Big reset and travel photos from Joshua Tree National Park
Whew, this is my first blog post since March and since the COVID-19 lockdown. I tried to write a "how to get married during COVID" blog post, but since the regulations and recommendations changed on an almost weekly basis, I gave up. If you do want to know, message me, because I'm up to date, lol.
Jelger and I went from having a busy schedule to having a completely empty schedule almost overnight. A long overdue and much anticipated family visit in Belgium never happened. And many of our clients made the hard decision to move their party to next year. (They all deserve a big hug for how they approached that.) From March 15th until the end of May, all our other shoots ended up cancelled or postponed. The future looked very bleak.
But as always in life, change creates opportunity. This mandatory time-out forced us to focus on our personal wellbeing. And to learn about being ok with the not-knowing.
I truly believe that one's biggest strength in life is embracing not knowing and being able to surrender to change.
Change can happen in so many different ways. Yes, we couldn't visit Belgium (and still can't without being in a 2-week quarantine in both countries), but we'll get to see more of our beautiful province instead. And yes, our business changed a lot, but we're having so much fun with all the elopements and microweddings (even though I don't like the term, lol, can we change it? How about just "intimate weddings"?) that are happening right now.
You'll see our couple photo posts appearing again really soon! And for now enjoy our photos from the beautiful dessert in and around Joshua Tree National Park. Even during this vacation I had to surrender to change, btw. I spent all of it except for 2 days, sick as a dog in my bed in our airbnb. So Jelger got to do the amazing hikes I planned on his own, lol. But I'm still grateful for those two days and will most certainly return when the borders open up again! I never imagined the dessert to be so full of life. It's stunning!
Enjoy!
Joshua Tree National Park
Forest elopement in Vancouver: Allison + Michael
Celebrating a forest elopement in Vancouver has become increasingly more popular in the last few years. Personally, I think nature's cathedral of majestic trees beats any human-made building. ;) And to take it a step further, I believe all of us feel (on some level) a connection with nature (and the forest). Even the most urban city person will bring some greenery into their homes with plants and flowers. Loving nature, is part of our own nature So what a perfect way to celebrate a marriage, witnessed by those ancient trees.
But I digress. ;) Allison contacted us a long time before her elopement. She was very excited about getting married and doing so on an adults-only trip, with the kids staying home in Virginia, USA. She and Michael planned a romantic trip to Vancouver and wanted to make their bond official on Valentine‘s day! Confession, Jelger and I don't celebrate Valentine‘s day at all, lol. But from now on, I know I'm going to think about these two ever year.
The days leading up to their wedding brought some unexpected challenges. The location (Lynn Canyon Park) scheduled maintenance on the suspension bridge and closed off a big part of the park. But Jelger and I checked out the other side beforehand. We found a gorgeous new ceremony spot that looked even better than what we had first planned. That's the beauty of an elopement, you can change plans and often those curveballs end up making things extra amazing.
Allison hiked through the mud (it rained before and after the wedding ceremony day of the wedding, hehe, so lots of mud) and braved a large staircase. But she and Michael were determined to soak up every minute of their experience and have fun! The two of them reminded me not to take our gorgeous nature for granted, such as the amazing transparent water at the 30 foot pool. After living in Canada for so long, I'm used to seeing "clear water", but in Belgium, the water is all kinda brown, lol. And the same goes for Virginia apparently.
We left the two of them after the shoot with a big smile on their faces. And they told us they had a fishing trip planned the next day! Thank you so much for having us guys. It was truly a pleasure and I enjoy your fishing stories on Instagram! ;)
Behind the scenes
we had the honour of being their witnesses! :)
Forest elopement in Vancouver vendors
- Florist: Wall Flowers
- Hair & Makeup: Emily Roop
- Dress: Lulus
- Officiant: Joan Mitchell, commissioner in North Vancouver
Interested in your own forest elopement in Vancouver? Ask us about it here or check out more elopements here!
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver elopement: Katherine + Kyle
While both Jelger and I visited the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver more times than I can count on my fingers (and toes), this was the first time we photographed an elopement here! Usually when we're in the hotel, it's to second shoot for other photographers. Those weddings are often opulent events. So I loved being here with our own clients, who celebrated their elopement with an intimate group of guests. And of course they wanted some outdoor photos too, which we took at Coal Harbour.
