Davis Lake and McDonald Falls
As wedding season is in full swing, I can only dream of places like Davis Lake and McDonald Falls. While currently photographing weddings every weekend and spending weekdays behind my computer, I realized we never shared what happened after we didn't made it to Davis Lake! You can guess where this is going, lol, we DID make it this time! ;) Well prepared with more daylight and better coordinates, it was actually fairly easy to find! Isn't that always the case!
While the trailhead remained pretty hidden (immediately to the left when you pass the bridge over Murdo Creek) once we found it, the impressive McDonald falls awaited us within a few hundred meters. The upper ones, because for the lower McDonald falls you have to continue down the slope. Creating a good "waterfall selfie" isn't always an option, but it's part of the fun to try and get one! ;) As you can see in the photos, I had to scramble a bit to get there. Mind you, I'd NEVER put myself into an inherently dangerous situation for a photo. It's simply not worth it! But some scrambling, sure! :D
When we reached the lake, much to my surprise, we found a big wooden raft floating near the shore. It looked as if it was still functional since it still floated. And it added a beautiful, dreamy atmosphere to the lake scene. Rafts always remind me of my childhood. Not that I ever built one, hahaha, but it's something you'd read about in books. I should probably add it to my bucket list of ‘things to try’!
This time, we did little more than sitting on the lake shore and looking at the landscape. The clouds moved at a fast pace, casting a different light and colour on the environment every few minutes. Absolutely breathtaking.
Online, I’d read comments about Davis Lake like "only one side is nice" and "there's garbage everywhere". And yes, I have to admit that there was definitely some garbage, but far from what would ruin the experience for me. As for the "only one side of the lake is nice", well, I think it’s just silly. Just look at the gorgeous scenery on both sides! The occasional 4x4 car would drive along the forest road, but we only encountered one other visitor (and his dog).
Overall we had a great experience and this is just the perfect leisurely trip for when you don't want to do a lot of hiking, but want to be "away from it all". Finding the trailhead can prove to be a bit of a challenge. But once you’ve located it, it’s a matter of following the trail along the waterfalls until you hit the lake. Just keep at it, because it’s worth it!
And of course I'm also going to put this out here: if you're wanting to join us for an engagement shoot here, I think it would be AMAZING. ;) So if you're up for something a bit different, let us know!
Davis Lake and and McDonald Falls
UBC Rose Garden wedding: Keiko + Ben
Today, I’m excited to share Keiko and Ben's UBC Rose Garden wedding! Not only was this our first time photographing a wedding at the Rose Garden, it was also our first Buddhist wedding ceremony in Vancouver! And on top of that, these two were so much fun to photograph. Needless to say we were happy campers all day!
First of all, I absolutely LOVED how relaxed Keiko was in the morning! All the wedding planning stress seemed to have molten away and she was clearly determined to have a great experience. She and Ben decided to have their first look at Nitobe Garden, which is a traditional Japanese garden at UBC.
It's a beautiful location with a peaceful look! Or so it seems. Because the pictures don’t show you the two bridal parties, and the slow invasion of the garden by the ‘rollator gang’! Of course, we made it work, as we always do but just keeping it real, haha. Luckily, we found a peaceful nook right outside of the garden and took some of our pictures there ;)
The wedding ceremony took place in the UBC Rose Garden. And luck struck for Keiko and Ben, because the flowers blooming beautifully, making the entire scene look amazing! On a different note, they had the biggest group of ring bearers and flower girls I've ever seen! 100% adorable. Keiko absolutely loves children (which is why she works in a daycare)! I think she must have so much patience, lol, I could never do it!
But back to the wedding ceremony. The couple included the Japanese Buddhist ritual of San-San-Kudo. The name means "three, three, nine times" and involves both partners taking turns sipping from three different bowls of sake. Each bowl is larger than the previous and each partner sips 3 times from it. Hence the name of 3 sips from 3 bowls, making for nine times. The ritual added a wonderful mindful and calm atmosphere to the wedding ceremony.
