Rustic Whonnock Lake Wedding

Sam & John had a beautifully rustic Whonnock Lake Wedding back in July, and we felt super blessed to have been a part of it.

If people build their lives up around them like buildings then I feel that as a wedding photographer I am given the special privilege of getting to peer in through the windows. I get these tiny glimpses of their lives and every time I come home from shooting a wedding, no matter how exhausted my body feels I can’t help but feel extremely grateful to be able to do what I do. I feel that over the past seven years that I have been documenting weddings I have perpetually become more vulnerable, more human; and that’s hugely due to the fact that virtually every weekend I witness other humans being vulnerable, intimate, beautifully flawed, and loving each other unconditionally.

I’ve seen breastfeeding bridesmaids struggle to balance supporting their friends and sustaining their child. I have seen fathers mourn their deceased wives as they walk their child down the aisle alone. I have seen a daughter help her mother get into her wedding dress. I have seen brothers shed tears of joy, grandparents honoured, hearts swept up in ecstasy, and the only reason I’ve witnessed any of it is that people let their walls down and let me in. It’s a really humbling experience.

John and Sam’s Whonnock Lake wedding was no exception. Both of them are surrounded with such a beautiful community of souls who deeply care for them and support their union. Their closest friends helped them to get ready in the morning, and stood beside them as they exchanged vows. Their parents shed tears, and laughed out loud throughout the day, overcome with emotion. What moved me the most though, was the fact that Sam and John were just so present all day. They just enjoyed each others company – they laughed together, held hands, and then they jumped into marriage head first, side by side. It was a reminder that the only thing that ever matters is the here and now, which was a lesson I think every one could be reminded of now and again.

In Sam’s words:
“We met in 2007 on my 23rd birthday. John came out with my friends boyfriend and we hit it off right away. 5 years later we went on our annual camping trip just the two of us and John surprised me down by the lake with an engagement ring and I said yes.”

On the best moment of the day: “[The best part] was seeing John turn around at our first look and seeing the emotion and excitement on his face.”

“We both had been to weddings at Whonnock Lake and knew it was the perfect place for us to get married as it was so beautiful, simple and rustic. John is a very outdoorsy person …I tried to incorporate the outdoors inside with  lots of brown blue and white. I loved keeping it simple with mason jars white flowers and burlap.”

The Bride’s favourite details: The photo booth was loved by everyone who attended. I loved our original cake toppers and how beautiful the decorations and flowers turned out at the reception.”

Vendor List:

Wedding Venue: Whonnock Lake
Wedding Photographers & Photobooth Rental: Love Tree Photography
Planner & DJ: A Day To Remember
Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit: Le Chateau