The sun was shining, but the wind was icy! Katherine braved the cold weather in her wedding dress! She did have her mom and a family friend help out with a hot drink and a warm jacket in between photos.
What makes Katherine and Kyle's story even more special is that their wedding marks the start of their new life in Canada! They immigrated to Vancouver a week before their elopement! Jelger and I are immigrants too and I vividly remember those first weeks, where everything is just so overwhelming. The smallest things become a hassle, just because you don't have the basics yet. F.e. getting a sin number, getting your drivers licence, opening a bank account, figuring out where to find specific groceries etc. There's so much to do in those first couple of weeks. And this duo added their wedding on top of that list! But what a great way to celebrate a new beginning. It's so symbolic and beautiful.
The ceremony was short, sweet and warm in the hotel room! ;) A small group of friends and family witnessed their vows. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver offers different suites that are perfect for elopements, all beautifully decorated. (and as photographers, we kinda move furniture around anyways until it works, haha) And it's extra nice to just be able to stay there at night of course.
Thank you so much Katherine and Kyle for having us as a part of your wedding! We wish you all the best in your new life as husband and wife, and also as future Canadians. :)
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver elopement vendors:
Venue: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Do you want to celebrate your elopement in Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or any other downtown Vancouver location? Get in touch with us today and we'll provide you with more info!
Winter elopement in Stanley Park: Rhiana + Keith
Rhiana and Keith celebrated their winter elopement in Stanley Park after having their wedding ceremony in an airbnb in Gastown. Vancouver was a pit stop for the two of them, just before heading over to the island to celebrate Christmas with their family.
I love it when couples decide to make their elopement a fun trip for the two of them! In this case, they got to spend the day eating ramen and exploring Vancouver's nature in Stanley Park. And having an airbnb in downtown is of course such a treat when it comes to easy access to all the good restaurants and places to visit!
Rhiana told me that her mom made her skirt. I thought that was very impressive and it makes it even more personal. And Keith had beautiful cufflinks and a watch that were family heirlooms. Personal touches like these are so meaningful!
One of the benefits of choosing Stanley Park for your photos is that even when you decide to elope in winter, the park still has so much greenery. Even after all these years shooting there, it still amazes me how lush it can look (very different from the view of dead branches I currently have from our apartment window, lol). And of course the beaches in the park are gorgeous all year long. So are the sunsets!
We drove through Stanley Park and stopped at several locations with the two of them. The downtown skyline, the totem poles, the forest and eventually we ended at the beach to catch the sunset! Rhiana braved the sand with her dress, even though she had to shake out a generous amount of it afterwards ;). But that's all part of the adventure!
Thank you Rhiana and Keith for having us join you for your celebration!
Winter elopement in Stanley Park photos
If you're planning a winter elopement in Stanley Park or elsewhere in the greater Vancouver area, don't hesitate to get in touch with questions or ideas! Thanks to our amazing local nature, we get to enjoy amazing scenery all year long and Winter certainly doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. :)
Cleveland Dam wedding proposal: Neno + Maja
I'm excited to share this Cleveland Dam wedding proposal with you today! Cleveland Dam is one of those magical North Vancouver places that looks different season to season and even day to day! One day it's all clear, the next it's super foggy and the cloud formations can be incredibly dynamic! But one thing is for sure: it's ALWAYS gorgeous. ;)
For his proposal, Neno had some help from his niece arranging the practical details. She was the one plotting with us where and how to pull it off. Because unlike a lot of proposals, this one happened during a family trip! Neno and his soon-to-be-fiancée Maja travelled to Vancouver from Croatia! And the two of them and their family visited beautiful locations. So Maja didn't suspect anything when admiring the views at Cleveland Dam.
Jelger and I were "tourists" photographing the mountains. ;) Thanks to everyone having big cameras these days, we don't stand out anymore and people are used to seeing others photograph the environment. The family stayed a bit behind and Neno went on his knee, surrounded by the mountains and the dreamy fog.
I loved how the two of them got to hug their family right away and take some photos together after enjoying a glass of bubbly! And of course we photographed the two of them together afterwards!
Thank you so much for having us guys, it was such a beautiful moment!
