Brohm Lake hike in Squamish
A few weeks ago Jelger and I enjoyed an afternoon hike at Brohm Lake in Squamish. It's one of these places we had driven by dozens of times, but never really paid attention to. From the highway, it looks rather boring, but that's definitely not the case once you're actually there!
As per usual, we left rather late in the afternoon. I could start a second blog: "the lazy hiker", lol. And to make it even more complicated, after starting on the trail, I realized I forgot my camera's memory cards. Oops! Obviously, this never happens at weddings, but when it's my day off, I tend to be a total scatterbrain.
Jelger convinced me to drive back to Squamish and pick up a card. Am I glad I did that! Brohm Lake certainly exceeded all expectations! Other than a couple of people that were close to the parking lot, we didn't see anyone on the other trails. It was very calm, and a beautiful mountain view is of course the best reward at the end of a hike!
Jelger brought his binoculars, which is something he's been doing for a while now. You'd be surprised what you can see when just watching and waiting for a while. It's so fun to just sit and enjoy what's around you.
By the time we got back down to the beautiful wooden bridge over the lake, it was getting dark. I was extra excited to see the landscape in the blue hour. The blue hour is after sunset and gives everything an eerie feel. I should also add, yes, we leave late and occasionally hike back after sunset. BUT we always bring headlights and a survival kit. Lazy hiking doesn't mean unprepared hiking, haha. ;)
I'm excited about Summer being around the corner and taking on some bigger hikes in between our busy wedding days. Nature is and always will be my best relaxation therapy.
PS: If you enjoy our hiking blog posts, here's a whole lot of them!
Photos Brohm Lake hike
Golden Ears engagement photos: Courtney + Anthony
We visited Golden Ears Park for an engagement shoot in January and were stoked to go back there just a few weeks ago! The park has an amazing variety of spots and on top of that, every single day looks different with the changing weather. Part of the fun for us as photographers is to make sure no two engagement shoots look the same!
Courtney and Anthony went all out with being adventurous! First, we hiked up to the roaring Gold Creek Falls and just 5 minutes into the shoot they got soaking wet! So far, Jelger and I had only done this hike in Summer, and man, what a difference Spring season makes! Unlike in Summertime, the melting water from the mountains changed the mellow river into a white wild mess, with the falls spraying water everywhere! But I loved that this brave duo couldn't care less and climbed up the big rocks in front of the falls. "Let's get a photo with the waterfall!" ;)
After walking back from the cascade, the weather exchanged the spray for rain (more water!). But luckily it only gave the forest a rich, lush green look, which was perfect. Courtney and Anthony told us they love the West Coast forest greens! Their wedding venue has some of the most spectacular mossy forests, but that's a subject for later. ;) Golden Ears Park also treated us to some amazing rainforest views. At one point, we even spotted a forest monster (slightly exaggerated, lol, see if you can spot it in the photos!)
This fantastic couple is all about having a good time. Whether it was climbing on rocks, or crawling over mossy tree stumps, they were up for any challenge! And of course, we shared a lot of laughs. It fills me with joy to meet people through our photography that share our life values!
Thank you so much for a great time, Courtney and Anthony! We can't wait to photograph your wedding. (and to meet your cats at some point!)
Golden Ears Park engagement photos
We are available for engagement and couple photography all over the Lower Mainland and BC. (anywhere in Canada, really, lol) Looking for lush forest photos, want to visit an amazing lake, climb a mountain,... we'll be there! Get in touch with us right here.
How to elope in Vancouver
I'm sharing these tips on how to elope in Vancouver, because it's so easy once you know the practical details! More and more couples choose an intimate wedding over a big party and there are certainly advantages to that! Before I jump into the details, here are some pros and cons for eloping.
Pros
- Lower cost, so you can spend your on what is important to you
- Easy/fast to organize
- Convenient to do anywhere in the world
- Intimate (this is an extra advantage if you don't like to be the centre of attention)
Cons
- No big (dance) party (for some people this is a pro)
- Sometimes friends or family members have different expectations about your wedding and may feel disappointed
- Some people love the planning as part of coming together as families and as a couple
Excited to elope in Vancouver? Here's how to do it!
Table of contents
- 1. Get your marriage license
- 2. Hire a marriage commissioner or an officiant
- 3. Pick a spot to elope in Vancouver
- 4. Find out if you need a permit for your location of choice
- 5. Witnesses
- 6. Flowers
- 7. Wedding photography
- 8. Wedding attire
- 9. Rings and all the things
- 10. Ready to elope in Vancouver? Have fun!
1. Get your marriage license
When I first found out how easy this step is, I was thoroughly impressed! Mind you, this process is the same for Canadians (citizens and permanent residents) as well as non-residents (people from out of the country)! Anyone from all around the world can get married like this!
Pick up your license anywhere in British Columbia for a fee of $100 at one of the following locations. Don't pick it up too soon, as it's only valid for 3 months. Only one of you needs to go, but you have to bring ID for both of you.
2. Hire a marriage commissioner or an officiant
What's the difference you might wonder?
A commissioner is semi-retired or retired and appointed by the province. They only perform non-religious ceremonies and ceremonies without religious elements. They charge a fixed rate (currently $75/h + 5% GST for the first hour and additional hours at $25/h). A travel and/or parking expense comes on top of that. Check out all the rates here.
Find the BC registered commissioners here (you can search by city). Keep in mind that sometimes the site gives an error when you use certain browsers. (Last time I checked Chrome didn't work, Safari did!)
*** Important update from September 30th 2019: Starting from this date, commissioners are only allowed to operate in the area they are listed. If couples can't find a commissioner with availability in their area, they can find one in another area. But that marriage commissioner has to contact vital statistics for permission.***
An officiant (or marriage celebrant) are licensed trough a religious organization, which doesn't necessarily mean they only perform religious ceremonies. I'm just mentioning this so you know they're not hired by the province.
