Mystic Beach Engagement Photos with Kristi and Kyle (and Chase!)

Kristi and Kyle hike through the rainforest for their sunset engagement session at Mystic Beach

// Vancouver Island Wedding Photographers

We met Kristi and Kyle, along with their wedding planner Anouk, about a month ago to talk about their Oak Bay Beach Hotel wedding.  They told us about their life in Victoria, their wedding plans, and showed us pictures of their cute little dog, Chase.   We found them so endearing, especially the way they'd look in each other's eyes and immediately smile every time we asked them questions about their everyday life, and their relationship.  We are always drawn to couples who have a strong connection to each other that way.  When they told us that they had considered a place like Mystic Beach for their engagement photos, we almost fell out of our seats.  

Mystic Beach is one of our (one of most people's) favourite places to visit, and we've been dying to go there with a couple.  Within 10 minutes of weaving through the moss and fern coated forest, Kristi and Kyle's shoes were covered in thick mud, and Chase's tiny white paws were painted black.  To which, Kristi laughed and said, "Well, we're committed now! It'll totally be worth it!"  And she was so right.  Appropriately named, Mystic Beach makes most people feel as though they've stepped out of the forest and into a dream.  It often overwhelms people with a kaleidoscope of feelings which is why it's such a great place to photograph people there.  We had so much fun photographing Kristi and Kyle as they explored the beach, the waterfall, and ran around the beach with Chase, who was clearing feeling energized after being liberated from his leash! We finished off with a gorgeous hazy sunset by the waterfall, followed by our slow and tedious hike back to the cars through the pitch black forest.

Thanks, Kristi and Kyle, for being so adventurous and taking on this crazy excursion with us, for your engagement session.  Thank you for letting us try out some creative photo techniques with our lighting, and panorama style too!  We just couldn't wait to show you these images, and we totally hope they are worth the sore ankles and backs!  We're sooo looking forward to your wedding in September.

Thanks for checking out our blog!  If you'd like to learn more about us, please head over to our "About Us" section!

Tips for Looking and Feeling Awesome in Your Engagement Photos

Some great suggestions on how to look and feel amazing during your engagement photos, from Victoria Wedding Photography team, Pebble and Pine Photography.

Let's start with why we love engagement sessions so much!  We get asked a lot by couples if engagement sessions are a totally necessary part of getting married.  The truth is, they aren't.  You can get married without having engagement sessions and your marriage is still just as legal, haha.  However,  we've found that engagement sessions are so valuable because they are a great way for us to get to know our couples a bit more before the wedding.  It helps us to see how you interact with each other, get to know your dynamic as a couple, and how we can best make you feeling comfortable and confident in front of the lens so the wedding day is effortless and has a smooth natural flow to it.  It's also incredibly helpful and fun for our couples who are preparing for the big day.  It shows you how we work as a photography duo, how you feel being photographed, and help you to get more comfortable in front of our lenses, so that you have less to feel nervous about when your wedding day comes. 

 In our experience of photographing weddings, we've found that many of the couples we work with have not had professional photos done together before working with us.  They often have questions about how they can best prepare for the engagement session, so we've put together a handy little tips list.  That way, you can put your nerves at ease, and feel excited!

First and most importantly to remember; this is not a do-or-die list.  As with all advice, follow it to the degree that you're comfortable with, and that feels right for you!

Ability to move freely. 
Because we’ll be walking around, and getting the two of you interacting with each other, the ability to move around with ease is the best way to feel natural in front of the camera.  You want to make sure that you can wrap your arms around each other comfortably, and also be able to walk and sit down without worrying what your clothes are doing, or feeling restricted by them. We also love taking candid photos of you guys just spending time together, so the less you carry with you (purses, backpacks, etc), the more spontaneous the photos can be.  Some couples like to make sure they can keep their phones close by, or like to bring a small makeup/lip touch-up kit along which is totally fine. In those instances, we will usually just carry those things for you in our camera bags until you need them, so they don’t show through your pockets and clothes.

Wear the clothes, and do the hair and makeup style that make you feel like the most confident, comfortable, and vibrant version of yourself.
Keep in mind that when you look at your photos later, we want you to feel like your photos are a reflection of your true self, not a costumey version of yourself.
Our best advice is to not wear clothes, or get hair and makeup done to an extreme or style that feels unnatural or uncharacteristic of you. The best way to look good on camera is to feel like yourself! 
Brides who are planning to have hair and makeup done at the wedding often opt to have some hair and makeup for the engagement session, to see how it feels to be photographed with it done.  Typically it’s slightly more toned-down, and less formal than it would be on the wedding day.  The best way to look good on camera is to feel like yourself! 