A completely different thing now. I loved the subtle (and less subtle, haha) running references throughout the day. The couple shares a passion for running, so it was super fitting! For instance, they had aptly named the water dispenser "hydration station", and the ring bearer (wearing running shoes!) carried a sign reading "it's too late to run". ;)
Keiko and Ben, thank you so much for trusting us with your big day! We had a great time and I'm sure we'll ‘run’’into each other some time! Although I won’t actually be running. ;)
UBC Rose Garden wedding vendors:
- Wedding planner: Elysium Events
- Grant Ikuta
- UBC Rose Garden
- Sage Bistro
- Wedding photo location: Nitobe Memorial Garden
- Bridal Beginnings
- Sage Bistro
- Jive Jive
- Hair stylist groom: Eri Kamiya
- Divine Design Cakes by Kerry
- Harpist: Janelle Nadeau
- Bridal dress: MJM Wedding Services
- Groom's suit: suitsupply.com
Bowen Island wedding: Britta + John
Last month Jelger and I had the pleasure to photograph our first Bowen Island wedding! The entire concept of Bowen Island was unknown to us, as we'd only seen if from the ferry (to Sunshine Coast) or when driving along the Sea To Sky Highway. When John and Britta told us they'd celebrate their wedding there (on the property of John's parents) we had no idea what to expect. And did they waw us!
When arriving at the location, the day before the wedding, we were beyond impressed. What a beautiful piece of paradise! The gorgeous and wild beach, the lush rainforest, their stunning home with amazing views... I'm sure all of it contributed to the experience of the wedding guests! And extra suitable for this adventurous duo, that clearly has a love for hiking and nature.
On the morning of the wedding, the weather turned out amazing! This was especially great because everything took place outdoors, including the reception. For the beach wedding ceremony, Britta and John had created a stunning (and unconventional!) setup. The couple stood on a wooden platform, right next to the ocean and the guests could sit either on big wooden logs or on the rocks in the back! Of course, a few select guests used chairs, but I loved how this big group organically arranged itself!
Britta and John's dog, Harvey, got demoted from ring bearer to companion, because he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, lol. But that didn't stop him from joining us during a few photos and from being extra adorable. ;)
One of the most memorable moments for me was that during the reception The Buckaroos, a live band consisting of 3 of Johns cousins and friends brought musical entertainment. And at some point, John's sisters AND his dad joined the performance! There's something magical about live music, especially when the evening sets in accompanied by the sound of the ocean.
Something else that will also remain in my memory is that Britta's parents travelled from Germany to attend the wedding and that it was her dad's first time travelling so far! Jelger got to practise his German a bit during family portraits. (Fun fact, Jelger is half German and raised bilingually in Dutch and German)
Britta and John, thanks so much for having us to capture your magical day! I'm very grateful we got to be a part of it!
Bowen Island wedding vendors
- Officiant: Bruce Butler, family friend and B.C. Supreme Court Justice
- Florist: Bowen Island Flower Shop, Caroline Walker
- Decor and catering rentals: A&B Party Rentals
- Harvest tables & chairs: Bowen Event Rentals
- Bowen Island wedding Caterer: Vine & Garden, Matt Matheson
- Makeup artist and hair stylist: Line Artistry, Katie Elwood (and Min Jee)
- Cake artist: Heather, the groom's sister
- Band: The Buckaroos consisting of three of the groom's cousins (Mark, Ian and Andrew) plus two of their friends (Kori and Chris)!
- Bridal dress: Union Bridal
- Groom's suit: Harry Rosen
- Shuttle Bus: Peter King
- Day-of Coordinator: Karla Bensen
Would you like to celebrate your own wedding on Bowen Island with us as your photographers? Get in touch here. For more inspiration and wedding photography in and around Vancouver, check out more weddings here.
Golden Ears Provincial Park engagement photos: Debbie + Juan
Debbie and Juan chose to explore Golden Ears Provincial Park for their engagement photos. Jelger and I love this place and while we'd been here before a couple of times this year, we always make it into a different experience for our couples! Which is easy, given how huge the park is. We still have several unexplored regions to conquer!
With Debbie and Juan, we checked out the trail to the North Beach (our first time there). So many gorgeous views! Unfortunately, a few screaming youngsters (I'm getting old, haha) decided to photobomb our shoot a few times. But it convinced us to find some other beautiful, undisturbed spots nearby. As for the kids' screaming, I think they were screaming because of how cold the river water felt.