There is a price difference with commissioners, with an officiant being significantly more expensive. However, a celebrant will create a personalized ceremony for you and has the option to include any traditions (religious or not) you prefer.
3. Pick a spot to elope in Vancouver
I love how you can wed ANYWHERE in British Columbia. In Belgium (our country of origin), you can only do so legally at the city hall of your residence. Luckily we're living in Canada now :). Places where we've photographed elopements so far include: the beach, forest, parks, on the rocks, in the couple's living room, in a backyard etc. In case you're not sure where to start, don't hesitate to ask us about our favourite spots! Or check out extensive list with 30 elopement locations in and around Vancouver.
Did I mention you can literally tie the knot anywhere? ;) Well, one thing to keep in mind is the next point!
4. Find out if you need a permit for your location of choice
4.1 Vancouver
To elope in Vancouver's parks, you need a wedding ceremony permit. This is new since 2020, as before you didn't need a permit with a small number of guests and no decor. Unfortunately Covid-19 changed a lot of rules. For wedding photos (no ceremony) in a Vancouver park, you don't need a permit. Currently the booking season is only between March 1 to September 30, 2021. You can apply for a permit here. If you're a client of ours, feel free to get in touch with us to chat about the logistics of getting married outside the season and permit requirements.
The prices for 2021 wedding weddings are based on the time of the site reservation, the number of guests and decor setup. These reservations do grant you exclusive us of the location. The rates go in 4 tears from $102 for an hour with 5 guests and no decor to $453 for four hours with 20 guests and an entire setup. Find the detailed permit rates here under part 2. (We last updated this post on December 31st 2020)
Also good to know is that alcohol is not allowed for weddings in the parks. (with currently an exception in some North Vancouver areas)
4.2 North Vancouver
For all wedding ceremonies, no matter how small, you need to get in touch with the park and field booking office for North Vancouver. When contacting the office, they mentioned insurance for your ceremony for $45.00 and a park permit for $23.49/hr plus tax.
You can reach out to the park via email (parks@nvrc.ca) or phone (604-983-6318) to make a reservation. Or fill out their wedding application form here.
4.3 West Vancouver
West Vancouver also requires park permits. They make a distinction between non-exclusive use ($135 + tax) and exclusive use ($400 + tax) of a location.
Find out more details on the permits and how to acquire the permit here. You can also contact weddings@westvancouver.ca
5. Witnesses
BC law requires the presence of two witnesses at your wedding in order for a legal fulfillment of the marriage. They will have to sign your marriage certificate. When you have a small group of friends and family present, that's of course no problem. However when that's not the case, your photographer can act as a witness too (extra benefit of hiring Jelger and me, you have 2 witnesses at once ;))!
6. Flowers
Know that most florists require at least 4 weeks notice (and that's cutting it short) if you want to choose everything about your bouquet and/or boutonnière. The reason for this is that they need time to order your flowers. If you decide on a last minute elopement, prepare to visit a florist with a storefront (they often have more flowers in stock) and pick what is seasonable/available on the spot.
7. Wedding photography
Wedding photographers often offer elopement packages for small weekday weddings. Definitely ask for those prices when inquiring. Most often, photographers reserve Saturdays for bigger weddings. Especially in Summer. Jelger and I offer elopement options for as short as 1 hour (we usually recommend two), but these are for weekdays only. If you want to gamble on hiring someone very last minute, ask if they can offer you their elopement rates for a Saturday anyways (in case they haven't booked yet and like to fill up the slot). Time-wise, most professional wedding photographers have weekday flexibility, however they book out their weekends long in advance.
8. Wedding attire
If you're dreaming of eloping in a white dress, know that most wedding dress stores will need you to come up to 6 months before your wedding date. The reason is that the dresses often get shipped to the store from another country. And time is also needed for alterations to the dress. A solution for a shorter timeframe is to shop with a local designer or otherwise to be ok with buying off-the-rack. The same story goes for custom suits. If you're ok with off-the-rack, you're set, but a custom job takes time!
9. Rings and all the things
Custom wedding bands take some time to order and resize. However, if you're in a hurry, you can find surprisingly affordable bands on Amazon. As a last resort, you could pick a "temporary wedding band" and upgrade it later on.
All the things? ;) Well, the more you want to add to your elopement, the more planning you'll need. For example: a reservation at a nice restaurant, special transportation, decor... Vancouver offers a great selection of event planning companies that have "all-in elopement packages" for couples that want to "sit back and just show up" at their more elaborate elopement. :) Feel free to get in touch and we can recommend you our favourites!
10. Ready to elope in Vancouver? Have fun!
As with every wedding, our number one advice is to have fun and go with the flow! You've got this!
Thank you for reading this post all the way to the end and don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions!
PS: Want to elope in Vancouver with us as your photographers? Get in touch here! Or enjoy some more inspiration here!
Joffre Lakes snowshoe adventure
Two weeks ago, Jelger and I enjoyed a Joffre Lakes snowshoe adventure in Pemberton! We hiked up to the Upper Lake in a densely snow-covered scenery. Our goal: try out our new hiking poles (yay, Costco!) while snowshoeing and carrying big backpacks. We're still dreaming of winter camping on the snow before it melts away! ;) I'll let you know how that goes!
Until this trip, the last time we visited Joffre Lakes was 3 years ago! It's amazing how different everything looks in Winter! If you're longing to see all the fluffy white gorgeousness, right now's your best chance.
I loved how calm the environment felt, but not as much as how much fitter I felt compared to 3 years ago. Since then, Jelger and I have definitely upped our hiking game and it makes the climbs way less excruciating. ;) While prepared with our snowshoes and poles, we passed a couple of brave souls taking on the challenging steep slopes with regular hiking shoes (although some sliding did occur, lol). So rest assured, even if you're not going all out gear-wise, you can still enjoy the views!
