“Elegant, but with a modern twist.” This is how we were introduced to the theme for Jaclyn and Derek’s Wedding at the picturesque Swan-E-Set Bay. With Jaclyn’s background in event planning, we knew that she would be paying close attention to all the little details that we as photographers get extra excited about, and we couldn’t wait to see this great couple tie the knot. After shooting their Gastown Engagement Session back in June of 2010, it has felt like a long wait for us to get them in front of the camera again. It was definitely worth the wait for their beautiful day that started with their close family and friends before the ceremony, straight through to an evening photo session with just the bride and groom. Fun!

We started our coverage with Derek as he prepared for the ceremony with his family and groomsmen.

Derek chose to wear his RCMP serge for the ceremony, and change into a tux for our portrait session and into the reception. The serge is really impressive up close, and by watching his parents interact with him once he was in it, you could tell just how proud they are of him and his line of work.

I need to mention too, that Derek’s nieces and nephews were involved in the Wedding and are such cutie-pies! His nephews got ready with the guys, while his nieces got ready with Jaclyn. Just look at this little guy!

Before heading off to the ceremony, Derek thanked his groomsmen for supporting him.

Then, quietly confident and with an easy smile, Derek was ready to meet his bride.

We were then off to see Jaclyn, her family, bridesmaids, and the flower girls.  Jaclyn was radiant!

One of the great things about Jaclyn and Derek is how grounded they are as a couple. When we arrived, positioned prominently in their living room were words that I think many busy couples could be reminded of, including ourselves. Another reminder is how great it can be to surprise the ones you love. Derek had his groomsmen deliver some gorgeous earrings to Jaclyn, which was such a nice gesture.

It can be difficult if you are in the industry to relax, put down your “production schedule”, and experience an event firsthand as a participant, rather than as a working professional. However, Jaclyn really seemed to be able to enjoy her Wedding day as a bride, and had this calm sense of ease about her when we arrived. Even when helping with the final touches, everything was organized, and all she had to do was be a bride – and a stunning one at that!

Kate Spade makes some beautiful accessories, and these shoes were so lovely for a Wedding.

Also gorgeous, was Jaclyn’s gown.

The flowers arrived, and were perfect.

Here come the flower girls!

Finishing touches…

Enroute to the ceremony at Swan-E-Set, we stopped with the girls for a quick photo session.

Can never resist an opportunity to show a little shoe!

Arriving at Swan-E-Set, we found Derek and the guys waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Due to the unpredictable weather we had been experiencing that morning, the ceremony had been moved indoors to in front of a majestic fireplace.

We were really excited to see the RCMP honor guard in action during the ceremony as well. They beautifully punctuated Jaclyn’s walk down the aisle towards Derek, and later, their first walk together after the ceremony as husband and wife.

The RCMP Chaplain did a remarkable job with the ceremony – funny, yet dignified, and well spoken.

After some quick family formals, we were off for a whirlwind of a Wedding Party Session, taking advantage of how beautiful the grounds at Swan-E-Set are.

A favorite time, is when the Wedding Party is able to go and relax, and we have a bit more time with just the bride and groom. Many times, this leads to our favorite images of the couple together. With Derek and Jaclyn, we also budgeted for an extra evening portrait session, which gave them the chance to get back to their party and enjoy their guests.

Back at the Reception, the decor was gorgeous thanks to Wedding Design Studio! Suspended strands of crystals, beautiful lighting, and exquisite flowers and decor filled the room.

Then it was time for the party to begin!

Derek and Jaclyn had their guests sing songs with “love” in them to encourage them to kiss, rather than the traditional clinking of glasses. I don’t think the MC even finished giving this instruction before guests got started singing!

Another meaningful detail was including their families cake cutting photos around their Wedding cake.

First Dance…

The dance floor became busy almost immediately, but the children at their Wedding seemed to be having the most fun out there.

Later, we pulled Jaclyn and Derek aside for the final shots of the night.

Contributors:

Hair and Make-up: Positive Eyedentities – Kelsi Lalley

Wedding Gown: Priscilla of Boston

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Maggy London

Tuxes: Black & Lee

Jewelry: Haute Bridal Couture

Shoes: Kate Spade

Decor: Wedding Design Studio

Invitations: Momental Designs

Flowers: South Van Market

Videography: Marliss Productions

Photobooth: Snapbox Photobooth

Music: Gary Robertson Music

Cake: INNO Bakery