best elopement photographers

Shawnigan Lake Engagement Photos // Jacqui and Sean

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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!

McKenzie Bight Engagement Photos // Amanda and Alex and puppy, Kenzie

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Amanda and Alex (and their puppy Kenzie) explore the trails at McKenzie Bight in Victoria during their engagement photos // Victoria Wedding Photographers

If you know us (or even just passed us on the street haha), you know we're crazy about dogs. You can imagine the excitement we had this month when we photographed not one, not two, but three engagement sessions in a row that featured our couples' furry best friends!  Our most recent were Amanda and Alex, and the new addition to their family, Kenzie, who was named after one of Amanda and Alex's favourite Victoria trails, and the location of our engagement session with them: McKenzie Bight Trail.

With the rain storms that have been pouring down on the west coast lately, we ended up hitting the sunny-autumn-day-jackpot on our photos with Amanda and Alex.  It was fun to get to know Alex and Amanda as we explored around the trail that these two have grown so fond of,  and to watch as sunlight filtered through the leaves, as their puppy dashed around up and down the trails, and as heaps of seals floated around the base of a river waiting for fish as the sun dipped behind the hills.  Amanda and Alex have such a great connection, and have so much fun together that we just can't wait for their Metchosin wedding at Pearson College next year.

Thanks so much for spending a fun afternoon with us, Amanda and Alex! We hope you love your photos as much as us!

Reykjavik Elopement in Iceland // Farrah and Lance

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Farrah and Lance elope in Iceland at the Blue Lagoon, black beaches, with a sunset vow exchange at Seljalandsfoss // Victoria Wedding and Elopement Photographers

We met Farrah and Lance through our friend Emma of Emma McCormmick Creative, and were so excited when they told us that they wanted to elope in Iceland and have us there to take the photos!  Like all of our couples, Farrah and Lance had their own unique way of doing their elopement, and we loved photographing the whole experience.  Farrah and Lance had a not-so-secret elopement, and even had a handful of family members and friends along to share in the day.  A mini wedding! We  love it!  

The day started out dark, with rain clouds looming over Reykjavik and as far as we could see: we assumed that our lucky weather streak had run out.  Our only option for the day was to follow the road in any direction that might lead us towards any sort of light. What a great decision that ended up being!

Black lava rocks, topped with bright green moss is what covers most of the Reykjanes Peninsula where we decided to head.  At Blue Lagoon, the vibrantly blue pools of water cut a contrasting path through the green and black blanket. They're made all the more vivid by their stark white silica borders.  For Farrah and Lance's first look, it made for a very surreal setting, even as rain threatened to pour on them.  From there we headed east, where we were treated to black sand beaches; their grassy dunes stretching for thousands of acres. Here we found an absolute absence of people, and warm sunlight bursting through dense fog, creating an otherworldly and romantic atmosphere.  

Farrah and Lance had saved their vows just for Iceland, and they were hoping to be able to exchange them at a waterfall at some point through the day.  As the day wound down and the sun began to set, we made our way further east to Seljalandsfoss, stopping along the way to visit with some Icelandic horses, and trying to coax them into cuddles with the promise of apples. We made it to Seljalandsfoss just in time for a glorious sunset, which couldn't have been more perfect for Farrah and Lance's romantic vow exchange.

Thank you Farrah and Lance! We had such a great day with you and your squad, chasing the light, fishing for horses, and walkie-talkie-ing like truckers between our vehicles!  Congratulations to you both, we hope these memories last forever!

Snaefellnes Peninsula Iceland Elopement // Meagann & Neil

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Meagann and Neil elope amongst basalt columns, waterfalls and lava fields in Iceland // Victoria Wedding Photographers

 

In our experience photographing three destination elopements in Iceland, on back to back days, we took away so many highlights to reminisce about.  We loved getting to know our couples' different personalities, how they met, and what their lives were like back home, away from this dreamland.  One thing we weren't (but should should have been) expecting was the way all three of our couples would plan and execute their elopement in their own special way.  It only magnified the romance factor of an already romantic way to marry, and we felt it gave us an even more intimate look into the couple's relationship dynamic.

