A cozy blanket, windblown curls, and a golden sunset are a relatively fail-proof equation to a gorgeous engagement session, but Clarkie Photography took things to the next level in Jana and Mark’s engagement with these dramatic, artistic, and irresistibly intimate images. We love when a photographer can capture sun-kissed skin, natural smiles, and warm romance so effortlessly!
Having a few guide words for your wedding planning can help your day come together exactly as you imagined it in both look and feel. Cassie and Courtney set out to make their day both warm and practical, and each decision they made fit perfectly into one or both of these categories. The couple was surrounded by their closest loved ones in an intimate garden ceremony at Butchart Gardens, where Jesse Holland Photography captured such lovely moments shared between the newlyweds saying “I do!”
We described our day as warm and practical. In our future of traveling this life together, we wanted the journey to be warm and practical–though we’re still open to adventure. We wanted the warmth we felt while vacationing in Victoria, B.C. to be felt by our family and friends, so we asked our closest ones to join us at another great botanical garden, Butchart. We also wanted practicality, so our wedding clothes were re-wearable (except for my dress) and easily packed. The decor was inspired by our world travels. We also wanted our guests to have their own travel adventures, so we left the weekend up to them outside of our wedding in the evening though we made a few of our own travel suggestions.
The Moments:
Our favorite moment was the reception at Butchart. We were married, and we could spend a great evening being close with our closest family and friends who were also relaxed and happy because they were on a vacation. Also, the groomsmen surprised us with a radio-controlled helicopter to deliver the rings. When it crashed, they slyly presented the rings that were safe and sound the whole time. Plus, we also loved the tradition of the groom pushing his bride through the reception hall in a wheelbarrow. It’s a small-town and the bride’s family tradition in Nebraska–it was so fun!
The best choices you can make on your wedding day are the ones that ring true to your personality and your relationship. Sarah married Tom in an ethereal peach gown with flowers in her hair beneath the enormous trees of Bear Paw Lodge. The outdoor reception designed by Merrily Wed is one of the most enchanting we’ve seen, complete with rows of farm tables made of dark wood complementing the natural forest landscape. We love how Alison Yin Photography captured the easy-going spirit and natural aesthetic of the celebration.
Once we found the venue for the wedding, we had our inspiration: the mountains, the trees, the lake, the sun. We wanted to celebrate the majesty of the place, so most choices came out of keeping it rustic and organic. Nothing overly imposing upon what was natural. That became true for fashion as well: whatever our bridal party felt good in was good enough for us. It was helpful to tell everyone the colors of flowers that we were picking, so that they could narrow down their choices, but it was entirely up to the individual.
The Moments:
You can’t really beat walking down the aisle. It’s like jumping out of a plane while simultaneously being held by (and holding onto) everyone you love. Best feeling in the world. Also, shouting/howling at the sky after the last dance with all of the friends and family that we’d brought together. It was the strongest sensation of love we’d ever felt.
The Couple Recommends:
Merrily Rocco is the most thorough person I’ve ever met. Nothing will slip through the cracks with her. She does her absolute best to give you exactly what you want.
Alison Yin and her partner Adam are beyond wonderful. We were so grateful to have found such talented, flexible, easy-going, and fun photographers to work with. Their energy is so positive. It felt like having friends take the pictures.
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