Photographing weddings in Kelowna and the Okanagan means we get to shoot in all kinds of awesome outdoor places. This wedding was no different. It was beautiful August day under the huge tree at Kopje Regional Park on the banks of the Okanagan Lake in Lake Country, BC.

Brianna’s day began with Makeup and getting ready at her parent’s home in West Kelowna. We mentioned to Bri (as her friends lovingly call her) that wedding dresses never come with beautiful hangers, and requested that she have a nice wooden hanger that we could take photos of the dress with. Being filled with awesome ideas, Brianna had her dad craft a hanger out of some rope and a piece of tree, creating the most epic dress hanger.

Being surrounded by her best friends, and her mom and dad, her morning was filled with laughter and happy tears. As Brianna got into her dress and jewelry she was able to soak in these last few moments living in her parent’s home, and we made sure there was time for a few special moments with her and her mom, as well as a little first look with her dad.

Ben got ready with his groomsmen in the house he and Bri would be making a home. They moved everything in the weekend of the wedding so nothing was in its final place, but everything about it was great. You can feel their new life together starting.

The ceremony was held under a huge tree at Kopje Park in Winfield. We hadn’t been to the park before but we loved it. Everything was green and lush in the summer sun. Leafy Green Kelowna Weddings are so beautiful. The ceremony was sweet and we get to watch each element unfold while a mix of friends and family came together to provide all the live ceremony music. Bri and Ben shared a private moment during a foot washing, symbolizing the way they will serve one another as husband and wife.

We took bridal party pictures at Kopje Park on the lawn and by the beach followed by portraits of our couple. Kopje Park has so many great spots for pictures and Bri + Ben looked fantastic during their romantic wedding portraits.

The beautiful reception was held at The Laurel Packinghouse in Downtown Kelowna. It was expertly decorated and looked awesome. There were personal touches everywhere. Dinner was excellent and followed by an Ice Cream bar with Warm Melted Chocolate and Fruit toppings! The speeches were beautiful, and brought us to tears. Brianna danced with her father to My Girl sung by her Cousin (Everybody everywhere in the room was musical.) The couple’s first dance was beautiful with Ben + Bri showing off a few smooth moves.

We wish we could show you every zany action shot from the party, but there are so many! Just enjoy these few and know it was wild and fantastic!

We met Bri + Ben shooting her bother’s wedding last year! Getting to know these families has been a highlight of our past 12 months.  Fun, funny, and full of faith, it’s been wonderful spending time with them. It’s like Ben said in their Thank You speech, “Thanks Josh + Carly, we want to be your friends.” Well, Ben + Bri, we want to be your friends, too!

Congratulations you two! May your life be filled with rich blessings!

Ceremony: Kopje Regional Park
Reception: Laurel Packinghouse
Decor: DIY
Makeup: Melissa Craven
Dress: Bliss Bridal
Florals: Classic Creations Floral Design
Catering: The Art of Fine Catering

www.barnettphotography.ca

Trena + Jon’s Summerhill Pyramid Winery wedding here in Kelowna was awesome. The Okanagan summers are spectacular every year with plenty of bright light and warm temperatures!

The day started with Trena and her bridesmaids getting hair and makeup done at Cream salons downtown. Soon they headed back to the suite that Trena and Jon had reserved right on the banks of the Okanagan Lake. Trena surprised her maids with beautiful earrings from Kate Spade and it was smiles all around as her mother helped Trena into her beautiful dress.

Meanwhile, Jon was hanging at his parent’s Kelowna vacation rental home, chilling by the pool, and enjoying burgers. Check out the guys trying to front-flip-dunk a ball with their feet. It didn’t work but we got a few high-action shots for sure! The guys dressed, prayed, and then we all headed downtown for Trena + Jon’s Kelowna boardwalk first look.

Our couple wanted to minimize the time between the ceremony and reception by having the bridal party portraits done before, so they opted to see each other before the ceremony and spend a few minutes ooh-ing and aww-ing at each other! Trena looked gorgeous in her dress and we think Jon agreed.

We went up to a fave spot on Knox Mountain for the bridal party and we snagged a few photos of the couple as well. We love that yellow-green desert feel of Knox!

The ceremony was on the lawn at Summerhill Pyramid Winery with Trena’s former choir director officiating. He was the perfect blend of funny and solemn as they exchanged vows and rings. After family portraits, we grabbed a few more shots in the wooded area at Summerhill. We love that there are so many places to photograph at the winery!

The reception was mega fun with THE BEST kissing game we’ve ever seen. Cash donations were made to the couple and a famous movie kiss could be chosen for different dollar amounts. The scene would play on the big screen and Trena + Jon would have to act it out. Things got pretty epic when the upside-down Spiderman kiss was picked!

