Carson and Kris are a 2021 couple who had to plan and then replan, and replan again (and maybe even again) their big day to accommodate ever-changing provincial Covid mandates and restrictions. Their original plans involved far more family and far more friends for this Kootenay couple-- both born & raised in the Trail area. However, they ultimately were forced to make do with a 50-guest backyard wedding. 

But you know something? It was fine! Perfect, even.

As I chatted with Carson & Kris' guests so, so many of them remarked to me at how perfect the day felt, despite it being a Plan B (or even Plan C/D at that point) and how thrilled they were with the smaller guest list and how intimate it felt. I think that many couples who braved having a wedding in the face of nearly impossible pandemic restrictions found this, as well; That even though their guest list was reduced in size by 3/4, the day with only their very nearest and dearest friends and family felt all the more perfect. 

Carson & Kris incorporated a few of my very favourite anti-traditions in their wedding and I just have to mention them here:

1. They had a First Dance early in the day-- to mark the start of the reception/cocktail hour, to be exact. Dancing early in the day meant that they had their guest's undivided attention, and the light for photos was so so so. much better than if they had done it on a dark dance floor. 

2. They put their dessert table out early. If you spend $$$ on those beautiful desserts why hide them away in a dark corner not to be seen until after dinner?

3. The left their guests for 20 minutes during the reception to sneak away with us for some golden-hour portraits. Carson & Kris indicated that having portraits done with their dog on their wedding day was really important to them, so I made sure to use this time for them to take their sweet pup "for a walk in the field" and snap some beautiful photos while they did. 

Sarah and Dirk got married at his family's hay farm just outside of Grand Forks, in BC's gorgeous West Kootenays. Preparing the property for the wedding was a massive endeavour and labour of love, not just for the couple and their families, but even for the guests who arrived several days before the main event to camp, celebrate, and make a massive hay-barn  wedding-reception-ready. 

I love DIY weddings like this where everyone is able to take a little ownership of the big day and do their part in making the magic happen. Whether it's doing the bride's hair at the last minute because the hair-stylist ended up having covid symptoms and was unable to attend... Or lending the couple a massive vintage flower pitcher circa The Netherlands 1800's... This wedding was dripping with personal touches & love from those nearest and dearest to the couple and that made everything extra special.

Second Shooter: Larissa Simonetta 
Getting Ready Location: PV Ranch Adventures
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Groom's Family's Farm
Florals: Lost & Found Flowers
Bridal Hair: Bridesmaids
Bridal Makeup: Alex Hitchcock
Catering: Tacos El Gringo

Tell me this isn't just the perfect summer-time-in-the-kootenays family session? We didn't let the rain stop us from having a great time!

Sara & Bergen took me to a spot in Castlegar, BC that their family frequents a lot-- the off-leash dog beach!  Miraculously we had the whole place to ourselves and had a blast throwing rocks and making a splash. I absolutely love when parents embrace their children's energy (and their own inner-child) and aren't afraid to get a bit wet and dirty. Being willing to PLAY is the single most effective things clients can do to turn their sessions from 'good' to 'great'-- and this crew was not lacking in that department!

I absolutely love the resulting photographs and am so excited to share them with you now.