If you read Jessika and Mack's elopement blog from the day before, you know that they had legally married in their home state of Colorado a few days before they left for Iceland.  They had exchanged their wedding rings, but saved their vows for their big day Iceland.  As well, Jessika's wedding dress made it all the way to Iceland without Mack seeing it, so they could get ready the traditional way; without the groom seeing the bride, even though they were going to be in the same apartment at the time!   

The following day we met with Meagann and Neil at their hotel to start the day at their Reykjavik hotel, where they'd get ready together to share the anticipation and excitement of the day.  We found it so romantic that Neil would be the person to help Meagann into her wedding gown (insert 100 heart-eyes emojis), before they looked each other up and down with huge smiles, and headed out the door.  Meagann and Neil also legally signed their marriage papers in their hometown in Ontario, where they had exchanged vows and wedding bands.  The unique twist that we love, is that while the two had their wedding bands, Meagann had not yet seen the beautiful custom sapphire engagement ring that Neil had made just for her.  What a treat for us to get to see her face as Neil opened the little wooden box for her during their ring exchange ceremony. And what better place than an isolated area of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula; at the foot of a waterfall, and overlooking an endless field of bright green, moss-blanketed lava, veined by a river speckled with swans.  The warm light shining through overhead clouds, and the misty wind that danced through Meagann's hair and gown only added more drama to an already dreamlike day.  After their ring exchange, we explored more of the Snaefellsnes peninsula area, that Meagann and Neil had fallen in love with their first few days in Iceland.  They showed us areas that we hadn't had the opportunity to explore on our first trip to the area, and it felt like casual day out adventuring with friends as Neil pointed out all the quaint homesteads he was for sure planning to retire to when it came time.  We took in the impressive basalt column cliffs, took a drive through the incredible Berserkjahraun (mad-man's lava field), and they finished the day with some beachside cuddles at Djupalonssandur (the black lava pearl beach).

Thank you Meagann and Neil for letting us be the ones to peer in and capture such an intimate and personal milestone in your life.  We had so much fun driving around an area of Iceland that meant so much to you, and hope these photos hold a life time of treasure for you! 

 

 

  

South Iceland Elopement with Jessika and Mack // Victoria Destination Wedding Photographer

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Jessika and Mack adventure from Reykjavik to share personal vows and a glorious sunset in Vik during their South Iceland elopement  // Iceland Elopement Photographers

We had already been in Iceland for ten days prior to Jessika and Mack's elopement date. We had circled Iceland's Ring Road to enjoy a lot of the sites, and were treated to amazing autumn sunlight, which hung low along the horizon that it seemed all day everyday was golden hour.  A photographer's dream!  However, the three days leading up to their wedding were the three most treacherous weather days we experienced so far.  Three entire days of racing wind, up to 115 km/h at times.  Three entire days of pelting,  cold and stinging rain. It left me and Matt passing worried glances back and forth to each other as the elopement dates drew closer. We knew Iceland's weather could be intense and unpredictable, and we were bracing ourselves for that.  It was hard to deny ourselves a bit of worry since all our couples had travelled so far to come her to elope with us, and it was beginning to look like we may not even have weather that would be safe enough to photograph them outside!  Jessika and Mack came all the way from Colorado in the US for their wedding, and we really wanted to send them back with images that reflected the experience of their whole trip!

We woke up on the morning of Jessika and Mack's elopement to clear skies and zero wind.  The excitement was immediate and overwhelming, which is evidently magnified 100x when dealing with pregnancy hormones. Enter a relieved and impossible-to-contain happy weepy Sayde.  We planned to meet Jessika and Mack at their airBnB apartment where they would both get ready for the day, without seeing each other, before their first look in Reykjavik!  

