Stunning Mountain Wedding
‘It was definitely my fairytale wedding’ - Melize
Words cannot express all the feelings this incredible wedding had from before, during, and all the way until the end.
Melize and Nigel’s wedding had all the feels you could imagine! I first met the couple three years ago when I captured their proposal in Whistler, British Columbia. Nigel had secretly planned to have the moment documented at his aunt’s home on Alta Lake. I remember hiding in the neighbours’ yard behind a tree when they first arrived and then snuck into his aunts’ yard when he guided her down the dock onto the lake. He got down on one knee, popped the question, and without a doubt she said ‘Yes’! From there, they had arranged a wedding date for the following year in the beautiful valley of Pemberton, BC. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit and like many couples, they had to postpone. With restrictions tight and unknown, they had decided to go with a small wedding in the late spring of 2021. However, with hopeful changes happening in the province, they secured a date in mid-July to host one of the most epic and uplifting celebrations! And they did not hold back..!
The wedding was held at a stunning property down the meadows in Pemberton. Melize and her bridesmaids got ready in the residences on the property, while Nigel got ready in town at the Pemberton Valley Lodge with his groomsmen. Melize is incredible close to her dad, so the thought of having a father-daughter first look was not even a question. Her father was placed under a stunning willow tree while her mom and sister walked her over. Everyone’s heart melted the moment he saw his daughter for the first time in her dress. Everyone was in tears! From there, the couple arranged a mountain top first look infront of a glacier. In order for this to happen, they needed to arrive in separate helicopters, however, that morning it was questionable if this was going to happen as the cloud cover was quite low. Luckily they got a break and made it happen! Nigel went up first and got into place, but not until he hit a ball and shotgunned a beer at the top! Shortly after Melize made her appearance in her stunning Monique Lhuillier gown. I can honestly say a heli-first look is a first in my books and it was absolutely incredible! Nigel was blown away when he laid eyes on his wife-to-be. Their couples’ portraits were then taken in front of the glacier and the valley below, followed by a glass of champagne, cause why not?!
The couple made their descent back to the property where they were welcomed by their guests just prior to the ceremony. Once again, all the emotions flowed while the two said their vows.
Melize’s mother then read a poem, their rings were exchanged, and the two shared their first married kiss! A toast was made to congratulate the beautiful newly married couple, magazine-style family and wedding portraits were then taken, and the food and wine started flowing during their elegantly styled reception.
If the weather corporates, and as it did, I absolutely love to steal my couples away for golden-hour. Not only is it an opportunity to capture stunning images, but it also gives the couple a breather and some time to take in all of the days’ events. For Melize and Nigel, we got lucky with the evenings’ warm rays hitting over the mountains coupled with a beautiful hayfield for the couple to dance and run through. It was something else!
As I mentioned earlier, Melize and Nigel’s wedding was one of the first weddings after restrictions lifted to enjoy large receptions and the all-important part of the night, dancing!! Melize and her dad, along with Nigel and his mom shared their dance, followed by the couple’s beautiful first dance. Nigel serenaded Melize while they danced and then everyone joined them on the dance floor!
After the wedding, Melize said, “It was definitely a day I was the most relaxed I think I’ve ever been. I literally was told to take it all in and enjoy every moment as it goes by so quickly”. And she is right, it does fly by, however, their wedding is one that will be remember by all those involved for many many years to come.