Engagement Celebration in Tofino! We love how happy these two are as they celebrate such an amazing milestone in their lives together. Isabel and Dave celebrated their engagement at the Wickaninnish Inn. They marked the moment with a photo session with Megan Maundrell Photography. 

The newly engaged couple excitedly walked along the beach with lots of love and laughter. They even got some sun, which is a rarity in October. The best part is the bottle of champagne to pop open for photos. It was a special bottle of Moet Champagne gifted to them by a friend right after Dave popped the question. What is an engagement on a Tofino beach without champagne – Isabel and Dave sipped as they celebrated!

So many engagements are happening under the camera’s eye, but there are still couples who want the popping of the question to be private. So do what makes you feel comfortable, and remember you can always celebrate ‘she said yes’ during a celebration photo shoot later, which is what Isabel + Dave inspire us to do! Congrats to these two for their engagement celebration in Tofino! 

PHOTOS: Megan Maundrell Photography

VENUE: Wickaninnish Inn Tofino

You are invited to an inspiring Megan Maundrell Photography shoot!

The post Engagement Celebration in Tofino appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Retro + Relaxed Engagement Shoot

Engagement photo shoots are meant to show the chemistry between you as a couple, journal a moment in time in your relationship, and open a window into your future selves. The best way to fuel all this is by choosing a location that makes you feel chill and happy to be in the moment together. Cue this fantastic vintage trailer engagement shoot!

Retro camper creative visions are a whole genre on Pinterest, so we were thrilled to see this take on the design niche. We love the pancake breakfast, that perfect orange blanket, the beautiful white interior of the trailer, and the cozy intimacy. Of course, the scene stealer is their puppy, who looks like he is in charge! 

This couple hits all the right notes for an intimate take. Location is the main thing when it comes to a retro + relaxed engagement shoot. This one shows off the adorable rusty orange and white vintage camper, but you can just as easily set it up in an antique diner or car. Mostly, you need to be comfortable, and these two knock it out of the park with the black T-shirt look – a nice contrast to the all-white interior and Navajo blanket.

So find your meet cute engagement shoot spot – concentrate on your look good – feel good vibe, and have the time of your lives!

Photographer & Videographer: Jen + Brian Photo and Film

Planner, Styling/Designer, Hair & Makeup: Save the Date Beauty 

Bridal Boutique: Union Bridal 


Dress Designer: Luna Willow Bridal 

Florals: Wild Flower and Twigs 

Models: Cody & Terri 

Check out this amazing helicopter engagement!

The post Retro + Relaxed Engagement Shoot appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Epic Mountain Views for Krista + Joe…what an amazing adventure for these two as they celebrated their engagement in the BC mountains outside Vancouver. We love the time this couple spent below before lifting off into the clouds. The fields of flowers are so pretty and intimate – such a visual contrast to what awaits above. The weather may have been a bit grey, but that made this couple pretty pleased. It perfectly suited Krista’s beautiful gown, and the photos show it! 

Krista + Joe chose to do something special and unique for their engagement photoshoot, and they could not have chosen better. The BC mountains are for couples who want to create drama and romance in an intimate and private setting.  The helicopter ride began their adventure, and they embraced hiking up to some of the best spots. Snow-topped peaks sparkled all around them, and the cloudy atmosphere was lit up with moments of sunshine. We love the obvious happiness shining through their faces and the style choices! Epic mountain views for Krista + Joe – a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

DRESS: Le Chateau | MENSWEAR: Moores Clothing for Men | PHOTOS: Leanne Sim Photographer | FLORAL: AJR Designs | FLIGHT: BC Helicopters

You are invited to another astonishing shoot by Leanne Sim!

The post Epic Mountain Views for Krista + Joe appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Good Fortune Engagement in Vancouver...Nina + Devan are a beautiful couple who decided to celebrate with tradition. In Chinese culture, the dragon, phoenix, and red and golden colors are thought to bring good luck and happiness and symbolize good fortune.

A Chinese bride’s red wedding dress is called a Qun Kwa or a Cheongsam, a two-piece traditional Chinese wedding gown embellished with auspicious patterns such as dragons, phoenixes, peonies, etc. Qun Kwa means “skirt and jacket,” so a Qun Kwa outfit consists of two parts; a brocade jacket and a long skirt. 

Nina grew up idolizing actresses like Ruby Lin in Chinese historical dramas, such as My Fair Princess (Huan Zhu Ge Ge), and always dreamt of what life was like in Imperial China. Although both Nina and Devan grew up in Vancouver, they are tied to their roots and are proud of their ancestry. So the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the perfect setting to showcase their Chinese culture and heritage. The natural beauty creates a gorgeous backdrop for these two romantics.

We love the fusion of the traditional Chinese look for a thoroughly modern Vancouver couple. The details are so regal – we are especially in love with the intricate red shoes, bedazzled fans, and the modern diamond ring. Good Fortune Engagement in Vancouver is a Fusion wedding beauty that works perfectly for West Coast Wedding couples! 

