Forever After | Personal Photography

 January the 4th was just like any other day, the sun was shining and the air was crisp and cold. I had 4 of my best friends stay at the hotel with me the night before, so we would all be in one place for hair and make-up. Needless to say I was an early riser at the hour of 5:30 am so that I could let the hairstylist/make-up artist into our room. 

As I awoke everyone else slowly but surely followed, not to say they were as chipper about such an early rise time. We ordered breakfast, laughed about the day, and began preparation.

After we got ready a Starbucks run was in order. I was super excited about the ‘Beatles’ inspired picture that Sheila captured.

If you haven’t met them already… These are my girls, from left to right [Kristi, Melissa, Tiffany, and Carolynn] It killed me that I could only have 3 of them as bridesmaids but having Tiffany there for our sleepover and with us all day meant the world to me… she referred to herself as the ninja bridesmaid, and it always made me smile, because even though she was behind the scenes she was so much help and support to us! Tiffany this special shout out goes to you darling!

and so began the finishing touches. Flowers, dresses, and jewellery!

I received two amazing gifts on our wedding day. The first was a stunning Citizen diamond watch from Ian with a heartfelt note that touched my heart. The second gift was from my mom, a beautiful strand of heirloom pearls, with drop pearl earrings.

 My father is my first best friend. We are both insanely silly, geeky, and soft hearted. So when I thought of my wedding day, I knew I wanted my dad to have the VERY first look. January 4th is his birthday and I HAD to honour it, no matter what. A couple months prior to the wedding I had gone on Ebay, Amazon, and Etsy to find the best gift I could think of. 

Here is some context to the small cuff-links if you are not a BBC aficionado like my father and myself. The cuff-links are fashioned after the TARDIS, a blue Police Box, which is from the long time running TV show, Doctor Who. I knew he would love them, and I was right!

Meanwhile on the other side of town Ian had started his day as well. His best friends and brother were in the midst of preparation. Mike, as I had instructed him to do had Ian’s gifts ready for him.

When I bought Ian’s gift it was almost impossible for myself to keep the secret. I purchased cuff-links for him as well, his were Canon Camera Mode Dials, what you would normally see on the top of your camera. Perfect really just for the fact we are both avid photographers. I also got him a Citizen Nighthawk Watch that he had asked for.

They soon left Mike’s home and came to the hotel, it was time for Ian and I’s first look.

Our formal photos were before the ceremony at the newly built Chilliwack Senior Secondary Campus. I loved the architecture, and the multiple locations to shoot in one spot.

This is my wonderful Maid of Honor Kristi Loewen, I have known her since I was born and lived with her for half a year.

This is my second bridesmaid Mellissa Tanner, fun fact I was a bridesmaid in her wedding.

This is my third bridesmaid, Carolynn Porter (soon to be Mrs. Adams), we knew eachother since we were toddlers, and I am beyond excited to shoot her wedding in April.

and last but certainly not least, my ninja bridesmaid Tiffany Gillette, my long time best friend. We’ve shared so many experiences in life, including Ireland. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend, she makes me laugh, and knows just what to say.

and then my dad stole the show with the ladies…

This is Ian’s Best Man, Mike Taekema. Long time friend, and Ian was actually his best man as well.

This is Ian’s groomsman and brother, Gord Wills.

This is Ian’s 3rd groomsman and friend, Adam Dunn. Friends since childhood, and particular fondness of everything I.T.

This is Ian’s father David, and his mother Marilyn.

Ian and I are avid readers, granted we have very different taste, but we had to have a Library incorporated somewhere into our wedding photos.

And then the biggest moment arrived… the moment I would marry my best friend and soul mate.

I put three lockets on my bouquet. For three men who were fathers in my life. Ken Johnson, my Grandpa Lambert, and Scott Turnbull; all taken far too soon from this world.

and then he saw me…

And so, now married and ready to celebrate with family, we headed back to the Coast Hotel.

Not to sure what Ian had said to make us all erupt in laughter, but we did. And below is Ian’s cousin Aaron, she was our emcee for the reception and she did an amazing job!

My grandpa Nelson prayed for dinner as well.

If anyone doesnt know what our first dance song was… it was “married life” the instrumental from the Disney movie “UP”. If you’d like a reminder, play this audio clip below while looking at our first dance photo.

When I was trying to plan the Father Daughter Dance, I quickly decided that it wasn’t really my job to pick our song. So I asked my dad, please pick our song and keep it a secret till the wedding day. I had listened to this exact song on repeat in my car leading up to the weddings so when It started to play it really touched my heart. Thank you for dancing with me daddy.

We had a bouquet/garter toss and all the singles came up. My favourite part was when Ian strutted around me and threw off his vest. He made the whole room laugh.

Above all I want to thank our wonderful photographers. A mother and daughter team who captured our day perfectly. Check them out below.

Sheila Armstrong Photography   and   Lemon & Lavender Photography