The Team:
Venue: Bowen Island Golf Club

Coordinator: Bowen Events

Florals: Sweet Salal Floral
Catering: Bowen Island Golf Club

Decor: Bowen Events

Officiant: Joan Vyner

Hair: Salon Calypso

MUA: Anna Syra Makeup
Gown & Veil: Blammo-Biamo Couture
Bridal Boutique: Luxx Nova
Cake: Cake by Annie
Stationary: OMD Creative
DJ: Jamie Woodall

I had been waiting for what felt like ages for my first Bowen Island wedding to come along and was thrilled when these two found me. Over our initial zoom-chat I knew 100% these two, describing their lake side proposal over a campfire and love for outdoors and fishing, would be my kinda folks! 

Bowen definitely has its own special magic, those who've made the quick ferry trip over know what I'm talking about. Having been to plenty of the Gulf Islands before my first trip to Bowen, it felt like a compilation of my Gulf faves all rolled into one when I first visited years back for an autumn hiking day-trip years back, and I couldn't wait to shoot a wedding there! And it definitely delivered and only made me itch for more!

My day started with bride Lauren and her gal pals and family in a rustic cottage where prep was in full swing upon arrival. Hair done, dress on, accessories donned, Lauren handed out thoughtful personalised jewelry gifts to her bridesmaids as groom Andrew was on his way for their first look. I knew right away when Andrew arrived, already clearly feeling some kinda way about seeing his girl in her wedding dress, that it would be an emotional first look, and it definitely was! Andrew's overcome reaction was so sweet, even I felt misty!

It was right off to Bowen Island Golf Course afterwards for the ceremony, set up on a gorgeous private lawn at the cliffside edge of the property well away from any stray golfballs, looking out over the ocean and Vancouver itself in the distance. We were in the midst of forest fire season and the hazy skies and glowy sunlight made for a perma-golden-hour look the whole day. After the sweet and, again, emotional ceremony (an impressive amount of tears from their guests!!), it was right into family photos and then wedding party, who definitely brought the fun despite the intense heat of the day! Everyone was a great sport about it, which made things speed along and we were onto individual portraits. That seaside backdrop! Doesn't get much better...! These two were so fun to photograph- down for anything, easy to get laughing, and then switching seamlessly into their best blue steel haha! 

A quick shuttle ride back up to the clubhouse, the couple had a little chill-time in their shuttle with drinks and appies while the finishing touches were put on the reception space as guests mingled and got the party vibes going. Dinner was a super fun affair, lots of socialising as the couple visited with friends and family while the sun lowered into true golden hour and speeches got underway. A few more tears shed, and it was time for a big group photo down on the lower lawn and an impromptu putting tournament, handily won by our groom. Cake cutting (how cute are those personalised cake toppers?!) led straight into a fun first dance filled with plenty of spins and dips, and then it truly was party time! And these two and their pals definitely brought the right vibe- the dance floor was popping, drinks were flowing, and the DJ was killin' it! Such a fun day, and in one of the prettiest spots around... a special one for sure!