Category: Portrait

The flight to Chilliwack felt different this time for me; for the first time since moving to Yellowknife in January of this year, I had a sense of misplacement. I had three previous wedding photography engagements in BC that needed to be fulfilled between January and August, and each time I travelled back I’d say: “I’m coming home”. 

This time however, something had shifted. As I sat in the terminal waiting for my flight out of the smoke-filled city of Yellowknife, I felt I was leaving home. I had finally settled into my new life in the North and was excited about the new season that is about to start for Stephanie Lauren Photography.  Change of home aside, I was as excited as ever to make the trip to my true original home town to spend time with family and photograph my last summer wedding.

Cody and Paige’s wedding was a very special day for me. Seven months earlier Cody’s mother Sheila of Sheila Armstrong Photography and sister Stephanie of Lemon & Lavender Photography had photographed our wedding, and the results were amazing.

Back in January when Sheila and I spoke before my wedding we talked about her son’s upcoming marriage to his high school sweetheart, and in the end we were honoured to photograph unforgettable moments in each other’s lives.

Now, a little about the Bride and Groom:

Cody and Paige met in the seventh grade. Cody was smitten immediately, and eventually their friendship would blossom into a great love story that would produce the greatest addition to their life, baby Hunter.

Not even three months prior to the wedding Cody and Paige welcomed their beautiful baby boy into the world. Paige said to Cody during her vows, “you have already gave me the greatest gift of my life”. The sincerity of their love is humbling and the immense joy they share is infectious to those that surround them.

Thank you for sharing your story with me Cody and Paige!

The girls all gathered at Paige’s grandparents home, a beautiful and rustic loft-style home. I couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop to photograph the bridal preparations.

Cody and his groomsmen got ready at his parents’ new farm property, where the ceremony was to take place in the open field out back. Their shared moments of laughter and morning golf had them mischievous and playful for pictures. 

You know these men are a group of confident athletes by their request to have a GQ shirtless group shot.

Cody’s mom Sheila was busy finishing all the last details of the decorations and food, but took some quality time to help her son get ready. If ever you could see the overwhelming love of a mother, it is surely in the embrace of her son on his wedding day.

Paige stood gazing at her dress, the moment was finally here, her forever was about to start.

Once they saw each other for the first time…

After their first look, Cody surprised Paige with a beautiful eternity bracelet; she held back happy tears and was beyond elated with his gift.

After Cody and Paige’s first look and bridal portraits, we headed back inside to cool down. Hunter was happily cradled in his grandma’s arms and everyone was excited for the group pictures.

The Ceremony and Reception were held at Cody’s parents’ farm, a beautiful property looking out on Mt. Cheam.  Rustic hay bale seating made for a true country wedding in the warm community of Rosedale.