Jessica and Andrew met at a mutual friends barbecue almost two years ago. When Andrew asked Jessica out on a date shortly after, the pair had an incredible day of hiking together on their first date. Within a year, Andrew proposed marriage to Jessica, on a trip to his hometown of Creston to visit family. After a year full of planning, Jessica and Andrew’s wedding day had arrived!

I started photographing at Grace Church in Abbotsford about an hour before the ceremony began. It’s so neat to arrive to an empty venue and see friends and family start to come. There’s an expectancy in the air for what will take place! Hugs for friends not seen in years! Family reunited! I love it. While Andrew prayed with his two groomsmen in the basement of the church, Jessica arrived in a side door with her two bridesmaids. She took a deep breathe at the back of the church with her father and they crossed into the sanctuary.

Andrew smiled at the front of the church, unable to contain his joy! During the ceremony, I especially loved what the pastor, a family friend of Jessica’s from years ago, spoke about marriage. He assigned both Jessica and Andrew with one job: becoming the “#1 expert” in the world about their partner. The pastor laughed, “And Andrew, Jessica will be infinitely more complicated than you think.” (Marriage, humorously summed up in a nutshell.)

  

Jessica and Andrew chose the most perfect portrait locations after the ceremony. I loved the chance to photograph in Abbotsford. Living in Langley, I’m definitely a suburb/country/more space than the city – kind of girl and I jump at the chance to shoot a wedding anywhere “East.” Loved all of the trees, farm roads and cherry blossoms we found!

 

 

 

 

The reception was held at the Secret Gardens at Woodbridge Ponds in Abbotsford. This was a venue I had heard about or seen on other blogs… but never photographed at myself. (In 8 years of weddings! Still new venues!) I was so excited to see what it was all about. My review? Two thumbs up. I loved the greenhouse-vibe and the staff had it decorated lovely. There’s a ton of greenery (as there should be… it’s a greenhouse) but also a bunch of fabulous old wooden furniture. The space felt warm and inviting, perfectly suited to this couple.

 

 

 

Guests enjoyed (okay, and me too!) an incredible dinner spread by Simply Savory Catering. I can’t recommend them enough. The selection was just right – with salmon, beef, multiple salads, rice, pasta, vegetables and fresh buns. Mmmm! The dessert was just as good. You could tell Jessica and Andrew truly enjoyed their reception – spending lots of time with guests, mingling around at different tables, not letting the program or the “timeline” get in the way of celebrating them.

It was just as a wedding should be – focused on people.

Jessica and Andrew, it was an honour to be chosen as your wedding photographer. Thank you for having me! All the best to you in your future, I know it will be a beautiful one.

Photographer: Jamie Delaine
Hair Stylist: Exclusively Yours
Dress Store: David’s Bridal
Florist: She’s my Florist
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Moore’s Clothing
Stationery/Invites: Wedding Paper Divas
Caterer: Simply Savory
DJ/Band: Syrinx String Trio
Cake Designer: Verna’s Creative Cakes
Ceremony Venue: Grace Church
Reception Venue:  The Secret Garden
Favours: Kicking Horse Coffee

For Photographers
Gear Used at this Wedding
Think Tank Rolling Bag, Shootsac Lens Bag, Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 85 1.2, Canon 50 1.2, Canon 35 1.4, Canon 24 1.4, Canon 100 2.8 macro, Canon 600EX-RT flash