Decide on a location you love and feel comfortable in.
We encourage couples to choose a place of significance to them, and a place they feel comfortable in.  We love engagement sessions to tell some kind of story and have a flow to them, so that you don’t feel like you're just standing in front of the camera posing the whole time. If you're in a place you love and are excited about, you'll feel more at ease in front of the camera.  This way we can get you interacting with each other to really capture your personalities, and your dynamic together.  A lot of couples choose walks on the beach or the woods in areas they like, or decide they want to have a date night, like a wine-and-sunset picnic somewhere.  Other couples choose to have their photos taken doing a hobby they enjoy doing.  We like to chat with our couples about ideas that work best to reflect their life together.

Match your engagement style vibe to the atmosphere and style you’ve planned your wedding. 
Weddings nowadays have become less of a traditional mould, and more of an expression of your relationship.  Chances are, you’ve planned your wedding to reflect your personalities, your style and taste, and of course your eccentricities.  We recommend matching your engagement style to fit amongst the same general style of your wedding, and your own personal style.  Some couples consider themselves more outdoorsy and adventurous. Some couples vibe with boho, whereas others are more modern and edgy, etc.  So to avoid feeling uncomfortable or inauthentic to yourself, we usually recommend couples dress in what Matt refers to as, “casual plus, or better".  It's a spruced up version of your own real, personal style.  For example, a couple we shot last year, during a beach sunset, described their outfit choice this way, “we chose outfits to that we would wear to a beachfront patio, on a night out for dinner and drinks with good friends we hadn’t seen for a long time.”   

Complement each other’s style. 
This is not a suggestion to wear a matchy-matchy couples onesie outfit, though that would be hilarious. We do, however, recommend your clothes complement each other’s style and scale of formality. We’ve found most couples have a similar style anyways, but we just throw this in as a tip.  For example, if one of you is in a suit jacket, the other might not want to wear those oh-so-cozy LuLus and gym top.  Or, if one is in a brightly coloured, patterned summer dress, the other probably wouldn’t be rocking the Johnny Cash all-black-from-head-to-toe look.  You're both individuals, but these photos show how you complement each other as two equal parts of a whole.

Play off the season and location.  
This all goes with the goal of feeling comfortable and natural in your surroundings. We want you to dress and feel awesome for the weather, and location you're in.  Heels aren't always the best shoe choice for snowy mountains or sandy beaches. If you're planning to rock a strapless dress at the top of Cypress in the winter, bring along a cute jacket to wear.  If you're planning a romantic summer sunset on a hot beach, leave that parka at home and wear layers instead. 

I know, I know! This isn't one of Andrea and Eddie's engagement photos. But we love their use of vibrant colour and eccentric prints to show their personal style. Don't be afraid to be bold, friends!

Don't shy away from bright colours or prints, but avoid fluorescent neon materials. 
Bold prints and vibrant colours can be a great way to show your personal style, but be weary of fluorescent and neon.  Think Olivia Newton John in her 80’s aerobic leotards.  While these types of colours are mostly seen in workout and road-worker attire to promote visibility and road safety, they have started to pop up in regular style as well for a visual punch.  Great in real life, but these fluorescent and neon colours are so reflective that they’ll reflect their own colour onto your skin in photographs.  If these colours are on the front of your shirt, they will often cast their colour up onto your face and your partner’s, even on a cloudy day. (We’ll have a photo in the blog to show an example of this effect.)

A good night sleep, proper meals, and lots of water! 
This is just a general rule for day to day life, but it applies to the day of your photoshoot as well.  If you’re nervous the night before, try to hit the hay early to make sure you’re not tired the evening of your session. If you’re busy with hair and makeup on the day of, make sure to allot time for food and water through the day of your the photo session.  It’s the best way to look vibrant, feel refreshed, and stay excited through your photos together. Plus, as we all know, it’s hard to smile and feel lovey when we’re hangry. 

These are some of our prep / attire tips. But again, only follow these to the degree that you’re comfortable with, and don’t feel restricted by.  We usually spend a few minutes at the start of each photo shoot to let you guys know what expect so that you know how to interact with each other and the camera during the photoshoot. We’ll shake out all those nervous, awkward feelings at the start so you guys can feel awesome in the photos! 

