Sarah and Colin’s wedding was my first time attending a wedding at Slocan Valley’s beautiful ‘Hummingbird Farm’, and what a treat it was! This working flower farm, nestled on the banks of the Slocan River, grows all their own organic florals. The intimate wedding ceremony was held on the lawn, with the warm mid-summer sun. Immediately afterwards guests joined the brand new Mr & Mrs for a refreshing champagne toast. Portraits were done right there on the property amongst the most beautiful fields of blooms. Nelson’s fantastic Hume Hotel served up tasty bites, while guests laughed, cried happy tears, danced, and celebrated well into the evening. I can’t wait to return to this lovely venue! Second Shooter- Nadine Hair- Kali DeVito Makeup- Jen Hagel Flowers- Hummingbird Farm Catering- The Hume Hotel Desserts- Starbird Bakery Bridal Attire- Anaise Annette Groom’s Attore- Baker Street Men’s Wear Live Music- Grace Clark Band DJ- Sheldon Button Holy Cannoli, I can’t believe how off track I have gotten with blogging. Suffice it to say, 2022 was one hell of a year. In many ways I feel like I am still finding my footing after it. If I am being realistic, I don’t think I could possibly get ‘caught up’ with blogging, but I do hope to share at least a handful of weddings and portrait sessions from 2022 before the 2023 wedding season starts with a bang in May!
On that note, I bring you Shaelyn and Bryan! These two got married on one hell of a hot day last July at Birchbank Picnic Grounds in Trail, BC. Birchbank is one of those venues that doesn’t look like much on the average day, but it cleans up *so* beautifully with some twinkle lights, florals, and maybe some drapery. It also comfortably accommodates events with 150-250 guests, making it a no brainer for those Kootenay wedding couples with enormous Italian &/or Russian families. Something I will never forget about Shaelyn and Bryan’s wedding is how important it was to Shaelyn to include both of her Dads in key moments. Shae is fortunate to have two amazing Fathers— her biological Dad and her Step-Dad— who have jointly played huge roles in her life. As much, Shae felt it was important to include them both in ‘Father of the Bride’ roles. We planned separate ‘First Looks’ with her and each of her Dads (and with Bryan, the Groom, too!) and she even had both of her Dads accompany her down the aisle to ‘give her away’. It was truly such a touching, and special moment! Second Shooter— https://www.instagram.com/jovita.photography.weddings/ Hair— https://www.instagram.com/hairbymiguellegere/ Makeup— https://www.instagram.com/mmyymakeup/ Florals- https://www.instagram.com/idoweddingflorals/ Catering— Julie Eyers Videography— https://www.instagram.com/backwoodsmedia_bc/ Bridal Attire— https://www.instagram.com/cande.bridal/ Groom’s Attire— https://www.instagram.com/jjsfashions/ Marc & Anna were referred to me by one of my favorite 2019 couples. Because they live in Vancouver & were planning their wedding in Kelowna, and I live in the Kootenays, we didn't exactly have the opportunity to meet & do an engagement session before the big day. This is never ideal, and the feeling of walking into a wedding day without having met my couple in person always makes me feel anxious. But all of those nerves melted away the moment my second shooter and I met Marc. Meg & I had pulled up to this cottage and he immediately came out onto the deck with the biggest smile and wide open arms. He promptly invited us up to meet his groomsmen and family-- all of whom promised to obey our every command and do exactly what we say. Excellent-- the way to my heart! From there the day only got better & better. Marc and Anna got ready in separate cottages at La Casa Cottages on Kelowna's West Side. Afterwards we all jumped in our vehicles and headed back over the bridge to Kuiper's Family Fruit Farm for the couple's First Look and formal portraits. Marc and Anna were so sweet stealing a tender first-touch before Marc turned around to see his gorgeous bride for the very first time. The wedding ceremony and wedding reception were hosted at Kelowna's historic and absolutely gorgeous Laurel Packinghouse. It's been a long time since I've worked at an indoor-venue this beautiful and I found myself picking my jaw up off the floor repeatedly all night. The space was expertly set up by Michelle Goodwin Weddings and let me tell you, no detail was overlooked. Michelle was a joy to work with from start to finish. When the intimate ceremony wrapped up, guests were invited to mosey on over (just around the corner) to BNA Brewing to enjoy a pint and hang out while the Laurel Packinghouse turned the space over from Ceremony to Reception. My second shooter and I took the opportunity to pull the couple aside for 30 minutes and get some fun, moody shots inside BNA's incredible historic mezzanine level. The brick and leather and gorgeous natural light had us all swooning. I don't often get to photograph clients indoors and this felt like such a treat! Then it was back on over to the Packinghouse for dinner, drinks, and party time! And let me tell you-- this crew was ready for that dance floor! The most memorable moment of all was when Anna burst onto the dance floor (to Abba's iconic song, 'Dancing Queen'!!) in an unexpected, surprise outfit change-- a full body, white, sequinned body suit. The look on Marc's face can best be described as utter surprise and complete joy. Anna was an absolute goddess. After 10 hours of shooting, I was absolutely exhausted, but it was hard to pull myself off the dance floor and call it a night. This crew was just so much fun and such a joy to photograph. I wish I could back and relive that wedding over and over again. Huge thanks to all of the amazing vendors who worked their magic this day.. Most especially my second shooter Meg Froehler who was a total rockstar in every possible way. Hair & Makeup: Cassidy Watt Artistry Collective
Flowers: Gems and Stems Catering: Bonne Bouche Catering Event Planning: Michelle Goodwin Weddings Bar: Bar Travelling Man DJ: DJ Krucial K Rentals: All Occasions Party Rentals & Perspective Event Design Drapery: Stage Right Etc. |