PS: How do you like the fog playing with the light in these photos? I'm obsessed with foggy sun rays! :)
Cleveland Dam wedding proposal photos
If you're looking for a proposal photographer, get in touch with us today! Jelger and I have some tricks up our sleeves to make the most out of your surprise proposal! We can help you choosing a location as well as give you tips on how to get the best photos! Set up a video call with us and we'll share our knowledge with you!
Want to see more wedding proposals on our blog? Check them out here!
Couple photos in the snow in Vancouver: Wim + Ben
In winter, the Vancouver North Shore mountains are the best locations for couple photos in the snow. Wim and Ben joined me (Tanja) for a snowshoe couple shoot on Cypress Mountain. And they didn't come alone, they brought Bubba, the cutest husky dog ever. ;) You'll see I'm not exaggerating!
Wim is a fellow Belgian (Belgians are slowly taking over Canada, just FYI), who also fell in love with Vancouver and moved here. Ben moved to Seattle from New Mexico. The two of them have adventurous spirits and love travelling and hiking together. I think Bubba is extra lucky, hehe, it's clear he gets a lot of hiking time and cuddles too!
Our shoot was the perfect opportunity for them to try their new snowshoes for the first time. I wouldn’t have guessed though, seeing how they raced up the mountain, haha. At the end of the shoot, we were (quite literally) chasing the sunset. I felt out of breath and my face was showing all kinds of red, while these two barely broke a sweat. ;) Totally worth it for the view at the end, though!
What I'll remember most of this day was how Wim and Ben are so playful together. They spontaneously came up with hilarious things to do. Snowshoe cupids?? Haha. And they certainly were up for racing around with Bubba! I also appreciated the little moments in between, so much love between these two. <3
Thank you so much Wim and Ben (and Bubba!) for joining me on the mountain. I had a great time!
Couple photos in the snow in Vancouver
Want to have your own couple photos in the snow? Join us for a mountain adventure on Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain or Mount Seymour! We have some great insider tips with the best spots and how to prepare for it, so don't hesitate to contact us here!
When planning to visit the snow and especially in the back country, always keep in mind to wear enough layers (merino wool is amazing!) and make sure someone knows where you are. Even when a trail seems innocent, it's easy to underestimate nature.
Westwood Plateau wedding: Katty + Scott
Westwood Plateau is one of those wedding venues that's still a bit of a hidden gem in Coquitlam! I love everything about it. From the beautiful surrounding mountains to the exposed wooden beams in the club house. So of course I applauded Katty and Scott's choice of Westwood Plateau for their wedding!
When we first met up with the two of them, we discovered how they are a multitalented couple. I loved hearing even more about it during their speeches, where their entrepreneurial spirits and experience with startups was highlighted several times. :) It's amazing to meet couples that clearly inspire others.
On a side note, talking about entrepreneurial qualities, Jelger and Katty certainly appreciated each other's organizational skills! Katty proved herself to be an amazing spreadsheet connoisseur and she managed her wedding like a project. Jelger, who created a very detailed timeline guide, loves it when someone actually reads and uses it. Needless to say the day went flawless with perfectly timed everything. ;)
Thanks to all the preparations and work they put into everything beforehand, the morning of the wedding day had the most relaxed atmosphere. Katty and Scott got ready in the same airbnb house, in different rooms. I love it when that's possible. There were not 1, but 3 first looks. ;) The first one when Katty's father first saw her and the second one with her friends. I thought this was especially awesome, such an excited group! And of course the third one when Scott first saw her in her wedding dress.
After the first look, the two of them drove to Westwood Plateau in a white Tesla, compliments of a friend who drove it all the way up from Seattle! Next, they dove straight into their wedding couple photo shoot before the wedding ceremony. Westwood Plateau provides golf carts for their wedding clients to visit some beautiful spots on the course. And while it rained most of the day, it stopped during their portrait time, yay! We enjoyed the beautiful environment together, before they started their intimate tea ceremony, followed by the wedding ceremony. I like that Katty was accompanied by both of her parents for her walk down the aisle!
Before sharing the photos with you, here are a couple of things that stood out to me personally. For the seating cards, Katty and Scott wrote a handwritten personalized message on the back each one! With over a 100 cards, I felt this was such an incredibly nice touch! It shows how much they care about each and every one person there. I've never seen this at a wedding before!