A couple of things to keep in mind when you're there though: it's avalanche country, so make sure you check the local conditions before you leave.
When the seasons start to change, it's not always clear where the ice is melting and where it's safe to walk. So we always think: when in doubt, don't do it! ;) But enough about the preparations and gear. ;)
Why do I love snowshoeing so much? Because there's something magical about it. It's like meditation, but for me, it feels better than trying to sit still and quiet my mind's chatter. A snowy landscape has an instant peace for the senses. All I hear is the rustling of the wind and the sound of my steps. And everything smells of snow and pine trees. There's nothing left but walking in silence. The thoughts in my head dissolve slowly until all that's left is a calm enjoyment of exercising my body and watching the scenery.
So far, I've only experienced this state of mind while hiking in nature. Nothing else has given me the same effect. :) Nature therapy at its best.
I hope you get to enjoy the beauty of British Columbia in the same way I do and if you're ever up for an adventure, you know where to find us!
Joffre Lakes snowshoe photos
Elopement in Stanley Park: Roya + Karim
Roya and Karim recently celebrated their intimate elopement in Stanley Park. When we first met them, they told us about their thorough search for the ideal forest. They were dreaming of narrow pine trees and saturated greens. With its typical West Coast forests, the greater Vancouver area is of course an outstanding region for their preference. But narrowing it down proved a little more challenging. After considering the North shore mountains, they finally discovered they barely had to go farther than their own backyard: downtown Vancouver’s very own Stanley Park. But I have to back up a bit, because these two have quite the story!
After their recent move from Beirut they were getting acclimatized to their new life Vancouver life. In case you haven’t moved countries (or even between provinces), it takes a lot of courage, and a lot of figuring out. I remember when Jelger and I moved from Belgium to Canada (now well over 6 years ago) HOW MUCH we struggled. All of a sudden, the easiest every-day actions like grocery shopping become a true adventure.
But throughout these challenges, one thing Roya and Karim knew with absolute certainty was that they wanted to get married in true West Coast style. Bring on the forests of evergreens! The spontaneous duo picket their wedding date 3 days beforehand, when the weather forecast was beneficial. I truly loved Roya’s phone call, which started with: “the weather is nice this weekend, are you free to photograph our wedding?”. You can guess what our answer was :)
On the day of the wedding, we helped the two of them pick the perfect location. After a short scout along Stanley Park’s Lover’s trail (how appropriate!) we found the most magical setting. Roya and Karim said their I do’s to the tunes of their favourite piano song. And Jelger and I had the honour of being their witnesses. <3 It always feels extra special when that happens! We were photographers, witnesses and only guests at the same time :)
After their beautiful, intimate wedding ceremony, we had the best time walking through the park and finding fun little spots for their wedding portraits, while sharing laughter and stories.
Roya and Karim, thanks so much for trusting us with your vision. And for giving us the honour to be a part of your elopement!
Elopement in Stanley Park
Jelger and I love photographing elopements! Lake-side, waterfall, big rocks, ocean pebble beach, rain forest... you name it, because Vancouver has it all. Get in touch with us about your plans and we can give you some recommendations!
For more info about Vancouver wedding park permits, check out this website!
At home elopement in Vancouver: Sarah + Lien
This at home elopement in Vancouver will warm your hearts! A few weeks ago, Sarah and Lien contacted us to photograph their intimate wedding. The entire event would take place in the homely coziness of their very own living room. And when it came to the guests, only their closest family members (7 people in total) were to attend.
When I first heard "living room", I honestly had no idea what to expect. Especially since Lien mentioned they live in a rather small home. But as soon as we met up in person (in their cozy apartment), I knew it was going to be amazing! The living room was not only bigger than ours (but then we do live in a tiny apartment), it was filled with colourful furniture and beautiful personal objects! I'd happily take over the entire collection of decor, haha. It truly reflected the creative personality of both of them.
On the day of the wedding, we started things off with a short portrait session. While quickly scouting the area, Jelger and I discovered the best spot imaginable: a back alley behind their home. We love back alleys, because they’re like hidden treasure troves full of interesting textures and cool lighting. This time, we even stumbled on an amazing mural: a funky purple crystal cave! Yes please! ;) We loved goofing around with the two of them. It truly was a hidden gem (pun intended). Also, how amazing are their outfits?! I always love when couples choose to break conventions and instead express themselves!
By the time we got back to their apartment, all the guests had arrived. While Sarah and Lien greeted them, Jelger and I switched into our ‘stealthy’ candid photo mode. Next up was the wedding ceremony, which was the most personal and beautiful experience! Sarah and Lien’s vows left no eyes dry in the room. If you ask me, personal vows are the best.
After the wedding ceremony, the couple had arranged for a champagne toast and a full-on cake cutting. Much in line with the creativity of the event, Sarah had created a colourful robot-themed cake. ADORABLE! ;)
Sarah and Lien, thanks again for having us. And for showing us how a small but cozy living room can be the best spot for an intimate wedding!
At home elopement in Vancouver
Are you considering your own at home elopement? Or do you want to get married in an intimate nature setting? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us! We have special elopement rates available for selects dates.
Love In The Square Vancouver
Recently I (Tanja) volunteered my time for the 2018 edition of Love In The Square, a pop-up wedding event in Robson Square. The concept is the brainchild of Young, Hip & Married. They wanted to give back to the community and celebrate love by offering the most affordable weddings. When Love In The Square outgrew its humble beginnings, the fabulous wedding planners from Pop Up Weddings joined the team. And they certainly did have a ton of work organizing the event!
