There was so much anticipation in my heart about this past weekend. Friday and Saturday were to be in Penticton photographing Ashley & Grant’s Rehearsal Dinner, followed by their Saturday wedding at God’s Mountain Estate. Sunday, I was a bridesmaid in one of my closest friends weddings, back in Langley. A four hour drive apart. Finish shooting one wedding at 9:30pm. Need to be at friend/bride’s house by 9:30AM the next day. With a weekend that crazy, I was thankful to be surrounded by some of the least stressful and most caring family and friends of Ashley and Grant. Oh and can’t forget to mention… shooting at one of the most beautiful venues in BC. If not Canada. God’s Mountain Estate is a bed and breakfast slash grecian villa way up on the hill overlooking Skaha Lake in Penticton. It’s stunning. Truly stunning. It was my second visit to the venue and without a doubt, just as magical the second time.

Ashley and Grant met over seven years ago. They were around the same group of friends for a couple years, but weren’t single at the same time until… they were. And Grant made it known to Ashley she was who he wanted. After their engagement, Ashley set off in search of the perfect outdoor wedding venue. She stumbled across God’s Mountain Estate and soon after, my photos of the venue. She was so sweet, telling her friends, “Jamie’s photos were the reason I booked this venue. And knew she needed to be my photographer.” As mentioned in their rehearsal dinner post, I hadn’t met this beautiful couple until the day previous. The greatest gift clients can give me is their trust! To go anywhere, in whatever light I see – and Ashley and Grant gave me that gift. It was awesome.

Every nook and cranny of God’s Mountain Estate is a dream to photograph. White walls, pops of Greecian blue, plants and flowers galore, quirky rooms throughout the bed and breakfast. My favourite room is at the very top of the building – where Ashley prepped for the day. With only 50 guests at the wedding, she didn’t have any bridesmaids – all her guests were special to her. ;) Just her and her mom got ready together slowly, leisurely that morning. While dear friends set up the ceremony and made sure all details were taken care of. I loved Ashley’s bouquet and bracelet. Her bracelet is from her grandmother, a vintage piece from Mexico.

The ceremony took place at the back of the property, overlooking the lake, but with trees to shade and a breeze to cool. Ashley and Grant had the cutest ring-bearer, who literally ran down the aisle with his “Here comes the bride” sign. Their ceremony was teary, heart-felt, perfect. With involvement from both parents.

 

With 50 photos so far… I’m thinking this wedding deserves a two-part blog post. Stay tuned for more portraits and the reception.