Wedding Photographed at Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, BC

“Hey Wally, we just unpacked the photographs and we just had to call you right away to say wow, they look so amazing.

We seriously are very impressed!- especially since we are wedding photographers ourselves. Anyways, just wanted to say thank you very much for the wonderful images!

We will be recommending you to our friends when they get married for sure!”

- Andrea and Mike Dube – Vancouver Island BC

Tasha and Josh Cullen

Wedding Photographed at Bear Mountain, Victoria, BC

“Our wedding photo experience with Wally was exceptional. He was very professional and creative.

All of our photographs turned out more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. We came from Calgary to Victoria for our wedding at Bear Mountain. Wally had great suggestions as to where we could take some photos and he worked with our schedule.

It was almost surreal when we received our photo package. Wally had captured the feelings and the beauty in every photo. We were blessed with amazing surroundings and the lighting turned out great.

Wally’s expertise showed all of this in our photos. We highly recommend Wally for any of your photography needs when you are in the Victoria area. He has a great personality and we are confident he would treat you as well as he treated us. Great job Wally!!

Thank you so much!”

- Tasha and Josh Cullen – Calgary Alberta

Kate & Matthew Palmer

Wedding Photographed at St Ann’s Academy, Victoria

“Wally was a pleasure to work with! Our wedding day turned out to be the most amazing day and Wally’s relaxed and creative style allowed us to have a lot of fun.

The photographs are amazing and we had so many to choose from. Wally set out to capture the beauty and magic of our special day and succeeded beyond all expectations. Leading up to the day, Wally met with us on numerous occasions and was open to helping us create a package that suited our needs. He also responded to emails promptly and answered all of our questions. Wally  is a professional and talented photographer. Our special thanks, ”

- Kate & Matthew Palmer – Victoria BC

Steve and Janna

Wedding Photographed at Ocean Side, Victoria, BC

“We were so pleased with Wally’s photography and the images he created of our wedding day. We appreciated Wally’s efforts to capture ourselves and our guests in a candid, yet artistic manner. Wally’s laid-back personality contributed to a relaxing atmosphere (on what could very easily have been a hectic day!) that we thoroughly enjoyed.

What a bonus to also experience Wally’s talents as a wedding dj and limo driver! It was a pleasure working with Arbutus Photography and seeing the magicWally captured in our pictures! We will look at them fondly for many years to come. ”

- Janna and Steve Thompson – Oliver B.C.

Natashia and Matt

Wedding Photographed at the Laurel Point Inn

“Thank you so much Wally for the photos and we had a great time chatting with you before and after the wedding! We had a great time on our wedding day! Thanks for making us feel relaxed and joke around.

It really made our day go so much easier with you around!

We just loved the wedding photos you sent us. They really made us look fantastic!

Thank you again for everything!

- Natashia and Matthew – Victoria BC

Karen and David

Wedding Photographed at St Ann’s Academy

“Thank you very much for your time with us. We enjoyed our wedding day immensely. You made our family feel relaxed and we had a great time at Beacon Hill Park with you.

The colors were just amazing that time of year and your photographs captured them perfectly. We highly recommend Wally and Arbutus Photography!

Sincerely from our family to yours.”

- Karen and David – Edmonton Alberta

Chris and Karly

Wedding Photographed at Thetis Island

“Thanks a ton Wally, we all sure had fun working with you! We had a great time on Thetis island, and you made us feel relaxed and made us laugh and just be ourselves.

We appreciate everything, and thanks for meeting us in Oak Bay at Starbucks many times to go over the wedding.”

We highly recommend Arbutus Photography to anyone who is looking for a more relaxed and fun wedding.

- Chris and Karly – Thetis Island

Get Organized

Suddenly, you’ll find yourself overcome with plenty to do. And trust us, it’s more than what you can just simply memorize in your head. Start creating to-do lists and checklists, including using timelines, with all the details that you need to fit your perfect day. There also many options for online wedding planners, such as the wedding planning from Google that is now available.

Prioritize

Set your priorities and deal with the essentials needed first. Look for your venue and make sure that the must-have folks at your wedding (parents, siblings, best friends, et cetera) are available that day.

