I had no idea October would be my busiest shooting month at the beginning of this year. With three weddings booked, it was full, as July is always full, but as engagement sessions (and meetings!) piled on, I soon found October twice as busy as any summer month. Thankfully, I’ve had some awesome couples keeping me busy. Introducing the following couple…

Chanel and Sam were married last week in Vancouver on a gorgeous fall day. Lady Gaga’s lyrics (and Chanel’s facebook status the morning of the wedding) were very fitting: “If you love me we can marry on the West Coast, on a Wednesday.” Sooooo marry on the West Coast on a Wednesday, Chanel and Sam did. Chanel’s hair and makeup was done by Jayna Marie in a hotel room at The Hyatt and the morning was enjoyed with her best friend and only bridesmaid Julie, her mom, grandma and three other close friends. I adored so much of Chanel’s final look – her bejeweled Vera Wang flats, her black nail polish (untraditional – and amazing) and of course, all of her tattoos! She’s got style.

Chanel and Sam’s first look was unbelievably cute. Chanel walked up behind Sam before he turned around and she stood there and said, “Okay I’m ready. No, no I’m not. Ahhh! I’m not. Okay now I am.” And then this happened:

Don’t these two just kill you? Love Sam’s (almost) black (hair) on black (beard) on black (bowtie) on black (shirt) on black (suit) and Chanel’s black (hair) on black (eye liner) on black (tattoos) on white (dress.)

The ceremony took place just before dinner at Brix Restaurant with thirty close family and friends. The joyful and charismatic Marilyn Knipp officiated the service and there were so many laughs shared. And tears. I love when people cry on their wedding days. A champagne toast and appetizers followed the ceremony before a seated dinner inside.

Following dinner, Chanel and Sam had invited another 30 friends to join for a “after party” of sorts. More food was brought out (LOTS and LOTS) – including pizza, mac and cheese, fish and chips, and friends danced and drank and ate the night away!

Just look at this – doesn’t that melt your heart? Chanel and Sam‘s first dance song was “Stay With You” by John Legend – I’ve known this for almost a year now… as Chanel got the words “Stay With You” tattooed on her arm during our engagement session in December.

Congratulations C & S, hope you are having a wonderful honeymoon!