Happy Friday, everyone! Oh boy, it’s going to be difficult for me today to adequately tell the story of this beautiful wedding day in Tofino, BC last weekend. As mentioned on Monday’s Ucluelet Engagement Session post, Randy and I met Shannon and Robert for the first time the day before their wedding. Both have lived in Edmonton for the last couple of years and actually had not visited their destination wedding site (Tonquin Beach in Tofino) since they were dating!

About ten minutes after we met Shannon and Robert we knew it was going to be such a special weekend. Well, we knew that already – rather, it was confirmed it would be such a special weekend. You see, Shannon and Robert chose to be married in front of a very small, intimate gathering of their close family. They are private people and saw no need for a guest list of one hundred. The only people in attendance would be both sets of parents and Robert’s brother and his girlfriend.

And of course, Randy and I. What an honour!

Shannon started the wedding day quietly at the Salty Dolls Salon in Tofino, having her hair and makeup finished, while Robert hung out back at the home they had rented and waited for the wedding to start. ;)

I loved all of Shannon’s details, her hair comb, lace veil and hairstyle.

The First Look was beautiful. It was a quiet, sweet moment and you could really feel the love Shannon and Robert have for one another. They are truly wonderful people who have each experienced incredible things in their lifetimes, individually, and it was a joy to watch their First Look and see them one-step closer to becoming husband and wife.

Due to the small number of guests, there was no need for stressing or having everything “perfect.” Shannon and Robert knew they wanted Tonquin Beach as their ceremony spot, but when we arrived there were quite a few people enjoying the sunny summer day. No problem, we walked until we found a quiet area, even if it meant Shannon had to lift up her dress and run around the corner to beat the waves crashing in.

Shannon and Robert walked down the aisle together, hand in hand, and I loved how Robert kept his eyes on her the whole time. They exchanged vows to the sound of the crashing waves on the empty beach.

After hugs and congratulations amongst their family members, Shannon and Robert snuck away for a few beach portraits. I absolutely loved Shannon’s dress and this corner of light! She’s gorgeous!

Not too bad, yourself, Robert!

The best thing about photographing weddings on Vancouver Island is the scenery. I can’t get over how beautiful Vancouver Island is, but I do hold a soft spot in my heart for the beaches of Tofino. I’m so inspired there!

Something about this is so classic to me:

Oh this light!

We’d be missing out if we didn’t stop in the thick rain forests of Tofino for some more photographs.

After a few more photos down by the Tofino harbour and a wine and cheese hour back at their family’s rented house for the weekend, the small party was headed to Wolf in the Fog restaurant to celebrate Shannon and Robert’s new marriage with good wine, good food and good company.

Randy and I left the restaurant as the sun was setting and drove back to our AirBNB to back up our memory cards, change into shorts and a sweatshirt and catch the last few minutes of sunset on a nearby beach. As we walked from the parking lot to the beach, I saw a group of people and a bride walking towards us. No way! Randy that’s them! I smiled. I could hear them laughing and swaying together, Robert and Shannon hand-in-hand with their family members, Shannon’s dress being held up with her other hand. Have a good night! They called out to us as we waved and passed each other.

That made me so happy to see them so happy. This weekend made us feel like family. Shannon and Robert, you two are beautiful people. Thank you for choosing us as your wedding photographers and inviting us into this intimate and incredible celebration. We wish you all the best in your future together.