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The day is here!!! I’m finally able to share this amazing Oliver backyard wedding with the most beautiful (inside & out) people. What’s more fitting for one of the best couples around on their wedding day? The most perfect weather & venues with all those you love most in the world surrounding you. That’s exactly what this day was.

Oliver Backyard Wedding

Mark & Julia have had to navigate the pandemic over the last year while trying to plan (& re-plan) a wedding. My heart goes out to them and all the couples who had to postpone or drastically alter the vision for what their wedding day would look like as COVID-19 continued to spread globally and new restrictions were announced seemingly daily that would affect carefully-laid plans. These two have an amazing community of friends & family surrounding them. I’ve been lucky enough to spend time with some during M&J’s wedding as well as past weddings that they were attending. M&J are so fortunate to have such good people around them and that’s all that mattered to them in dreaming of their wedding day.

Given their strong family values and support system, it was no surprise as plans changed as the pandemic progressed that they settled on an option very close to the heart – M’s family home for an Oliver backyard wedding. I am such a sucker for backyard weddings!! If you’re looking for a wedding day that is laid-back, intimate, relaxing and your love language is quality time this may be the option for you. There is no better setting to get time to soak up the celebration with your friends & family than in the backyard of your family home. How cool was it for Mark to get to have his wedding portraits done in the same field he grew up racing around with his friends in as a kid? I don’t think it can get any more significant than that.

Their Story

If you didn’t see their engagement session at Lighthouse Park, I met these two at their friends Angie & Dan’s destination beach wedding in Cabo in 2019. It was so special to be able to catch up with A&D (Dan was in the bridal party!) as well as others from our time in Mexico! I really love this whole group – they are a blast to hang out with and I truly hope to see them all again soon. One thing is sure – M&J’s Oliver backyard wedding won’t be the last I see of this crew.

Something we didn’t touch on while telling their engagement session story on The Blog was the story of them… Their love and how it all began! What’s funny about how I met these two in Mexico was that in reality… These two also met in Mexico! (I’m sensing a theme here 😉) 8 years ago M&J found themselves both staying at the same resort there. After meeting and connecting there, they both returned to Canada where they inevitably found their way to each other. At their first hang out, they commemorated the occasion with tequila M brought from… where else?! That kismet trip to Mexico! They quickly found themselves joined at the hip, falling in love with each other while hiking their way to mountain peaks and exploring the beauty of nature. These two love the outdoors almost as much as J loves M’s cooking!

The Wedding Day

Oliver Backyard Wedding Gallery:

When I asked them what is one dream they have for the future together, they said to build a family & life together in their future home. I can’t wait to watch these two grow even more together while hiking mountains and conquering life’s peaks & valleys! 

Here’s a curated selection of highlights from their Oliver Backyard Wedding Gallery… Congratulations again my dears!

Getting Ready | Spirit Ridge Resort, Osoyoos BC:

First Look | Spirit Ridge Resort, Osoyoos:

Bridal Portraits | Nk’ Mip Winery | Spirt Ridge Resort:

Bridal Party Portraits | Nk’ Mip Cellars | Spirt Ridge Resort:

Ceremony | Oliver Backyard Wedding:

Sunset Bride & Groom Portraits | Okanagan Backyard Wedding | Oliver, BC:

Reception & First Dance | Intimate Backyard Wedding:

photographer for the authentic joyful & adventurous
www.megkristina.com
All Photos here by Meg Kristina Photography.
Loved this Oliver Backyard Wedding Story & Gallery? Click here for more Wedding Love on our Gallery Page.   

Need a smile? Check out this River Rock Resort Wedding in Richmond BC.

Geek out over all the highlights & cheesy captions over on Instagram @megkristinaphotos

Limited 2022 dates available.

Vendors:

Getting Ready Venue: Spirit Ridge Resort | Nk’ Mip Winery
Marriage Commissioner: Ted Allen
Dress: The Bridal Gallery | New Westminster
Special thank you to their families who hosted, catered, decorated, supported, and helped put this wedding together!

When it comes to styling your engagement session, making sure you feel comfortable while coordinated without looking too matchy-matchy is easier said than done. It can easily be one of the most agonizing parts of styling your engagement session.

Engagement sessions are meant to be fun! An opportunity to get to know your photographer & to get more comfortable moving in front of the camera before your big day. Sometimes stress and thinking how you’re looking throughout the session can take a beautiful session and tarnish the idea of it in your mind. All too often, I find myself as a photographer falling into almost more of a life coach position with my clients – and it’s no doubt why! As photographers, we are dealing directly with people’s own image & self-worth.

