i could shoot a wedding like carly + doug’s every weekend and be a happy girl. it started with a drive out to the country [a wedding that isn’t in vancouver? say it isn’t so!] to their venue, the gorgeous backyard of dream day designs. the day was orchestrated beautifully… with zero stress. carly got ready with her six beautiful, bubbly bridesmaids in one of the two “clubhouses” — and doug awaited his bride with his six best friends on the other side of the backyard. after carly’s mom helped her into her dress, clasped on her grandmother’s necklace and fluffed her hair, it was time for the first look.

we set doug up facing the other direction underneath the ivy-covered trellis and walked back to get carly. i told her it was time. she clapped her hands together and said, oh my gosh! i’m so nervous! i’m shaking! the nerves dissipated once these two saw each other. hugs, kisses, giggles and we were on our way to a nearby winery for portraits in the afternoon sun. the light was incredible and i’m convinced carly and doug can’t take a bad photo. after portraits, it was back to the house to await the ceremony. carly walked down the aisle, escorted by her father, smiling as big as can be! my favourite part of the day was the recessional. for 30 minutes, neither doug nor carly had shed a tear but after the official announcement, carly’s eyes filled with happy tears. she cried back down the aisle holding her husband’s hand. it was the best. the evening was filled with happy speeches from friends, parents, aunts, uncles and a few musical performances.

my favourite speech from the evening was carly’s aunt. carly was her flower girl when she got married at 20 years old. carly and doug are only 19 years old themselves, and although they may be young, i sense their deep commitment and care. it was beautiful to hear carly’s aunt share words of wisdom and advice from her 15 years of marriage thus far. she encouraged carly and doug that you don’t keep your vows, but your vows keep you. because marriage is wonderful. and it is difficult. let your vows keep you.

with carly + doug’s amazing families and friends, i know these newlyweds will find the support and prayer they need to create a life-long marriage. for the grand finale, carly and doug made their exit through a tunnel of all their guests to their getaway car. it truly was the happiest day. [also: carly is the sweetest. she tweeted me the next morning, thanking me SO much for being there and saying what a perfect job i did. seriously the best thing to hear.] congratulations, you two!!