From there we travelled a popular-for-good-reason route along the south of Iceland, stopping to visit some Icelandic horses, heritage sites, and a few of Iceland's most famous waterfalls.  We seemed to have some curiously coincidental luck the whole day. Not just with the weather turning out great, but with the areas we stopped to photograph in.  When travelling a popular route, it's expected that we were going to have to share the area with tourists and other visitors.  that day however, it seemed we were either arriving to locations as most people were leaving, or leaving locations as most people were arriving.  At Skogafoss this was made very evident as we photographed Jessika and Mack, with very few people around, right in front of the waterfall.  For a few minutes, any existence of the outside world was e blotted out by the sounds of crashing water made by this colossal falls.  It was just the two of them and us in the whole world, it seemed. As we wrapped up and turned 180 degrees to head back to the car, our eyes widened to the sight of 4 coach sized tour busses unloading simultaneously, and their 200 passengers all stampeding slow motion in our direction.  It was like waking up from the most surreal and beautiful dream to realize a zombie apocalypse had started, and the hoard had found you.  The four of us raced back to the car, dodging other bodies as we went, and breaking into fits of laughter as Jessika and Mack got tangled in a cluster of people who were desperate to take a cell phone photo of the two of them in their wedding attire. Once we were all safe in our car we all broke into a fit of laughter over what had just happened, then we travelled all the way to Vik where we wrapped up our day with Jessika and Mack's personal vows isolated amongst black sandstone formations, and watched a glorious sunset from the top of Dyrholey's jaw dropping cliffs. 

While we loved photographing Jessika and Mack in such a unique and interesting environment, it was even better watching their excitement, the ease of their connection together , and their sweet and personal way they interact together.  Riding around in our little hatchback all day with them was such a great way to get to know them better and really take in the magnitude of what this elopement, and their relationship together means to them.

Thank you Jessika and Mack, for travelling all the way from Colorado to elope in Iceland with us! It was such an unforgettable experience! 

 

East Sooke Park Engagement Photos with Lindsey and Brent (and Willow!)

Lindsey, Brent, and Willow romp around the fields, cliffs, and beach at Aylard Farms in East Sooke Park during their engagement photos // Victoria Wedding Photographers

East Sooke park is the first place the two of us visited that made us fall in love with, and eventually move to Sooke.  After talking to Brent and Lindsey about their upcoming Church and State wedding, we got to talking about all the areas they really love around here.  We weren't surprised in the least when Lindsay and Brent told us that East Sooke was one of their favourite places, and that they'd love to do their engagement session there, near Aylard Farms.  It also happened to be a first-hike-together place for them, as Lindsey puts it: her and Willow, her dog, were going for a hike date together, and invited Brent along. They hit it off, evidently!!

The day of the engagement session came and we all romped around the park talking about their upcoming Church and State Winery wedding, summer and travel plans, and laughing at all Willows silly antics.  Lindsey and Brent finished off the evening with some good old stick-toss into the ocean for Willow, and stuck around long enough to catch a couple curious seals swim by. 

Thanks to Lindsey and Brent for hiking around the park for us during your engagement session, we had loads of fun! We're excited about your wedding!!

British Columbia Elopement - Aria and Zach // Victoria Wedding Photographers

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Aria and Zach Elope on the Sunshine Coast in the Forest // Vancouver Island Wedding Photographers

We're romantics, of course. I think you have to be to work in such an intimate field, photographing such an intimate and monumental milestone.  For a lot of us, an elopement is the epitome of romantic.  So, you can imagine how our hearts were a flutter when Aria and Zachary called us to talk about photographing their elopement on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. 

We had so much fun with the two of them and their charming officiant, Greig - just the five of us exploring Cliff Gilker Park near Gibsons, and Smuggler Cove past Sechelt.  We loved talking to them, and getting to know about their relationship.  Aria and Zach started dating and knew right away that they were going to spend their lives together.  They got engaged a few months into their relationship, and felt an intimate and private elopement would be right for them... down the road.  They spent their 5 year engagement getting to know each other, growing together, and  then moving from the States to BC together.  As they explore the mountain ranges in BC together, their matching wedding bands illustrate the mountain ranges from where they came.  We love their story, their positive attitudes, and their sense of adventure - it's not everyday that a couple decides they want to get married or elope by a waterfall, in the middle of the mossy woods, in a province they just moved to.

