Angela and Cody were married on Gabriola Island in August. The island is special to them since her grandparents have owned a cabin there for years. It was my first visit to the island and I can see why they love it (we stayed at the amazing Arbutus Bluff B&B, which I highly recommend). I photographed Angela’s sister Shannon’s wedding a few years ago, so it was awesome seeing Shannon and Sean again along with their really fun family. Of course, they wanted to recreate the photo of the sisters and their mom doing a tequila shot.
The couple got ready in different rooms at the cabin and then did a first look in the backyard overlooking the ocean. We headed to the Malaspina Galleries for some portraits, which is a very cool rocky outcropping in the ocean. Then we headed to the Surf Lodge for the ceremony. These two have been together for a long time, so Cody was already pretty much family and I could really feel the love for him from her side. Cody’s a pretty tough guy, but I could tell he was barely holding in some serious emotion during the ceremony (and let a bit more out during the toasts later on).
It was a pretty chill wedding overall, which is fitting for the location, with lots of lawn games, a homemade s’mores bar, and one of the best dance floors I’ve seen. After the first dance, the groomsmen asked if they could take off their vests and Angela’s mom told them, jokingly, that they’d have to dance while they do it. I love the photo of her reaction to them actually doing it.
Later in the night, I noticed the guys conspiring about something, but it took me a while to finally find someone to tell me what they were planning – they were going to lift Cody, but they couldn’t find him. I found him and Angela outside sitting in the front row of the ceremony site, which was adorable. I tried to take some photos stealthily, but it was pitch dark out there and when they noticed me, I told them Cody was wanted inside. Angela was laughing as they picked Cody up, but little did she know, she was next. My night ended shortly after all the guys did a shot with Angela’s dad and Cody’s uncle, chanting “Uncle Bob and Dad are the best!” as they waited. I hear the party went on way longer than my feet could handle.
Venue/catering: Surf Lodge, Gabriola Island, BC
Decorator: couple with assistance from Margaret Labine
DJ: DJ Turk
Florist: Thriftys
Hair: Shear Inspiration Studio – Kelsey Ranhke
Make-up: Jessica Churcher
Officiant: Carol Baird-Krul
Dress: Shades of White Bridal
Suit: Indichino
Bride’s necklace: Ann Louise Jewellers
Bride’s rings: Michael Hill
Groom’s ring: Happy Laulea from Hawaii