Now, a look into my mind behind the camera as a photographer… Sure, we all can take a bad photo every so often (some of us – LIKE MYSELF – more than others lol), but this is usually a result of an image taken while the subject is talking, mid-blink, or just not ready! These images are considered an instant reject in my field, & are tossed away as junk. This just isn’t deliverable. However, every other photo in a gallery I deliver. When I shoot it, edit it and deliver it from my perspective ALL I see is how genuinely beautiful you are in your own skin. However when we as individuals carry our own insecurities into our perspective (along with our hopes & misconceptions (thanks IG and social media) ) into their own gallery, people aren’t always happy with the image they see looking back at them because it distorts against that which we don’t like in ourselves. This just breaks my heart, because you are all so freaking beautiful it’s not even funny. Each and every single one of you. It is my job to do everything in my power to have the lighting, camera settings, pose and positioning within the image lined up and creatively just for you BUT my goal is always to capture the moment authentically true to who you are in that moment and in your connection. You are beautiful in that and in each & every moment. To help you feel more comfortable, we also must feel confident. I find if you feel good, you look good and vice versa.

Part of that is where styling comes into play. In my experience, everyone, regardless of their shape has an area of their body that they are self-conscious about, so recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colours that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. This can go a long way in styling your engagement session looks.

While I don’t claim to be a stylist (you’ll find me in dog fur covered leggings and an old hoodie with a messy bun on my off days at best), I HAVE found a few areas of focus over the years for helping to create your best and more flattering silhouette for you. This works for ANY body type to keep in mind when styling your engagement session outfits.

3 Areas of Focus When Styling Your Engagement Session:

1. SILHOUETTE:
   Ladies: Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature.  Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! I recommend avoiding shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress! It’s also important to find something that is comfortable and that you can move in – if that’s jeans then you’re just like me, I understand! Dressing in layers can also help to add texture and movement to your images!
   Gents: Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when I say it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, you could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of colour from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
2. COLOUR PALETTE:
   As someone who almost exclusively wears black & neutrals (with a big white cat & 75lb Golden Retriever, YES I do always look like I’m wearing my pets – don’t judge; and yes I own a lint roller 🙃) I still cannot stress this enough… I am in no way against certain colours – we ALL have our favourites, but when you’re photographing and editing a session, there are colours that just translate better into photos and are more flattering both to the eye but long term as styles change. Primary colours can absolutely take over an image. Colours such as bright green, royal blue, canary yellow, fire-engine red, & purple aren’t always ideal for portraits. My go-to’s are earthier or dark jewel tones. Colours such as charcoal, mocha, beige, tan, mustard, rust, navy, forest green and burgundy all top the list of recommendations. Not quite your look or feel? The camera also loves shades of soft pink and muted blues light neutrals like heather grey, creams, leather brown and white. Opting for this softer colour palette fits beautifully into almost most natural outdoor environments depending on the look you’re going for. 
3. ACCESSORIZE:
   Layered necklaces, a nice wrist watch, a bowtie, a big oversized hat, jean jackets & booties, a scarf, stacked rings, & a lip ring. Any & every accessory can add depth and a story behind your images & your personality. I love when couples bring extra accessories they are wearing that can be played with during the session and can add a great element when styling your engagement session!

Extra Fun Tips:

Want your engagement images to have that extra something to them & look more put together & complete? Bring a little extra something with you – any accessory will do! A freshly-picked flower bouquet for you to hold or put on something else from a local flower stand, a blanket you picked up in your travels, a picnic basket or charcuterie board, or rowboat, is a fun way bring a little extra romance to everyday objects. 

Make it Special:

Your engagement session should always be specially unique to you and who you & your fiancé are as a couple! Are you two both complete and utter Star Wars nerds? Bring all your Star Wars stuff and we’ll have a lightsaber duel to end the session. Did you guys find yourself at McDonalds for your first date, & almost every date after that? Let’s grab some McNuggets, fries & McFlurries to snack on throughout!

Coordinating Looks:

As you’re coordinating your outfit with your fiancé’s, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match.” You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family. So if you’re wearing a blush dress, soft blue earrings and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then he could wear a navy coat with gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square. Now he has his own dominant color (navy) while still incorporating a few touches of your colour palette. Most of my brides choose their dress first, and then put together their fiancé’s outfit based on that.