When I signed up, I didn't know what to expect. But I knew when to fabulous ladies of Pop Up Weddings plan something, it's got to be good! :) That said, man, was I in for a roller coaster experience, haha. At the 2018 edition of Love In The Square, 151 people tied the knot! I ended up photographing 28 weddings! Craaaazy, right?
During the event, several officiants performed wedding ceremonies simultaneously. Couples could bring guests if they wanted. Some of them brought a whole entourage of family and friends, others preferred a more intimate experience with just the two of them. No matter their preference, the first kiss got them a cheer from the crowd.
Even though it was a mass event, so 10-15 minutes max per wedding, couples still personalized their wedding ceremony by giving it their own touch! Whether it was by bringing some cute props, or getting creative with their outfit (wedding dresses, suits, jeans, big coats), anything went.
But what I loved most, was seeing the variety of people getting married: young, old, LGBTQ+, couples with different background and ethnicities,... Everyone was welcome and this was by far the most diverse group of people I’ve experienced yet.
Are you interested in next year’s edition? Getting married at Love In The Square is the easiest thing. All you need to do is show up with a marriage license (which you can buy here) and bring a $20 cash donation for the Vancouver Food Bank (but be sure to check the website next year, in case something changes).
Still in doubt if Love In The Square is something for you? It is if:
- You want to marry in the most affordable way available in Vancouver
- No big wedding for you, but you love an enthusiastic group atmosphere
- You don't want to plan a wedding, but still love to celebrate/have a beautiful backdrop, get photos etc.
Love in The Square is not for you when:
- You don't like to be photographed/filmed: there is a lot of media coverage as well as professional photographers
- You're a private person and want an intimate experience: while your ceremony will certainly be intimate, the environment isn't and there will be people looking, walking by etc.
I'm excited to see how this event will continue to grow in the next years! And of course, a big thank you to all the participating vendors (see list at the bottom of this blog post). In my photos, you can see decor by Bridal beginnings and officiants Shawn and Lani from Young, Hip and Married.
Favourite photos from Love In The Square
Volunteering vendors
- Event planning: Pop Up Weddings BC (check out a recent wedding we've done together here)
- Event support: Umbrella events: check out some weddings we've done together here and here.
- Videographers: Capture productions and Arial Vibe
- Officiants: Young, Hip & Married, Lisa Hartley Celebrant, Circle Ceremonies, Paula Marie Skalnek
- Decor team: Bridal Beginnings - Floral & Event Design, Ever Red Fresh Designs, Kaye Fleur, Past Pieces Wedding Shoppe, Red Timber Creative
- Photographers that also volunteered their time: Erica Miller Photography, Art + The Aerialist, Amber Leigh Photography, Tyshawnna Reann Photography, Emily Nicole Photos
Engagement photo tips
Yay, you're engaged and it's most likely the first time you're having professional photos taken together, so here are 7 engagement photo tips for you!
Table of contents
- Engagement photo tip 1: How to choose a location
- Engagement photo tip 2: what to wear
- Tip 3: what shoes to wear
- Engagement photo tip 4: how about makeup
- Engagement photo tip 5: should you bring props
- Engagement photo tip 6: Can I bring my animal?
- Regardless of all these tips: Don't get overwhelmed by choices!
Engagement photo tip 1: How to choose a location
Everything starts with choosing the location. It could be your secret hang-out spot, or a place that’s been on your bucket list for the longest time. Or somewhere related to an activity you love to do? Anything goes, as long as you two like it. And don’t hold back in your ideas! Anything is possible! Yes, I said that: challenge accepted. ;) At your engagement shoot you can go to places that are too hard to get to on your wedding day!
What does your ideal scenery look like? For instance: ocean, beach, lake, mountains, mossy forests, tall pine trees, leafy fall-colored trees… Is the season important to you? In the Lower Mainland the environment can change significantly from season to season. We’re lucky to have lots of green all year round, though.
If you’re looking for engagement shoot inspiration that involves a bit more hiking, we can help!
Engagement photo tip 2: what to wear
Don’t go to Pinterest for this one, it’ll stress you out. ;) What feels like YOU and what feels good?
Your clothes have a huge impact on how you feel. And we believe that how you feel has a bigger impact on your photos, than your sartorial choices. So ditch the outfit that makes you feel self-conscious and insecure, and grab whatever makes you feel best.
Some of our couples (not everyone!) chose to do a more casual and a more dressed up outfit. They do an outfit change at some point in the session. But again, anything goes!!
Tip 3: what shoes to wear
You’ve picked a rugged, outdoor location for your shoot, and now you’re wondering what shoes would be best?
Our recommendation: grab your hiking boots, and just change shoes when we get to the shooting spot. Or get creative and make the hiking boots part of your outfit. Your choice.
Engagement photo tip 4: how about makeup
A bit of makeup, especially a good foundation, goes a long way in photos. It really flatters everyone! If you’re not someone who wears/owns their own makeup, you could reach out to your wedding makeup artist and see if they’re willing to give you your makeup trial on the day of your e-shoot. It’ll make you feel extra special. :)
Engagement photo tip 5: should you bring props
Yes, but only if they are authentic and meaningful to you. Don’t feel as if you have to follow any of the trends where engagement photos start to look like full-on weddings with decor and flowers. Unless (you guessed it) you’re obsessed with flowers and always have them in your house. Or maybe you have a family heirloom that’s really important to you.
Engagement photo tip 6: Can I bring my animal?
Yes, bring your dog, cat, rat and donkey (Jelger loves donkeys). I do draw the line at spiders. No spiders, because I won’t be able to stop screaming. ;) Just keep in mind that often when you bring your pet, it becomes “all about the pet”. So we recommend your pet being present for only part of the shoot. Maybe that requires someone to pick it up at a certain time or maybe it can wait in your car (but careful on hot Summer days).