Juan mentioned that the rugged, 'un-city-like' environment made him feel like he was on vacation. And I couldn't agree more. The beautiful nature, the warm Summer evening, people lounging and a giant gorgeous lake... It's hard to believe that all of it is right here in Maple Ridge? Less than an hour drive for us. Life can get so hectic and busy, making it easy to forget how close by recovery from it all is. An opportunity to stop, give each other an extra hug (or two) and enjoy nature together. <3
As for me, I'm extra grateful to have the opportunity to be in the outdoors with amazing couples, such as these two. Of course, I'm usually taking photos, and thereby not only enjoying nature. But it's definitely my favourite part of our job. Very different than the other 90% of it, which is usually spent behind the computer, lol. ;)
Thank you so much for a beautiful evening and we're excited for your wedding in September!
Golden Ears Provincial Park engagement photos
Want to join us in further exploring Golden Ears Park? We've got some new ideas up our sleeves for places to check out there! Prefer a different location? Jelger and I are available for engagement photography all over the Lower Mainland (and beyond!). Get in touch with us today to inquire!
Lighthouse Park wedding photos: Sahar + Jamal
Sahar and Jamal contacted us to take their Lighthouse Park wedding photos! While they'd been married for 4 years, photos hadn't been an option before. So just for this shoot, they dressed up again in their beautiful wedding attire. And Jelger and I had the honour to be their photographers! Finally, the occasion was extra special with Sahar's family visiting from Iran.
On the day of the photo shoot, the main trail of Lighthouse Park was closed at the end (I mean, what?!?). But no problem for these two, because they happily climbed the rocks to a different beach with us. And so did their family! Kudos to everyone venturing down the less obvious West Beach Trail with us.
Unfortunately, the weather decided to throw in an extra challenge, with a light drizzle here and there and at times even a total downpour (we hid under some bushes for that, haha). But nothing could dampen the spirit of the couple. They went all out! I also love that they could still totally pass for newlyweds. They were simply too cute together! <3
Before I share their photos with you, I'd highly recommend taking a close look at Sahar's niece's dress. Cats!!! It's the cutest and on top of that, she was such a little trooper, climbing those big tree roots and rocks. I think I need a similar dress in my closet. ;)
Sahar and Jamal, thank you so much for trusting us with your wedding portraits! And cheers to many more years!
Lighthouse Park wedding photos
Are you considering to explore Vancouver's gorgeous nature for your wedding photos? Jelger and I love photographing couples outdoors all over the Lower Mainland. And why not put on your wedding dress again if you want to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Or if you'd have loved a different environment. And you can always create new memories. Get in touch and ask us anything you'd like to know!
Seymour River engagement photos: Mel + Brett
Mel and Brett chose Seymour River in North Vancouver for their engagement photos! Jelger and I were stoked because, despite numerous hikes on the North Shore, we weren't familiar with the region at all! Other than the more popular places such as Lynn Canyon and Rice lake, we were clueless about the vast amount of trails and other options in that area. So thank you Mel and Brett for taking us there!
The trail we followed had it all: the typical West Coast forest vibes and access to the Seymour River, with beautiful big rocks.
It's no coincidence the couple chose this location, as they're both avid trail runners and are very familiar with the region. I'm very impressed with everyone running in the forest, it's so hard!! Especially with all the tree roots and extra obstacles.
A surprise guest at their engagement shoot was the couple's absolutely adorable Australian Sheppard Roo. Starting out freshly brushed, Roo quickly found her way into puddles, streams and ultimately the river, lol. Luckily, she remained looking just as adorable though and even managed the perfect photobomb. You'll see. ;)
I loved how incredibly comfortable Mel and Brett were joking with each other and having fun. It's always a special feeling for me to experience this from behind my camera. Photographers are in such a unique situation, getting a close look at a couple's interaction.
Thanks so much for taking us on an adventure Mel and Brett! We're so excited to join you and your family for your wedding in Mexico in November!
PS: If you want to know where the trails start, check out this map! (Keep in mind the gates close at 9pm in Summer and earlier the rest of the year!)
Seymour River engagement photos
Are you excited about going on your own engagement adventure? Or do you need some inspiration? Jelger and I are excited to explore familiar (and new!) trails with you! British Columbia has the most amazing variety of nature, so whether you want engagement photos at the ocean, a forest, a lake, in the mountains... you name it, we'll join you! Send us a message right here.