PHOTOS:  L’Estelle Photography| MUA: Tina Wu Makeup |  VENUE:  Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden

The post Good Fortune Engagement in Vancouver appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Tofino Cover for Vancouver Island 2022 Magazine…we love this gorgeous couple on the beaches of the West Coast! The awesome mix of formality and natural beauty captures the perfect cover. Thanks so much to Amrit Photography for snapping this moment in time, and we are overwhelmed to have such talent on the front of our latest issue. 

Of course, one of the first things to draw our eye to this photo was that dress. The lovely light terracotta color is striking against the blue of the water and sky. Equally eye-catching is the formality of the tux and gown. It shows you don’t have to be informal at your beach wedding! Go high fashion for epic photos!

West Coast weddings, elopements, and engagements are popular for a reason. The scenery is out of this world, and Tofino takes the literal wedding cake for beach nuptials. If you dream of white sandy beaches, rainforest adventures, and black rock cliffs, then you are in the right place. Imagine your first newlywed kiss just as the sun sets. 

We are pretty thrilled to have such a beautiful look on the newest issue and very happy to brag about Tofino and Ucluelet! Canada’s answer to the adventure and destination wedding is right here in British Columbia, and we are loving it! (CBC says so, too…) So we hope you all enjoy the Tofino cover for Vancouver Island 2022 magazine and all the inspiration inside its pages. 

PRO TIP: If you are trying to figure out the logistics of a Tofino wedding, be sure to take advantage of the professionals in the area. It’s still pretty wild on the coast in the best possible way. They know the absolute best spots, how to get there comfortably, the best time of day, etc. On top of that, they know which vendors will suit your style and budget. So there are two ways to make your life simple. Venues in Ucluelet and Tofino have amazing on-staff wedding planners who will arrange every little detail down to your dog’s water bowl (Tofino is very pet-friendly!) Or, if you want to go off-grid a little, get on board with a local wedding planner with a ton of experience. Either way works. But we don’t recommend just turning up and trying things on your own. You deserve a stress-free Vancouver Island experience. 

HINT: If you have made it to Tofino or Ucluelet for your big romantic moment, we highly suggest going all out. Take a helicopter trip to the mountains nearby for photos of a lifetime. It’s worth every penny of investment, and you will never regret it. Check out the ‘peak to surf’ romance adventures with Atleo Air to get started. They will have a list of photographers willing to join you in your adventures.

PHOTOS: Amrit Photography

GOWN: BHLDN

SUIT: Suitsupply

The post Tofino Cover for Vancouver Island 2022 Magazine appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Helicopter Engagement on Vancouver Island…we love the gorgeous winter wedding vibes here for Jennifer + Tyson’s mountain shoot. A once-in-a-lifetime moment just for the two of them. The couple decided to celebrate their Vancouver Island engagement in a wintry vision of romance and adventure in the snowy mountains. 

So, how did this all come about? It started with a proposal, of course! Jennifer explains, “Tyson and I met on an online dating site. We dated long-distance for a year, and then I moved myself and my children to Nanaimo. Tyson and I saved up and bought our first home together in the summer of 2021. That Christmas, our first Christmas in our new home, was when Tyson popped the question. We finally had the house to ourselves in the evening, and he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.”

Jennifer continues, “I had always dreamed of flying in a helicopter and getting married. But now that the moment had arrived, I was hesitant about eloping, so I asked Janayh if we could do engagement photos instead.  I always envisioned snow and a mountain top. I searched for the perfect dress, which I found at Guava Apparel in downtown Nanaimo.  We had planned to fly out on Valentine’s Day, but we ended up being spontaneous due to the weather. We waited for the weather to clear up, and everything worked out. The day was here! We arrived at the place; the pilot explained all the safety rules and how to wear the headgear. We were so excited and so nervous. I was smiling ear to ear, and I don’t think I spoke much. I was in awe with the rush from flying and the beautiful sights. We landed on the perfect mountaintop, where the snow was untouched. We felt like movie stars, with the photographer following and arranging us into our photos. I didn’t even feel the cold. It was such a rush! It was everything I had hoped for. I would do it again and again.”

There is nothing so amazing as fulfilling a dream with your loved one. So, if you are thinking of an engagement session, why not talk to your photographer about your ultimate wedding adventure? Photos on a boat, on the beach, in a forest, or where you first met. Or a helicopter engagement on Vancouver Island!  Like Jennifer says, “Dressing up like a fairy tale and experiencing a dream you have always wanted only happens once in a lifetime. It was perfect.” 

Photography: Janayh Wright Photography | Stylist: Jennifer Brown at VK Salon Nanaimo | Dress: Guava Apparel | Helicopter Pilot Andy: West Coast Helicopters 

The post Helicopter Engagement on Vancouver Island appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Pet Tips for Your Engagement Shoot…she said yes, and you are both excited for your engagement shoot with your photographer. Of course, you want to include your beloved pet in the photos. (For some great pet photo ideas, follow @petsatweddings). So what are some tips to making your shoot plus pet turn into some epic photos?

Be sure that your photographer is pet-friendly! This sounds nonsensical, but some photographers would rather not work with pets, and others are over the moon about it. So talk about your pet with your photographer beforehand. This also means your photographer can check beforehand that the locations they choose allow pets. Imagine starting your shoot only to realize no pets are allowed in the space? So having a good conversation when choosing your photographer is all-important.