A great moment happened when their friends played out the couple's "how they got engaged" moment. They added a couple of different versions depending on who's point of view. It was hilarious and very creative! Another great moment occurred when the DJ, who is a personal friend, decided to ignore their pleas to end the first dance before the long song ended. They frantically hand-gestured to cut it short and he thought: nah, you do the whole thing. (Maybe I thought it was so great because we had over 3 minutes instead of 1 to photograph the first dance, lol.)
Thank you so much Katty and Scott for having us! Your day was one of a kind and we are honoured we were a part of it!
Westwood Plateau wedding vendors:
This duo has friends with amazing skills! Their friends helped out with the wedding planning, officiating, the wedding cake and DJ-ing!
The other vendors that provided their services for this wedding are:
Wedding ceremony venue: Westwood plateau - Studio room
Wedding reception venue: Westwood plateau - gallery room (downstairs)
Catering: Westwood Plateau
Florist: Bridal Beginnings
Decor rentals: Bridal Beginnings
Makeup and hair artist: Tianna Tran
Bridal dress: The Bridal Gallery
Groom's suit: Indochino
If you are planning your wedding, check out some of our wedding planning tips here, including some great timeline tips! And if you'd love to hear more about our wedding photography services, get in touch with us today!
Grouse Mountain snowshoeing in the fog
Grouse Mountain is a great location for weddings and engagement shoots, but this week we had the pleasure of exploring more of the mountain while snowshoeing!
Jelger and I took the skyride up around noon and headed towards the trail known as "the Grouse Grind for winter". If you're not from Vancouver, the actual Grouse Grind is a grueling hike up Grouse Mountain. It serves for many locals as a workout regimen. They can time themselves with tracking devices and it gets competitive! Jelger and I both tried it before and decided not to do it again. Mostly because the only view is the steady stream of hikers that join you up the "stairs". ;)
The snowshoe grind (or winter grind) however is entirely different! While it's of course still a bit of a workout, it's definitely not as busy or as intense. And when the fog clears, the views are spectacular.
We were out of luck when it came to views. At the top all we could see was a thick blanket of fog. But that didn't make this trip any less beautiful. The forest on Grouse Mountain is just spectacular and not what I expected at all! I always assume the trees become smaller and sparse when you snowshoe up a mountain. And while this showed true at certain locations, we also passed some of the biggest and most majestic trees I've ever seen!
The fog and the hidden views didn't take away of feeling in vast and beautiful nature. And as always with snowshoeing, I felt very peaceful thanks to the muffled sounds. Snow is the best insulator.
Enjoy to photos to get a feeling of what it was like! And I'm sure we'll be back to see it on a Sunny day!
Photos snowshoeing on Grouse Mountain
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The "view" at the top. ;) -
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Where we came from! Too bad we were covered in fog up there! -
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If you'd like to visit Grouse Mountain, find out more information here. Interested in joining us up the mountain for a photo shoot, get in touch with us today and we'll plan an adventure together!
Fall pre-wedding photos in Vancouver: Thu + Khoa
When Thu contacted us to photograph their fall pre-wedding photos in Vancouver, a lot of the leaves had already fallen of the trees. The trees in Vancouver have their own slightly unpredictable schedule, so depending on the weather each year is a different from the next. Luckily with a bit of research, we found a location that still sported some gorgeous fall colours!
The spot we decided on was the beautiful Jericho Beach! There are some gorgeous deciduous trees in the area, which is of course where we spent most of our time with Khoa and Thu, since they specifically loved the fall colours. They even dressed to match the colours!
This duo certainly is spontaneous, because not only did we plan their shoot very last minute, they went shopping for outfits only a few hours beforehand! Very brave in my opinion, haha, you definitely require a great go-with-the-flow attitude for that.
What stood out most to me during our time together is how attentive these two were towards each other. Khoa helped Thu with her shawl and kept an eye on all the details. And Thu adjusted Khoa's bowtie.
It was a chilly day in the beginning of November, but they both went for it. At the end of our time together, the sunset did its magical thing. Something about Jericho Beach sunsets that's different from anywhere in Vancouver!