Lynn Canyon engagement photos: Mere + Mike
This shoot of Lynn Canyon engagement photos brings a smile to my face!
I mean, come on: such a gorgeous location. Could it be more PNW (Pacific Northwest in case I sound cryptic :))? And that's not even mentioning the fun duo!
When we met Mere and Mike at the entrance of Lynn Canyon Park, it rained a little. And unfortunately, it continued during the shoot. But luckily no downpour, just some on-and-off drizzling! Despite the weather and the fact that it was a weekday, a surprising amount of people visited the park. Which urged us to look for beautiful, hidden spots close to the river and in the forest. Anything to avoid the crowds :)! Except for the famous Lynn Canyon suspension bridge of course. And even for that, it was nothing a little waiting couldn't fix. ;)
Mere recently moved to North Vancouver from Edmonton, Alberta. Since her move, Mike's been introducing her to the stunning nature of British Columbia. Kudos to her on moving out of love. <3 It's a whole new start over in an unfamiliar place. Aaaaalllmost like moving countries, given the sheer size of Canada.
During the shoot, I noticed how easily Mike could lift Mere up! Very impressive, I can't remember the last time Jelger 'swept' me off my feet like that, lol. Jelger, when you're reading this, show me your moves, hahaha!
After spending some time at the gorgeously green 30-foot rock pool, we (Jelger and I) scouted for "the perfect patch of ferns". Perfect including not just the ferns, but also the perfect ray of light illuminating said patch. And yes, this is a thing. Jelger already knows what to look for whenever I call for 'the perfect patch of ferns ;).
Since Mike and Mere loved both the views at Lynn Canyon Park and Cleveland Dam, we drove there for the second part of the shoot. It's surprisingly close to Lynn Canyon, I had no idea! We finished the shoot with the beautiful mountains in the background and nothing too soon. We'd barely stopped shooting when a mega downpour started. We all made it back to the cars in time ;).
Mike and Mere, thanks so much for having us! We're excited to photograph your wedding in Stanley Park and to meet your family and friends!! I know I'm going to have a ball.
Lynn Canyon engagement photos
Interested in exploring the North Shore with us? Get in touch with us here for your own adventure in North Vancouver. Or elsewhere. Jelger and I offer engagement photography all over the Lower Mainland and always have ideas for locations!
Cheakamus Centre wedding: Courtney + Anthony
When Courtney and Anthony told us about their Cheakamus Centre wedding, I got extra excited.
This Squamish based wedding venue had been on my bucket list for the longest time. The biggest highlight is, of course, the amazing forest with the mossiest (yes, this is a word now) trees that surrounds the property. And in the middle of those trees, you'll find the most magical wedding ceremony location. But on top of that, Cheakamus Centre offers you privacy. So unlike in public places, you won't see any tourists accidentally walk by while you're speaking your wedding vows! ;) It makes the entire day feels much more intimate when you're surrounded only by family and friends.
The morning of the wedding day started with the two of them getting ready in adjoining rooms at the Executive Suits Hotel in Squamish. So fun that they could hear each other on the balcony, but there was no peaking before the first look! ;)
And what a first look they had. Tension often builds up quite a bit, when you're spending time apart and waiting anxiously for the moment that you've planned for a long time... When Anthony finally saw Courtney in her wedding dress, he had a beautiful, emotional reaction (and had me in tears too). I'm pretty sure Jelger just suffered from the dusty air :). They continued the emotional vibe into their wedding ceremony, with amazing personal vows. I can't tell you enough how special it is to declare your love in your own words.