Corral a good pet friend to help the day of your shoot (also on the day of your wedding but that is a whole other topic!). Have your friend take your pet for a long walkie while you and your photographer start your engagement session. Your pet should only arrive when you and your photographer are ready for the pet portion of the day. Have lots of treats on hand to help! If your pet is full of energy or hungry, it will be hard to catch those shots.

Are you dressing your dog or ‘flowering’ your pet for the shoot? Don’t suddenly have your dog in a clashing colour to style choices you have made. You can always purchase dog wear or wedding party signs for the cuteness factor. Be patient with flower collars, as your pet will need a few minutes to get used to them. You might even be treated with a few furbaby sneezes!

Remember, you will only need 15 to 30 minutes to get some wonderful shots with your beloved pet. Don’t stress if staring into the camera lens is not happening. Some of the best shots are the playful ones or of the two of you walking with your pet.

We hope these pet trips for your engagement shoot are helpful and wish you and your pet a wonderful photo session!  Photos by Vivian Ng Photography

The post Pet Tips for Your Engagement Shoot appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Whytecliff Park Engagement

We love this romantic shoot by Vivian Ng Photography starring engaged couple Elisa and Tom. Their chemistry jumps off these photos, and we are here for it. There are lots of smiles and laughter and some epic ocean sunset photos!

Let’s first go gaga over Elisa’s long blush-coloured gown, which flows beautifully in the breeze. Tom wore a crisp white shirt and blue tie, which added to the relaxed formal look. The star of the show, of course, is their gorgeous toffee brown poodle (in a pink bowtie)!

This shoot is a real inspiration for an engagement session. The park is filled with gorgeous scenery to use as a backdrop, and the sunset was perfect for the ocean shots. Elisa and Tom were up for climbing hills and wading into the ocean, and the results were spectacular. The park is known for its rugged coastline and over-the-top views.

These pooch parents are proud of their adorable baby. Pets in an engagement shoot always make for some laughs and loving shots. Be sure to talk with your photographer about your pet and what kind of photos you envision. This was all about intimacy and love—which is all that is needed for this Whytecliff Park Engagement.

The post Whytecliff Park Engagement appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Fields of Love and Laughter… A landscape of lavender inspired smiles for this couple. We love the signs, flowers, jean jacket, macaroons and cake. What an inspiration for eloping couples to make use of beauty in season when you find it.

Our curvaceous bride literally glows just like the sunset behind her in a floaty skirt and pastel bustier. Her hair is swept up and a lush bouquet complements her finery. A bouquet of roses, eucalyptus, larkspur and greenery bursts to life in her hands. The best part, of course, is the ‘bridal’ jean jacket. So much fun for photos and just a funky piece to add to your day, especially if you plan your ceremony or photos in natural settings (like sunflower or lavender fields!). 

The sweetheart table holds macaroons, wedding cake and invitation suite that reflect the lavender all around. A rustic wood table with a sunset behind is the perfect spot to share a sweet together. The cake is a delicate affair with hydrangea blossoms and roses atop a fluted white cake dish. The eucalyptus garland flowing off each side of the table adds a touch of grandeur to the tablescape. 

We are so struck with the happiness and exuberance in this shoot and we hope that every West Coast Wedding couple enjoys the feelings in this field of Love and Laughter. And a glass of champagne together while enjoying the natural beauty of BC.

Photography: The Macleans  | Hand Lettered Sign + Design + Concept and Jacket: Hand Lettered Love by Bev | Venue: Full Bloom Lavender Farm | Florals: Westgate Flower Garden | Cake and Macarons: Cake by Nicole | Invitation Suite: OMD Creative |  Skirt: Aniela | Hair and Makeup: Beauty by Lara | Décor Rentals: Pretty Things Rentals

You are invited to another lavender wedding shoot!

The post Fields of Love and Laughter appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Autumn Engagement Session for Megan + Taylor! The fall season always conjures up vibrant earth tones and elegant neutrals. A perfect time of year for couple photos celebrating that ‘she said yes’. This engagement session combined fun and romantic against a backdrop of ocean, colourful leaves and blankets – and pizza, of course.

We love Megan and Taylor’s casual style choices and high marks for the beautiful burgundy dress topped with blue jean jacket. The rich colour pops against the orange of the leaves around them. You can almost hear the crunch of the leaves under their feet in these photos! Of course, any fall engagement session should have a patterned blanket. The blanket not only looks great but snuggling together always brings out smiles and laughter.

The cherry on top of this shoot is the pizza box engagement announcement. What a fun way to get a wonderful ‘save the date’ shot to send to guests for the upcoming wedding day. Guests love receiving a save the date card that, rather than being generic, showcases the personality and happiness of the newlyweds to be. We love the color, whimsy and romance of this autumn engagement session!

PHOTOS: Evergrey Photography 

You are invited to another engagement session on Vancouver Island!

The post Autumn Engagement Session for Megan + Taylor appeared first on West Coast Weddings.