time. It only grew my love for these girls more and more.

On our last day, we took things slow and packed up. We took a quick hike up some cliffs overlooking the ocean. Check out my great selfie shot- long arms come in handy!

Sadly, our time came to an end far too quickly and we began the journey home. We parted as friends with roots grown deep, and it has only continued to deepen and grow in the two years since. Only a few months after this retreat, four of us became pregnant! We journeyed through pregnancy together, and now motherhood. I suspect that’s part of the reason it has taken me two years to finally tell this story, since I was one of the women who became a mom during that time. A difficult pregnancy and adjustment into motherhood (while running a business) has caused me to slow down and accomplish far less than I probably would like. But, in all honesty, I feel like it has taken me two years to fully sit with the magic of this gathering and process it to the point of forming words. The community forged in this trip has blossomed into a circle of women who support one another and lift each other up. They even threw us a joint baby shower and the four of us were spoiled with love and presents for our babies. It’s been two years, but these stories and memories are stronger than ever, and I am so looking forward to retreating with these ladies again in November (and hopefully a few more women as well!).

Explore California // Palm Springs

In October, we ventured to Palm Springs with my parents and my brother and his family. We left the vibrant greens of the PNW behind and flew over drastically changing landscapes, finally arriving in the desert of California.

We rented a gorgeous home on a golf course with a private pool for the kids to play in. With various nap schedules to work around, we decided having a pool would be an excellent way to enjoy the heat and sun when we were still tethered to the house! The home was perfect for our needs, and beautiful as well. It was the perfect place to relax together as a family. If you’re interested in checking this rental out, you can see the VRBO listing HERE. (This is not a sponsored or affiliate link).

Our first day in Palm Springs, we decided to take the aerial tramway to the top of Chino Canyon, where we explored the trails of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. This tram is the world’s largest rotating tram, and is not for the faint of heart. While you’re climbing the cliffs of Chino Canyon, the floor rotates around the car so that everyone can take in the views (which are breathtaking!). At the top, you can explore the state park, which hosts plenty of trails and viewpoints. We had to hustle back for Ezra’s bedtime, otherwise we would have spent hours exploring each and every trail in the park!

The neighbourhood we stayed in was full of beautiful architecture. I enjoyed taking walks with Ezra and taking in the various homes. Palm Springs is known for it’s mid-century architecture and colourful, unique doorways. We also spent a good amount of time in the pool- which Ezra loved! He enjoyed floating around in his flamingo, and looked darn cute while doing it!

One of my favourite adventures was hiking Palm Canyon on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. I wish we would have had time to hike the various canyons on this reservation, but Palm Canyon was a great choice with our limited time. The gorgeous palm trees and canyon cliffs made for an ever-changing and enchanting hike. It was easy enough for the kids to do too! The reservation does have hours for the gate, as well as an admission fee, so come prepared! It’s well worth the small fee, and you can easily spend a full day walking the various canyons.

One of the advantages of travelling with grandparents in tow is the free babysitting! We were ecstatic to get away for a day and go hiking while my parents looked after Ezra. We drove over an hour away to the trail head to Painted Canyon, only to learn the road system had been washed out, and the trail no longer accessible. I was extremely disappointed, but we decided to salvage the remaining time we had and headed to the Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactorium to soak up an amazing collection of cacti. The cactorium is the world’s first and hosts some of the rarest and unique cacti I’ve ever seen.

We were treated to some spectacular and colourful sunsets during our visit, all from the comfort of our backyard (because bedtime usually fell before sunset everyday! haha).

Another highlight for us was taking a trail ride with Smoketree Stables, which happened to be right across the street from our rental! We signed up for the sunrise ride, and happened to be the only people in attendance, so we got to hog our tour guide and learn lots about the local landscape. Our guide, Buck, is pretty much a real life cowboy, and was full of knowledge about the area.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Palm Springs without exploring some wind farms. We actually had scheduled a family photo session while we were in town, and this location is where our lovely photographer, Leanne, took our family photos! We spent a few minutes afterwards capturing a few images of the gorgeous landscape.

Our last day was spent soaking up the sun and swimming in the pool. The entire trip went by far too quickly!

On the plane ride home, I could have sworn we were flying over Mars. The landscapes were captivating, and so unlike the deep and rich tones I’m used to seeing here in the PNW. We lucked out with an entire row on the plane to ourselves (such a blessing with a baby!). So far, Ezra has proven to be a pretty good flyer. Here’s hoping that sticks!