Thank you Aria and Zachary for inviting us on this great adventure with you! We wish you a lifetime of adventures together, and hope you love the photos!

Thank you for stopping by to check out our wedding photography. If you'd like to know more about our lives in BC, or as Pebble and Pine Photography, Creative and Modern Victoria and Vancouver Island wedding and elopement photographers, you can read About Us.

Wedding at Hart House Restaurant at Deer Lake - Charlene and Josh

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Charlene and Josh Get Married in an Outdoor Ceremony at Hart House in Burnaby // Victoria Wedding Photographers

When we headed from Victoria to Burnaby, to photograph Charlene and Josh's wedding, we knew we were going to be in a for a treat.  They had so many great events planned for their day, so we'd have lots of action to cover, and lots of people to meet in the process - from the tea ceremony, to first look, to western ceremony, right up to dinner, and dancing to live music, it was going to be a great day!   We started the day off with a traditional Tea Ceremony with Charlene and Josh's family and close friends, intimate and heartfelt. Char dressed in a stunning red and gold embroidered silk gown,  and was a vision done up in hair and makeup by The Love Team. 

As we arrived at Hart House it was immediately clear how much care and planning went into  planning every detail of Charlene and Josh's day - even doing most of the planning long distance, since Char had spent so much time in Minnesota doing her residency program (big congrats to her!!).  Amanda and her team at DreamGroup Productions helped the couple pull together so many gorgeous details, from their live music by Amanda Wood Music , and their stunning floral creations from The Flower Factory.  With all these incredible details creating a beautiful atmosphere, there was another detail that stood out for us, and it reflects on the type of wonderful people that Charlene and Josh are.  On the folded side of each place card, was a personal note, handwritten to each and every single guest, from the couple.  When we saw all the thoughtfulness and care put into this detail, our jaws just dropped - Char and Josh knew exactly how to let their guests know that the wedding was as much about celebrating with their loved ones, as it was about celebrating the two of them.

Congratulations Charlene and Josh, we're so happy you had us there! We hope you love the photos!

Thank you for stopping by to check out our wedding photography. If you'd like to know more about our lives in BC, or as Pebble and Pine Photography, Creative and Modern Victoria and Vancouver Island wedding photographers, you can read About Us

Milner Chapel & Centennial Lodge Wedding - Halyna and Jason

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Halyna and Jason's Vintage-Inspired Wedding in New Westminster //  Vancouver Island Wedding Photographers

Our first glimpse of Halyna was at back in January, at our booth in the “It’s My Wedding” Fair.  Along with her bridesmaids and mom in co-ordinating shirts, Halyna leapt into the photobooth to give it a whirl!  She probably wasn’t expecting to be the winner of our wedding giveaway at the time, but at the end of the weekend, we pulled her strip of photos out from our bucket of 200 entries!

When we got to sit down with Halyna and her fiance, Jason, we learned all about this beautiful blonde and handsome brit, their story, and their autumn wedding plans.

The Milner Chapel in Langley seemed a perfect place to host their ceremony, with the men in their suits, and Halyna in her romantic lace dress.  The cozy quaintness of the chapel created such a welcoming atmosphere for in-town, and out-of-town guests to congregate.   After that, it was off to Queens Park in New Westminster for some photos, and the reception. But first, was a quick stop at a British Pub for the gang to have some post-ceremony, pre-dinner cheers.

The reception was filled with clever kissing games, gorgeous homemade decorations, and of course, delicious food and shots of vodka. The speeches were all so touching and heartfelt, and the dancing was was! What a wedding!

