I am truly grateful for every couple that chooses me to document their wedding day. It is such an honour and I have so much love in my heart for all of people I have gotten to know this summer through this wonderful thing that I get to call my job. As with all people you meet in life, some you end up connecting with a little differently. It’s not a matter of “liking” any couple more then the other but some weddings and people just touch your heart a little differently. Am I allowed to say that? Haha! I left Catherine + Daniel’s wedding with tears in my eyes because I was just so awestruck by the love in that pretty backyard. I found myself holding back tears throughout most of the day, starting right at the beginning when Catherine got into her dress, surrounded by her mom, sisters, bridesmaids, and close friends. I found myself simultaneously laughing and tearing up when she whistled her way down the aisle to her love. And the funny, heartwarming, loving speeches were one of my favourite parts of the day. The dance party to cap it all off was the best. When a day is filled with as much dancing, laughter, and as many hugs as this one, you know it’s a pretty dang perfect one.

I loved how slow and enjoyable this day was (although looking back it feels like it flew by). The girls got ready together doing each others hair and make-up. Catherine and Daniel had a sweet first look before we headed to our magical PNW forest for portraits. We came back to Catherine’s family home for more photos and sushi before making our way to the ceremony + reception spot: the home and backyard of some of their dear family friends (and also their wedding officiant). They were married in a little grove behind the house before people kicked off their shoes and celebrated on the lawn with a collection of food made by friends and family. It is always such an honour to be at a wedding where you are one of very few hired vendors and it always feels like you are stepping into a very happy, welcoming, comfortable place.

I haven’t even gotten to Daniel and Catherine. This day was such a reflection of who they are – I love how weddings do that. They are kind, gentle, welcoming, thoughtful people. They laugh easily and are committed to the people around them. Daniel’s bridal party flew in from Colorado to be there for the weekend and Catherine’s girls were from her hometown here in the Fraser Valley but I felt like I had stepped into a big group of life-long friends. They embodied the same characteristics of Daniel and Catherine and it’s easy to see how these people all get along so well and why it is so easy to feel like you are a part of that group.

Thank you so much for having me Daniel + Catherine. It was such an honour and I am so thankful to have been there. Love and blessings to you both as you move through life hand in hand.

**With a wedding this wonderful, it is hard to narrow down the photos you love for a blog post so consider yourself warned that there are over three hundred photos for you to scroll through hahaa!

Catherine put together her own flower arrangements, made her own veil, and made her own flower crown! How cool is she?!

Bride’s Dress: Anthropologie

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Modcloth

I am now booking for the 2017 wedding season. I’d love to take you out for coffee and get to know you better so send me an email at michelle@michellekarstphotography.com to talk more about your big day!