Feel free to check out some other blogs here:

Centennial Beach Engagement Session - Bernice and Phil

Bernice and Phil Get Silly at Centennial Beach in Richmond During Their Engagement Session //  Vancouver Wedding Photographers

We've been waiting eagerly for Bernice and Phil's engagement session and their upcoming wedding for some time now!  They're quirky, animated, and so fun to be around. Their smiles and laughter are contagious.  We were so excited to come to Richmond from Victoria to photograph them!

We met up with Bernice and Phil around Centennial Beach in Richmond for their engagement session.  It was windy and cool that day, so we opted to start our session in a more sheltered area, amongst some gorgeously coloured autumn trees.  After a bit of walk through the trails, we made our way to the beach to play on the logs and race down the shore.

Phil and Bernice enjoy cosplay, and it only seemed right to pull out their homemade, expressive BomberMan heads to have some fun! We were so impressed with the way Phil and Bernice embrace doing things their way - from the custom engagement ring, their enthusiasm for cosplay, and the unique details they are putting into their wedding.  We're so looking forward to their December wedding!

Thanks for all the laughs, Bernice and Phil! We hope you love the photos as much as we do.

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

Cannon Beach Wedding in Oregon - Paula and Cameron

Paula and Cameron's Destination Wedding in Cannon Beach Oregon // Vancouver Island Wedding Photographers

It had been a while since we saw Paula and Cameron: their Sea to Sky Gondola engagement session was way back in March, so their September wedding at Cannon Beach felt like it was going to be eons away!  We were giddy when September rolled around and we were hitting the road from Victoria to Oregon for their wedding. 

We were also excited to visit Oregon again, and specifically a place that holds a lot of emotional value to us as well!  We got engaged at Cannon Beach, so our hearts were a'flutter at the idea of photographing Paula and Cameron exchanging their vows at the same place. 

It was a true event!  For their ceremony, Paula and Cameron picked a secluded area on the northern end of the beach, away from tourists and beach-goers, accessed by a long narrow trail through the beach grass with lead to a clearing of fine sand, surrounded by a circle of beach grass, overlooking blue waters, and cliffy rock formations. What a treat to watch the expression on their guests faces as they stepped out on to the beach to watch Paula and Cameron's ceremony.

After a gorgeous ceremony we wandered the beach with Paula and Cameron, and followed them up to their reception venue, HayStack Gardens at SurfSand Resort.  CC of Roa Luxury Floral Designs happens to be a family member to these two, and created such a gorgeous, airy, beach garden atmosphere for Paula and Cameron's reception.  What a creative and beautiful scene! 

With games, cocktails, dancing, and Pebblebooth fun, we followed the antics into the night, even finding a few minutes to sneak the newlyweds off as the sun set.  When the night crept in, Paula, Cameron and their guests headed down to the beach to round their day off with a midnight bon fire, chatting, and music.

Thank you Paula and Cameron for inviting us along to be part of you wedding day!  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

UBC Farm Wedding - Lisa and Natasha // Vancouver Wedding Photographers

Natasha and Lisa Get Married at UBC Farm in Vancouver // Victoria Wedding Photographers

We loooved getting to know Lisa and Natasha, and had such a blast exploring Granville Island during their engagement session that we could hardly wait for their UBC Farm wedding to take place a couple months later.  We knew it would be special, intimate and fun.  We admired a lot of the personal they incorporated into the style of their day and how it unfolded, including the custom invitations designed by Natasha - featuring their love plant, Harriet!

We started with a first look in the forest, just the two of them.  Our cheeks hurt from smiling over the grins on Lisa and Natasha's faces as they admired each other.  Cyclists, runners and passers-by even halted all they were doing to soak in their happiness and wish them their congratulations

From the forest, we went to The Farm.  We were greeted by two aisles of poplar trees,  leading to Lisa and Natasha's nearest and dearest seated in the shade, enjoying some live music.  After a ceremony filled with tears, laughter and song lyrics, Natasha and Lisa joined their guests for cocktails, games, and a glorious charcuterie board.  Cocktail hour lead into a lovely dinner by Railtown Cafe, and a créme-brûlée tower in lieu of cake.  Dessert lead to dancing and more smiles, laughter and photobooth antics.

Thanks Lisa and Natasha for having us there to capture your day!  We wish you a lifetime of smiles and laughter.

