One of the best parts of being a Kelowna Wedding Photographer is that I get to travel all over the Okanagan for weddings and engagement sessions!
For Kiara & Ben’s Naramata Engagement Session, we four-wheeled it up the mountain in Ben’s jeep to this beautiful location on his family’s property. I get to see views and locations that I wouldn’t be able to see otherwise! How lucky am I??
We had so much fun and I can’t wait for their wedding in 2021!!
Well… to start, the first time I met this adorable duo, I took them UNKNOWINGLY to a nude beach. A hidden nude beach. And naked people just started emerging from the trees surrounded the beach, which utterly confused us. By the third person and some exploration, we realized we were definitely the trespassers. You know… with all our clothes on and whatnot. Needless to say, it made for a hilarious and memorable first meeting!
Their beautiful Summerhill Pyramid Winery wedding had far less nudity than their engagement session, thank goodness! Although, it was SO windy during their mountain top first look and first set of bridal party photos, that many of them could have ended up dress-less! We decided to cut it short and resume later in the day because it was just far too windy!
There were so many fun moments over the course of the day – from the sabering ceremony where Laura’s dad had WAY too much fun, to the pogo stick competition, sweet and tearful speeches, I couldn’t have been happier and more honoured to spend the day with this beautiful couple!
Winter engagement sessions in Kelowna are generally pretty warm. Like this session. But guess what? I complained anyway because I really dislike the cold. In the winter, I grasp at anything that will keep me cozy. Fireplaces, tea, cuddles, blankets, more cuddles….
Fast forward to this week and it’s -17 degrees. Brrrrrrrr.
So. I figured I should probably post this session before it gets warm and we don’t want to think about snow anymore.
Jessica & Patrick and I needed to keep warm this day, so we didn’t stop moving – them a little more than me. I really love love love it when my couples can commit to the ridiculous things I ask them to do. These two really gave it their all. They committed to the cuddles, the affection, the terrible (TERRIBLE) jokes I tell, my awkwardness, to braving the weather, to really not being shy about their love.
Just take a peek for yourself – their love shines bright!
Lindsay and John chose two beautiful Kelowna Wedding Venues for their Kelowna Wedding ceremony and reception. Evolve Cellars in Summerland is an incredible venue with one of the most stunning views in the area. Just look at their ceremony photos and you’ll understand. The Laurel Packinghouse is another beautiful venue – one of my favourite venues. As a Kelowna Wedding Photographer, I am fortunate to visit both of these beautiful venues several times a year.
The day started early with the ladies getting pampered by Dana England (make-up) and the ladies at Pomme Salon (hair). My incredible sidekick, Kaila, was hanging out with the guys while they got handsome’d-up! The ladies were quite relaxed which was a lovely treat! They spent their time laughing, eating, and gifting Lindsay a beautiful scrapbook – a tradition among friends getting married. Lindsay had a private moment to read a handwritten letting from John before getting into her beautiful Mikaella Bridal gown. Lindsay and her bridesmaids’ looks were completed with the most incredible and unique bouquets by Blue Sage Farm. If you’re looking for something different and unique… you need to contact Darquise. She’s incredible, as you can see!
Lindsay’s Aunt officiated the wedding ceremony which was a lovely personal touch. I’m all about the family and this detail made my heart so happy! Lindsay and John wrote personal vows for one another… another detail I love. I try to get to know my clients as much as possible during the planning process, but regardless of how much we talk beforehand, personal wedding vows give me another view into their love story. I feel so fortunate to be a part of these special moments.
After the ceremony, we headed to the Laurel Packinghouse and spent more time taking pictures around downtown (I love having lots of time for portraits!) Then we filled our bellies with a delicious dinner from Deli City, listened to speeches, and partied the night away!
Enjoy these images and I apologize in advance for the amount included in this post (NOT!). It’s not my fault that Lindsay & John and everything involved in their wedding day, was so beautiful!
On of the best parts about being a Kelowna wedding photographer is spending time with clients well before the wedding while visiting some of Kelowna’s most beautiful sights. Dilworth Mountain Park is one of the prettiest parks in Kelowna. With it’s mountain backdrop on one side and a view of all of Kelowna on the other, it doesn’t disappoint! Kristy & Jon chose Dilworth Mountain Park for their engagement session and it worked out perfectly!
