Intimate Maple Ridge Backyard Wedding

Katie & John

First off, this sweet Maple Ridge backyard wedding and gallery really speaks for itself. Not only did it take place on a perfect summer day, it was also full of love. And that’s not even saying how picturesque the scenery was at Whonnock Lake!

Maple Ridge backyard wedding backstory!

But before we get started, I want to give you some history, about how I met Katie. You see, my journey with Katie & John started 2 years ago at the stunning Manning Park Resort. I was there to photograph Maria & Brad’s wedding day, and Katie was a bridesmaid who immediately caught my eye. Throughout the day, from getting ready to the ceremony and beyond, I could see how loyal, caring & dedicated of a friend Katie was. Her genuine smile & joy for her friend was evident in every single moment of the day.

Alright, now that you know the past, let’s fast forward a year.

The engagement

Katie reached out to me with the exciting news that she was engaged. Let me tell you, I was absolutely thrilled! I have to say, I had an amazing time with Katie. I mean, it truly was a special meeting her that day in Manning Park. That said, when it came to meeting John, I just knew that he had to be just as incredible, right?

And certainly, we met for coffee after Katie’s message, I knew I was right!

Instantly, I could see the strong connection between her and John. Namely, I loved watching their interactions, from the little glances that said everything without a single word, to hearing their heartwarming story & engagement. It all had me completely over the moon.

Their Love Story

But let’s backtrack again, to the start of their love story. Three years ago, after being introduced by a mutual friend (one of the groomsmen, naturally!) these two hit it off right away. Katie went home after their first meeting swooning over John.

Now, fast forward to a year ago, and we get to the good parts. You see, it all started on one of the final long weekends of the summer. John had orchestrated a delightful getaway for Katie, whisking her away on an adventure up the picturesque Sunshine Coast. Meanwhile, as their enchanting weekend drew to a close, the couple found themselves perched on a bench, taking in the breathtaking view of the ocean.

Now, out of nowhere, John suggested a nostalgic game from their childhood. I’m sure you know the game, the one where you and a partner each take turns writing with your fingers on each other’s backs and guessing what was written. Of course, because he’s a romantic, John traced the words “I love you” onto Katie’s back, followed by the phrase “you’re pretty.” Unsurprisingly, Katie guessed both. And you guessed it, she was melting in joy!

But it doesn’t end there! In the same way, on his final turn, John’s movements became more deliberate and purposeful. With each careful stroke, he meticulously spelled out the words “Will you marry me?” on Katie’s back. From that point forward, their story unfolded into a beautiful new chapter, marking the beginning of their forever together.

Storytime for the Maple Ridge Backyard Wedding

Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? For starters, Katie grew up on her family’s stunning property near Whonnock Lake. Undoubtedly, you guessed it, makes a Maple Ridge backyard wedding almost inevitable. As it turned out, it was the perfect choice. You wouldn’t believe the mood, from the moment I entered the getting-ready room, Katie was positively glowing with joy. Most notably, her elation and radiance were unmatched as she prepared to marry her soulmate. Seriously, Katie’s joy was so contagious that it elevated the entire celebration, making it an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

In the same way that Katie was excited, the happiness extended far beyond the bride herself. Every guest could feel the warmth and love permeating the atmosphere. It was evident that the couple had cultivated strong relationships with their loved ones, creating a tight-knit community of support.

To illustrate this point, let me share one of the most heartwarming aspects of the day: Katie and her mother! Hands down, there is a special bond between Katie and her mother, who served as the maid of honor. Specifically, their close relationship was apparent throughout the wedding, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the celebration. As someone who shares a similar connection with their own mother, I found their interaction particularly moving.

Family is everything

All this to say, family played a central role in every aspect of the celebration. Moreover, Katie arrived at the ceremony in a classic car that had been in her family for years. Indeed, there were so many heartfelt moments. Consequently, it was hard not to feel the love in the air. I mean, love and the importance of family were woven seamlessly into the fabric of this unforgettable wedding.

Honestly, I could write endlessly about their day. First and foremost, their vows were beyond touching. Quite honestly, I’ve never seen so many people tear up during a ceremony. Myself included! And I should know, because I am NOT typically a crier. Nevertheless, hearing Katie admit that John is so much more than she could have dreamed had everyone reaching for tissues. Consequently, throughout the day, their celebration was filled with contagious giggles and unending smiles.

What a fun reception!

Undoubtedly, the wedding ceremony was beautiful, and subsequently, the reception that followed was equally sweet and picturesque. However, there’s one aspect I simply must highlight: specifically, the food! To illustrate, they had a breakfast-themed buffet and an almost too-good-to-be-true cookie table. Furthermore, if I may digress for a moment, I can’t help but wish all my couples would consider breakfast for dinner! Undeniably, food is the way to my heart. In addition to the culinary delights, the evening featured some of the best yard games around, a killer dance party, and an epic Jenga battle. As a result, it was a night filled with non-stop fun and excitement.

Gallery

Now, you know me and how much my clients mean to me. Well, Katie and John are no different. Honestly, I am so lucky to have met Katie at Brad & Maria’s mountain-top wedding a couple of summers ago. Truly, it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know her & John. Of course, being part of their big day was amazing too! (Also, because I mentioned it, I do have a link to the engagement session. If you want to see that magic, engagement session by clicking here.)

Without further ado, here’s a curated selection of some of my favourites from their Maple Ridge backyard wedding…