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

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

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.

Vancouver Elopement at Spanish Banks - Elizabeth and Doug

Elizabeth and Doug Elope at Spanish Banks in Vancouver // BC Wedding Photographers

It's not every day that we get to shoot an elopement on the beach right here in Vancouver!  While the idea of eloping may bring visions of Mexico or Costa Rica, for Elizabeth and Doug the beach of choice was Vancouver's own Spanish Banks.  Beautiful in its own right, with views to the mountains and city, it made the perfect backdrop for them to get married with only their moms and a marriage commissioner present.  As they said their "I do's", the hubbub of action at low tide continued around them, complete with a couple dogs who were keen to say hi and see what we were up to.  

Elizabeth and Doug were considerate enough to bring a cupcake for the marriage commissioner as it was also his birthday that day!  After signing papers on their backs, a bit of celebratory champagne for all, this adventurous couple splashed around for some fun portraits.  What an awesome day to capture this elopement at Spanish Banks.  Thanks again, Elizabeth & Doug!

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

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

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

Gambier Island Wedding at Camp Fircom - Katrina and Brian

Katrina and Brian Get Married at Camp Fircom on Gambier Island during a weekend away with family and friends // BC Wedding Photographers

Summer is camping and hiking, and swimming and canoeing and paddleboarding season. Summer is also our busy season, so needless to say, we've started to embrace many more winter activities since we miss out on camping during camping's peak season. SO when Katrina and Brian told us that they were going to be having their wedding at Camp Fircom, and that all their guests would be spending the weekend there, we lost our crackers.  How fun is that?! 

When we first met with Katrina and Brian it was quickly determined they were outdoorsy and adventurous.  They also have these infectious smiles, and warm inviting personalities.  A camp wedding surrounded by close friends and family was such a perfect way for this couple to say their "I Do's", and we were really excited to be there for it.  Not only did Katrina and Brian make their wedding personal by hosting their guests at this remote location, but they also made their own rings!  The two of them travelled to Washington to craft their wedding bands with the help of the gang at With These Rings. 

With a weekend of events, activities and dinners with their guests, Katrina and Brian hosted a heck of a wedding.  All of their guests travelled from the east, the south, and overseas to be their with them, which made it even more special to be part of.

Congratulations you two!

Thanks Katrina and Brian for having 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

Backyard Wedding in Maple Ridge - Kara Lynn and Kirby

Kara-Lynn and Kirby Get Married on Family Property in Maple Ridge // Vancouver Island Wedding Photographers

We met Kara-Lynn and Kirby over a year ago, and we had a blast with them during their engagement shoot. We could not wait until this year to come from Victoria to photograph their outdoor wedding in Maple Ridge.

We think it's really special when a couple can get married in a place that is personal to them, so a family member's gorgeous country property was such a great place for these two to exchange their vows.  

After the rings were put on and the papers were signed, we hopped in the limo bus with their bridal party and took off to a farm a few roads over.  Kara had driven past this gorgeous red barn every day, and just knew in her heart she wanted her wedding photos done there.  We think we'll have to hire her as a part time location scout, because that farm was fab! 

When we returned to the reception in time for dinner we sat in on speeches, toasts and a wonderfully heartfelt video crafted by a dear friend.  We loved how sentimental, open, honest and welcoming they and their friends and family were the whole day.  It was a very touching wedding... one that had us clutching for our heartstrings. 

Thank you kara-Lynn and Kirby for letting us be flies on the wall at your beautiful wedding! 

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

Overbury Resort Wedding on Thetis Island - Angela and Anuj

Ange and Anuj Host and Intimate Wedding celebration at Overbury Resort on Thetis Island // Victoria Wedding Photographers

We met Angela and Anuj at the wedding of Lindsay and Darren last year.  We got talking about them and their future wedding at Overbury Resort on Thetis Island, and really hit it off.  We were looking forward to sitting down to talk more, two-on-two.  We soon found out it would be a three-on-two meeting, as Ang and Anuj were expecting their baby girl to arrive a few months before the wedding celebration.  We could hardly wait for July to come so that we could travel from Victoria to Thetis Island to celebrate such a momentous time - the arrival of beautiful Ava, and Ang and Anuj's wedding.

