Maple Ridge Backyard Wedding

Katie & John

This sweet Maple Ridge backyard wedding & gallery really speak for itself – taking place on a perfect summer day a short wander away from Whonnock Lake. But how did we get here?

My journey with Katie & John started 2 years ago at Manning Park Resort. I was there to photograph Maria & Brad’s wedding day, Katie was a bridesmaid and she caught my eye right away. I could see, both in getting ready & throughout the day, how loyal caring & dedicated of a friend Katie was. Her genuine smile & joy for her friend was evident in every moment of the day. Naturally when Katie reached out to me me a little over a year later to say she was engaged, I was thrilled for her! I had such an amazing time with Katie & the entire bridal party that day in Manning Park – I knew that the man who stole Katie’s heart had to be just as amazing as well.

We met for coffee shortly after Katie’s message and right away I could see the strong connection between her and John. These two compliment each other SO well. I loved watching their interactions – the little glances at each other that said everything without a single word ever being said, and hearing their story of how they met & got engaged had me over the moon for them.

Their Love Story

Their love story begins just over three years ago. After being introduced by a mutual friend (one of the groomsmen, naturally!) these two hit it off right away, sending Katie home after their first meeting swooning over John.

Fast forward to a year ago. It was one of the last long weekends of the summer, and John had made plans to steal Katie away on an adventure up the Sunshine Coast. As the weekend came to an end, they found themselves sitting on a bench overlooking the ocean when John suggested they play the childhood game where one person writes on the other’s back while the person blindly guesses what was written. As John’s turns came, he began to write “I love you”, followed by “you’re pretty”, both of which Katie guessed. On his last turn, he slowly but surely drew the words “will you marry me?” on Katie’s back.. The rest, as they say, is history.

Wedding Story

Having grown up on her family’s gorgeous property in the area close to Whonnock Lake, a Maple Ridge backyard wedding was practically a foregone conclusion. Whether it seemed like the obvious choice or not, it could not have been a more perfect choice. From the first moment I walked into the getting ready room, Katie was beaming with joy. I’m hard-pressed to remember a bride who has been more joyful, radiant and excited to marry her man. It made the day that much better to be a part of. The joy was undeniable and shared amongst everyone present. You could tell the strong connection these two have with those around them and how much they value those close to them. Katie’s mom served as her maid of honour and, being very close to my mother as well, I loved watching these two together throughout the day! Family was a very important part of the entire day. From adorable nieces being a part of the bridal party & day to Katie arriving to the ceremony in the same classic car that had been in her family for years.

I honestly could write forever about their day. Their vows were beyond touching – I don’t think I’ve ever had so many people tear up during a ceremony (including this photographer over here – yup, me! And I am NOT a crier). Hearing Katie say how John isn’t everything she ever wanted; he’s so much more than that, and all the sweet moments in between left everyone reaching for kleenex. After that, their day was filled with contagious giggles, unending smiles, & an amazing outdoor reception that had.. wait for it.. a BREAKFAST-themed buffet (can ALL my couples do breakfast for dinner? YUM), the best yard games around, a too-good-to-be-true cookie table (ok, I’m sensing a theme.. food is the way to my heart), a killer dance party, and an epic Jenga battle.

Gallery

I am so lucky to have met Katie at Brad & Maria’s mountain-top wedding a couple of summers ago. I have absolutely loved getting to know her & John more as well as their loved ones. (You can catch up on their engagement session by clicking here.)

Here’s a curated selection of some of my favourites from their Maple Ridge backyard wedding…