Weddings

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Wedding Day Story

S&S had a whirlwind of a wedding day for their Surrey backyard wedding to say the least! Torrential rains both the night prior and night of their wedding caused a ripple effect for their day as the vendor team jumped into action for damage control. You see, the wedding took place in an open field that had turned already wet grassy areas to absolutely water-soaked muddy fields overnight. The thing is, S&S are the most beautiful couple in the world. Nothing would & could ruin this day for them and nothing would take away from the beauty of the day that is their love & this union we were all there celebrating. While things ran anywhere from 1-2 hrs late, unannounced schedule/location changes, & last minute repairs to keep the reception tent & decor ok and the party going kept us all on our toes! Mine of which were thankfully covered in rubber boots; my poor 2nd on the other hand toughed it out in some mud-drenched Toms! Needless to say I think everyone was grateful for a warm bath at the end of the day (especially after dancing in the rain at the end of the night)!

Despite the craziness around us, there was some absolute real beauty taking place all day long – the beauty that is S&S & their genuine authentic crazy real love. As a natural observer & photographer, I love watching these two interact when I have them one on one for a session. They are so natural together. The rain even held off after the night before all the way up till about half way through their reception the next evening. It was a welcome reprieve and another little blessing on these two – plus they say rain on your wedding day is good luck!

Unfortunately, while I couldn’t sneak a moment alone with them on their day, these two still radiated joy all day long. Their ceremony had a very touching moment during the playing of the song Jireh. But really the whole venue was so touching. Located on the groom’s family home, the property was sold and would soon be vacated by the groom’s family that has long lived & cared for this land. It was a bittersweet event bidding farewell to a place that had cared for them as a family was raised over the years. It’s an honour to be a part of moments like these.

The fun didn’t stop there. From a choreographed father/daughter dance, amazing music & dances, to just a great group of people, it was a great way to went a crazy day! They also had some absolutely fantastic extra surprises that shocked and awed me & my team (😂 for my future couples, rest assured we do ask to know of surprises like the following ahead of time so we can ensure we are properly set up for these specific situations)! Fireworks, confetti cannons, oh and HELLO Dunkin Donuts! Wow!! You would’ve had me just at the donuts, because everyone knows food is the way to my heart! 😍

It was really quite a spectacular day that kept us on our toes. I absolutely loved seeing how many incredibly loyal, devoted, protective friends, family & community these two have around them. Their realtor even swung by their reception to surprise them with the keys to their first home a few days early as a wedding present! Safe to say, what could have been a wedding weather disaster turned into wedding magic.

Also, you absolutely have to check out their Tulip Engagement Session we did at the Chilliwack Tulip Festival for them, it’s definitely one of my top 2022 fav’s!

Surrey Backyard Wedding Photography Gallery:

Here’s a curated look at this Surrey Backyard Wedding…

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All Photos here by Meg Kristina Photography 📸

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Surrey Backyard Wedding

Weddings

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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…

Getting Ready

Ceremony

Bridal Party Portraits

Bride & Groom Portraits

Reception

Sunset Portraits

 

vancouver wedding blog meg kristina

 

 

 

 

 

 

photographer for the joyful, authentic & adventurous

www.megkristina.com

All Photos here by Meg Kristina Photography.

 

Loved this sweet Maple Ridge Backyard Wedding Story & Gallery? Click here to discover more Love on The Blog!

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Vendor Love:

Photography: Meg Kristina Photography

Second Shooter: Marvin Herrera 

Florist: Westgate Florist

Bride’s Dress: Champagne & Lace

Officiant: Christina Stanley

Caterer: Design by Desire Catering

DJ/MC: Deejay Absolute

Bakery: TracyCakes

Wedding Planner: Tiffany Carrie/La Vista Events

Washroom Rentals: Full Moon Rentals

Bartender: Shelley’s Bartending

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Maple Ridge Backyard Wedding | Katie & John