Intimate Wedding at Wild Renfrew and Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew // Holly and Alessandro

Holly and Alessandro host their nearest and dearest at Wild Renfrew for their wild and intimate Botany Beach Wedding Ceremony // Victoria Wedding Photographers

Since moving to Sooke on Vancouver Island a couple years , Port Renfrew quickly became one of our (if not our most) very favourite places.  A quiet, rugged, wild, and mysterious pocket of coast line takes the breath away of every visitor. Winter storms are dramatic, wildlife is abundant, and the landscape is humbling. Our first trip there was a cold and grey November day as huge green waves crashed against layers of black angular lava rock. Like liquid glass colliding against a book of razors. We could only stand there and stare, mouths agape. Just around a bend from there, a short hike through twisted cedars, sitkas and firs, is a smooth refuge of flat beach, sheltered from ocean winds and pock marked by tide pools that teem with sea life.  One doesn't need to wonder why Holly and Alessandro, geologists, would choose this on all places to host their family for their intimate wedding. 

Holly and Ale got ready for their day at the Wild Renfrew cabins, overlooking the Port of San Juan, and mountains filled with new and ancient growth forests.  As a small group, their friends and family walked down to Botany Bay and gathered closely for their ceremony officiated by an inviting and humourous  Port Renfrew local Reet Buckler.  Eagles soared overhead, sea lions played in the kelp bed, and waves crashed rhythmically on the rocks.  After the ceremony and champagne, we stole away with Holly and Ale to explore the coast more for some adventurous portraits.

Thank Holly and Ale for having us there to be a part of your beautiful, natural, an intimate day. We hope you love the photos!

Stanley Park Engagement Session // Jane & Joseph

Jane and Joseph stroll the Seawall and explore the Stanley Park Gardens in Vancouver // Victoria Wedding Photographers

Wowee! Spring was fabulous, but summer has made a booming arrival!  What gorgeous weather we've been having. On days like these, we love to stroll somewhat aimlessly, check out the sights, play tourist, and take in the long days. That's just what we did with Jane and Joseph during their Stanley Park engagement photos! he park was abuzz with tourists and locals like, as we wandered from the Aquarium, to the gardens, and then the Seawall. It was a perfect day for people watching and flower gazing as we stopped to admire the rhododendrons, azaleas, roses, and alliums all around the park. All the while we chatted, giggled (and twirled!!) with Jane and Joseph, and took the opportunity to chat about them, their upcoming wedding and their excitement for their big day! 

Thank you Jane and Joseph for taking a easy breezy Saturday stroll with us during your engagement photos, we had a blast!

Sunset at Sandcut Beach Engagement Photos // Lynne and Brendan

Lynne and Brendan explore the pebble beach and waterfalls at Sandcut Beach near Sooke // Victoria Wedding Photographers

Spring is in the air, and summer is right around the corner here on Vancouver Island.  We've been daydreaming about camping, building forts on the beach, waterfall hunting, and watching the sun set over the ocean.  When Lynne and Brendan told us they were coming to Victoria to visit family, we decided it would be the perfect opportunity to do some fun engagement photos - and get a taste of summer in the process! Sandcut is a hidden gem of a beach with an easy trail to the beach, a waterfall that you can walk behind. Fun fact: the wall of the waterfall is riddled with shell fossils, slowly being revealed as the water carves its way though the sandstone.

The wind off the ocean was chilly, but the sun was warm and dramatic over the water as we explored Sandcut.  Lynne and Brendan really showed us how playful of relationship they have as they laughed, chased each other with chilly hands, outran waves, and swung from Sandcut's rope swing. All the fun and sunshine had us feeling summer lovin' for days after!

Thanks Lynne and Brendan,we had a blast and we're so excited for your Yukon wedding! 

Whonnock Lake Centre Wedding in Maple Ridge // Melanie and Matt

Melanie and Matt's intimate December wedding at Whonnock Lake Centre in Vancouver // Victoria Wedding Photographers

2017 was a fantastic year!  We travelled all around Victoria, Vancouver Island, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and globally to photograph some truly amazing celebrations.  It was so great to finish on such a high note, photographing Melanie and Matt’s intimate wedding at Whonnock Lake Centre in Maple Ridge.

 Late autumn weddings in Vancouver area always make us think rainy, foggy, misty delight, and always makes for a cozy warm indoor affair.  Melanie and Matt’s wedding was all of those things!  Whonnock Lake with it’s wooden beams strung with lights, the views of a mist covered lake, and floor to ceiling cathedral windows is the perfect place to host such an event.  We love weddings that end up taking place just before the cusp of holiday season, because they always seem that people are extra chatty, extra huggy, and extra emotional as they catch up with people they haven’t seen for a long time, meet new and interesting people, and celebrate the love around them.  It was clear that all Melanie and Matt’s loved ones and friends were having the time of their lives, and enjoying a memorable evening together: as we photographed the evening, it felt that we were photographing a big family reunion with so much closeness, photo booth fun, and dancing joy! 