Set Some Limits

Chances are, those who are planning a last minute wedding tend not to have the wedding “bug”. In this case, make it a little easier on yourself and limit the guest list. This allows for more options for reception locations, planning for out-of-town guests doesn’t require as much detail, and it will help shave off some of the cost since you haven’t budgeted for it.

Get on the phone

Make as many connections and phonecalls as you can. Since you are planning a last minute jaunt, you want to be sure that you are covering all of your bases. Ask friends and families for recommendations, call companies and see who they recommend, too. If you book a caterer, ask them for bartender contacts. If you’ve found your florist, ask about table runners. If you hunted down a wedding venue, ask for reception recommendations. Odds are that they know everyone else in the business. And don’t forget to scour the list of Victoria-based wedding sources.

Be Flexible

It’s important to realize that in this type of situation, flexibility is the key. Be willing to make adjustments, even if they aren’t preferred, to get what is needed done. This might require a Friday wedding, a morning brunch instead of dinner, and friends and family not able to attend. There are plenty of places to get married locally, and here are four of our favourite Victoria, BC wedding locations.

Consider Eloping

Instead of dealing with the wedding in general, consider eloping as an option. It doesn’t have to be done Vegas-style; instead, make a couple of detailed plans, a few more calls, invite a few family or friend members if you want, and get hitched in a matter of minutes. It’s not too hard to choose a destination wedding, and takes usually last minute packages are still available.

Ask for Deals

If a company has last minute cancellations, they would rather fill the space than leave themselves without work. Many businesses, such as our photography company, are more than willing to work out packages and plans to exactly suit your needs.

Do Some Budgeting

Just like in any wedding, you’ll also want to make sure that your budget is where you need it to be. Because in this situation you won’t be saving over a long period of time, you’ll want to look at what funds you currently have and still be able to afford everything you’re currently affording. Take a few moments to jot down some numbers to make sure that everything will work out the way you need it to.

Casual Is Better

Especially if the weather is warm, having a casual theme makes it a lot easier for yourself and your guests. Think of it as a celebration party instead of a formal affair, and keep creativity as the key. Instead of a church venue, ask a friend or family member to use their backyard. Tell them the dress will be summer simplicity, where they can probably pick something that they already own in their wardrobe. Go for a BBQ and buffet style for the dinner. And if it is small enough, make it a potluck!

Stay Focused

Remember what’s important in this situation: you’re getting married to the person that you love! Keep it simple and maintain love at the forefront of your big day.

Use Your Connections

If you’re opting for the small wedding (IE less than 30), ask family and friends about pitching in with the skills they already have. If your mom-in-law to be is an awesome cook (and she loves doing it), ask if she’d consider doing a course for the meal. Have a brother who is into bartending? Ask him to man the booze. Great seamstress neighbour? Consider her for some alterations to spruce up some mall finds into bridesmaid dresses. Don’t be afraid to ask–instead, lose the idea of a registry, invite them to your wedding, and tell them it would be the greatest gift of all (other than their presence.)

Save Some Trees

Yes, yes, we know it isn’t “right” to just send invites via the Internet, but depending on the type of affair, this can be done with some level of class (and save cash on your wedding, too). Alternatively, head over to your local printer and copy a photo with just the necessary info on it: date, time, place, rsvp. Put it on the back of a photo of you and your spouse-to-be, send it in the mail, and make some follow-up calls. If the wedding is large, however, we recommend going the old fashioned route.

Keep it Simple

You know the saying KISS? Well, it goes hand-in-hand with a last minute wedding. Focus on the big picture, which is, of course, your big day. People will remember the moments, maybe the dress, probably the food, and most of all, the fun. Use those as your guide instead of the tiny details that no one really seems to care about. After all, will it really matter if your hair was pinned up or down? Or if you had mis-matched candles on the tables? The answer, of course, is no.

Wedding photography in Victoria, BC is much to be admired, and it’s what we love to do!

If you’re considering a wedding photographer, check our packages, which range from three hour wedding day packages to full day packages with videographers as well.

You’ll be smitten by our portfolio, where our customers and happy couples continually recommend our services to friends and family.

