Scott & Carmen’s wedding… where do I begin? I had the pleasure of meeting these two at Rachael & Dallas’ wedding nearly a year ago, when Scott was a groomsmen. A few weeks after their friends wedding, I received an email from Carmen & Scott Forsyth, asking if I would be available to shoot their Pipe Shop wedding in North Vancouver that coming August. I’m always honoured when clients find me directly through friends–and/or by seeing my work at a wedding they attended. They know exactly what to expect on the day and there’s a beautiful trust there that means so much to me. So first of all, S+C thank you for letting me capture your day!

I have so much to say about this amazing day. Scott & Carmen waited a long time to get married – after family circumstances compelled them to postpone the wedding date later than they may have originally hoped. You could feel the excitement and anticipation in the air during their ceremony. Their 200-something guests started cheering when Scott and his groomsmen entered the building and took their places at the front of the venue. The cheers continued for all the bridesmaids, one by one, before Carmen walked in on her father’s arm.

Scott couldn’t hold his emotions in when he saw his bride. It was one of my favourite wedding moments – ever. The ceremony was officiated by Scott’s uncle – who also married Scott’s parents 31 years ago. A super special heritage, there! The ceremony was personalized with amazing vows and a reading from Romans 12 by Scott’s sister.

I have been wanting to photograph at The Pipe Shop forever (I used to peek in the windows before it was an official venue, thinking, ‘This warehouse sure would make a gorgeous venue!’) — and Carmen chose incredible details for the space. Huge thank you to Tailored Blooms, Haley from Ruffled Rose Co. and Robyn with Smitten Events for their design work.

The reception program was the most jam-packed, insane event I have ever photographed. I don’t say that lightly! Scott Forsyth is a full-time hip-hop choreographer who travels all over the world teaching. He’s won first place in the world… twice. So, he’s legit. Carmen is a brilliant dancer as well (Scott says she’s better than him!) – and they had soooo many of their sweet dance friends at the reception.

Anytime a great song came on (which was all night, by the way — DJ Hustle was crazy good, and also one of my favourite parts of their reception,) you could look around at the ‘dance’ tables and even their ‘swaying’ in the chairs had so much rhythm. It was so so fun to watch. (Also, picture their playlist as a fun, super-loud mix of Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, basically: super fun.)

In addition to Carmen + Scott planning a ‘flash mob’ style entrance for their reception, and asking two friends to sing a song, Scott performed a surprise dance for Carmen and best of all – their friends surprised them with a routine. (When you scroll through the photos, that’s the one of them with their eyes closed with the crew behind!)

The night ended with the most perfect evening light for sunset photos, and I’m in love with them. I hope this moment for Carmen & Scott was a chance to breathe in the midst of their amazing reception – and they’ll remember those feelings when they see those portraits!

Hair Stylist: Anne Tran
Make-Up Artist: Kristina Vicencio
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Dress Designer: Lazaro
Dress Store: Bisou Bridal
Florist: Tailored Blooms
Venue: The Pipe Shop
Coordinator: Robyn Lemon – Smitten Events
Decorator: Haley from Ruffled Rose Co.
DJ: Russell Recuenco (DJ Hustle)
Videographer: Charles De Jesus
Cake: Carmen Javier (friend)
Catering: White Table Catering
Bridesmaids Dresses: Park and Fifth Co.
Groom’s Attire: Suits by Curtis Eliot