Thank you Melanie and Matt for having us there to join your family and friends in such a personal and intimate moment in your lives. We hope you love the photos!

Thanks so much to Summer Rayne Photography for coming along to be our second shooter for the day! We appreciate your help and amazing talent!

Rocky Point Park Engagement Photos in Port Moody // Nicole and Brad

Nicole and Brad grab coffees at Creekside Coffee Factory and take a stroll at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody // Victoria Wedding Photographers

We always love photographing engagement sessions because it gives us an opportunity to capture something a couple really loves to do, and give a sneak peek into their dynamic and story.  A lot of our couples like to head straight for the woods and the beaches because that's where a lot of BC folk spend much of their free time!  And we do love our free time!  When Brad and Nicole suggested they'd like to grab some coffees before heading out for a stroll, we were immediately excited to try something new. We started our morning out by meeting Brad and Nicole at Creekside Coffee in Coquitlam, to get our fill of coffee and flirty cuddles.  These two were all giggles as we snapped photos of them and their yummy lattes, chatted about their wedding plans, and talked about their newly adopted pup!  After we were all caffeinated up, we hit the dock to continue some photos and admire the mist covered mountains and cloud blanketed skies.

Thanks Nicole and Brad for a sunday funday of photos! We can't wait for your 2018 wedding at Hearthstone Brewery!

Reykjavik Elopement in Iceland // Farrah and Lance

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

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! 

 

  

Golden Ears Park Engagement Photos // Kristina and Dan

Kristina and Dan explore the trails and waterfall at Golden Ears National Park for some epic engagement photos // BC Wedding Photographers

How was everyone’s Labour Day Weekend?  We spent the weekend chugging full steam ahead, photographing a couple events on Vancouver Island, and a couple events around Victoria! One of those events was an awesome evening spent with Kristina and Dan, hiking around Golden Ears Park to check out a waterfall, and do some engagement photos!

We were a little worried that photographing on a long weekend, in 33 degree weather might be a bit of a deal breaker for a great engagement session.  But, not the heat, nor the crowds stopped these two and their pooch, Max, from having an awesome time exploring the dusty trails and getting their feet wet in the river!  We were blown away by how cool and laid back they were the whole afternoon, and had such a great time chatting with them about their upcoming wedding at Cheakamus Centre, their Hawaiian honeymoon, and their story and life together!

Thanks Kristina and Dan for being such troopers on that balmy afternoon, we can’t wait for the wedding!

Hume Hotel Wedding in Nelson - Kristin and Ian

Kristin and Ian's Outdoor Nelson Wedding and Hume Reception // BC Wedding Photographers

From the minute we met Kristin and Ian, they treated us like family. They treat everyone like they've known them their whole lives.  They are so welcoming and easy to get to know, hilarious, and open. They radiated love and support for each other, so much so, that when we first met them, we just assumed they were already married - they weren't even engaged by then, and hadn't been dating all that long!  It was so refreshing and inspiring, we felt so honoured to be asked to be the ones to photograph their wedding.

It was so great to see them again in August when we travelled to Nelson to photograph their wedding.  It was laughs galore with these two!  We could hear the laughter booming down the hallways as we first arrived at the Hume hotel for bride and groom prep photos, and we're sure it rumbled into the night long after we left.

We loved capturing Kristin and Ian's wedding day, which was done totally their way with the help of the gang at Nelson's Florist. The whole event was embellished with bright purple, and accented with superhero motifs, even the cake. How fun!

Thanks Kristin and Ian for having us up to Nelson there to be part of your wedding, congratulations to you both!

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

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.

Craidelonna Lodge Wedding in Sooke - Lindsey and Mike

Lindsey and Mike's Outdoor Beach Wedding at Craidelonna Ocean Edge Lodge in Sooke BC // Victoria Wedding Photographers

I love travelling for my photography, and jump at pretty much every opportunity that I get to do it. When Mike and Lindsey contacted me about shooting their wedding at the Craidelonna Oceanside Lodge, I was pretty excited because it looked like just an amazing location on the water.  Located near Sooke, BC it was a great opportunity to go spend some time on Vancouver Island. I love coastal BC!

When I got to the lodge I was immediately stoked on the location!  It was so picturesque and well landscaped.  My excitement over photographing this wedding was compounded again when I saw the care that had gone into the decor of the wedding. Lindsey’s attention to detail with her place settings and general decor was amazing, and matched the overall flavour of the lodge so well.  Combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, we were able to get some beautiful shots.  Hope you enjoy them!

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.