Jelger and I felt extra spoiled with photo time during sunset, where even though there was no "real sunset", a mystical fog appeared over the pond and created a very 'Pacific Northwest vibe' :). Speaking of the weather, the sky was pretty crazy the entire day! It started out with lots of sunshine, followed by a serious downpour when we had just arrived at the centre. Next came more sunshine, sequenced by another dump of rain in the evening during the reception. But it was all meant to be, though, because as if on cue the skies closed whenever the couple and guests went outside. ;)
Last but not least, I LOVED (and had never seen at a wedding before) the request for "lunges at the dance floor". Yes, please!!! I could continue going about the care these two put into the details of their day, but I'll let you judge for yourself. ;)
Courtney and Anthony, we had the best experience with you two. Thanks so much for having us and I can't wait to meet your cats soon! ;)
Cheakamus Centre wedding photos
Cheakamus Centre wedding vendors:
- Wedding Planner: Jill Dickson and Carolyn L’Heureux
- Flowers: Billies Flower House
- Wedding Venue: Cheakamus Centre wedding venue in Squamish
- Cake: Alannah Peddie
- Reception Music: Mark from Absolute Entertainment
- Wedding Officiant: Kristen from Young, Hip & Married
- Hair & Makeup: Natacha Trottier
- Courtney's wedding dress: David's Bridal
- Anthony's suit: Debonair Formal Wear
- Getting ready location: Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, Squamish
Lighthouse Park engagement photos: Keiko + Ben
Keiko and Ben decided on the scenic Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver for their engagement photos! We last visited this beautiful location a while ago, so of course we were excited! Lighthouse Park has become a rather popular destination (thanks Instagram!). Instead of heading straight for the beach, we offered the couple to start off on a smaller trail. And from there, we'd descend to the beach where we'd finish off with sunset photos.
I love Lighthouse Park because it offers almost everything you could ask for: forest, big rocks, ocean and even a few mountains in the backdrop. Not to mention there's a good variety of trails. No matter how many times I've visited the park so far, it always looks different.
During our first meeting, Keiko told us all about Ben's amazing way of proposing to her!
When it comes to proposals, I'm a hopeless romantic (I cry over pretty much any proposal video I see, haha) And I love that Ben managed to bring together the proposal with their shared passion: running. Even though Jelger and I are not runners (give us Crossfit over running any day), we're both big supporters of leading an active lifestyle.
One final random fact from this shoot: I learned about a new food called natto, which is one of Keiko's favourites (not so much for Ben). I'm definitely intrigued! And although Jelger refuses to try it, next time I'm in a Japanese restaurant, I'm going to give it a try!
Thanks so much for exploring the trails of Lighthouse Park with us, Keiko and Ben! We're very excited to photograph your wedding next month!
Lighthouse Park engagement photos
Are you interested in having your own engagement shoot in Vancouver with us? Don't hesitate to get in touch here and we'll gladly help you pick out the perfect location in nature.
VanDusen wedding: Cathy + Andrew
We ended the month of May with a blast thanks to these two and their VanDusen wedding. There are so many things about this day that I was absolutely stoked about, I'll try to do my best and remember them all! ;)
My morning started in Cathy and Andrew's apartment, which I love because it's obviously a special place for them! Cathy told me she'd like to have a relaxed, instead of getting up super early. So that's exactly what they organized! After Andrew left to get ready at his parents' place, Cathy spent the morning with her bridesmaids and family while having tasty snacks and a vintage bottle of bubbles. Much to my surprise, I learned that some rose sparkling wines can actually handle a few years of aging! I should also mention that Cathy and Andrew are big foodies, so we were in good hands for the day :)!
The couple's ceremony took place on the lawn next to Heron Lake in Vancouver's VanDusen Botanical Gardens. The couple had chosen not to see each other before the ceremony. Which meant all the more excitement during the processional. I loved seeing Andrew's big smile when he saw Cathy walking down the aisle. But the excitement kept on going because the couple had opted for an unplugged wedding ceremony.
Few things make me happier at a wedding than seeing the guests present in the moment, rather than experience the event through an LCD screen. And it doesn't just change the experience of the guests, it benefits the bride and groom too. Instead of looking at a wall of phones and cameras, they can connect with their loved ones. Cathy and Andrew's guests showed utter respect for the couple's wish because during the entire ceremony I didn't see a single cell phone or camera! Very impressive. ;)
For the formal portraits of the wedding couple and their bridal party, we explored the beautiful surroundings of VanDusen gardens. May showed us its best with warm (if not hot) temperatures, but nothing we couldn't handle. Because the couple had arranged to finish things off with ice cream! Not just any ice cream, but actual Earnest Ice Cream (I told you they are foodies)! Jelger and I LOVE Earnest Ice Cream. ;) And let me add, what a perfect addition to a cocktail hour!