Thu and Khoa, thank you for choosing us for your pre-wedding photos! We hope you're nicely settling in together!
PS: Can you guess which photos were taken in front of a giant pile of swept up leaves? ;)
Fall pre-wedding photos in Vancouver
If you're interested in your own pre-wedding photos with beautiful fall colours, here's how we do it! We plan a date in October and keep an eye on some different locations. Right before your shoot we decide if the trees are still looking amazing, because even a bit of wind can change everything! We decide on the final location together and off we go! Book your pre-wedding shoot today by contacting us here.
Cates Park elopement: Sam + Zach
Sam and Zach found Cates Park on the map for their elopement! Knowing that the park is somewhat of a Deep Cove local secret, Jelger and I were very impressed! And it didn't stop there, the two of them created an incredible experience for their small group of guests. Everyone flew in from Kansas and they stayed together in a beautiful airbnb in Deep Cove. And they fully embraced what Vancouver has to offer with dinners and drinks in the city. We even learned from them about an amazing Tiki Bar that's right around our corner (and we’ve lived in our current place for 7 years, lol). The two of them clearly know how to explore a new place and have a knack for finding hidden gems.
The benefit of eloping with a small group of guests and without decor, is that you can get married anywhere! We knew Cates Park features a lot of beach areas that were perfect for an element. So Jelger and I chose the exact ceremony spot on a small and more secluded shore. With the nice fall sun, it truly felt like a piece of paradise.
But what I'll remember most about Sam and Zach's day is how incredibly in love they were! From the moment Zach first saw Sam walking up the beach (in high heels and she rocked them!) to their personal vows. But especially after the ceremony, they just kept hugging each other.
While I don't always get to see "what happens after the elopement" from all of our clients, I did see Sam and Zach's honeymoon selfies pass by on Instagram and they made me feel all warm and fuzzy, hehe. They have such a beautiful combined family! And to quote Sam: "Being someone's first love may be great, but to be the last is beyond perfect."
Thanks so much for having us guys!
Cates Park elopement photos
Are you planning your own destination elopement in Vancouver? Check out our planning tips here! Or get in touch with us to ask any questions!
Diving engagement in Whytecliff : Lisa + Luke
Lisa and Luke are both passionate and experienced divers, so incorporating diving into their engagement session in Whytecliff Park was a no brainer!
I love it when our couples have a hobby or job which I don't know anything about, because it gives me a glimpse into a whole different world! In this case quite literally, because below the surface truly is a whole different world! Lisa showed me some photos from their dives. And I'd have NEVER known that Whytecliff Park has all these amazing sea creatures. So next time you're in West Van looking at the ocean, know that these two might be right exploring underwater, saying hi to an octopus or a hermit crab. ;)
When I think about diving, I also have to say you must really trust your partner! The process of getting into the suit is INTENSE, it takes about 30 minutes. And Lisa and Luke often helped each other out. But especially when in the water, you have to know your partner has your back. I think couples that dive together stay together. (I have absolutely nothing to base this on, other than seeing Lisa and Luke going through the entire process of getting ready, lol. ;) )
Before the two of them changed into their gear, we walked through the park together, enjoying the views. Whytecliff looks different every time, no matter how often you visit it. It's just gorgeous!
And when it was time for them to change, I loved how Lisa has pink accents and Luke has green accents on his diving suit. So fun! :) I brought a camera underwater casing for the occasion, because I thought I could take some photos of them underwater. While Lisa warned me that Whytecliff isn't like the Caribbean with limited visibility, I somehow still wanted to try it. I should have listened to Lisa, because the actual underwater photos are ehm, artistic green blur? ;) But I'm happy I joined them in the water, because I still took photos that would have been impossible without camera protection. :)
Lisa and Luke, thank you for the fun engagement shoot and for inviting us into your diving world. We had a great time and are excited about your wedding!
Whytecliff diving engagement photos
Behind the scenes
We often forget to take (or post) these, but today we've got two for you! ;)
Click here to see more photo shoots at Whytecliff Park! Or get in touch if you'd like to adventure with us!
Stanley Park Teahouse wedding: Helena + Steve
Helena and Steve's wedding at the Stanley Park Teahouse was a day to remember! So many fun and beautiful moments. And all of this with one of Vancouver's best views in the background: Ferguson Point!