Explore BC // Bodega Cove, Galiano Island

In October, I had the pleasure of setting out to explore yet another Southern Gulf Island. This time, our destination was Galiano Island, a gem just a short ferry ride from Tsawwassen. My mom happened to be visiting while my husband was on a work trip, so I had an extra pair of hands to help with our baby, Ezra, while we were away. We hopped on a ferry on a gorgeous sunny day and began the quick journey to Galiano Island.

When I first heard about Bodega Cove, I was eager to stay in one of the updated Pan-abode cedar cabins from the 60s. These 5 cabins are nestled together overlooking the ocean, just below the sister property of Bodega Ridge. The cabins are modern and cozy. They’re filled with unique and thoughtful design aspects that wow you around every corner. We stayed in a two bedroom cabin, but one bedroom cabins are available as well. We enjoyed sitting on the deck and watching some friendly deer and local chickens wander about.

Our first adventure brought us to Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park, where we wandered the beach and trails lazily, and enjoyed a warm fall afternoon.

After our afternoon at the beach, we watched the sun set and the stars appear from the comfort of our warm cabin (which was made even cozier with a roaring wood stove).

Having a baby makes early mornings a common occurrence, so our first morning was spent cave spelunking in the sandstone caves at Retreat Cove. Ezra and I watched the sun rise during low tide and explored the caves with glee. These structures are even more beautiful in person. If you plan on exploring them yourself, plan to go at low tide, and note that the caves are “explore at your own risk” and can be dangerous if you lose your footing.

Now with the rest of the world awake, we went to explore Bellhouse Provincial Park. This mossy, seaside park offers a stunning view of Mayne Island and incoming ferries. In fact, you can easily spot the lighthouse over on Mayne Island, one of my favorite spots!

Afterwards, we went to Babes in the Woods Eatery for lunch. Many restaurants are closed in the off season/winter on Galiano, so we were lucky that a restaurant as delicious as Babes was still open! Afterwards we enjoyed an incredible latte from Bowline Cafe- one of the highest end coffee shops I’ve ever seen on a Southern Gulf Island. They also have the most delicious ice cream sandwiches from Cold Comfort (including GLUTEN FREE! I was in heaven).

With a full tummy, Ezra went down for a nap under the watchful eye of Grandma while I went for a quick hike up Bodega Ridge and enjoyed some incredible views over the gulf islands. The hike climbs up through gorgeous forest and ferns to a ridge that you can follow along for quite some time. I only wandered a little ways down the ridge and opted to sit and enjoy the view for awhile before turning around and hiking down.

We spent the rest of our afternoon enjoying the cabin and deck. I was lucky enough to pop into a few of the other cabins to see the various layouts. Each cabin possessed the same gorgeous cedar walls, modern and stylish decor, and cozy cabin vibes. I was in awe of the giant soaker tubs that the one bedroom cabins are lucky enough to have. I would gladly take an hour long bath in one of those!

Sadly, the next morning meant time to journey home. Our little trip had come to an end. We lined up at the ferry and watched a spectacular sunrise over the ferry dock. It’s always hard saying goodbye to the Southern Gulf Islands, but I never stay away too long. I’m eager to be back again soon and explore some more!

Some other areas that I was keen to explore but didn’t have enought time for include:

A hike up Mount Galiano

The Cemetery Lighthouse (said to have lots of sea lions)

Any of the beach access points along Sticks Allison Road

Feel free to check these out and report back to me!

Krista + Rafael // Brix & Mortar // Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Krista and Raf are the kind of people you want to adopt into your family the moment you meet them. These two are cool without even knowing it. They’ll make you laugh until it hurt. Plus, they’re easy on the eyes. #jackpot.

Krista and I share an insane love for Star Wars, so naturally I consider her my best friend. We also love cats (and animals in general). My favorite thing about Krista, however, is the way that she values people and sentimentality. This entire wedding was dedicated to celebrating their friends and families, and a whole lot of happy tears and sappy speeches that made everyone else cry right along with them. Both Krista and Raf were happy crying for the majority of this wedding. The type of tears that move you, even when you see them in photographs months later. These two love SO DEEPLY. Thank goodness they’re both attractive criers, or else this blog post would probably be hilarious. Instead, I present you with the most beautiful, moving, and love-filled wedding day that I’ve ever been a part of.

Thank you, Krista and Raf, for letting me capture your day.

A standing ovation for the amazing team of vendors behind this day:

Venue: Brix & Mortar

Florals: Sunflower Florist

Dress: Blush by Hayley Paige from Sash and Bustle

Suit: Dirty Inc.