Finally, there was the wedding reception, which Cathy and Andrew kicked off with their first dance. It's a concept that I see pop up more frequently. Maybe because it allows the couple to completely let go, rather than nervously count down until their performance in a spotlight (literally). The couple had put a lot of work into their first dance, and it absolutely showed! I loved Andrew's loooong dip. Let me explain: for wedding photographers, dips during of after a dance can be a big headache. Often, couples dip superfast and/or in an unpredictable moment, making it pretty difficult to capture that highlight in the best aesthetic possible. So, as we told Cathy and Andrew beforehand: if you're going to dip, make it last long enough. They did. And it was perfect!
After the amazing dinner and heartfelt speeches, we happily whisked the two of them away for a quick couple of portraits during sunset! Yes, please!! Golden light at the Golden Chain trees. Considering that these trees only bloom for about 2 weeks (under good circumstances!), we felt lucky to be able to photograph the two of them under the yellow canopy.
When we returned to the reception, the final piece of the night had been set up: donuts! That's right, no cake for these two! Instead of cutting the cake, they fed each other a donut. Things ended with the most fun dance party. And after work, the couple spoiled us with a snifter of amazing Scotch whisky (Lagavulin), after we put the gear away of course :).
Cathy and Andrew, thank you sooo much for having us!!! I'm already excited to see photos from your honeymoon. ;)
PS: Big hug to Tarina from Coastal Fern Weddings, who was an absolute pleasure to work with!
VanDusen wedding vendors
- Event planning: Say Events Co -Tarina Taylor.
- Wedding venue: VanDusen Botanical Garden
- Hair- and makeup artist: Rita Tang from The Love Team Makeup
- Florist: Gloria's Flowers
- Catering: Truffles Fine Foods
- Decor rentals: Lonsdale events
- DJ: DJ Hot Wax
- Donut bar: Lee's Donuts
- Ice cream: Earnest Icecream
- Wedding dress: Rosa Clara Nancy, from store Blush Bridal Yaletown
- Groom's suit: Indochino
Engagement photos at Spanish Banks: Michelle + Connor
Taking engagement photos at Spanish Banks never gets old! So of course we were excited when Michelle and Connor chose to go there! And the day was extra special, being Michelle's birthday.
As we always do (unless we're in the middle of nowhere, hehe), we started our time together with a drink! And soon we found out these two have a great sense of humour. And a love for animals. Which reminds me: anyone knows how to smuggle llamas into the UBC botanical gardens, let me know. (that includes without being banned forever, lol) Or alpacas if llamas are out of the question.
UBC has a special meaning for these two, as they're also getting married here! So it was only fitting to stay in the area for their engagement photos. With the forest right next to the beach, it's just the perfect spot to enjoy different kinds of nature!
Spending time in nature with our couples, while goofing around, is the best part of our job! There's something about nature that allows people to be just that little freer and grounded. It's hard to exactly describe what I mean, but the city is not the same.
We're extra fortunate to meet likeminded people through our photography. In this case, we didn't only share a love for furry creatures, but also for hiking! Shortly after our shoot, this adventurous duo hiked the famous West Coast Trail! It's very inspiring to us to hear about how they prepare for this and how light they manage to pack their backpacks. Compared to these two we're rookies, but definitely working on changing it. ;)
Thanks so much for a fun evening, Michelle and Connor! We're so excited about photographing your wedding next year!
Engagement photos at Spanish Banks
Want to do your own engagement photos at Spanish Banks? Or elsewhere in the Lower Mainland? Jelger and I can help you find the perfect spot! Get in touch here and let's plan your adventure!
Golden Eagle Golf Club wedding: Amy + Sian
Amy and Sian's Golden Eagle Golf Club wedding was one for the books! Not only did they decide on having their wedding portrait session at Pitt Lake, which was one of my "bucket list places". Their dance party was just epic! But I should back up a bit. ;)
As usual, I spent the morning with the girls, while Jelger went to the guys. Once everyone had finished getting ready for the wedding day, we met up again for Amy and Sian's beautiful first look!
In case you didn't know, Jelger and I have a soft spot for first looks. We first learned about the concept on our own wedding day. And since, we've been totally sold and recommend it to all our clients, because it offers a beautiful, emotional and intimate break from the hectic wedding day. But I digress. When Sian turned around and saw Amy in her wedding dress, his reaction was absolutely priceless: "Oh wow!" And he couldn't stop smiling! <3
Next up, we met the couple and their wedding party for formal portraits at the stunning Pitt Lake. Pitt Lake is one of those places where I'd been dozens of times, but always for pleasure (yay for canoe trips!). And every time I tell Jelger how much I'd love to photograph a wedding couple at the location. As it turned out, Amy and Sian's venue was pretty much next to the lake, so we didn't have to look far for a good portrait location :).
