Simply Rose

It had been raining days before and I anxiously monitored the online weather reports. Both were saying completely different things which is very typical of this region in March. I woke up on the morning of the wedding and went to poke my head outside, hoping for some break in the sky. And there was.

My second shooter, Alanna Clempson, arrived at my house bright and early and after a quick double check of everything she was off to photograph the boys getting ready and I the girls at the Backstage Hair Studio in Richmond. The grey skies were parting and I had to smile….I knew this was going to be a fabulous day.

Dawn was getting her makeup completed by Alejandra Thomasson when I arrived and she already looked amazing in a plain white tank and jeans. Fresh faced and glowing. She was getting married today. There was excitement as the dress came on and the veil went in, it was all coming together.

The First Look and bridal portraits were at the London Heritage Farm in Steveston, a gorgeous 1800′s property complete with a farmhouse turned tea room, a great big red barn, and quaint grounds. The anticipation was palpable in the air as Dawn arrived and made her way down the road to greet her soon-to-be husband. I adore the First Look ~ it’s a lovely way to meet each other before the walk down the aisle, to take a breath, have a moment and take it all in. Even though we had escaped the rain, we didn’t from the blustery cold wind coming in off the river. By the time all the portraits were done, everyone’s hands were purple and teeth were chattering. So thank you so much to everyone, especially all the ladies that braved the cold winds for a spell to get all those gorgeous portraits.

The ceremony was at the Saints Peter and Paul Parish and was my first Catholic processional. I loved the serenity and weighty tone of the ceremony ~ it signified how serious the marriage union is and not something to be taken lightly. There was an exchange of arrhae (coins), a pinning of the veil and a placement of a cord over the couples shoulders ~ all traditional Filipino marriage practices ~ and I caught John sneaking glances at his bride during quiet moments of readings and Communion. His devotion to her made my heart melt.

The cake and champagne reception was held at the Shaugnessy Restaraunt at VanDusen Gardens, a classy and elegant venue for an afternoon wedding event. Guests were treated to cupcakes, decadent desserts, champagne, fruit platters and servers wandering about with delectable appetizers. The toasts were incredible ~ John and Dawn’s network of family and friends are amazingly solid and the toasts shared showed how much integrity, character and love they have for each other.

Thank you so much for having me share in your elegant wedding day! I feel so honored to have witnessed your love for each other. All the best as you embark on this new journey together!

Click on play to see the slideshow below.