Paul & Jen’s Elopement in Qualicum Beach / Parksville

Last week I had the pleasure of heading over to the island to photograph Jen & Paul’s intimate elopement. They had originally planned on getting married in the beautiful Cathedral Cove, but in the height of summer their celebrant (Ceri Peacey) suggested the more intimate Heritage Forest in Qualicum Beach. This was the perfect choice as it was quiet and still had the beauty and charm of giant trees that Jen and Paul had come for.

I don’t know if you’ve ever been to a wedding with a Celebrant as opposed to an Officiant or Commissioner, but they do extra special ceremonies – involving tales of the couple and in the case of this one they did a little tying of the knot part of the ceremony which I think I’d love to see at my own wedding one day! I find that the ceremony was a little longer but much more personal and just loved it! This wedding was also so small that I ended up being a witness as well, I remember that happening a lot when I did island elopements frequently while living in Victoria, such an honour!

The day was hot but being in the forest shielded us from the light and heat. After a few forest pictures we headed over to Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville for some beach photos. With Jen & Paul being from out in the central provinces I figured it was a must have! These two were such a pleasure to meet and a huge thanks to my mom who made the trip with me to look after Farfel while I was photographing – considering it was the little weeny’s birthday! We celebrated by staying at the beautiful Tigh-na-Mara resort, can’t wait to go back there one day. ;)