Make-up: Mani Bratch

Hair: Hair by Ashlee

Planner: Jennifer Ungaro from Epic Events

Chilliwack Sunflower Festival

When Tulips of the Valley announced they would be hosting a Sunflower festival at the end of August, I instantly knew that this would be the next big thing to hit the Lower Mainland. Giant sunflowers, corn fields, food trucks, photo opps, games and activities galore. This place exceeded all of my expectations. We could have easily spent half a day here, there was so much to see and do! The Bonus? It's much easier to get a photo away from the crowds with all the paths through the sunflowers! It's easy to carve out a space for your photo op :) 

Jessica Sipos and Jordan Robbins are the lovely ladies in front of my lens, and the brilliant Nina Farrauto of FitGlow Beauty is behind the Hair and Make-up. The dream team had a blast creating these images amongst these gorgeous blooms! 

Michelle + Brad // Bodega Ridge, Galiano Wedding Photographer

Michelle and Brad are a riot to be around. The laughter simply flows when these two are involved! I spent a long time anticipating this wedding after a hilariously fun engagement shoot in the snow at Christmas time (not to mention I've been dying to photograph a wedding at Bodega Ridge for a long time!) Michelle was a total show stopper with her gorgeous gown and head piece. The ceremony sat overlooking the ocean, surrounded by arbutus trees (my personal fave) on the loveliest overcast day that Galiano Island has ever seen. This entire day was a dream and an honour to capture. 

Venue: Bodega Ridge

Florals: Trincomali Farms

Dress: Essense of Australia 

Suit: Indochino

Make-up: Rachel DeGoutiere

Hair: Hunt and Gather Co - Mandy

Mara + Taylor // Fraser River Lodge Wedding

Anna + Jeff // North Arm Farm, Pemberton Wedding Photographer

Anna + Jeff are currently off on their six month honeymoon around the world. These two are extremely adventurous and fun-loving souls, and it is no coincidence that they found each other. You just won't find two people better matched than them. Their goofy, silly, and hilarious personalities had me in stitches the whole day. My cheeks were sore from smiling for 6 hours straight. You can see their charm come out in various little details throughout their wedding day- Anna's Canadian socks and converse, the dinosaurs that adorned their centrepieces, and the incredible facial expressions (especially on Anna's behalf) that show up throughout these images. 

A huge thanks to this amazing team of vendors that made this day possible: 

Wedding Planner - Pocketful Productions
Venue: North Arm Farm

Caterer: Drew’s Catering

Transportation: Whistler Connection

DJ: DJ Aimee Hawker

Bathrooms: Carney's Waste System

Photographer - Rachel Barkman Photography

Videographer: Isabelle Butcher

Dress: Blush Bridal

Leanne + Matt // Intimate Forest Wedding

When Leanne and Matt asked for help planning their intimate wedding, I nearly fainted with excitement. I've been waiting to photograph a small ceremony in one of my favorite spots in Golden Ears for a long time! It was the perfect backdrop to celebrate their union with family and friends. The bride brought hydrangea petals to throw in celebration at the end of the ceremony (and would cleverly decompose and not litter on the gorgeous forest floor). We followed up with an intimate private reception at Stomping Grounds Bistro in Pitt Meadows that was full of good food, meaningful words, and a lot of laughter. PS: How cute is their little flower dog? 

Kelsey + Brandon // Monte Creek Ranch, Kamloops Wedding Photographer

Brandon proposed to Kelsey in one of the most elaborate set ups I've ever seen. While she was in a fake meeting at work (set up by him, of course), he used a lift to raise himself up to the window of the conference room so he could propose. (You can watch the video here!) Their incredible wedding day wasn't any less elaborate and jaw-dropping!

It was a hot but windy day in Kamloops (which was a bit of a challenge for Kelsey's gorgeous cathedral length veil). The bridesmaids got ready in pink robes (including a bride's man who was keen to match the ladies). Touches of champagne and blush made this classy and romantic wedding really pop. The sweetness between Kelsey and Brandon was just the cherry on top (and watching Brandon serve his grandma through the buffet line). These two are incredibly thoughtful, kind, and selfless. It was evident throughout their day that they wanted to honour and love each other and their families. It was a memorable day that I love reliving through these images! 

Planner: Brandy Madison Events

Florals: Sheer Florals

Ceremony Venue: Monte Creek Ranch

Reception Venue: TRU