Thanks so much to Halyna and Jason for having us there to be part of our day! Enjoy the photos!

Thank you for stopping by to check out our wedding photography. If you'd like to know more about our lives in BC, or as Pebble and Pine Photography, Creative and Modern Victoria and Vancouver Island wedding photographers, you can read About Us

Fairmont Pacific Rim and Stanley Park Wedding - Pegah and Kyle

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Pegah and Kyle's Western and Persian Wedding at Fairmont Pacific Rim and Stanley Park // BC Wedding Photographers

We were introduced to Pegah and Kyle by Kiri, a fantastic wedding planner at DreamGroup Productions, whom we worked with last year.  Pegah and Kyle travelled to Vancouver to have their wedding at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, and having only spoke to them over Skype earlier in the year, we were excited to meet these two in person!

With a beautifully decorated sofreh, marble pillars, and big bright windows, Pegah and Kyle’s ceremony site was the perfect spot for their intimate first look, before their guests would arrive.  We couldn’t get over the smiles on their faces as they took each other in, and the way they hardly took their eyes off each other for the rest of the day – stealing glances here and there, and whispering to each other during their ceremony.  After a few intimate moments together, we heading over to Stanley Park to take some lakeside photos within the park.  With lily pads, willows, and ducks swimming about, the small lake was the perfect ambience for Kyle and Pegah, who looked like they were a Renoir come to life.

Pegah and Kyle rejoined their wedding party, family, and friends back at the Fairmont to host both a civil and Persian ceremony.  This was our first time photographing a Persian ceremony, which was such an honour.  The intricate details of each item of Pegah and Kyle’s sofreh were easy to admire.  After blessings, singing, and many congratulations, Pegah and Kyle and their guests made their way to the reception for speeches.  We loved getting to be a fly on the wall for the speeches that evening, the traditional knife dance, their shoe games, and of course, their moves on the dance floor.  We are pretty sure that Pegah and Kyle hold the record for having the most guests on the dance floor at one time.  It was evident by their celebrating, that each and every one of Pegah and Kyle’s guests were over-the-moon excited for this couple’s marriage to each other!

Thank you Pegah and Kyle for having us there to join in your special day! Enjoy the photos.

Some amazing wedding vendors featured:

Planner: Kiri Mcleod at DreamGroup Productions
Venue: Pacific Rim Vancouver
Dress: Designer – Augusta Jones,  from Bisou Bridal
Videographers: Memento Films
 Hair and Makeup: Atefeh
Florist: Sunflower Florist
Decor: Eclat Decor


Thank you for checking out our wedding photography.  If you'd like to know more about our lives in BC, or as Pebble and Pine Photography, Creative and Modern Victoria and Vancouver Island wedding photographers, you can read About Us.

Church and State Winery Wedding in Victoria - Lindsay and Darren

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Lindsay and Darren's First Look at Brentwood Bay Resort, Photos at Woodwynn Farms, and Wedding at Church and State Winery // Victoria Wedding Photographers

When we met up with Lindsay and Darren for their engagement shoot this spring, we could tell their big day was going to be a special one.  Having brought along a few props to use during their engagement photos, it was clear that Lindsay and Darren not only had an eye for detail, but a knack for making details very personal.  We could NOT wait for their wedding at Church and State in Brentwood Bay.   It has to be one of the very best wedding venues in Victoria, probably one of the best wedding venues on Vancouver Island!

 When their big day arrived, that part of Lindsay and Darren’s personalities shone from start to finish; with how they prepared their day, their use of personal items, thoughtful tokens from and for their loved ones, personal typer-writer note cards, their unique vows, their silliness, and how they hosted their friends and family.  They truly did everything they could to make sure their guests felt comfortable, welcome, and excited.  That’s what we think weddings are all about.