In the morning, Helena got ready surrounded by family and friends in her parent's house. While airbnb's and hotels can be nice, there's something special about a location with many personal memories and history. And I bet her parents were proud to have her there too!
The two of them decided not to see each other before the ceremony, so Steve first laid eyes on Helena when she walked down the aisle. What a big smile. :D
What I remember most from their ceremony, is the priest being super funny. I wish I wrote down what he said, because my memory fails me, haha. I'm personally a big fan of humour during a wedding ceremony. It’s always emotional and intense (in a good way, but still!), and a good laugh is just the best way to release some tension.
We've photographed a lot of weddings in 2019 where the couple decided to skip on having an elaborate wedding party. And so did Helena and Steve. They had their maid of honour and best man stand with them during the ceremony, but skipped the more traditional part of having them join in for a lot of portraits afterwards as well as other wedding party duties. It's always great to do your own thing!
During the wedding portraits, we chatted a lot about the Yukon. As I mentioned in their engagement photo post, these two are building the type of life for themselves that Jelger and I dreaming off! (aka: a home in a small city with loooooots of nature) And because in their case, that involves a lot of geology knowledge and digging, they know a lot about diggers! (see if you can find the digger photo below, lol)
For the reception, their 40-ish guests were spoiled with a delicious plated dinner. And the dance party took off with their own playlist! I'm not going to lie, I always hold my breath when someone makes their own playlist instead of having a DJ, but these two totally pulled it off. So fun!
Helena and Steve, thank you guys again for having us! And see you in the Yukon! ;)
Stanley Park Teahouse wedding vendors:
Event coordinator + decor: Wedding & Design By Cloud 9
Wedding dress: Kathryn Bass Bridal
Makeup artist: Mink
Florist: Budget Blooms
Wedding ceremony location: Fergusson Point (lawn in front of the Teahouse)
Wedding reception + catering: Stanley Park Teahouse
If you'd like to see more photos in Stanley Park: go here! Or get in touch with us today to set up your own session!
Grouse Mountain winter wedding: Allie + Bob
I haven't even finished sharing all the weddings from September, but Allie and Bob's Grouse Mountain winter wedding seemed a perfect post for the day after Christmas! Vancouver was a travel destination for them and their families. And the mountain didn't disappoint! We were all rooting for snow and it happened just in time. ;)
From the start when talking with the two of them, it was clear that their main focus was on making sure it was an experience and a great time for the family. They chose the best location for that, because weddings at Grouse Mountain come with the fun skyride up and plenty to see at the top! Not to mention the beautiful view of the city.
Before the ceremony on the deck, Allie and Bob had a first look and we walked around for a couple of portraits in the snow. They toughed it out in sneakers and dressed shoes, haha, impressed! These two have a great sense of humour, which we later found out during the speeches runs in their families. Just two days prior, they told their family they're expecting twins (no joke!). And they did so while taking a selfie so they could capture everyone's reaction to the news! That's just the best.
It was soon time to return to the deck, where everyone witnessed the ceremony huddled in warm blankets. During the ceremony, Bob surprised Allie with a different ring than the one she expected! This shows he knows his bride well, haha, she thought it was hilarious. ;) The whole ceremony was like something out of a movie: gorgeous sunset, incredibly beautiful vows and a good dash of humor.
And as I mentioned before, the speeches were extremely funny. It always makes me a bit teary-eyed when families can have a good laugh together. In my opinion this shows closeness and a strong bond. We left the group, when dinner started. I can only imagine how hilarious their night ended with a karaoke adventure downtown!
Allie and Bob, thanks so much for having us and sharing these moments with you and your family.
Grouse Mountain Winter wedding vendors:
Wedding venue: Grouse Mountain
Catering: Grouse Mountain
Officiant: Jon Wiebe from Young, Hip & Married
Check out more photos from Grouse Mountain right here! And if you like what you see, get in touch today!
Horsefly trip in the Fall
I'm interrupting the flow of weddings and engagement shoots on the blog, to share a more personal post with you about our trip to Horsefly in the Fall. It was a two part trip, with some "camping gone wrong". And a nice cabin stay to make up for it. ;)
This year's wedding season had been our busiest season ever. And we were working hard until the night before we left on our long anticipated vacation. We scheduled 7-10 days off on the calendar and looked forward to a completely unplugged experience. In Horsefly there’s no cellphone coverage, which forces you to be all the more present when you're outside.