What I love most about the scenery around Pitt Lake, are the views of the surrounding mountains. Regardless of the weather or time of day, the view always holds some sense of mystery. I could easily have spent hours in this one location, but we needed to get the couple and their bridal party back in time for the ceremony! All of them were absolutely fabulous because they braved the slight drizzle. And the girls conquered the grassy trails in high heels. ;)
After the wedding ceremony, filled with personal vows and more mountain views, Amy had a full makeover for the reception (including dress change). Beforehand, they'd agreed to sneak out with us during the reception for a few sunset portraits, so yay! And when they returned, family members and friends gave beautiful, heartfelt speeches.
Finally, the reception really took off with an awesome Backstreet Boys singing performance. Sian showed some serious entertainment skills when he unexpectedly joined the group that had started the song. And the whole room showed us that doctors know how to party (Amy and Sian, and most of their guests were medical doctors). But talking about it won't do it justice, so just scroll down and you'll see what I mean. ;)
Amy and Sian, thanks so much for having us! We felt honoured being a part of your day and we're excited about our shoot together in the Summer!
Golden Eagle Golf Club wedding vendors:
- Wedding coordinator: Lorae Brickwood via the Golden Eagle Golf Club
- Wedding and reception venue: Golden Eagle Golf Club
- Florals: Fleurtation Flowers (Annie Ly)
- Videography: DVJ Studios
- Makeup and hair: Jeis Coco
- Cake artist: The Baker's assistant
- DJ: Dan Stanley
- Bridal dresses: rental from Taiwan
- Bridesmaid's dresses: David's Bridal
- Groom's suit: Indochino
- Groomsmen suits: own suits
- Considering your own Golden Eagle Golf Club wedding? Get in touch with us today!
Crooked Falls in Squamish: our wedding anniversary hike
Last Monday, Jelger and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary with a hike to Crooked Falls in Squamish. Even though we're already working away in the middle of our busy wedding season, we preferred taking the day off and celebrate!
The seven years we've been married feel like they flew by, and yet like a long time at the same time! I posted a before-and-after photo online and I had to laugh when I saw how SERIOUS we looked in ALL of our wedding photos (and I mean tight, clenched-butt-cheek serious, haha). That said, I'm proud of who we were back then because it's part of our story. But I'm even more proud of who we are today. The side-by-side photos show me how we've completely reinvented ourselves. Today, we focus on "what do we want" instead of "what is the next step expected of us".
Our anniversary also reminded us to look back once in awhile. It's easy to lose yourself in focusing on "what's next". But your present builds on your past accomplishments. Without those, we wouldn't be where we are today. Which makes it all the more important to remember and celebrate that past, no matter how awkward it may seem today!
While it'd probably be sexier to tell you "oh, it's so easy to be married", I'd be telling you only part of the story. Like everything in life it comes down to "you get out of it what you put into it." Luckily both Jelger and I are on the same page about that and we've always invested a lot in our marriage. One of the biggest factors being communication. With the risk of sounding cliche, communication is indeed everything. But let's not digress, that topic is a whole different blog post, haha. If you ever feel like chatting about relationships, send me a message because I'm quite passionate about the subject. ;)
Back to our wedding anniversary! What better way to spend it than in our second home: nature. Squamish is without a doubt one of our favourite places. So I found us a beautiful, unexplored and off-the-beaten-track hike in the outskirts of Squamish. Juuuust the way we like it. ;)
The Crooked Falls hike has an amazing viewpoint over the Upper Squamish Valley. It also has a lot of impressive rock formations and boulders along the trail. And of course, there are the actual Crooked Falls, which are BIG. No, scratch that, they're not just big, but HUGE. They are the most impressive falls I've seen to date in the Squamish area.
When standing next to the falls, the thundering noise and intense vibrations feel immensely powerful. Because of the sheer size of the cascades, I had to stitch several photos together to capture it all in one shot. And the constant water spray was an extra challenge to take photos! Also amazing: the tiny trail that splits off from the main one, and leads to an unexpected side angle of the waterfalls.
