Annik and Rob are two of the most genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Capturing their wedding day put a smile on my face – a huge smile. It made me thankful love exists and these two kind-hearted people had finally found one another to love and serve and care for forever. Annik and Rob live in Langley but Rob has family in Kelowna and Annik and Rob have loved visiting together in the past. When they were engaged last Christmas morning (after Annik returned home from a 12-hour nursing shift at the hospital) they started to brainstorm where they wanted their wedding to be. Kelowna was the final answer. A destination wedding with just under one hundred guests at Summerhill Pyramid Winery.

Annik and Rob were in Kelowna for the entire wedding week and made the awesome choice of renting an apartment with a view for their stay. Annik prepared for her wedding day with four beautiful bridesmaids (seriously, look at the photos below! so gorgeous!) and her mother. She was the picture of calm. We were running a little behind for the first half of the day but she never let it bother her. “It is what it is! Can’t start without me!” I loved that about Annik. She has a sweet, sweet spirit and is genuinely enjoyable to be around.

The ceremony took place at the Immaculate Conception Church and was performed by Rob’s uncle, Father Douziech. It was really special to have a family member marry Annik and Rob and I was especially touched by his sermon. Many Christian/Catholic ceremonies mention the importance and sanctity of marriage. Jesus values marriage – so much so that he performed his first miracle at a wedding – turning water into wine. However, Father Douziech spoke about a new wine and an old wine. There’s an excitement and romanticism to “new love!” But eventually, that excitable-butterflies-in-your-stomach love will fade. And what’s left? Learning to enjoy, to fully experience the intricacies of “old love” or “old wine.” True wine lovers take time smelling their wine, experiencing every part of it, developing a keen ability to pick out different subtle favours in the wine. In marriage, we must become students of our “love.” Enjoying and committing to our love for our partner in a different way as time goes on.

My favourite thing about destination weddings is photographing somewhere new! My second shooter and I didn’t have much time in Kelowna (we arrived at 10pm the night before the wedding and had to leave at 6am the morning after for another wedding!) but the morning of Annik and Rob’s day we spent an hour driving looking for locations. Boom, we came across this awesome park with an amazing view. This was what we were looking for. Uninterrupted lake views. A quiet park with nobody around. Loved photographing all of Annik and Rob’s portraits.

After the park, it was off to Summerhill Pyramid Winery for a few more portraits with just the bride and groom, family photos and coolest of all, a “Saber” ceremony. I had seen this once before – but did you know you can open a bottle of champagne with a sword?! So neat. The staff at Summerhill Pyramid Winery was amazing (thanks Melissa!) and gave Rob and Annik’s brother-in-law a complete tutorial before letting them both have a try at it. It was awesome.

The reception was decorated so beautifully in shades of cream and white with rustic accents. A wine barrel for a podium, corks for place cards (personalized! Loved it!) and cute frames and wood letters on the cake and guestbook tables. Also, that cake? So cute. Finally, I have to say, Annik and Rob’s First Dance was one of my favourites to date. It started out as a simple sway back and forth an then they shocked the crowd by launching into a choreographed waltz! There were lifts and dips and a hug/kiss combo at the end that reminded of a scene from the original Dirty Dancing.

Annik and Rob – I can see from Facebook you two are soaking up the Jamaican sun! Enjoy it all! Thank you for choosing me!

Makeup Artist: Kailea Cabico
Bride’s Shoes: Nine West
Bride’s Earrings: Sweetpiece Jewelry
Bride’s Bracelet: Tiffany’s
Dress Designer: Alfred Angelo
Dress Store: Everything but the Groom
Florist: Creations by Mom & Me
Ceremony Venue: Immaculate Conception Church
Reception Venue: Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Coordinator: Meg McManus
Event Rentals: Stage Right Etc 
DJ: Dave Allen (DJ Superdave)
Videographer: Zach Boyd of Tailored Fit Films
Cake: Whisk Cake Company 
Catering: Sunset Organic Bistro (Summerhill)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Custom from Golden Brides
Groomsmen Attire: Vera Wang Tuxedos from Moores
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Favours: Homemade Jam