Regardless of all these tips: Don't get overwhelmed by choices!
There's no right/wrong way to do an engagement shoot! Regardless of what location, outfit(s) and other choices you make, it's going to be fun! Too many options can be stressful for couples. In that case: get your photographer involved and ask for their opinion. All you need to do is show up! It'll be a great experience. ;)
Did you enjoy our engagement photo tips? Please check out our other wedding tips right here!
Couple photos in 100 Mile House: Dalana + Justin
When Dalana asked us to join her and Justin for couple photos in 100 Mile House, we knew we were in for a treat! A cabin weekend with awesome people in the middle of nowhere and taking photos on a frozen lake? Yes please. ;)
The drive up to the Cariboo region was quite something! While yes, we live in Canada, the temperatures in Vancouver rarely dive more than a few degrees below zero. But the closer we got to 100 Mile House, the more the temperatures dropped and the more frozen the roads became. By the time we arrived at our destination, it was -13 degrees Celsius and we barely made it through the snow. But we’ll have snow chains by next time, lol.
I love how Justin and his family have an entire system figured out for maintaining their cabin in the best state possible. For example, all the windows are covered with shutters and because of the temperatures, the water and electricity are shut off when nobody is there. But thanks to the team effort, things were started up in no time. The second day, Jelger helped out shoveling snow, which he was so excited about. I'm just thinking: wait until we get a cabin ourselves and you have to do this ALL THE TIME, hahaha. It's a workout!
The sauna was also amazing!! Isn't the human body amazing that when warmed up enough, we're able to wander around in freezing temperatures for a bit? Rubbing myself with snow was intense, though, haha.
Dalana told me when they're in 100 Mile House in Winter, the main activities are playing games and eating. And as it turned out, it was not an exaggeration , hahaha. I felt on a culinary excursion and had a great time getting to know them and their friends better. :) The fact that Dalana is an amazing cake artist in Vancouver definitely upped the dessert game! Check out some styled shoots we did together here and here.
On the day of our photo shoot, temperatures were still way below freezing point (-13 degrees Celsius) and it was snowing lightly. But that couldn’t stop us from doing a full-on Winter couple shoot. We walked out onto the giant frozen Horse Lake and had the best time! Dalana and Justin rocked it (literally!) haha. They were absolutely amazing together and busted out some hilarious dance moves. ;) So glad this adventurous duo braved the cold temperatures with us!
Couple photos in 100 Mile House
Are you considering your own couple photos in 100 Mile House? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us! Winter or Summer, rain or shine, Jelger and I are always up for an adventure. Our province is so beautiful and the 100 Mile House region has a special place in our hearts!
Wreck Beach photos with Monica
Wreck Beach is without a doubt my favourite beach in Vancouver. I pay the beach a ‘mandatory’ visit in January for my annual polar bear dip. And once in a while I'll convince myself to go down the long set of stairs for a lazy afternoon in the Summer sun. But until this this shoot with Monica, I hadn't visited the beach in my photographer ‘mode’.
It all started when I noticed a mutual friend posting a forum message on Monica’s behalf. She was looking for a photographer to set up a collaboration shoot. I loved the idea and pitched Wreck Beach as a shooting location. ;) And Monica was so brave to jump on board. Not only braving the long walk down (and up!) the stairs in a wedding dress, but also the freezing cold. After all, it was the middle of Winter.
Speaking of courage, it truly is the word to describe her story: she had already bought her wedding dress, when the wedding was called off. Instead of getting stuck in bitterness, she decided to create new, positive memories with the dress. So she reached out to the professional wedding photographers community and explained her plans for the shoot.
For me, as the photographer, it was an amazing experience. The shoot being a personal project, I created photographs without any expectations about the end result. Just making art for the sake of art. And playing around with new ways of using light and poses. Throughout the entire shoot, Monica showed herself as a total trooper. When I asked her to run on the beach (at 2 degrees below 0), she didn’t even blink and took off!
I was not the only wedding professional who got to try out new skills. Irena, our hair- and makeup artist had a great opportunity to practice her makeup skills and work with short hair.
Finally, after the shoot Monica donated her wedding dress to The Brides' Project to help raise funds for cancer charities. When I read Monica’s words on her blog, it made my heart sing.
"I am releasing this dress and all the negative experiences around it. I forgive what was done and have filled the layers of the gown with empowerment. As you walk down the aisle, feel the strength of a woman who re-discovered herself and had the ability to take on tough roads ahead. May your partner be there to support you in your dreams, be honest when he/she sees you start to falter and respect you enough to eliminate any temptations that may divide your connection. Do not lose yourself in this process. And know that if you do, the journey back may be hard, but you are resilient."
Monica, you're amazing. Thanks so much for playing around with me and for being who you are!
Wreck Beach photos
Rolley Lake hike: short and sweet
I randomly stumbled upon Rolley Lake by looking at Google Maps. It's so fun to just look at the maps and find the lakes and green spots. And how humbling to know that in my lifetime it's impossible to see all the lakes in BC. So many options for future explorations!
Jelger and I needed a little break from our computers and what better way to do so than to get out in nature. Rolley Lake is in Mission, which is not too far of a drive. The lake seems to be a popular spot for camping in the Summer, but in January it's truly deserted. Just the way I like it! ;)
Lately every time we're in nature, we can't help but to think of living surrounded by more nature than we have in Vancouver. When we first moved here from Belgium, all we wanted was to be city people (true Vancouverites, hehe) with the occasional trip to the forest. Then we started changing and wanted to spend more and more time outdoors. Now we're slowly embracing the idea of actually living in a cabin and coming to visit Vancouver. I refer to this as "a 10-year plan", but wouldn't it be amazing to offer our clients to come and visit us for a cabin weekend? And of course, offer photo shoots there. A girl can dream! And saying it out loud is always the first step.