When we arrived on the day of their wedding we were greeted by warm weather, a shining sun, lots of Ang and Anuj's closest friends and family - many coming from far and wide to celebrate. The whole day felt like being at a glamourous family reunion, with everyone playing games together, and cooing over babies, at a venue that felt so homey, welcoming and remote.  Part way through the evening, Ange took off her white gown and donned a stunning magenta saree to pay homage to Anuj's Indian heritage.  What a stunning woman! 

Congratulations Angela and Anuj.  Thank you for having us there to be part of your day. Capturing the moments between you, your sweet girl, your family, and friends was such a delight for us! 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

Lighthouse Park Engagement - Katrina and Brian

Katrina and Brian Have Fun Hiking Around LightHouse Park in West Vancouver // Vancouver Island Wedding Photographers

We met with Katrina and Brian while ago to talk about their Camp Fircom wedding, which they were planning no short notice. Four months of planning to be exact.  We learned a lot about them, from when they first met in Phoenix, all the way to their move to Vancouver.  Above all we learned that Katrina and Brian are an adventurous couple: they hike, they camp, they've climbed, you name it!  It only made sense to do a bit of hiking during their engagement session.  They told us about a hike they enjoy around Light House Park, and we thought it would be perfect to go and walk it with them.

As we made our way to the cliffs, waves crashed on the rocks, clouds danced in the sky and sun began its slow dip behind the mountains.  We clicked away with our cameras as Katrina and Brian explored around many of the embankments, in the hunt for the perfect view. 

Thanks so much to Katrina and Brian, for the fun evening, and of course, your infectious smiles and laughter! 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

Furry Creek Wedding - Kim and Kyl

Kim and Kyl Get Married in the Rain at Furry Creek Near Squamish // BC Wedding Photographers

When you live on Vancouver Island, and anywhere along the coasts of BC, much of your life is impacted by the ocean, the forests, the mountains.  It goes without saying that west coast couples love to incorporate those elements into one of the most special days in their life.  Kim and Kyl were definitely one of those couples, and found a venue that emulated all aspects.  Furry Creek Golf Course is perched on the side of a forest covered mountain, and its reach stretches all the way down to the waters of Howe Sound.  We couldn't wait to spend the day with Kim and Kyl, their guests, to watch as they exchange their vows, and explore the golf course!

On any given saturday Furry Creek would be packed with enthusiastic golfers, but as luck would have it, those famous west coast rains kept the golfers away.  Kim, Kyl and their guests had the entire venue to themselves, giving their wedding an exclusively intimate feeling.

A very special thanks to Kim and Kyl for trekking around the whole golf course, in the rain, the get all the great portraits that day! 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

The Brock House Wedding - Lisa and Andrew

Lisa and Andrew Get Married at The Brock House Restaurant in Vancouver // BC Wedding Photographers

It was a gorgeous, sunny spring day in May when Lisa and Andrew tied the knot. It was really more like midsummer!  We started the day off with our *first* first-look in Lisa's parents backyard. Yes, you read that correctly. First first look!  It was excitement and cheering all around as their bridal party looked on.  Afterwards, Lisa and Andrew held an intimate tea ceremony with family in the living room.  After many congratulations, we headed over to Andrew's for the tea ceremony with his family as well, excited family gathering around.

Before heading to The Brockhouse, Lisa changed out of her gorgeous, flowy, beaded gown, and into a glamorous fitted mermaid dress.  Then, to our delight, her and Andrew had a private second first-look.  It was off to Brockhouse to enjoy some time wandering around Jericho Beach Park with Lisa, Andrew and their bridal party.  Freshly budded willows, green green grass, and warm sunlight created such an elegant atmosphere for these two, leading up to their outdoor ceremony under a huge tree in the Brockhouse yard.  It was touching to watch the smiles on  Lisa and Andrew's faces as they were officially announced husband and wife, and then as they headed down the aisle to be congratulated by their friends and family. 

Thanks Lisa and Andrew for having us there as part of your day, to capture all the events of your day! 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

Fort Langley Engagement Session - Ming and Kim

Ming and Kim Explore Fort Langley During Their Engagement Session // Victoria Wedding Photographers

On the day of Ming & Kim's engagement shoot, dark clouds were hovering over the Vancouver area, threatening to downpour at any moment.  And downpour it did!  But only in pockets.  We somehow managed to avoid the rain throughout their whole shoot even though it rained just before and just after.  Talk about perfect! 