At first we considered camping in a tent, but we decided on the car, because the temperatures dropped below freezing at night. And there was plenty of rain in the weather forecast.
There's something truly freeing about your life suddenly evolving around finding water, preparing food and collecting firewood to stay warm at night. We hiked around in the vast empty nature, without seeing a single soul all day. Well, that's not true, we saw a mama and baby moose and many, many birds. Sorry, no moose photo, because we just slowly backed away on the narrow trail. It was a "picture in your mind" moment. Not a "let's grab a selfie with the moose that might get mad" moment. ;)
While seeing plenty of bear evidence on our Horsefly trip (never saw rose-hip coloured poop before, lol) we luckily didn't encounter any. Although I'm not sure what animals walked around our car at night, haha. Each morning we noticed plenty of new interesting tracks in the mud around our car. It looked like an animal highway at night.
During this trip, we also used a water filtration system for the first time. Beaver fever is real, haha. Confronting how much water you need per day with two people! We couldn’t find access to a stream near where camping was convenient, so we brought it in from elsewhere. Especially when doing the dishes, you easily use 10 liters a day.
So, what went wrong with the camping? The weather did. ;) It was raining and that just started to wear us out. We didn't foresee the mental impact of being contained to the car, and everything being wet all the time. Our car is more than enough big to camp in, but when it becomes the only dry place, not so fun. After 4 days we called it quits and drove back to Vancouver.
A do-over
Feeling unsatisfied with how that ended, we booked a nice airbnb for the end of the month, and had an absolutely lovely time (with nice weather).
We both LOVE the area because it's so vast and wild. You can still walk around all day without seeing people. With proper preparations there are amazing hikes that are yours alone to enjoy. If you've read our about page, we have a plan to buy a cabin in 5 years, and it'll certainly be out there!
The most "touristy" thing we did on our Horsefly trip was to visit the Moffat falls. And again, both upper and lower falls were ours alone to enjoy. In summer that location certainly gets more visitors, but nothing compared to Vancouver and the North Shore.
Horsefly is such a hidden gem. Fingers crossed in 5 years you'll be able to come and visit us there. ;)
Horsefly trip photos
Check out more photos from the Cariboo area right here.
Buntzen Lake wedding: Naomi + Gary
Naomi and Gary's wedding at Buntzen Lake took place on a mid-September Saturday morning. Although it was supposed to still be Summer, the weather felt like full-on Fall n the Pacific Northwest. On our drive from home to Buntzen Lake, it rained cats and dogs the entire way. But as soon as we arrived on at the ceremony spot, the weather gods turned the taps off, and kept things dry for the remainder of the couple's intimate ceremony.
But the weather quirks came with a silver lining! More than one, I should say. First, there were hardly any people in the park. I can imagine this must be a rare thing on a Saturday morning, so I'll take it! Yay for privacy! And yay for having first dibs on the best spots along Buntzen Lake's shoreline. The background for the wedding ceremony looked stunning with the mirror-like lake and just a hint of foggy clouds :)! But the second I thanked the weather for, were the forest's vibrant and saturated colors. Nothing beats the lushness of a Pacific rain forest right after a downpour.
At 10 am, Gary and Naomi spoke their intimate vows to each other, witnessed only by the officiant, Jelger and I. It doesn't get more intimate than that, which I loved. Afterwards, we had fun taking photos along the (almost) deserted beach, and hunting for good light spots in the forest.
Looking at the photos, I can see how much these two have a calm, profound adoration for each other. The way they look at each other, the small gestures, it's beautiful. <3
Thank you so much Naomi and Gary for making us part of your wedding celebration!
Buntzen Lake wedding photos
If you'd like to see more wedding and couple photos taken at Buntzen Lake, check them out here! Buntzen Lake always looks stunning, making it the perfect location for a wedding ceremony. I lost track of how many times I've visited the park, and every time it looks different!
Bonus tip: the opening hours change with the seasons, so make sure to look up the details here before visiting!
And if you're looking for more information about our wedding photography services, get in touch with us today for more info.