Pete & Cindy Wedding - 08-29-2020

Okay friends! Who is ready to cry?!

This is an absolutely stunning backyard wedding in Logan Lake. These photos wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing second shooter & assistant Maddisen. She is the best!! My number one recommendation for my couples (as of this wedding season!) is to have a second shooter there for the ceremony at the very least.

I met this bride 8 years ago in Kamloops when I was still in high school! I was visiting the area and she was so kind to me. I actually searched for some photos I took of her just before this wedding to remind myself how far I’ve come. Truthfully, Cindy was there in a few key moments of my career - she gave me an interview after I lost my job at Future Shop and she was supportive when I moved on to management elsewhere. I have been SO happy to see Pete & Cindy via facebook through dating, getting engaged and finally seeing them married. They are an amazing couple who deserve all the happiness in the world!

This was my first time meeting the groom. Right at this very moment. Memorable to say the least.

The only requested shot was for Pete’s reaction to seeing Cindy walk down the aisle.

He needed a little moment there.

So much joy!

I hear these two are the next one’s down the aisle!

“Smile” - Pete

That cracked me up!!

Absolutely stunning bride!

Modern Free-Spirited Wedding Gown Inspiration Shoot in Kamloops, BC

Featured on Confetti Wedding Magazine

Vendor Love

BC Wedding Photographer Emily-May Photography BC Wedding Venue: Black Box Container Home

BC Wedding Flowers: Woodland Design Studio BC Wedding Gown: Viva Bridal Boutique

BC Wedding Hair & Makeup: Ginger Turley Artistry Model: Hailey Lillian

From the photographer: 

This shoot is inspired by the free spirited brides! The full glam babes that aren't afraid to hike an hour up in heels and still look great doing it. The ones that drive themselves to their wedding in a bomb car, with the music blasting and the wind in their hair. And did we ever nail it!

All the planning for this shoot happened over mimosas with Ginger, Cathi and myself and we couldn't be more pleased with the results. Black Box Container Home is currently booking for adventure elopements with custom packages available! Stay a night or two in the BC Interior and enjoy the peace and quiet, modern design and decor and let us take care of all the details for you. 

We wanted a dress a little different than your traditional bride - opted away from anything white and boy oh boy, Viva Bridal Boutique delivered. I couldn't have dreamed up a more perfect dress. The florals from Woodland Design Studio were stunning, a mix of real and faux blooms that complimented every single moment of the shoot. Ginger Turley Artistry knocked it out of the park as always with hair & makeup. Hailey's look was glowy, polished and refreshing - something Ginger amazes me with every time we work together. And the location, my goodness! I've shot at Black Box Container Home plenty of times and I've never run out of new spots to shoot. Cathi is an amazing host and every interaction with her leaves me joyful. She will do anything to make your stay memorable - she assisted during the shoot, she moved decor around, heck, we even had her closing windows and doors to get the right amount of wind in a shot. And Hailey, our breathtaking model has that "it" factor. She knows how to pose, she takes direction and adds her own spin to each prompt. Anyone would be lucky to shoot with her! 

I'm so lucky to be able to create with these amazing business owners! And thankful for them and everything they do. 

Things I Learned While Photographing My First Wedding

In October 2017 I did the thing photographers around the world tell you not to do. I shot a wedding as the lead photographer even though I had never shot a wedding before. I had only ever attended one other wedding before. It’s not a brag. At all. The bride is one of my very best friends in the world, we both love her photos even though a small part of me says that some of these should have been deleted or heck, not even taken. BUT the reason I’m writing this is to hopefully help someone who is in the same boat with a little bit of that super special 20/20 hindsight.

Their vows they wrote themselves done up by the amazing Chickaboo Designs

1. Have A Plan.

Pinterest is not the enemy. If this is your very first wedding you should absolutely check pinterest. Look at other photographer’s full galleries if you can find some. Make a shot list. I was confident in what I was doing because I had shot a ton of events and live performances but a wedding is different.

I shot these with the bride to be while the bride and I went to explore. I didn’t have much time to scout and had never been to Emerald Lake before. Luckily, it’s gorgeous everywhere. I just wish in hindsight I had done a little more legwork.

2. Don’t overshoot.

I have always been a terrible overshooter. How many photos of the dress hanging do you think I have? 8 billion. And how many did I need? Definitely less than that. When you overshoot, you lose some of the magic. You are no longer present and you are just clicking along at that point. You want to allow the magic to happen without interfering with the constant snap snap snap snap.

3. Relax.

I was so nervous. Way more nervous than the bride. She had all the confidence in the world. Ella wasn’t even one yet and here I was, the next province over chasing my dream. The bride has a babe the same age as mine so she definitely understood as this was my first trip away from her. (And actually still my only night away less the night Leo was born). I constantly had to remind myself that it was all going to be okay. And it was. These photos are all over their house, I still share them from time to time on my feed. I will always love them.

One of my most known photos! Probably because I share it whenever possible. #emeraldlake #kamloopsphotographer #elopement #destination #thrifted #weddingdress #sharejoy

19 Likes, 4 Comments - kamloops wedding photographer (@emweddingphotographer) on Instagram: "One of my most known photos! Probably because I share it whenever possible. #emeraldlake..."

4. Remember there is a reason they asked you to shoot their wedding.

Chances are it wasn’t totally based on budget. Chances are they are comfortable with you, they like the work you’ve done for them in the past and they know you will work hard. So take a deep breath because that’s the type of client you WANT!

5. Have Fun!!!!

Please have some fun. It’s a lot of work. But the best part of being a photographer is sharing in your clients joy! You get to be there for the most special times in their lives. I was a witness for this wedding, signed my name on the dotted line. How special is that?

6. Second shoot a wedding if you can.

Make a big effort. If you can’t do that, see if you can shadow a styled shoot. If you can’t do that… create your own styled shoot. TRUST ME. It will help you.

You will make mistakes, I definitely did. But hopefully these little tidbits will help somebody. And if not, I love reminiscing about this trip. I hope these two have a great big 10 year anniversary and invite me along for the journey. I’m so lucky to get to do what I do, to make the connections and friendships that I have now because of my job. Thanks for reading!

Beautiful Wedding at TRU Gardens in Kamloops May 2018

“A sample of some of my most favourite photos, memories and moments from this beautiful ceremony at TRU's Horticultural Gardens. After that, the whole gang popped over to The Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre to celebrate. Amazing food, tearful dances and one dang good party! Congratulations again!” - 2018