To book us, you can contact us here or call us 888-800-6064. You can also check out our Facebook page (and take a look at the many more photos there).

In the meantime, read more about Victoria and why you’ll love it.

Victoria is nestled alongside the southern area of Vancouver Island, surrounded by the sea on all three sides. With oceanfront parks, rocky sea-sides, and hills of evergreens, the breathtaking scenery makes it a perfect choice for destination weddings and wedding photography. Plan your trip and your upcoming wedding based on how you like to celebrate; Victoria has something to offer all tastes and preferences. For those who want that extra romantic flair, there are horse drawn carriage rides and rentals, beautiful castles offering afternoon tea, and gardens that set the perfect theme. If you prefer something inspired by the West Coast, there are miles upon miles of beach access, breathtaking ocean views, and waterfront locations for the ceremony, photographs, or reception. If you’re one to love a rural area, you’re not far from a scenic area near the popular communities of Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay and Cobble Hill, bringing you around lakefront properties, wonderful vineyards, and gorgeous landscape.

Tourists and locals love the year round climate, perfect for outdoor adventuring. From mountain biking to sailing, Victoria offers something for everyone. Just a ferry ride to the Gulf Islands and Vancouver BC, as well as the ferry from San Juan Islands and Anacortes, WA, Victoria is close-by many areas making it perfect for exploring tourists!

The British colonial history and Native culture is a large part of the picturesque city. Architecture hails from the 1800s, shops dot the street sides, and delicious eateries are found among the many historic landmarks.

Among the attractions includes Beacon Hill Park, home to the world’s tallest, free-standing totem pole carved from a single log. It’s also a gorgeous habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife, making it a popular recreation and destination location. Activities includebird watching, jogging trails, beach-related activities, sporting, horse back riding, and other activities, making it a great location for your guests to explore before or after the wedding. Photographers will be able to integrate the petting animal farm, water fountains, monuments, band pavilion, famous Garry Oaks, and other cultural features. This is just the start of it, including the breathtaking view over Dallas Road and carriage rides.

There’s also Victoria’s Market Square, home to many restaurants and shops. The Victorian-era Parliament Building in the Inner Harbour boasts elaborate stonework in its gorgeous structure  and at night, marvel at its 3333 illuminating lights. This is a perfect stop for those who want to see some of the city, making their way through the various shops, restaurants, and services. We recommend you visit for a dinner with your friends, or, if you’re a guest to the wedding, an eclectic addition to their gift.

The Inner Harbour also includes the Legislative Buildings, Royal BC Museum, and Thunderbird Park, the home of 15 totem poles. It’s also the best spot for your spot of tea, at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. The hotel offers a glorious tea, perfect for royalty, in its historic Tea Lobby.  You’ll stay in luxury thanks to a recent multi-million dollar renovation of each Fairmont Gold hotel room and can relax at the Willow Stream Spa–an essential complement to any visit.

Gardens are in abundance in Victoria, and Butchart Gardens is the best of them all. Over one hundred years old, this garden contains such a wide variety of colourful plants and natural life that it’s clear why over one million visitors flock to it each year. Featuring 55 acres of floral finery and spectacular views along the paths and expansive lawns, the Butchart Gardens are a Victoria landmark and a National Historic Site of Canada–and, obviously, a beautiful location for some wedding photography. It is one of Victoria’s most popular attractions and a sought after venue for spring ceremonies and receptions.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love the Royal British Columbia Museum. British Columbia’s past, present and future are all nestled inside the Royal BC Museum. With a collection of more than seven million unique objects and documents, there’s something for everyone. You can even inquire about events: after an initial consultation, the Manager will assist you to meeting all of your needs.

If culture is more your beat, visit North America’s second oldest Chinatown (and the oldest in Canada). Victoria’s revitalized Chinatown is a popular area for tourists as well as the artistic community, and many historic buildings make it a wonderful destination for any Victoria wedding photoshoot before or after a ceremony.

