Mid-Summer weddings in Vancouver are my favourite. The mornings are cool and crisp, the afternoons are warm and breezy and the evenings are blanketed with golden sunshine. Michelle and Matt met way back in high school and began their happily ever after at the Riverway Clubhouse in Burnaby.
The day began at Michelle’s parents’ home. I walked in and was greeted with a feeling of warmth and excitement of the day. I set my things down and was astonished with all of Michelle’s musical achievements.. she literally had a room full of trophies. I made my greetings and introductions, then made my way upstairs to arrange and photograph Michelle’s details. She had a beautiful modern lace cheongsam for the Chinese tea ceremony and a puffy ball gown style wedding dress for the Western ceremony later in the afternoon.
Ryan started off with Matt and the groomsmen at their condo in a brand new development in Coquitlam. I gotta say, Matt’s hair was looking on POINT that day. Once the guys were ready and dressed, it was off to Michelle’s house for the door games.
The guys had their work cut out for them for the morning’s door crasher games. They started off with some grovelling pushups clad in their flowery tiaras, then some morning yoga to make sure their bodies were prepared for the long day ahead, and finally a tribute to the film Titanic. The boys’ efforts were well received and they were welcomed into Michelle’s home.
We continued on with a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony. Michelle had many guests from out of town who were thrilled to see the bride and groom together. Her grandmother was especially happy to see these two tie the knot.
Following the tea ceremony, Michelle changed into her white wedding dress with the help of her bridesmaids. Matt headed upstairs to take a sneak peek at Michelle in her dress and I gave them a moment to take it all in before heading to our photoshoot location.
We headed to Rocky Point Park in Port Moody for our bridal party portraits. Being a Friday afternoon, there are tons of kids at the water park and they gave Michelle and Matt the grandest entrance! It was a real treat for them to see Michelle in her wedding dress. There must have been at least 10 little girls telling Michelle how beautiful she looked and how she looked like a princess – it was the cutest thing ever!!!
The afternoon sun was brimming down on us so we made our way to a shaded area for our portraits. Michelle was wearing 6″ heels so safety was my number 1 concern when walking through the park, but she rocked those heels like a star and even made her way down some slippery slopes!
We finished off with a group shot with the inlet behind us, then we were off to the Riverway Clubhouse in Burnaby for the wedding ceremony and reception.
It turned into an absolutely gorgeous afternoon. I took my time photographing all the details of the ceremony and reception while it was nice and empty.
Before long, guests started to arrive and sign in. Everyone had a chance to mingle and say their hellos before finding their seats in front of the beautiful ceremony backdrop.
What a view! A beautiful treelined horizon and the rolling hills of the Riverway golf course.
Matt and Michelle said their vows in front of all their closest friends and family. The summer sun was still high in the sky, but it gave everything a beautiful golden glow.
The clubhouse where the reception took place was just flooded with natural light. Michelle and Matt had gone with a rustic style of decor which was perfect for the warm earthy colour tones of Riverway’s Clubhouse.
Michelle and Matt partaking in a Ukrainian wedding tradition called Blahoslovennia – a ritual blessing of the bride and groom by the parents.
After an evening of great food, drinks, and toasts to the newlyweds, it was time to kick back and let loose on the dance floor. Michelle and Matt, thank you again for having me photograph your beautiful wedding. It’s been an amazing journey with the two of you from your engagement all the way to your wedding day and I wish you two the best!