When we arrived in Rolley Lake Provincial Park, what I loved most were the incredibly tall, thin and majestic trees. Of course, I made Jelger pose in there doing his signature stance. ;) If anyone has a special "Jelger pose" request, let me know, lol. I'll make it happen.
The waterfall of the park (Rolley Falls), was a bit MEH in my opinion. How spoiled am I, rating waterfalls like that. It did however make us realize that there's a vast network of forest roads to explore in the future.
After enjoying a gorgeous sunset, we went back home with our batteries recharged.
Rolley Lake hike photos
If you love the forest, Rolley Lake is an amazing place for photographs! Get in touch with us today to inquire about going on a photo adventure with us in this park! Engagement photography or couple photos, we're game!
Golden Ears Park engagement photos: Cait + Matt
Golden Ears Park engagement photos were definitely at the top of our bucket list. Before this engagement shoot, Jelger and I had hiked there a few times. So when Cait and Matt chose this location, Jelger and I were thrilled!
On the day of the shoot, while driving to Golden Ears, the thickest fog surrounded our car! I remember thinking "this is going to be interesting", as in: every backdrop is going the be erm, fog? ;) Luckily once we arrived at our meeting spot, the mist had cleared and gorgeous nature views greeted us!
As always, we kicked things off with some chatting over beers. And since there was no pub in the area, we brought the drinks ourselves. Next, we decided to explore the park together, rather than sticking to one or two spots. In case you haven’t visited Golden Ears Park before, it has an amazing amount of diversity in scenery!
First, we took a few fun photos at the (and ice-cold, even when I tried it in Summer!) river. Cait and Matt didn’t even flinch when we asked them to climb on top a big rock. Yay for adventurous couples!
Next, we decided to slowly drive along the central road, and pull over at any random spot that looked good. Which is how the most magical thing happened! We’d barely left the parking lot when the road dove into a tunnel of trees. The tunnel was filled up with a mysterious cloud of fog, and beautiful golden rays of sun made the whole thing look spectacular. A photographers dream, hee hee. ;) And onwards we went, right into the forest. The lush mosses and rainforest-looking overgrowth made me forget it was the middle of Winter. So green! I love it!
Finally, we finished the day at Alouette Lake, which reminds me of a funny story. A while ago, Jelger and I had bought a ‘boat’. We went into the store for something inflatable and floating and walked out with a boat (although it’s really a dinghy). So what did we do as proud new ‘boat owners’? Go boating! We’d looked at a map and picked Alouette Lake. And all went well for the first few hours. Just floating on the water under the Summer sun. But then we wanted to row back to shore, which didn’t go so smoothly. No matter how much Jelger was rowing, the boat stayed in place. Eventually, it took us 3 hours to get back to our car. And later on, we found out that Alouette Lake is known for its strong winds and currents. Although that was quite clear after the second hour of rowing :). Anyways, we've had smarter ideas. ;) And in case you're wondering, we did have PFD’s and an emergency kit, including a whistle, but Jelger was too stubborn to ask for help, hahaha. But back to the engagement shoot at Alouette Lake!
Cait and Matt have a beautiful, quiet energy between them. And when they're teasing each other, you can almost see tiny sparks flying back and forth. I felt honoured to photograph them, as they showed their true personality, with no holding back and no concerns about looking picture-perfect. I loved everything about the two of them!
Thank you so much for a great afternoon Cait and Matt!!! We can't wait to photograph your wedding in Kamloops!
Golden Ears Park engagement photos
Are you considering to have your own Golden Ears Park engagement photos? Send us a message here. There are so many other parts to explore, we'd love to go back and create unique photographs for you.
What is the best time of the day to take outdoor wedding photos?
A lot of couples wonder what is the best time of the day to take wedding photos. Well, let me give your opinion as a professional wedding photographer. First of all, there's no right/wrong. A good wedding photographer is able to work with any light at any point of the day. That said if we do get to choose... ;)
When it comes to sunlight in photos, it's all about how harsh or soft the light is. The sun starts out softly at sunrise, becomes extremely harsh around noon and fades into a glorious soft glow at sunset. And harshness of light translates into how strong the shadows look in photos: the harsher the light, the darker the shadows. This is always the case, even on a cloudy day when you'd think there's no sunshine. You can probably guess that photographers prefer the sunlight to be at its softest because it is the most flattering. Which is why wedding photo time around the "golden hour" (one hour before sunset) is so popular. But of course, it's impossible to schedule all the wedding photos during the golden hour or to postpone your wedding ceremony until later in the afternoon.
So here are a few tips to get the best wedding photos.
Table of contents
Tip 1: wedding ceremony photos
Consider the position of the sun when setting up your wedding ceremony.
I've witnessed numerous wedding ceremony setups where the sun was positioned at an angle to the couple. Unfortunately, this caused for one partner's face being brightly lit while the other was cast in deep shade. Although it's not the end of the world, if you have the choice of where to set up, you can prevent this. Choose to orient the sun on either end of the aisle (see illustration below). That way you'll have the sun behind you, which is ideal or it'll shine on both your faces. Both scenarios are a huge improvement over the sun shining sideways.
On this same topic of the wedding ceremony location, you'll want to be mindful of large objects. After all, these will cast their own shadow. For instance, if there are large trees close-by (or even above you) they may cast a strange dappled shadow on your faces, depending on the position of the sun. The same applies to gazebos or wedding arches.
For best results, we recommend using the great (free!) app Sun Surveyor. It demonstrates the exact position of the sun at your chosen time, date and location. We always use it when location scouting!