For those who love the outdoors, we recommend Galloping Goose Trail, the best place to explore whether you’re on foot or bike. When you’re finished, embark on a journey into the sea, taking a boat tour to indulge in whale watching within the Pacific. Then while you’re out there, visit the Fisgard Lighthouse, a must-see landmark that is the first lighthouse on Canada’s west coast still in operation. Regardless what you choose, many wedding-based Victoria companies and services are there to make your day special, adding each and every frill that you are seeking.

Established in 1843 by James Douglas as a fort for the Hudson’s Bay Company, the British ancestry is clearly found within  the double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages, formal gardens and parks, and beautiful tearooms. This is combined with an unbeatable downtown region filled with entertainment and attractions for everyone.

With carriages, an eclectic downtown core, and something for everyone, this beautiful Capital City is a perfect destination for your wedding or honeymoon. If you’re not sold already on its popular destinations, timeless beauty, romantic atmosphere, or its undeniable ability to meet everyone’s needs, check out our Client Gallery. We offer a wide range of photography and videography services, and are passionate about making your day as special as possible.

From its oceanfront scenery and memorable mountain views, to the culture-rich downtown, Nanaimo has something for everyone.

The city of Nanaimo has one of the longest shorelines in Canada, nestled alongside a forested mountain backdrop. One of the perks about Nanaimo is the ability to go from the centre of the city to the wilderness in just a  few moments. This makes for a perfect canvas for wedding photographers in Nanaimo, BC.

As the second largest city on Vancouver Island, you’d think Nanaimo is a bustling tourist destination, whereas the truth is that it is actually a hidden gem, compared to the better known Victoria, Vancouver, and Whistler.

Located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 113 km north of Victoria, and 55 km across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver, Nanaimo projects out into the strait, with waterfront of three sides. Ferries link the city to the Vancouver metro area and the smaller islands that surround it.

There is loads to do in the busy city. Tourists and those who love there love the culture, recreation, and fun of the town. The ocean is a spectacular view, and there are plenty of tidal pool, undersea grotto, the city harbour, and scenic islands. There are also 588 hectares of parks, many of which are on the waterfront, including Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park. This protected greenspace is accessible by passenger ferry, with over 15 km of  trails that through shady forests, past First Nations historic sites, and around a lake and bays. Some are also specifically designed for cyclists.

There is also a 4-kilometre (2.5 mile) Harbourfront Walkway, which is often touted as one of the city’s main attractions, bungee jumping at Wild Play Element Parks, a 7,500 square foot indoor rock climbing gym, an 8,000 square foot indoor playground, and much more. Truly something for you, your guests, and everyone and everything in between.

Because of the gorgeous weather, weddings in Nanaimo, BC are a great option. It is one of the mildest climate regions in the nation, and coldest between November and February, typically which reach daytime high temperatures in the 6 to 9 degrees Celsius range, and lows of about 0 to 2 degrees Celsius. Between June and September, the average daytime highs are in the mid-20s Celsius, and lows of about 10 degrees. You’ll want to note that the rainy season is in November and December, and reaches its low point in July and August. There is generally a few snowfalls in December and January.

If you are booking accommodations, consider the scenic Kiwi Cove Lodge, a spacious 12-room location that accommodates everyone in your party. They offer a full, from-scratch breakfast with baked goods, homemade yogurt and kiwi preserves, fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, and evening meals that can be arranged in advance., as well as heartier fare. Evening meals are also a delight for the group and can be arranged in advance. A processional can be in vineyard and there can be an outdoor ceremony for up to 50 people. They provide everything you need to make it a moment you’ll never forget.

We also love the Grand Hotel Nanaimo, a premier accommodation for any event. It provides couples and their parties attentive service, expert support and memorable cuisine on the doorstep of a gorgeous rock garden oasis.

The combination of timeless European décor within a distinctly West Coast environment offers a top destination for wedding ceremonies,  receptions, catering and other services. They hand guide you with a coordinator, high end, reputable vendors, and everything you need to support you during the rehearsal and on your big day.

The city is rich in history. Originally, North Pender and South Pender were a single island connected by an isthmus, but a canal was created in the early 1900s for the ferry and boats to have a quicker, safer passage between the islands.

