“… My day started bright and early at Rockwater to document the couple and their best (and bravest) friends taking a pre-wedding ocean dip! The sun peeked out just in time to warm everyone up post-chill, a perfect portent for the bright and summery day to follow! After a relaxed morning, “official” coverage started with Hilary’s getting ready photos in a cozy little yurt along the rocky bluff on the south side of the resort, while my 2nd shooter got started shortly after with the boys in one of the north-side cabins. Hilary is blessed not only with a huge group of friends (I’m serious- FOURTEEN honorary bridesmaids in total!), but they are also a talented bunch who completely took care of her gorgeous, natural, perfect-for-a-seaside-wedding loose waves and subtle make-up. What started as a small group of gals quickly grew to all 14 of her floral-clad ladies (OBSESSED with the multicolour floral dresses- so incredibly fresh and chic!!), plus her, plus videographer Emery of Kord and Co. film and myself, crammed in the yurt! We ushered the girls out to the adjacent deck while Hilary got into her dress and brought her out for the SWEETEST first look reaction I think I’ve ever seen. Where can I find friends like that?! Hilary looked like an absolute vision in her backless modern & For Love linen gown paired with statement turquoise-blue Christie Nicolaides earrings (her something blue!), quirky-cool split-heeled Alohas sandals, a bright multicoloured bouquet from Ann-Lynn Flowers, and vintage shrug and beaded bag inherited from her mom (something old!). Her something borrowed? A unique nude floor-length veil, from a one of the bridesmaids married a month earlier. Throughout the entire day, the bright pops of colour from the bridesmaids, the bouquets, the florals and the decor served to provide the perfect summery splash of colour while keeping things laid-back and natural. Hilary favoured a sort of hand-picked, wildflower-inspired look with handmade and 70’s retro-infused decor and stationary details interspersed to create a perfect mix of old and new. The result? Something surprisingly fresh and modern while remaining laidback and, most of all, fun. When we initially met for our first pandemic-friendly zoom-meeting, Hilary and Jordan both attested that they wanted the landscape/setting to take centre stage, and that the decor would reflect them: unfussy, eclectic, laidback. I think they absolutely nailed it. The ceremony, set up on the waterfront lawn with panoramic scenic oceanfront views that were the true epitome of the Pacific Northwest, was heartfelt and joyous. Jordan had a totally heart-melting reaction to seeing Hilary for the first time coming down the aisle, and as soon as we got going the happy tears from all sides (even me!) were flowing non-stop, especially during their beautifully written personalised vows. It was a beautiful ceremony expertly helmed by their officiant Brenda Mesaros. Vows recited, “I do’s” said, rings (made by a personal pal back in Toronto!) on, glass stomped, first kiss kissed, the newlyweds were showered with fresh flower petals as they passed by their emotional friends and family back down the aisle. Bridal portraits flown through to get Hilary & Jordan back with their guests, the ceremony site turned over for the reception, and couple & guests gathered on the upper deck of the resort’s main building for drinks and congratulations, and the start of the speeches. Then it was down to the sun-bathed reception to dance a very boisterous hora, and get settled in for dinner and more speeches! THE SPEECHES!! I have never heard so many speeches! Such lengthy speeches! Yet such amazingly enjoyable speeches! Every one seemed to one-up the last- tears were shed, laughs were shared, ad infinitum, and continued all the way through the reception and 3-course dinner catered by the incredible in-house resort staff. I know there is often a general dread surrounding the prospect of speeches, especially lengthy ones, but these speeches were more like comedy routines than normal wedding speeches– the entire vendor team was marvelling at the effort and time that clearly went into each one, and the guests were absolutely loving it! Just goes to show that with the right folks, they can be a highlight instead of a drag! As the night wound down, Hilary & Jordan slipped away for some last sunset shots with Emery and I before giving their final speech and heading straight to the dance-floor for their first dance, joined quickly after by all their guests who were eager to make the most of the rest of the evening! Tuckered out but glowing from the most amazing day spent with these amazing people, I left them to tear up a rug or two! Truly one for the books!”
– Vancouver Wedding Photographer, El Dunfield Photography
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