During the end of her first year of University, Christie met a boy named Dan. He was absolutely smitten with her from the get-go. During his vows, he called it love at first sight, for sure. It was not the same for Christie. She was slightly interested, but cautious. She always thought she’d “know” when she met the right guy, but she grew in love over the months Dan carefully pursued her.
Time passed and soon, they had been a couple for two years. Christie and I, of course, chatted about her wedding someday. Her and Dan knew they wanted to be together, forever. But Dan was graduating two years before Christie, needed to go home to Alberta for a job, and Christie needed to stay in Langley to finish her nursing degree. Two looming years in front of them. It was a total answer to prayer when Dan managed to find the perfect job in Langley a year after graduation… meaning Christie and Dan could be married before Christie’s last year of school. I was thrilled when Christie became engaged last December.
The wedding day was incredible. I was staying two nights at the same home as Christie, her family and all the bridesmaids. It is the gorgeous lake house of a family friend, and Christie’s uncle has another property a few doors down where all the guys stayed. I loved being able to photograph slowly throughout the morning. At one point I sat on the floor while Rebecca, Christie’s best friend and maid of honour, did her hair and makeup, and we just chatted. We laughed and marvelled that the day was finally here. When it was time to get Christie into her dress, she pulled it halfway up and her mom Deb entered the room. She promptly burst into joyful tears at the sight of her daughter in a gorgeous gown. Which of course, caused Christie to tear up and repeat aloud, “I’m fine. I am fine. I will not cry.”
Christie and Dan chose to do a First Look even though they had 2 hours in between their ceremony and reception because they wanted to spend time with all of their guests. Everyone traveled at least 4 hours to be with them on their wedding day and they wanted to honour that. Christie had decorated the backyard and the beach so well.
Christie and Dan’s first look took place in the backyard of the home, underneath the arch where they would become man & wife in a few hours. Christie was nervous and bubbly, and Dan was anxious to see his bride. As we wandered down to the beach, to the side of the house and out to the front street Dan remarked, “We’ve waited 3 years for this!” And as they walked hand in hand, I couldn’t help but marvel at how faithful the Lord is. And how good His plan is.
The ceremony took place at 3 o’ clock, under the scorching hot afternoon sun. Before Christie walked her 6 bridesmaids, arm-in-arm with Dan’s 5 groomsmen to the soundtrack of “I Will Wait for You” by Phil Wickham. During the official registry signing, Dan’s brother and best man Ben sang a duet with Christie’s bridesmaid Brianna. The song is by Jenny & Tyler and called “As Long As Our Hearts are Beating.”
Personal photos, hand-painted signs everywhere, refreshments and drinks available, lawn games and boat rides to enjoy the afternoon. The reception was held at Quaaout Lodge a few blocks down the road and once again, Christie did an incredible job with details. Each table was named after a place that meant a lot to the couple: British Columbia, where they met, Canada, where they were both, Haiti, where Christie lived for years, Lithuania, where Christie’s family lived for a time, Alberta, where Dan is from, etc. And the florals had to be one of my favourite parts of the day!