Let the Professionals Handle It: Hair & Make-Up Advice 

Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of my brides’ checklists because it looks amazing and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. I personally don’t trust myself to do my own hair usually let alone on my wedding day – I’m completely hopeless in the beauty industry which is why I happily sit back and let the professionals take care of it for me! Whether it’s lash extensions, brows or blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and photographs like a dream.  This also serves as the perfect opportunity to have your trial with YOUR own make up artist for the wedding day. If you’re working with a makeup artist, have her apply your makeup in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Most of my brides feel their makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than you would wear on a typical day! So if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera — and brides love the final result. 

Don’t Overthink It!

One of My Fav Reminders: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your engagement session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! Have you thought about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt or flower crown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! You can always do one casual look and then change into a more glam outfit but most of my clients find their fancier look is the one that all their favourite images are of. At the end of the day, styling your engagement session can look however you want it to, as long as it’s genuinely authentic to you and you feel comfortable.

Finally, don’t overthink it! I always say the first 10-15 minutes of any session are WARM-UP and that goes for both yourself as well as myself as the photographer! It’s like stretching before a creative work out as a photographer, and this allows you time to warm up to the camera and forget it’s staring you down and the rest goes by in the blink of an eye. All the time you spent stressing over how to go about styling your engagement session will be long forgotten. Despite all that we mentioned, the biggest thing to remember is don’t sweat the small stuff, relax, live in the moment and enjoy your session! This time is meant to help you adjust to being in front of the camera so you’re able to be in the moment throughout each & every second of your upcoming big day. Making sure you’re comfortable is my top priority, and I promise you we’ll create some amazing moments for you along the way.

Found this article on Styling Your Engagement Session helpful?? Click this link to discover more Wedding Planning Tips on The Blog!

Check out our 3 Favourite Fraser Valley Florists for Weddings by clicking here.

Let your inner wino out with Jessica & Steve’s Glass House Winery Summer Wedding here on The Blog.

www.megkristina.com

Booking 2022 Weddings & Beyond ✨

This Lighthouse Park engagement session at sunset in West Vancouver just makes my heart so happy! I met Mark & Julia at their friend’s destination wedding at Sandos Finisterra in Cabo San Lucas. I happened to be shooting it back in November 2019 – all before COVID-19 and the pandemic were ever a thing. It truly is crazy to think of the last year and a half we’ve all had since then! Anyways!!

These two were just the absolute sweetest on the trip and I loved getting to know them a bit. Everyone in the group truly was amazing and I really made some fantastic genuine connections & friendships. Thanks again Dan & Angie for having me tag along! Their wedding was actually one of the last ones I shot before taking a step back from the business for a while. Lots was transpiring behind the scenes for me. After being in the industry since 2014 through lots of dramatic life changes & stressors, it was a really overdue much-needed healthy break. The funniest part of it all was the fact that the pandemic coincidentally hit just a few months later. While I was fortunate as this allowed me to be *relatively* less affected on the business side, my empathy for all the couples who had weddings altered or postponed felt overwhelming. J&M ended up getting in contact me while I was partially offline during this period. After reconnecting, I knew I wanted to sit down and hear more about their story…

While I’ll save the fun details for their wedding blog, these two are the absolute sweetest! I have so loved every interaction I’ve had with them and you can very plainly see how well they compliment each other. From their kismet initial meeting in Mexico to the life they’re building now, they fall into each other so naturally it’s no wonder they found their way to one another.

LIGHTHOUSE PARK ENGAGEMENT GALLERY:

With their wedding just TWO short weeks away at the time of writing this, I’m anxiously anticipating celebrating their day with them in my old home, the Okanagan. In the meantime, here’s a curated selection of highlights from their Lighthouse Park Engagement Gallery in West Vancouver. I’ve had lots of fun playing with enhancing my style & posing over the years to bring out the best in your love & joy in life, and I had so much fun putting a bit more of a moody spin on some of these images for these two. I am so excited to finally share this session with you all…

Sunset at Lighthouse Park West Vancouver:

Blue Hour:

All Photos here by Meg Kristina Photography.

Loved this Lighthouse Park Engagement Session?! Click to check out T+H’s romantic moody fall Engagement Session in Pitt Meadows!

Let your inner wino out with Jessica & Steve’s Glass House Winery Summer Wedding here on The Blog.