Pender Islands takes in the sub-Mediterranean climate (sometimes called the Hawaii of Canada”), featuring vast amounts of rolling hills, plenty of forestry, open farmland, and several lakes and small mountains. It is also home to many beaches, having the most public beach access of any of the Gulf Islands.

It is a popular tourist destination, with many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as cycling, fishing, hiking, boating, sailing, scuba diving, golfing, and frisbee golf. Culture is rich here, filled with art galleries, eclectic and local cuisine, and plenty of shopping and events.

The oceanside  opportunities on Pender Island are one of the island’s most exciting attractions. There are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing adventures, eco-tours, harbour tours, scuba diving and other adventures by boat, and several marinasoffer cruising and sailing opportunities.

A popular choice is Otter Bay Marina (www.otterbaymarina.ca) , offering a variety of services and activities, easy access for a stop on your trip or a place to lodge for the day.

Summer is generally a busy time of year here on the island, though in the spring and fall are excellent choices for celebrations, as there are fewer tourists and the weather is mild. It also provides great options for wedding photographers in Pender Island, with spring blooms and fall foliage.

There are also plenty of gorgeous places to stay while visiting Pender Island. Pender Island House (www.penderislandhouse.com) is a local favorite; it sits on half an acre of quit forest, with a gorgeous view of Plumper Sound, Saturna Island, the American San Juan islands, and the Washington coastal mountains. The recently renovated house has two bedrooms, as well as a large loft bedroom and sleeps six comfortably. There is a hot tub, a large wood burning fireplace in an open area plan, TV, DVD player, high speed Internet, BBQ, and fully-equipped kitchen complete with dishwasher and microwave.

Poets Cove Resort (www.poetscove.com) is snuggled away in Bedwell Harbour amidst incredible natural beauty, this gorgeous resort is home to an oceanview accommodation, bistro, fine dining, elegant spa, and 110 slip marina. There are plenty of activities, it is close to amenities, and is beautiful, as well. They also offer packages for weddings for your ceremony, reception, elopement or special event. Big or small, they have much to offer you by ways of a glorious venue, wedding catering, wedding supplies, wedding planning.

Check us out on Facebook, too!

Cozily situated along the east side of Vancouver Island, Saltspring Island is about halfway between Nanaimo and Victoria, with the city of Vancouver to the north.

Arbutus Photography offers a wide range of Wedding Photography on Saltspring Island. We now travel to Salt Spring Island with no travel costs.  We have family that just bought a beautiful house on Saltspring, and would be more then happy to show you around the Island, and help you on your wedding day.

With a population of over ten thousand, along with plenty of sheep, deer, and sometimes bears, the atmosphere is warm and comforting, without the bustle of the busy cities that are close by. Saltspring Island is a welcoming location for your ceremony, and any wedding photographer in Saltspring Island would love to be a part of your big day.

The population is brimming with the arts, and features a new community hall, Art Spring, that was fundraised by the local community. There is regular live music passing through, and the residents can easily make recommendations for any wedding.

The highlights of the island include the community music events, as well as the available hiking and mountain biking. There are plenty of hiking trails on Salt Spring Island, the most popular are found in Mount Maxwell Park, on Bruce Peak, nearby Mount Tuam, on Mount Erskine, in Peter Arnell Park, and Bryant Hills Park.

There is also a cluster of various trails at Ruckle Park down in the southeast corner of Salt Spring Island. All of these trails are generally flat, without much change in elevation, making them ideal for biking, as well. Just watch the deer on the road!

You may also want to check out Mt. Maxwell, though its official name is Baynes Peak, and also happens to be the second highest point on Salt Spring Island. It is about 595 metres, or 1950 feet, above sea level, with a near vertical drop on one side. You can drive up to the top of Mt. Maxwell, or park at the bottom and work your way up. Both make for spectacular photograph opportunities!

Another gorgeous view is the top of Bruce Peak, those it is interspersed with communications towers. Mt. Baker, which is about 3,050 metres or 10,000 feet,  is in the east, and Mt. Rainier, which is about 4392 metres or 14,410 feet, is in the opposite southeast direction. There are many great look outs to choose from; those are just a few of our favorite.

