Victoria and Sam met on Bumble and knew instantly that they were the perfect fit for each other. Fast forward to a private cabin getaway to Ucluelet BC (romantic!) where Sam proposed!!! You guessed it, Victoria said YES. Fast forward to their intimate backyard wedding ceremony …

Laugher, Good Conversation … It’s Wedding Planning Time!

As they started planning their wedding, Victoria and Sam were in need of a photographer! Victoria’s cousin narrowed down the search to a few photographers but Victoria said she knew I was THE ONE when we connected on the phone and became besties instantly.

It’s safe to say that I have never become SO close SO quickly to a bride before. It was something about all the laughter and good conversation during that initial call with Victoria that made me feel like I’d known her forever. 

I knew there was something special about her and was THRILLED when they chose me as their photographer because it meant I could also grow my friendship with Victoria. Photography has blessed me with so many clients who turn into my closest friends, and Victoria and I now send texts, voice memos, and prayer requests to each other allllll the time!

An intimate backyard wedding ceremony

But enough about the perks of my dream job and more about THIS WEDDING. Victoria and Sam were married on August 22 in a backyard wedding ceremony (well, their front yard technically). Victoria’s mother flew in from Northern British Columbia to do an AMAZING job of decorating the yard for the big day. 

Poignant Hand Written Vows

Although Victoria said she wasn’t going to cry at her wedding, that quickly changed the moment she realized she was saying YES to forever with her best friend. Their hand written vows were SO incredibly meaningful to witness.

The original plan was that I was going to do 6 hours of coverage but then a few days before the wedding Victoria asked to upgrade to my 8 hour package. I happily upgraded them and was able to stay for the socially distanced dance party on their EPIC outdoor dance floor featuring string lights and the SWEETEST family ever!!

There were many happy tears shed (including some of my own) at Victoria and Sam’s wedding. It was incredibly touching to see Sam’s father tearing up during Victoria and Sam’s beautiful speech.

After the ceremony, we did a stunning wedding portrait session in Deer Lake Park for a stunning portrait session complete with a dock surrounded by lily pads.

Let’s start the SHOUTOUTS! The brother-in-law brought his A game with an UNREAL dinner of BBQ ribs, chicken, warm potato salad, green salads, etc. Michelle O’Dell was my incredible second shooter who helped me capture this beautiful day. And let’s not forget the sweet little girl below who was briefly my unofficial “third shooter”.

An incredible wedding testimonial!:

“Wow, Esther is seriously amazing! Our photos turned out so beautifully, better than we could have imagined. She makes you feel so at ease in front of the camera and is so much fun to be with! Very professional, was on time, super easy to communicate with. We would highly recommend having Esther do your photography, she is a gem!! Thank you again!!!!”

— Victoria

SHOUTOUTS TO THESE AMAZING WEDDING VENDORS IN VANCOUVER:

• Make-up and hair by Rose Quartz Beauty

• Flowers by Sunflower Florist

• DJ was a Spotify playlist

• Rings by Simon Yaghdjian with Astranova Jewellery

• Cookies by Mocookies Maureen

Now let’s send you readers off the same way that Victoria and Sam were sent off with these cute sparkler shots! Victoria loves candid shots and I’d say we nailed it with these beauties!!!

KEEP SCROLLING for more highlights from this beautiful day. I am SO thankful that I could be a part of it, and I am EVEN MORE thankful that it led me to a new best friend!!! Get in touch to chat about your own wedding photography!