Back in February, I got an email from a girl named Natalie with the subject line “We want to book you!” Well, that’s a great way to start your morning. She continued, “We don’t have a venue booked yet – only engaged a few days – but you are a priority for both of us! Let us know how to send you the deposit.” It’s a pretty great feeling when you start off with clients this way.
I have been looking forward to Natalie and Reuben‘s wedding day ever since! I went to the same high school as Reuben and we all attend the same church – one campus of which happens to be at our old high school. It’s been really neat to see Natalie and Reuben around on Sundays and start a friendship with them.
Hair Stylist: Leanne Cordeiro
Makeup: Savannah
Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade
Bride’s Jewelry: Vivah
Officiant: Rob Clark
Dress Designer: Ellebay Bridal
Florist: Gillian Schellenberg
Ceremony Venue: Trinity Baptist Church
Reception Venue: Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel
Bridesmaids Dresses: Smartset
Groom’s Attire: Topshop
Groomsmen Attire: Zara
Invitations: Jukebox Print
Favours: Homemade fortune cookies
The day before Natalie and Reuben‘s wedding I was in Kelowna shooting Annik and Rob’s wedding. (Tip – if you’re going to shoot two weddings back to back, you better be crazy-excited about both of them. Especially if you have to wake up before 6am and drive 4.5 hours from one city to the next the morning of the wedding.) When we arrived at Natalie’s sister’s house for getting ready photos after the long drive, I was full of energy and ready to take on the day!
I loved photographing around this old house – so many fun nooks and crannies to shoot detail photos in – decorated wonderfully by Natalie’s sister Hailey. It was fun watching the bond between Natalie, her two sisters and her mom and the joy between them all when Natalie got into her dress. (Which, I might add, was custom-designed by ElleBay Bridal – I’ve been dying to shoot an ElleBay dress for years.)
The ceremony at Trinity Baptist Church was officiated by one of our pastors Rob and highlighted Natalie and Reuben’s love and commitment to one another. I loved that Natalie and Reuben wrote notes to one another – rather than gifts – and read them right before the ceremony. Such a sweet way to begin.
We had so much fun taking portraits with the bridal party around Gastown and Coal Harbour. These two have a wonderful group of friends and I loved creating these images. Before we knew it, it was onto the reception at the Marriott Renaissance Harbourside Hotel. I have to highlight the setting chart below… Reuben was very proud of this idea. Inside the (homemade!) fortune cookies guests found their table number and they also served as guest favours.
Natalie’s colour palette for the day was so clean and classic. I loved it. The perfect pop of glittery gold, classic black, neutrals, whites.
These photos crack me up – a funny alternative to the Shoe Game. Hah!
Happy marriage, Natalie and Reuben! Hope you had a blast on your honeymoon.
So great Jamie! I love when brides get ready in a home with so much character and personal touches! Seems like this day was so full of joy! Great job capturing that!