Tip 2: family and group photos
Most couples opt to organize the formal group photos right after the ceremony because everyone is gathered in one place. The wedding arch/backdrop may seem like the obvious choice for these photos. However, don't be surprised if your photographer suggests a totally different spot. And by now you might have guessed it, it's because of the light. :)
With a big group of people, it's important not to have the sun shine directly in the subjects' faces. Otherwise, everyone will be squinting. ;) The solution to this issue is quite simple: choose a location where the sun is behind the group’s back.
Tip 3: wedding couple portraits
As I mentioned above, the biggest difference between sunlight at noon and later in the day is the harshness of the shadows. Unlike group photos, it's easier to create pleasing wedding couple portraits in harsh light. So don't stress if your wedding timeline only allows to schedule your wedding photos at noon. When this happens, we usually visit a few spots with our clients with various types of light (such as shade as well as full sun). However, it’s important for you to expect that these photos will look different from the ones you could take at sunset. Which is why we recommend this tip to our clients.
If your wedding schedule allows, reserve 10 to 15 minutes shortly before sunset. During this time you can sneak out with just your partner and the wedding photographer, for a set of glorious sunset photos. The best part: it gives you a short breather during the reception, and your guests can easily entertain themselves during your absence (if they’d notice at all ;)). And speaking of sunset photos, make sure to read the next tip.
Tip 4: check the timing of sunset
This may seem silly, but it can catch you by surprise how early the sun goes down. For instance, in Vancouver in Winter it's pitch black outside by 4 pm, making photos in natural light impossible. And of course, your photographer should keep an eye on when dusk sets in (at least we do). But when it comes to your wedding day it’s better to be safe than sorry. So when you’re drafting your timeline, quickly pull up the Sunsurveyor app and it’ll tell you the exact timing of sunset.
Summary
This post turned out to be longer than expected ;), so here’s a quick rundown:
- Wedding ceremony: know how the sun will be oriented to the aisle.
- Group photos: keep the sun in the group’s back.
- Couple photos: if possible, reserve 10-15 minutes for a quick sunset shoot.
- Sunset: check the timing of dusk, especially in Winter.
Vancouver rainy day wedding tips
In Vancouver rain is always a possibility, so I'm sharing this post with rainy day wedding tips with you! Hint: it doesn't have to spoil your fun! ;) A bit of preparation goes a long way!
Tip 1: rain plans, don't postpone them until the day/week before your wedding
When it comes to creating a rain plan for your ceremony/reception, develop it as soon as you book your venue. For example, you're thinking about an outdoor wedding ceremony in a location that's lacking suitable rain shelter. You might want to consider renting a big tent, which will require advance notice to a tent rental company. Luckily most outdoor venues offer rain contingency options, so definitely inform yourself when booking!
On the other hand, perhaps you absolutely love a good downpour. Jelger and I have photographed a few wedding ceremonies taking place under precipitation! If that's the case for you, prepare your guests and tell them to bring umbrellas. Or instead: go all out and bring customized wedding umbrellas for everyone. :)
Last but not least, remember that your guests prefer sitting on a dry chair. It's a small but often overlooked detail, so make sure to change your ceremony setup accordingly.
Tip 2: monsoon time, sometimes it's just too much
We love adventurous outdoor wedding photos with bridal couples holding an umbrella in a rain shower. But sometimes the downpour is just too much to handle! Don't feel like you have to stand in the rain for your wedding photos. We photographers can always, always, find an alternative covered location that looks great in photos. So if you're concerned about that pineapple express or a class 10 storm on your wedding day, don't fret. It's totally fine to stay dry and give your professional photo team free reigns to unleash their creativity! After all, finding great outdoor covered locations is part of our job.
Finally, if you'd prefer to stay warm and cozy altogether, there are a lot of fun hourly rental locations in Vancouver. Pick your favorite ones and include them in your rain plan (which you've of course created a long time in advance) and book them closer to your wedding date if the weather forecast starts turning sour.
Tip 3: bring umbrellas for you and your bridal party
You've made the decision to venture forward and power through challenges of the weather gods. Perfect, now let's make the most of your wedding photos. What could possibly be cuter than a bridal couple and party with matching umbrellas? Right! Which means: shopping time. Go out and buy sufficient umbrellas for both yourself and the bridal party. We recommend you purchase at least one umbrella per couple, and perhaps one or two spare ones, because accidents happen.
Additionally, our advice is to stick to neutrally coloured umbrellas, such as clear or white ones. Any other colours will wash a coloured light over you. For instance, a red umbrella will cast a red shadow over your face and dress (or suit).
Lastly, should you feel hesitant to invest in umbrellas, make sure to check out the local wedding Facebook groups. Often past brides and grooms sell their batch of redundant umbrellas. Alternatively, select dollar stores offer a surprisingly big assortment of umbrellas. (We recommend Oomomo, formerly named Daiso, in Richmond.)
Tip 4: think about your feet
You probably weren't considering the weather quirks of the West Coast when you went wedding shoe shopping. And why would you! We're talking rainy day wedding plans here :). But there's no need to destroy your beautiful wedding pumps/kicks/sandals in puddles and mud or to freeze your feet! Instead, bring a pair of waterproof shoes or pick up some cute wedding wellies. :)
Tip 5: embrace the dirty dress
I've mentioned "the dirty dress" before in our outdoor wedding photo tips post. I want to discuss it again here, because for us it's a frequent topic. We love playing in the outdoors during our photo shoots, even when it's raining. And when that happens of course the ground gets muddy, making it tricky to keep your white dress spotless. But not to worry, we have some tricks up our sleeves!
First: don't walk with your wedding gown (or train) dragging behind you. Instead, pick up as much fabric as you can, bustle it up and drape it over one arm. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Second: when you're in position for a photo, gently bring the dress/train down, preferably onto a dry spot. Again an assistant can make a big difference here. We'll help you!
