Kristina & Steven’s wedding day was a dream to photograph. It’s always a good thing when you have a wedding you love come second on a double-header wedding weekend! Keeps me motivated! Although I had photographed Susan & Alfred’s wedding the day before in Vancouver, I woke up excited on Saturday about capturing Kristina & Steven’s day. Kristina was a referral from Mikaela Ruth, as originally she was booked to photograph their wedding day before she found out she was pregnant! (By the way, Mikaela had a beautiful, healthy boy named Isaiah two weeks ago.) I was delighted Mikaela chose to trust her clients to me.

The more I photograph weddings, the more I come to determine what it is I really love shooting. I love weddings with fabulous details, a fun bridal party, an organized (but not too structured) timeline, amazing and unique reception food, a beautiful bride and groom and a relaxed venue. Kristina and Steven’s day had all of these things. Kristina was gorgeous in her Lazaro dress. I love how she wrote in her questionnaire, “I’ve been saving for my dream dress since before I got engaged! $50 a paycheque adds up!” I’m glad I got to be the photographer to capture Kristina wear her dream gown. It was worth every penny. You could tell she adored it.

And it may sound a little crazy at first – saving since before she was engaged – until you find out that Kristina & Steven have been together 9 years. So, to save a little bit before engagement, well, they knew it was coming. ;) These two met while they were in high school and have been together ever since. Everything about their wedding day had a casual, family feel. Everybody was friends with everybody. Kristina’s parents are sweet as can be (they thanked me at the reception for doing such a great job!) and Steven has two sets of incredible parents. Every person in attendance was overjoyed to be a part of this celebration.

Kristina’s amazing dress needed to be zipped and then individually buttoned. These dresses take a long time to put on! I think her maid of honour Kerri was working on it for at least twenty minutes straight. Thank you to Jana and Laura for your “fanning.” (They had those little battery powered gas-station fans and alternated between Kristina, Kerri and myself. Much appreciated. And funny.)

Steven surprised Kristina with an infinity Tiffany & Co. necklace. She didn’t plan to wear anything with her Lazaro dress, but when she opened up the little blue box and saw this, she said “It’s perfect.” I loved the minutes following where she wandered over to the mirror and admired it and took herself in. Her last few minutes as a single girl.

Every detail of the day was fabulous thought out. Kristina did a lot of the design work herself which is impressive! I loved her rustic theme. I had a rustic-style wedding (but with modern elements) and I love how Kristina combined the same feel. Modern typography against a rustic setting. Both the ceremony and the reception was held at Steven’s Dad’s home in Abbotsford.

Isn’t this setting gorgeous? I just know I’ll be getting emails about this property. Unfortunately it is private! ;) There was a wedding post a few years back in Fort Langley with a private ceremony site and to date, I’ve received about 20 emails asking where it is and how to book it.

I don’t normally post signing the register photos… but I couldn’t help post these two. I love how Kristina & Steven are looking at one another. And Kerri and Kristina’s relationship.

All of the portraits were taken right on Steven’s Dad’s property which made for an easy timeline! This is Steven’s truck as well and I love the sentimental value of having it in the photos for them. I’m sure it comes with a lot of teenage memories.

Around every corner was more rustic, farm-feel, relaxed details.

For dinner? Chicken wings, beef brisket, corn bread, beans, corn on the cob, cole slaw. Yeah, pretty awesome.

Kristina and Steven: This wedding, this day. What a pleasure to be a part of it with you. I count myself honoured to have met all of your family and friends. I loved hanging out with your bridal party and witnessing all of these important moments in your life. Enjoy the photos! And Thailand of course. Which I see on Facebook you already are… ;)

Hair Stylist: Julia Samzadeh
Make-Up Artist: Ashley King of Wedded Bliss
Bride’s Shoes: BHLDN
Bride’s Necklace: Tiffany & Co.
Dress Designer: Lazaro
Dress Store: Bisou Bridal 
Bridesmaids Dresses: Sorella Vita from Lisa’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Le Chateau, Calvin Klein
Stationery: Jukebox Print
Florist: Kari Dueck, Confetti Floral Designs 
Officiant: Marilyn Lees
Caterer: Smoke & Bones BBQ
Event Rentals: Classic Party Rentals and Spruce Collective
DJ: BCDJ