Want to Learn More about Wedding & Engagement Pricing & Info? Click here.

authentic joyful adventurous

www.megkristina.com

Booking 2022 Weddings & beyond.. ✨

Sifting through endless pages of web searches, scrolling past dozens upon dozens of wedding vendors, referrals, and recommendations can seem daunting – and rightfully so! That’s why having trusted vendors & resources available is so critical in helping you plan your wedding with ease. I’ve worked hard to become familiar with vendors of all types, and that’s why I’m so excited to share with you my top 3 wedding florists in the Fraser Valley & within BC.

After 7+ years in the wedding industry in the Fraser Valley, I’ve crossed paths with many a wedding vendor & florists. While there are MANY qualified florists that are all exceptional in each and every city within the Fraser Valley, we all have our favourites (or in this case top 3 wedding florists 🙊) or ones that stand out. This isn’t meant to slight any vendors or exclude others worthy of great accolades, far from it!! All of my Wedding clients receive complete access to my preferred vendor lists. Those of which are much more vast than included in the list below. While this is a brief overview of my top 3 wedding florists in the Fraser Valley… Depending where you are located (Abbotsford, Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, White Rock) I have further lists of local vendors to recommend to you to help suit your needs, hopes, & ok yeah your budget too! 😉

Here are my Favourite Top 3 Wedding Florists Recommendations for the Fraser Valley and (in their own words) a little bit about why I think they are the best of the best:

FLORALISTA

Langley BC
https://www.floralista.ca

from their website… “Floralista is a brand that is born out of Alice’s lifetime love of botanicals. Alice has been surrounded by nature by virtue of her geography, the soft rolling hills of open farmland framed by the rhythmic backdrop of distant mountains, in scenic Fort Langley. Alice employs design principles such as colour, texture, and composition to reflect her environment and individual style. She has progressed from the nurseries of her youth to a woman in charge of large volumes of daily orders as well as executing special arrangements for weddings across the world.

Sourced locally from a flower auction and through foraging, as well as importing specialty foreign growth from Peru, Holland, and Italy. We meticulously inspect each stem, clean and maintain them such that they meet Floralista’s uncompromising standards, and finally we create the design for our incredible customers. The preparation involves steps to keep our products fresh and design elements so that each accompaniment is complementary. 

Floralista’s mission is to create an experience that inspires an admiration for nature, is emotionally evocative the way that any art form partaken passionately should be, and to provide an accessible and sustainable option for our clients.”

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WILD RABBIT FLOWERS

Hope BC
http://www.wildrabbitflowers.ca

from their website… “Wild Rabbit Flowers is an event floral studio nestled in the mountains just above the Fraser Valley in British Columbia. Owner Carli Spielman is a celebrated and recognized floral designer in the BC wedding industry. She creates full service florals for weddings across the Lower Mainland, specializing in growing high-end wedding flowers for her events.

Her designs are beautifully organic, wild and whimsical. Uniquely heart-fluttering designs, on-site endurance and professionalism, and the ability to hang anything from twelve feet up a ladder are her strong suits. Carli’s love for her gardens, natural expression in design and desire to work independently brought her to opening Wild Rabbit Flowers. She pulls her inspiration from the natural beauty of the wild earth and the untamed heart. Their floral style is heavily influenced by the wild and whimsical nature of flowers.

Movement, flow and layering are all components in her arrangements, and a great care for colour in its truest natural shades comes shining through in her work.  A great amount of care and effort go into every piece, each stem placed with thought, and every event executed with passion and professionalism. Carli works a select number of BC weddings a year spring through fall. “

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KAYE FLEUR

BC
http://kayefleur.com

from their website… “Sarah is a West Coast Florist based in the heart of the Okanagan in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Best known for her textural and vibrantly coloured floral arrangements, Sarah works to incorporate locally foraged flowers and greenery, combined with the best, brightest, and most unique flowers from all over North America and beyond. Weddings and events have taken her to many local destination hotspots such as Summerland, Kelowna, Squamish, Galiano Island, and all over the Lower Mainland. 

They work with each individual client to design custom florals to match the overall aesthetic of their special day. The florals that we specialize in are meant for intimate weddings that bring couples to mountaintop trails, oceanfront views, and open field ceremony spaces.

Their hope is to work with couples who want the intimacy and joy of their relationship to be expressed through blooms.”

Found this article on 3 Favourite Fraser Valley Florists for Weddings helpful?? Click this link to discover more Wedding Planning Tips on The Blog!

Check out tips for Styling Your Engagement Session by clicking here.

Escape to the ocean at sunset with M&J’s romantic Lighthouse Park engagement session on The Blog.

www.megkristina.com

Booking 2022 Weddings & Beyond ✨