The Durali Villa Country Wedding

Fun fact: The teaser for this wedding ended up being of the most clicked teasers ever, of all time. We had 215 clicks. This is incredible. I always consider myself lucky to be a photographer in Vernon and Kelowna, and this show of support is overwhelming. I really put my heart and soul into these weddings. It means to the world to be able to do what I do.

Well, enough of that mushy stuff! Let’s get this blog started.

We always start with the dress and the ring shots. If you’d like to see the whole gallery on my website, click here. If you’d like to see the pixieset gallery (Expiring in July) click here. I’ve got to warn you, there’s a LOT of images. If you need to go to the washroom, you’d better go now. It’s a wild ride.

The venue is one of my favourites in Vernon. It’s Durali Villa. Basically a huge old house with a pool and theatre. It’s got plenty of rooms. You simply invite your family to stay with you for the weekend, then everyone parties all evening! Old Kamloops road is one of the prettiest areas in Vernon. There’s a lot to go on.

Outside, there were crates. A lot of places to get that perfect ring shot.

A pretty stunning ring. All those boxes were handmade and hand sandblasted with the logo for the wedding. Talk about detail and hard work!

The girls were getting read. Erin Traxel was just putting on the finishing touches on our bride’s hair. Later, Jessie Voss would apply the makeup. It was time to visit the boys!

Everything was laid out, ready to go.This is a slight venue change – this is a place out on westside.

The boys immediately started to get ready. There was a a lot of helping each other out. Attention to detail, everyone wanted to look their best.

Don’t forget those collars and the lint brush!

Before long, everyone was looking sharp and ready to go. Some celebratory whisky, and we’re off!

That little guy had apple juice. Please don’t send me angry emails.

Things were going quickly in Vernon. Jessie applied the last of the makeup, then we were ready for the dress.

The lighting we get from those windows is incredible. I love the way the surrounding plant life diffuses the light. Then I can get richer facial gradients.

Megan looked stunning. Hair and makeup were perfect.

And then, the dress. Probably one of my favourite parts of any wedding to photograph. This dress was especially beautiful. But took a while to strap up!

I bounced the flash over my right shoulder to get his light falloff. I wanted the image to be dramatic and simple – matching the mood of the afternoon. I’d say we achieved it.

And before we know it, we’re off. Ready to go.

But there was one final surprise. A gift from the groom.

A gorgeous diamond necklace. It complimented the dress perfectly. Everyone started to get teary eyed.

And here she is, ready to walk down the aisle. I love the expression on her face. Pictures are a thousand words indeed.

Before I knew it, I had them pack in the back of a (borrowed) SUV so I could drive the wedding party off to the formals. Sam couldn’t stop looking at his bride.

But really, can you blame him?

We found some Canola fields, and began to take photos. Everyone enjoyed a post-ceremony drink. Which I soon got them to shotgun because I don’t want them in the rest of the photos.

The Canola fields gave me just the kind of photo I was looking for- classic, full of colour, and bright. Eye catching. We were just getting warmed up though.

During the consult, I was told to get views of Vernon. Well, I know just the hill I’d like to use for that.

We hiked up the hill through all the flowers and plants.

Almost there!

And then we were rewarded once we reached the top.

It was almost too much to take in. It had rained less than an hour before, making the hills look green and lush.

The sun came in, giving my photo a little bit of sun flare.

A quick dance, and we’re off to the next photo location!

At this point, I realized we were making good time. As always, I’m bossy, fast, and efficient. My goal is to fit as many photos as we can into a two hour period. It goes so, so quickly. These shoots are planned out weeks in advance – so when it’s time to execute, we can go hard.

Two locations for the formals. Love that leafy green-ness. But then….off to an abandoned church for some formals!

The church was overgrown with leaves and vines.

But fearlessly, we entered anyway.

A few minutes to sit down, and we’re good to go!

It was dusty in the church. You could see the light leaking through the holes in the ceiling. I must come back here sometime when it’s raining. There’s probably some stunning photos that need to be taken.

We came back and did the formals. Although the bride and groom are the most important part of any wedding, I also emphasize getting photos of the wedding guests. Every person in the wedding is important to the bride and groom, and thus are part of the record of the day.

We did the family formals after the couple formals. This is reverse order – normally, we get photos of the family before they have time to wander away. I saw the rain, though, and didn’t trust the sky. I wanted to get the family formals as soon as I could. It turned out I had made the right call – in the middle of the family formals, it started to rain slightly. I moved everyone under a nearby tree, set my camera to overexpose slightly, and kept taking pictures.

The kids were moved inside, to a previously scouted location. It’s important to scout out the location beforehand, even places you don’t think you would need. This photo was taken in the shed. I saw the coat of arms and made a mental note – if you get some kids in there, you should still be able to see that worn insignia. +1 to planning.

As it started to rain outside, people snugged in together inside and all chatted in the living room.

I mentioned to the bride – your album is going to have a lot of candids. I was right. I just adore so many of these photos.

Dinner was being prepared, and everyone got along fabulously. There were many laughs, as family members old and new caught up with each other and got to know each other.

We rushed out for dinner. It started raining lightly, but nothing too bad. Fortunately, there was a tent to keep us dry while we ate.

The party favours were brought out. Handmade, hand packed, and one for each guest. Everyone was absolutely thrilled when they saw this.

And then, time for the first dance. A few raindrops on my lens and flash made for a neat effect.

It was slow and romantic. The tent provided the perfect contrast trigger.

Soon, their actions would inspire another couple to have a dance of their own in the kitchen.

And the dancing continued into the night.

And there you have it.

I hope you loved this album. Special thanks to Jessie Voss, Durali Villa, and Erin Traxel for the incredible job they did. This was an incredibly special day, and I couldn’t be more happy with the outcome

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