Earlier this year Charlotte called me from back east to ask me to photograph her wedding. It was going to be set in Port Renfrew where she was eloping with her husband-to-be, Justin. Visiting the West Coast had always been a dream of theirs so why not get married out here too?!

After the beautiful 2 hour drive and 1 hour scouting out locations for their shoot I met them at the top of this mountain where they were staying in a Yurt. It is amazing the things you don’t know about when you are from the Island. I had never heard of Soule Creek Lodge, and it is easy to miss since it has it’s own private 2km driveway up into the hills.

If I could photograph every getting ready session in a Yurt I think I would. It is a dream for lighting. What was really unique was how intimate the getting ready photos were. Justin was there to watch and help. He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as Charlotte giggled with excitement. I remember saying to Justin later on that his big smile was impossible to look at and not start smiling myself. I had sore cheek muscles by the end of the day and I wasn’t even getting my picture taken.

Once Charlotte was all dolled up and slipped on her all terrain wedding shoes, we snapped a couple intimate shots of the two of them in the Yurt and proceeded to the beach they selected for their ceremony. It set an amazing backdrop for their vows and was such an honour to be part of.

Charlotte said her and Justin were up for “ANYTHING” and they wanted something “FUN.” We made our way around the beach for 2 hours taking photos. They were willing to climb anywhere and to get any shot. Once the sun started to set we started a Trash The Dress Session. It is not often the couple gets to do this on the same day. They braved the warm waters (at least I thought they were warm being from the West Coast), but they assured me it was cold. I was in there pretty deep so I had to explain what cold actually is to us.

I am really proud to have been part of their day and fortunate to have met Charlotte and Justin. Their joyful and outgoing personalties seem to shine through in every pictures. CONGRATS!