When you visit Saltspring Island, there are also many great places to stay. These are some of our favorites:

Cusheon Lake Resort

This lakeside resort is open year-round, featuring cozy cedar cabins right on the shore of Cusheon Lake. Activities include boating, fishing, swimming, and a short ten minute to great hiking trails. The cottages and chalets are one and two bedroom, with fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and more.

171 Natalie Lane
250-537-9629
www.cusheonlake.com

About Thyme Cottage

Located along five acres overlooking the ocean, this secluded cottage let’s you relax, soak in the hot tub, hike in the very closeby network of hiking trails, or dive in the ocean 500 meters away.

144 Sir Echos Way
250-537-1900
info@aboutthymecottage.com

Angel Cottage

A self-contained cottage on three private acres, Angel Cottage is a private bed and breakfast that is close to beaches and hiking, in a calm setting, perfect for a quiet get-away.

250-537-8350
www.angelcottage.ca

Salt Spring Getaway – Hilltop Retreat

This west coast home features large picture windows and a sky light, surrounded by natural landscape and gardens on lovely acreage. The open-concept design is luxurious for a couple, and able to sleep up to six.

www.saltspringgetaway.com
250-537-7022.

Salt Springs Spa Resort

Just steps from the ocean on the north east coast near Fernwood, the Salt Springs Spa Resort is home to ayurvedic therapies, super-sized hydro-jet tubs in private chalets, a serene atmosphere and pristine beauty of this natural setting ensures peace and tranquility.

www.saltspringspa.com
1-800-665-0039

Wetherly Inn & Spa

Wetherly Inn & Spa is set in 30 acres of private grounds, featuring self-contained cottages or beautifully appointed rooms in the house with en-suite soaker tubs, separate glass showers, fireplaces and private balconies. The guest lounge is a favorite, and the whole inn features wireless internet access throughout. With its beautiful gardens, ponds, waterfalls, heated swimming pool, hot tub and fully-equipped spa with registered therapists on call, it is the ultimate in luxury and relaxation.

250-653-4260
www.wetherlyinn.com

Suncrest Cottage and Bed and Breakfast

Located on 28 secluded acres with views overlooking Trincomali Channel, Galiano Island & the Coast Mountains. This very quiet country estate offers great accommodation in two private suites, and includes organic produce and flowers from local sources. They are also members of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy and are involved in the Greening of Salt Spring accommodations program.

250-537-5124
140 Head St.
www.saltspringcottage.com

Also we highly recommend Apple Beachfront Cottages on Saltspring Island

Arbutus Wedding Photographers Saltspring Island

Office (250 412-2321)

Cell Direct      (818 523-3898)

Cell Toll Free (888 800 6064)

www.arbutusphotography.com

There are many things that people might not naturally keep in mind; after all, their brain might be clouded with excitement for the big day!

When the weather cools down, here are our best tips to offer your clients right before the photography session — even if they aren’t related to photography.

Add Color

Winter weddings can often be lost in a sea of white, so use bright and vibrant flowers that really stand out in the photos. They’ll contrast with the snow, and look gorgeous on any landscape. For brides, wear a bright colored cover or jacket over your wedding dress to separate you from the elements.

 Cover Up

As mentioned above, have a jacket or a coat on your wedding day for any shots outside. You’ll want to stay warm and comfortable, it will look completely elegant, and goosebumps, well, that’s a memory that doesn’t need to be captured! White gloves, ear muffs, and a pretty scarf can also complement the outfit (on the groom and the bride!)

The Right Shoes

If you want some shots in the snow–it is a winter wedding, after all, choose a cute pair of boots and make sure they are hidden under your dress. Men should keep a polishing kit close by for muddy and wet weather, so indoors their shoes will shine.

 Bye Bye Bare Legs

If your wedding dress is long, there is no reason not to wear leggings or thick tights under your long dress. If you’re dress is shorter, complement it with a matching pear, some cute boots and, for a little fun, some leg warmers!

Indoor Photography

Indoor photography sessions can be fun, especially with the right props and dramatic lighting. Consider having one outside and one inside, as well, especially in areas with beautiful backdrops, huge windows, and more!

