Jennifer & Mike were my last inquiry for a 2009 wedding, my last client meeting for a 2009 wedding, and my last wedding of the year 2009. Funny how that works. I love the challenge of shooting Fall or Winter weddings in Vancouver. The unpredictable rain, or wind, or cold: and it's so rare that I'm allowed the opportunity to shoot weddings outside of May - September. I couldn't be more pleased when an incredibly sweet email from Mike and Jenn popped into my inbox at the beginning of September.
This couple = my ideal kind of client. Mike and Jenn both are involved in worship leading at Coastal Church, Jenn also does graphic design and Mike is interested in filmmaking. Creative couples have my heart! One of the things I remember most about their first meeting is how much we talked about personal style: Jenn is attracted more to the French Victorian and elaborate home decor while Mike favors clean lines and minimalism. I hear their apartment is attempting to be a marriage of both! Compromise, right?
Onto the wedding day... I truly have too much to say about this day. As well as knowing Jenn + Mike after our initial meeting, I also knew "of" Jenn and her siblings as they all went to the same high school as me. Jenn's father is Pastor Dave of Coastal Church and I recognized at least twenty of the guests, either from high school or church circles. To boot, Jenn's family lived on the same street as my family for about eight years--but we never knew them! Connections, connections, everywhere. I've also photographed a wedding previously that Pastor Dave officiated and had met his wife Pastor Cheryl before as well... Okay, rather than typing everything I want to say about the wedding up here, scroll down to hear a few more details.
I loved Jenn's dress choice and could definitely see a little bit of elaborate-French-Victorian-esque influence.
The day was started at Jenn's parents incredible, incredible penthouse suite in downtown Vancouver. Think 360 degree views of the entire downtown and harbour. Jenn was probably one of the most excited brides ever. As every bride should be on her wedding morning. She could not stop talking about seeing Mike and telling her bridesmaids how hot he looks in his suit. She was ready to see him!
My second shooter Laura Marchbanks caught this image of the groomsmen praying with Mike pre-ceremony at Coastal Church.
As the guests mingled before the ceremony, worship music played throughout the chapel and my soul just began to be stirred and excited for what was about to happen. Two people that God had brought together in His timing were about to become one. Jenn walked in to "I Don't Want To Go Somewhere" by Avalonand the words are incredibly meaningful. I got chills up and down my spine and the only way I could keep from crying was to smile like a fool. So I did! Such a happy moment, I'm smiling writing about it!
There were multiple things that made this ceremony incredibly unique. First off, Jenn's Dad walked her down the aisle but also officiated the ceremony, so before giving her away stopped at the end of the aisle and talked about his daughter. About her growing up, and her commitment to wait for a man perfect for her, and commended Mike on choosing well.
The vows were incredibly meaningful, and included promises to be each other's prayer partner in life through the ups and downs.
This blog post would be too long if I included every event of the ceremony, but Mike + Jenn also took a few minutes to pray quietly together on stage after their vows. I loved that. Starting off their first moments of marriage by praying together. Her parents also came up and prayed over the newly married couple. Dave and Cheryl Koop also prophecied over their future exploits together as husband and wife. Jenn and Mike met when Mike began to be involved in the worship team at
Coastal Church, and they finished the wedding ceremony by leading worship together. Loved it.
After family photos back at Jenn's parents apartment, Jenn and Mike and myself headed up to their private rooftop (once again with incredible views of the city!) for some quick bride and groom portraits. It was very cold: poor Jenn. She did a great job looking warm.
When I was culling through images I found this and fell in love with it.
Laura, you're great.
Although it rained all morning, when we needed the rain clouds to part, they did and the sun even poked out. Jesus had His hand on this day.
We had to get some of the fast-fading Fall colours in, of course!
The whole bridal party headed on over to Stanley Park for more photos, which was near the Stanley Park Pavilion where the reception was held.
The ballroom at the
Stanley Park Pavilion was done-up right. I love this venue.
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