During the session, I was asking Kristy and Jon to do some weird shit, as I do. They fully committed to my weird requests and we had a lot of fun and laughs! Jon’s does not disappoint in the Batman voice department!
I’m going to share one of my favourite weddings of the season! It’s one of my favourite for many reasons including… Danielle and Dave = Awesome. They’re just the most easy-going down-to-Earth people and their wedding party… absolutely hilarious! There were a lot of laughs, spilled champagne and incredible dance moves all day!
September weddings in the Okanagan are insanely beautiful. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… September light is the best. The best.
Danielle and Dave started their day getting ready with their friends in separate cabins at Ponderosa Point Resort in Kaleden. Ponderosa Point is a small little cottage resort on Skaha Lake. All of the cottages are privately owned and the resort has that carefree feeling that reminds me of my childhood vacations. Danielle & Dave are from the area, but with friends and family in mind, turned their local wedding into an Okanagan Destination Wedding. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing. Really blowing. Dorothy in Kansas style wind here.
The ceremony took place overlooking the lake and the wind did not relent. Wind or no wind, the ceremony was beautiful. Dave shed a tear or ten while Danielle walked towards him.
After the ceremony and a few celebratory beverages, we headed to The Old Kaleden Hotel for some wedding party portraits. During this portrait session, I let the groomsmen pick their own pose and let’s just say… they chose an interesting pose! I’m thinking about hiring them as my creative directors at weddings from now on! (That’s a joke!)
The real party started the moment the reception began. Dinner was made by Flambé Catering and it was so delicious! Grandma provided the pies for desert alongside donuts and s’mores! Following dinner, a wild dance party ensued until late in the night!
Enjoy the happiness and hilarity captured in these images!!!
There are many things I love about Natashia & Tyler. They’re easy-going attitude is at the top of that list. Throughout the entire planning process, when I asked how things were coming along they never had a single complaint!
They didn’t bat an eyelash when one of their flower girls decided that she just didn’t want to wear a flower girl dress that day. She wanted to wear her regular dress that day. Tyler didn’t even notice! Tash simply said “That’s her. Let her be herself!”
The day started with Tash and her ladies getting ready together in a condo overlooking the Okanagan Lake. Tyler’s day started with beers and buddies at home. Tash wore a beautiful Alvina Volenta dress purchased from Cameo & Cufflinks in Calgary. Many of my brides have purchased their gowns from this store, and I have loved them all! Tasha’s dress was beautiful, unique and elegant – all characteristics of Tash herself. I thought it perfectly suited her!
Tash & Ty decided that the ceremony site at Gallagher’s Canyon was the perfect location for their ceremony, and it really was! The view is incredible! Immediately following the ceremony, friends and family gathered for a group shot. I normally wouldn’t note this in my story-telling of the wedding day, however… I feel like it needs to be mentioned because everyone listened SO WELL! It was probably the fastest I have ever seen guests assemble for a group shot! I think they all owe themselves a pat on the back!
After the ceremony, cocktails and portraits, we headed back to the Fish and Game club where the reception was held. The room was decorated beautifully with florals by Joan Cochrane, DIY decor, as well as decor from Glitz & Glam. Guests were sent home with real maple syrup, courtesy of Tash’s dad. He harvested (is that the right word?) and bottled it all!
During the cocktail hour a crazy thing happened! A helicopter landed on the property to deliver a special gift, unbeknownst to Tyler. Well, the gift was too large to deliver by helicopter, but the key to his brand new snowmobile was! Tash officially wins the “Best Wedding Gift Ever” award!
After that giant surprise, dinner was had. Deli City served delicious food, as always!
One of my favourite parts of a wedding day is the speeches. Speeches give me a window into the lives of the couples I am lucky enough to photograph. The truth is, I knew that Tash and Ty were special people from the moment I met them, but I didn’t realize how special until I heard the speeches delivered by friends and family. They are truly two of the most kind-hearted people and I feel incredibly privileged to have been a part of their wedding day!
Enough of the mushy stuff, you want to see the images!