Gather Props

Think muffs, steaming mugs of hot cocoa, decorating a Christmas tree, snacking on the wedding cake, going to a local ski resort, and having a snowball fight. Balance romance with fun, beauty with whimsy, and capture every moment on your big day.

Choose the Right Transportation

If it is really snowy and icy, consider having the photos, ceremony, and reception at the same (or very close by) location so travelling is not an issue. Valet is also a nice touch.

Here are our top details of prepping for you wedding, what to do, and trouble shooting for anything you might encounter.

April Showers…

We all know the saying, but you shouldn’t shy away from April just because the weather might be a little rainy. If you plan for a wedding in the spring — no matter what month — you should plan for the possibility of rain. Outdoor weddings, especially in Vancouver and Victoria, can be wonderful, so find a rental company that has a rain policy. This type of policy will include an agreement that if there is a forecast calling for wet conditions, you will receive a tent (even if it costs extra). There there will be times when guests are walking between tents or buildings, you can also rent hallways that will provide coverage along the way. Canopies and valet parking will help keep guests dry, as well.

Muddy Conditions

Where there is rain, there is mud, so make sure that you have stain-remover (such as a stick or wipes) in your wedding stash. If your dress gets muddy, just wait until the dirt dries, and try to scrape it off (gently!). If it stays, use the stick. You can protect shoes by stepping into plastic bags and securing them at the ankle, or buy special booties designed for this. If you feel like a fool, go for some galoshes, especially if they match your decor.

To protect white wedding shoes from mud during downtime, step into plastic bags and secure them at the ankle with rubber bands (included in the kit). Or for a cute photo op, wear preppy galoshes.

The Hot, Hot Sun

Spring is known for a warm sun that breaks through to heat up the afternoon. You don’t want guests to overheat, especially those more sensitive, such as your older guests, or men in their heavier suit jackets. If its a particularly warm spring, have small cold packs available and hand our freezer favors with the programs at the beginning. If your cake is also outside, choose one that will be covered in fondant as opposed to buttercream; fondant will hold up in the heat.
You may also want to opt for a light dress (you can always have a cover, as well), and wear your hair in an up-do.

Be Prepared

Even if the warm sun heats the afternoons, as soon as it goes down the temperature really drops. Let guests know that cooler attire might be needed, especially those who are coming from out of town. If nights are breezy, protect the candle flames by using pillars in glass hurricane holders, or use battery-operated ones.

It Gets a Bit Buggy

If you’re by water, such as a lake, beach, or near a pond, there might be lots of bugs around. Keep citronella torches aflame and baskets of bug repellant available. Preplan by asking your florist what the best flowers are, ones that don’t attract a lot of insects, especially bees. Skip on the perfume – you might want to advise close friends/family the same – and use unscented hair products.

We’ve captured loads of magical moments of weddings and engagements in and around the Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia areas.

2011 was a spectacular year, reaching couples of all kinds documenting every moment of their dreams.

Our mission is to tell the story of one of the most memorable experiences of your life in a series of great photographs that you are guaranteed to love. We have over 20 years of combined experience in professional photography, and offer this through quality and exceptional value.

You won’t be disappointed. And here’s why:

We’ll be sure to capture traditional and not-so-traditional photographs, including those stolen kisses with your new spouse. The undeniable romance shines through.

Each photograph we take documents the moments leading up to and involved in your wedding. We offer and approach photographs with class, precision and beauty.

We never forget the fun and want to make sure that your personality shines through in every photograph. Our use of colors and shading ups the ante each time we capture a memory.

We’ll go to where you want to be, whether it is your grandmother’s backyard, a luxurious spa, or right beside the ocean. We’ll also give you suggestions to places that we know are the best around the Victoria and Vancouver areas.

Your love will be at the forefront of every photograph, with your story so private, yet so clear.

We’ll be there for each moment, whether the bride is getting dressed with her bridesmaids, the father of the bride is shedding a tear, the florist is perfecting a bouquet, or a shining tradition needs to be captured. Our team is somehow everywhere at once, with no stone left unturned.

Taking photographs the way you want them is key to us: we want our customer to be pleased. In addition, we take our expertise and bring you suggestions and ideas to make the most out of our time with you. We’re patient and excited about ideas, and truly love what we do.