Third: even with the previous tricks, the bottom of the dress will inevitably incur some minor stains. But don't let that stress you. Not only won't these show in the photos, the dry cleaners will be able to remove them in a pinch.
Tip 6: consider a makeup touchup
After adventuring outside in the rain, your makeup may looks less fresh. This does depend on how your makeup was done in the first place, so add 'request makeup artist for rain-contingency' to your rain plan. But just to be sure, you can ask your makeup artist for a professional touchup after the photo shoot (a lot of artists offer this service). Alternatively reserve some time on your wedding day schedule to freshen up yourself. Bonus to both options: it gives you some quiet time in an otherwise busy day.
(In case you're wondering, yes, it's raining in this photo! ;) Check the groom's jacket.)
Tip 7: most important rainy day wedding tip is to have fun!
Expectations are the enemy of fun. If you're envisioning your wedding day to be bright and sunny, a downpour can feel disappointing. So the best remedy is to shift your focus to what matters most: you're getting married to the love of your life! Hang on to that thought, and your happiness will shine through anything, regardless of the weather!
Enjoyed these tips? Check out our other wedding planning tips here! Or see some more rainy day wedding and other shoots with rain here.
Sunshine Ranch wedding in Horsefly: Minette + Florian
I had to wait to blog these photos from Minette and Florian's Sunshine Ranch wedding in Horsefly for so long! The reason being this beautiful feature in Rocky Mountain Bride magazine. But now the waiting is over and I'm sharing it all! ;)
For our first meeting we met Minette and Florian in North Vancouver. They told us all about their vision for their wedding in Horsefly, BC near Williams Lake. The wedding venue was Florian's childhood home: a ranch owned and operated by his parents who moved to Horsefly, BC from Switzerland in the early 90's. The officially named Sunshine Ranch had already hosted several weddings (including the wedding ceremonies and festivities of Florian's siblings) and the couple decided to continue the tradition. And to balance things out, they opted to have their engagement in Minette's childhood environment: the Deep Cove area of North Vancouver.
Because of the distance between Vancouver and Horsefly, Jelger and I drove to the Sunshine Ranch two days in advance of the wedding. It turned out to be the best decision, because it was during the peak of the raging BC forest fires. Despite the many road closures and the Williams Lake area being surrounded by wildfires, Minette remained impressively calm. She posted frequent updates to her wedding website and kindly informed the guests on the best routes to reach the ranch, and ensured that it was perfectly fine. We got there safe and sound without too much delay, and were even surprised to find the air quality in Horsefly significantly better than in Vancouver. The smoky scenery did create some epic scenes though, check out this blog post to get a better idea.
Nothing was going to stop this wedding. Even when the forest fires urged Minette and Florian to change a few plans, they proved their resourcefulness time and time again. First, when the catering company informed them it couldn't reach the ranch, Florian's family took over and supplied all the food required straight from their own stock. And I do mean everything: meats, produce, bread... It was all there and best of all: homemade! Next the horse carriage turned out unavailable. No problem, some people got on the phone and Minette's entrance to the wedding ceremony was fixed in no time. And even the smoky air made place for a beautiful clear blue sky on the day of the wedding. Amazing!
During the morning of the wedding day Minette and Florian got ready in rather different ways, haha. I enjoyed seeing Jelger's photos afterwards. The guys had gone down to the river behind the ranch, to wash and shave in nature's bathroom. Imagine that when getting married in the city! Meanwhile Minette and the girls had a chilled out morning in a nearby house from a dear family friend. And the house was extra special, because Minette and Florian are planning on buying it!
The first look took place in the backyard of their future home. Yay for first looks! I'm a big fan of them, maybe because we did one ourselves ;). Afterwards we strolled around the property and took fun bridal party and couple photos until it was time for the ceremony. I should mention that Minette and Florian and his family built the amazing aspen tree wedding arch on the ceremony site just for this wedding!
Once Minette and Florian had officially become husband and wife, the bridal party hopped on a bunch of motorcycles and cruised through the ranch lands. It looked like it came straight out of a movie.
For the cocktail hour the couple provided lawn games and the guests more than happily tried them out. Perhaps thanks to the lack of cellphone reception (therefore also no data). While challenging at first (definitely for me), it surprised me how much this helped everyone to stay present in the moment. For me it was a great "phone detox" experience.
Next, the reception started with the bridal party entering accompanied by the sound of rattling antlers. Speaking of antlers, the couple had decorated the entire venue with greenery and antlers, which they supplied themselves together with their friends. Minette, who's an avid hunter, even got Jelger excited and shortly after our trip he applied for his hunting license. I believe it's incredibly humbling to hunt for your own meat with respect for the animal. But I digress.
After the first speeches, we sneaked Minette and Florian out for a few sunset portraits. And our luck with the weather had persisted and treated us to gorgeous golden light. Additionally, it gave the couple a quick break from the festivities.
After the final heartfelt speeches, an epic dance party broke out. Jelger and I even joined in and partied until the wee hours, after we'd put our camera gear away of course. ;)
Minette and Florian, you guys shared so much with us and we'll be forever grateful to have met you and to have been part of your day!
We can't wait to come and visit you in your new home. <3
Sunshine Ranch wedding vendors
- Wedding Venue & Catering: Sunshine Ranch
- Makeup Artist: Kerry Waring
- Hair Stylist: Sabrina Nunes
- DJ: LNDN
- Dress Designer: Rue De Seine
- Bridal Boutique: Union Bridal
- Groom's Suit: Calvin Klein
- Groom's Bowtie: Kate Rose Co.
- Suspenders: JJ Suspenders
- Florist: Friend of the Family, Sascia Kraus
- Bridesmaids Dresses & Robes: Show Me Your Mumu
- Carved Skull: Skull Bliss
- Cake: Annette Fischer-Piel