We had a great time wandering around Fort Langley area together.  Joining us for a few shots was their cute little pup, Olive.  Ming & Kim were naturals in front of the camera, and Fort Langley made a beautiful backdrop to their shoot.  The rainy day meant it was relatively private, with few people around, and we were free to create to our our hearts' content!

We can't wait to shoot their wedding in September!  Check out all the images from their shoot below. 

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.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Engagement Session - Sandy and Jeff

Sandy and Jeff Explore Capilano Suspension Bridge During Their Engagement Session in North Vancouver // BC Wedding Photographers

Back in March we announced the launch of our new website, and wanted to celebrate by giving away a very special photo session at Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Sandy and Jeff were easily our most enthusiastic couple, entering the contest the most of anyone.  It paid off, 'cause it was their names we pulled out of the box at the end of the draw.  We couldn't wait to meet them!  

What a pleasure working with Sandy and Jeff, and getting to know them.  If there was an award for most laid back and patient couple, they'd win it for sure!  With ever-present smiles on their faces, they waded with us through crowds of people, precariously perching on swinging bridges, and swaying walk-ways, waiting for the perfect time for us to capture the moments that happened between them.  

We had lots of fun swinging from the treetops with you, Sandy and Jeff.  We hope you got your land legs back, and that you love the photos!

Thanks for checking out our work!  To see more, view the links below.

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

Surprise Proposal on Grouse Mountain - Elizabeth and Trevor

We Photograph a Secret Surprise Proposal on Grouse Mountain in Vancouver // Vancouver Island Wedding Photographers

If you follow our work, and read our blogs, you know how excited we get to do something spontaneous, photograph outdoors, and capture bonafide genuine moments and emotions. So when you read this blog, you'll know that this is quickly becoming one of our favourite events to photograph!

We got a call from Trevor, who was planning to propose the following day, to his girlfriend Elizabeth, on the top of Grouse Mountain, and was wondering if  we'd be up for shooting it.  Incognito.  So......photograph a surprise proposal, on the top of the mountain, and we also get to pretend to be spies? Yes! Yes! Obviously, yes!

Up the gondola we went, feeling mischievous, and finding secret hiding spots.  Matt found a perfect spot tucked in the trees, behind a snow pile, so that he'd get a great closeups of Elizabeth's expression when Trevor popped the question.  Sayde found her spot on a hill behind some trees to photograph the scene as it played out below.  After making sure we were totally camouflaged, Matt texted Trevor the "OK", and Trevor's plan went into play.

We tried not to giggle with excitement (like kids playing hide-and-seek) as we watched Trevor lead Elizabeth around the skating rink, and towards the groomer-pulled sleigh, grabbing a seat near the front. The sleigh took off on its route around the peak, to return about 10 minutes later, passing directly by Sayde is it did.

Then, as the sleigh pulled to a stop and it's passengers climbed out, Trevor stopped Elizabeth and proposed. To which, a very smiley Elizabeth said yes! *Spoiler Alert* After a few minutes to revel in the moment, the two of them wandered off into the trees to enjoy the twinkle lights and call loved ones with the news, smiling nonstop.

Thanks so much to Trevor for inviting us out to do this special photo shoot, and congrats to you and Elizabeth. 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

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

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.

Beach House Restaurant Wedding in Victoria - Tamara and Mike

Tamara and Mike's Sunny Outdoor Beach House Wedding on Vancouver Island // Victoria Wedding Photographers

When couples plan their summer wedding on a beach, they are usually dreaming of sunny days, warmth, gorgeous blue waters that stretch on forever, and being surrounded by friends and family who are excited to have a good time. That’s exactly what Tamara and Mike got on their big day. We all know how gorgeous Victoria can be in the summer time, and that's exactly the kind of wedding day they had. The sun couldn’t have been brighter, the weather couldn’t have been warmer, and the ocean in front of The Beach House Restaurant where they married, could not have been more breathtaking!  

Surrounded by their eager and excited wedding party, Mike and Tamara had their suspenseful and emotional first look on the rooftop of their hotel overlooking Victoria.  After that, we journeyed to a cliffside park for some gravity defying pre-ceremony photos on the rocky edges of the shore – special kudos to Tamara who gracefully maneuvered the cliffs in 6 inch heels!

Tamara and Mike’s beachfront lawn ceremony was followed immediately by a delicious summer dinner in The Beach House Restaurant just north of Victoria, hilarious speeches from friends, heartfelt stories from family, and of course, outrageous partying.

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.