Moments won’t be forgotten as we gather each moment and memory and create a timeline of your magical day.

Seeking out quality locations is key to us, as we find that perfect balance of beauty, art, and fun. Our unique approach and knowledge brings us above the rest, all of which is found inside your photography package after the event.

Our Facebook page is loaded with photographs, highlighting some of the best of this past year. We’re convinced our beautiful locations bring you the best of the best; it’s impossible not to fall in love with Victoria and Vancouver.

Victoria’s mild climate, bright sunny skies, and gorgeous foliage and flowers year-round makes it an ideal choice, especially for tourists. Nestled on the south side of Vancouver Island, it is surrounded by the ocean and laden with parks, rocky sea-sides, and hills of evergreens, the breathtaking scenery makes it a perfect choice for destination weddings.

Vancouver’s natural beauty that is hard to surpass, against a simple backdrop of nature-inspired scenery. As the largest city in BC, it’s diversity and spectacular scenery cannot be surpassed. Surrounded by water, nestled upon mountains, and dotted with celebrated architecture, the mild climate and haught design makes it a popular, and obvious, choice.

We encourage you to visit and like our Facebook page, and stay connected to our latest galleries and wedding reviews.

Unfortunately, the winter can wreak havoc on your tresses,so here are our best tips to keep them up to snuff.

First, you need to know what scalp type you have: that’s a starting point for everyone.

Oily scalps are classified with a greasy t-zone (centre of your face) by midday, limp roots, and large waxy flakes. Be sure to shampoo and massage your scalp daily, and since an oily scalp can become prone to folliculitis, lather up twice during the week of your period. If you have dandruff, use an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Normal scalps are classified with generally somewhere in between oily and dry. Hair doesn’t look greasy if you skip a shampoo for a day, and styling products don’t tend to irritate your scalp. Adjust your shampoo if you notice a difference in the seasons, and get rid of the product buildup with a weekly clarifier, if necessary.

Dry scalps are classified as generally dry skin, with an itchy scalp with some powdery-fine white flakes. It also might tingle with the application of certain products and color. Opt to shampoo every two or three days, and massage hair oil into the scalp before bed. In the cooler or dry climates, use a humidifier.

After you have that under control, take some other steps to ensure that your hair is looking its best in the winter.

Winter hats, for example, can leave hair looking flat, but you don’t want to jeopardize your health. Instead, beat hat head by using a good leave-in conditioner or volumizing hairspray because well-conditioned hair will be better off after topped with a heavy hat.

Fight winter fly-aways with always ensuring you use conditioner, which will help keep any fly-away tresses in check. A deep conditioner will help dry hair; when applying it, start inches from the scalp and gently work your way to the end of each strand. In addition, opt for sleeping on satin: stain pillowcases will result in less fly-aways and silky, smooth hair. Rough fibres, in turn, can dry out your hair.

If you don’t have time or don’t want to wash your hair, consider seeking out a dry shampoo, instead. Revive dirty, oily hair quickly and easily by sprinkling on a bit of dry shampoo. Leave on for a few minutes before tousling with your fingers and brushing out. This also works well with a light dusting of baby powder.

Ban dandruff by using an antidandruff shampoo every other day for two weeks, and if  your hair appears brittle and frayed at the ends, chances are the cold, dry windy winter weather has taken its toll… along with any use of appliances or products. Although snipping your split ends is the best bet, you can also rub on a vitamin-E rich oil, which helps  moisturize it and bring it back to life, and keep that wedding hair-do looking great.

Even though its cold out, try to step away from the blow dryer a few times a week. Frequent exposure to hot appliances, such as blow-dryers, curling irons, and flat irons, takes the moisture out of your hair and can eventually lead to split ends and damaged hair. Instead, use a high-quality leave-in conditioner, then allow hair to air-dry. If drying your hair is a must, use an ionic hair dryer instead. Ionic hair dryers release negatively charged ions that break down water molecules, so hair dries more quickly, with less exposure to heat.

As the big day approaches, you definitely want to take the steps to keep those locks alive, and following these will get you there faster.