During our hike, I noticed a lot of signs warning us about the presence of bears. Apparently, they even closed the campsites for this reason. But we didn't see a single furry animal on our entire trip. Probably because they were all hanging out at the deserted campsites, lol.
On a final note, make sure you come prepared with the usual supplies and precautions because Crooked Falls is outside of cell phone coverage.
Cheers to 7 more years with this man of mine. I have no idea what our lives will look like in another 7 years, but somehow I think it'll involve a lot of nature ;)).
Crooked Falls hike in Squamish photos
Intimate wedding in Stanley Park: Roya + Karim
Roya and Karim invited us back for their second intimate wedding in Stanley Park! We're usually not in the business of repeat customers, lol, but this couple had two wedding ceremonies! The first one, which you can see here, involved just the two of them (and us) ;). And they decided to do it again, with a select group of family and friends that flew in from all over the world!
While we were on the same trail in Stanley Park, the Lovers Trail (how appropriate!), they opted for a different ceremony spot. I loved how, while the environment was similar, the ceremony had its own unique vibe.
This time, the couple incorporated a beautiful tradition: a ring warming ceremony. With this ritual, every guest holds the rings and 'infuses' them with their wish for the couple. I think it's a wonderful gesture that can add a very personal touch to your wedding ceremony. And on an energetic level, your wedding bands receive extra good vibes :).
A special side note: Karim designed Roya's engagement ring himself. It includes a diamond that his family passes on between generations. I was so impressed, that I'm even sharing a ring shot (which I don't often do, hehe).
I also can't say enough good things about Karim's two nephews, who were extremely polite, friendly and considerate. Whenever Roya had to move, they helped her out with carrying the train of her wedding dress.
After the wedding ceremony, Roya and Karim had opted to skip on the couple photos, which they had already covered during their previous wedding ceremony. Instead, it was all about having heartful, candid moments, having fun, and of course some beautiful family portraits.
Finally, Roya gave the bouquet toss and the cake cutting her own special twist (you'll see!). This was definitely a first 'group cake cut' for us :)
Roya and Karim, thank you so much for having us again!
Stanley Park wedding Vendors:
- Wedding Dress: Karoline Lang Bridal
- Hair and makeup: Pink Lime Vancouver
- Flowers: Celsia Floral
- Reception location: The Teahouse in Stanley Park
- Officiant: Verna Magee Shepherd
Sawblade Falls hike in Coquitlam
Jelger and I visited the Sawblade Falls in Coquitlam a couple of years ago. Recently when searching for a fun hike we thought about visiting the falls again! Only this time, we were joined by Cathy and Andrew, whose wedding we're photographing this week, woohoo! Just to be clear, this was not an engagement shoot! And in case you're wondering why there are so many photos of ourselves, it was for fun! ;)
I loved how our hike turned into a forest photo-op, as Andrew is an avid photo enthusiast too. I dare say he's actually better prepared than some professionals because his backup and camera game was on point! Usually, on our day off, I feel bad for making Jelger wait for me at trails all the time, haha. But now I had a partner in crime. ;)
Nature spoiled us that day: it truly was Pacific Northwest at its best! We enjoyed the gorgeous lush green forest, with an eerie fog creeping in through the trees. And of course, at the end of the hike, a big waterfall awaited us. One of which I apparently forgot to take a photo. Don't ask me how I managed to do that :)! Probably because I was either having too much fun or maybe because I was too busy not tripping on my way down the slippery trail. ;)
Going from the upper Sawblade Falls to the lower ones requires a bit of a hike, but nothing too crazy! Although I must admit that where at first I was making fun of Jelger for bringing his hiking poles, later on, they turned out to be pretty useful on the steep descent to the Lower Falls ;) And yes, I did take a photo of these falls.
During our hike, it never stopped raining. At first, it drizzled a bit, but by the end, it was pouring. I didn't mind the least though. The dense canopy of the trees gave us excellent shelter and we were having a great time ;). Not to mention, the rain gives the forest that unique lushness. It's a tradeoff I can live with!
Thanks, Cathy and Andrew for joining us in our day-off forest shenanigans! We loved adventuring with you and can't wait to photograph your wedding this week!
Thanks, Cathy and Andrew for joining us in our day-off forest shenanigans! We loved adventuring with you and can't wait to photograph your wedding this week!
