I want to acknowledge the simple, understated elegance that was Carlie and Freddy’s Manning Park wedding. It was classy and absolute perfection. I cannot say enough about this venue and this beautiful couple.
But I’m going to try anyway.
For anyone who likes being outdoors, I’m sure you’ve been to Manning Park. Now, Manning is only a few hour’s drive away from Vancouver. Yet, it offers so many awesome adventure possibilities – beautiful lakes, camping, hiking, and cute little cottages that make the perfect weekend wedding getaway.
Carlie and Freddy’s wedding was exactly that. A perfect getaway.
What to expect from a Manning Park Wedding?
Good questions, I’m glad I asked.
As I mentioned, there are so many visual aspects to take advantage of in Manning Park, that I tried to get as many in as I possibly could with Carlie and Freddy.
Let’s start with the getting ready part of the day. Carlie and Freddy were staying at the resort. The cottages are simple and a little rustic, which actually makes them a wonderful blank canvas to be elevated by the moment.
The decor is simple and clean, which meant that Carlie’s dress, her shoes, the tender moments with your mother, and her bridesmaids were given this unobstructed presence. You can see it so clearly in the image, that the background of the cottage doesn’t distract from what’s happening.
If anything, it adds a natural vibe to the whole album. That, and the amazing light that filtered in the morning on the balcony, made for such spectacular photos.
What I loved about Carlie was her smile. I don’t know that there was a moment when she wasn’t beaming with joy. It was infectious to be around. Everyone around her couldn’t help but smile too.
At the Manning Park Resort
Now, back to what you get at a Manning Park wedding:
Cute cabins and plenty of room to stay → check!
Up next, we have lush, mature, forested trails.
Alright, the photographer in me loves forest photography. I can’t help it. The lighting can be utterly magical, especially with the added drama & warm glow from the wildfire smoke (welcome to BC!). And who doesn’t want a magical feeling to their already magical day?
Manning Park has this simple network of trails that are suitable for any skill level. If you’re thinking your wedding needs to be at the top of a mountain – we can do that hike. Or, like Carlie and Freddy, we can take advantage of the secluded wonder of the trails, and the breathtaking streams of light that elevated their first look moment.
It’s a good thing that I got these pictures out of the way before the wedding. It was such a sweet moment that I teared up!
And we don’t want that!
In any case, the look on Freddy’s face when he saw Carlie. The moment their fingers touched before he turned around. I get chills just thinking about the love shining in his eyes.
I was really happy to be able to take these precious pictures in the forest. It gave a more intimate feeling to the moment, which was exactly the feeling that I was going for.
We did end up taking advantage of the other views, with some beautiful lakeside photos for the ceremony and the family portraits.
What I loved most about shooting at Manning Park was that Manning Park is busy in the summer. Yet, you would never know that. Given its size, you wouldn’t expect how well set up Manning Park is. Or that hosting your wedding here makes it feel like it’s just for you. A piece of wild paradise just waiting for your big day.
Photo gallery time!
Well, with that, I think it’s time that you get to see that happy couple in action. I had an amazing time photographing Carlie and Freddy and being part of their Manning Park wedding adventure.
Enjoy the pictures of this great day!
