And then the sun came up || Ucluelet Elopement Photographer

April 10th, 2019
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort Ucluelet BC
Florals by Compass Wedding Cafe
Officiant: Heidi Shaw

I used to be totally tuned into the weather – I checked it every morning and about 15 times a day, and at any given time I could tell you what we were expecting for the next week. But now? Not a clue – doesn’t matter. West coast weather changes so fast and is affected by so many factors that the forecast is completely unreliable, so I never look at it any more, ever.

On the morning of Jason & Lily’s elopement, it was kind of raining sideways. I like to think of myself as the adventurous sort, so this did not phase me one bit – the camera’s rain cover already lives in the bottom of my camera bag. I dressed for the occasion, had my rain boots ready. Then at lunch time, it started to clear up, and by the time we got to the beach, the sun had come out.

I love this photo up here ^^^ because the way they lit up when they saw each other was just incredible – and they never quit smiling and it was obvious that they were both so happy to be there – if either of them was nervous, it didn’t show.

I try not to cry at weddings because taking photos through tears is kind of difficult. But out here on the wild west coast, man, it’s HARD. This place draws in the types of people who are passionate, and deeply in love, and want a wedding that is very much their own. The couples I meet tend to play by their own rules; they know that at the end of the day the only people who truly matter are the ones who would follow you to the ends of the earth, and they would go there in a heartbeat for one another.

My couples are fierce. They smile through the tears, they breathe in the salt water and remember those who couldn’t be here with us. They climb rocks in bare feet (or high heels or cowboy boots), they wade into the ocean, they stand in the pouring rain declaring their love for one another. They come with gumboots and umbrellas. They understand the value of waterproof make up.

Sometimes my couples show up alone. Sometimes they bring children, friends, family members. The moments are intimate or they are outrageous. They are soft and quiet in their love and attention, or are loud and demand to be recognized and acknowledged. West coast weddings tend to be a raw and real window into the life and love of the couple, and that is why I love them.