The morning of their wedding day, every shade of blue painted the horizon.  The sun peeked through the clouds, but the rain was threatening.  Little did anyone know, a record-breaking windstorm was headed our direction, and the power would go out at their ceremony and reception site at Church and State Winery.  By the time Lindsay and Darren were ready for their first look, the rain had started and the wind picked up.  The moment Darren turned around to see Lindsay, and both their faces lit up, everyone forgot about the weather.

That’s the beautiful thing about love, and about weddings.  It’s natural to fret a little about the skies beforehand, but when the day arrives, the weather pales in comparison to the moments you’ll share with the company you have.   Lindsay and Darren’s wedding was a perfect example of that.  You couldn’t hear the wind over laughter.  You couldn’t feel the rain amongst the warmth of friends. You didn’t notice the loss of electricity when you were surrounded by intimate candle light. Their day was truly spectacular!

Congratulations Lindsay and Darren. Thank you for having us there to photograph your day. “We’re so glad you chose us.” ;)

Lindsay and Darren incorporated so many great, hard working local Vancouver wedding vendors, and Vancouver Island wedding vendors in their day, and we’d love to give a shout out to a bunch of them featured!
Venues: Church and State Winery, Woodwynn Farms
Florist: Rook and Rose
Cake: Coastal Cake Company
Hair and Makeup: Ma-Luxe
Gown: Truvelle gown, from The White Peony
Jewellry: Catherine Hartley
Groomsmen Ties: Beauxties
Officiant: Bobbi Salkeld of ‘Young, Hip and Married’
Music: Cole Schmidt

Thanks so much for having a look at Lindsay and Darren’s Vancouver Island Wedding at Church and State Wines. If you’d like to see more of our photos,  follow us on Facebook, and check out our feed on Instagram.

Thank you for checking out our wedding photography.  If you'd like to know more about our lives in BC, or as Pebble and Pine Photography, Creative and Modern Victoria and Vancouver Island wedding photographers, you can read About Us.

Stormy Steveston Engagement - Char and Josh

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Charlene and Josh Outrun a Storm in Steveston During Their Engagement Photos // Victoria Wedding Photographers

Last week was our first time meeting Charlene and Josh in person.  We got to know a little about their story over a Skype chat a few months ago, and learned about their elaborate and fun proposal.  A day long proposal to be precise.  The day he popped the question, Josh sent Charlene on an Amazing Race style scavenger hunt.  With a friend in tow to document the adventure, Charlene was sent from place to place, from clue to clue, to end up at the Capilano Suspension bridge where Josh was waiting… to trick her with a bracelet.  Later that evening Charlene and Josh met up with family and friends at their church, where Josh proposed (for real) in front of all of them!  We loved the story.  An adventure proposal?!  How amazing is that!  Charlene and Josh sounded like a couple we wanted to get in front of our lenses.

Since Charlene is currently doing her residency in Minnesota, we decided it would be a great opportunity to do their engagement photos when she came back in the summer for a week.  We had a date picked to meet up in Steveston for a candid picnic themed engagement session.  The day we picked was rainy and dark.  All.  Day.  Long.  So, we picked our back-up date and that was it, we would do it rain or shine!  The day rolled around and it seemed we were going to have a little bit of both: rain and shine.  Like troopers, Charlene and Josh braved it all.  When we got to Steveston the sky along the horizon looked promising, but the large black, wet looking cloud above us was threatening.  We walked and talked with Charlene and Josh (and some curious swans), trying to keep ten steps in front of the rain, quite literally.  The looming rain was never able to keep pace, but created such a unique setting for Charlene and Josh’s outing in Steveston.  We’re always so grateful that we get to shoot so many couples who are willing to roll with the punches, and embrace the unknown!  Afterall, that is one thing marriage is all about.

Thanks Charlene and Josh for being so adventurous, we think it totally paid off!  We can’t wait to see what happens on your wedding day, and be there to capture what will surely be an adventure.

Thank you for checking out our wedding photography.  If you'd like to know more about our lives in BC, or as Pebble and Pine Photography, Creative and Modern Victoria and Vancouver Island wedding photographers, you can read About Us.