A delicious dinner, followed by touching (and super funny) speeches, followed by a few more minutes for vineyard sunset portraits. Instead of a 1 hour block for couple’s pictures, we carved out three 15 minute sessions during the day. Each one at a different spot, with different light and backgrounds. It was pretty awesome and really showcases a variety of what Kelowna has to offer for Brides + Grooms!

After pictures, we headed back in for the couple’s first dance and then the parent’s dance. The bridal party joined them on the floor while John Bird DJ’ing for Okanagan Wedding Entertainment Group kept the party going all night long!

It was a glorious day filled with laughs, tears, love and faith. We pray blessings for Trena + Jon as they begin their new life together as one!

Enjoy!

This wedding wouldn’t have been what it was without the help and services of these awesome people!
Venue: Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Hair/Makeup: Cream Salons
Florals: Passionate Blooms
DJ: Okanagan Wedding Entertainment Group

To see Trena + Jon’s Kelowna Engagement shoot Click HERE.

www.barnettphotography.ca

Emily + Tanner’s wedding was awesome! The day started with Emily getting ready at her parent’s home in Kelowna while Tanner got ready in Vernon. Definitely a good day to have two photographers!

We loved how Emily and her closest people did hair and makeup outside in the beautiful summer sunlight. Kris from Inspirado Designs did a gorgeous job with Emily’s hair giving her a beautiful braid and letting just the right amount hanging down; framing Em’s face. The ladies were all smiles while the dog seemed to be getting tired! Things were definitely go-go-go until Emily’s Mom attatched her veil and Emily turned around. It was an emotional moment as they paused for a hug and joyful tears.

The guy’s were all laughs as they readied themselves between beers and popping buttons. They cleaned up nicely and we all headed over to Paddlewheel Hall for the ceremony.

The ceremony was a beautiful, sacred event with Emily + Tanner promising themselves to each other. It was smiles and laughs while touching vows were read and rings were exchanged. The Deck at Paddlewheel provides a beautiful backdrop of the Okanagan Lake.

After ceremony and family portraits we headed off to Polson Park in Vernon, BC with our bridal party. We love shooting at this park. The Japanese Garden and huge willow trees do not disapoint!

The reception started back at Paddlewheel Hall where we enjoyed a delicious dinner from Burt’s Catering. After speeches, music, and a couple more speeches, Tanner got up to serenade his new bride with a song. Tanner tore the roof off the joint and the room was smiles and tears for sure!

We snuck out for a few more shots of our couple while the sun was barely over the mountians. This is something we always try to do. Take a little break, grab a little air, and get some great pictures of the couple in the soft light of sunset.

Dancing began with Tanner + Emily first, followed by Emily + Dad, and then Tanner + Mom. Check out the shot of Emily’s bridesmaids tearing up during Tanner dancing with his sweet Mom. Cake was cut and bouquet and garter were tossed. We glanced outside to see that the setting sun had lit up the sky like fire so we grabbed just one more shot in that dramatic scene!

Congrats Emily + Tanner! We had so much fun with you guys! Be blessed! You rule!

Venue: Paddlewheel Hall
Officiant: Ed Weiss
Hair: Inspirado Design
Dress: L’Amore Bridal and Formals
Decor: L’Amore + DIY
Stationary: Etsy

www.barnettphotography.ca

To see Emily + Tanner’s fall Kelowna orchard Engagement Photography shoot, click HERE.

Stephanie and Josh. What can we say? We met Stephanie when we shot Taryn + Matt’s wedding in 2013. We adored T + M’s friends and we were so pumped when Steph wanted to meet and talk about her own wedding. Once we met Josh, we were hooked. These guys are awesome. Steph is the sweetest, and Josh is the most stylish man around. It was like talking to friends at that first meeting.

Their day started with Stephanie Getting hair & makeup done at Total E’Clips Salon in Kelowna. Then the party was moved to her parent’s home where her Mother helped with her dress. Watch for her Father’s sweet smile when he sees Stephanie dressed and ready!

Meanwhile, Josh was hanging with his closest friends at the house where he grew up in Winfield, BC. His Father tended the Vineyards at Grey Monk Winery and Josh grew up at the bottom of the rows of Vines. We love it when the history and character of our client’s lives growing are part of the wedding day.

The sweet ceremony was held on the lawn at The Harvest Golf Club in East Kelowna. The beautiful gardens were the perfect backdrop for this emotional and touching  ceremony. Tears and smiles abounded as Steph + Josh said, “I do” to spending their lives together as one.

We stayed on the property for family and Bridal Party portraits. The Harvest is named after it’s pear orchards that decorate the course and they offered shade and lush green tones for pictures. We even made use of the awesome waterfall they’ve installed behind the clubhouse. The ladies flowers were designed by Passionate Blooms and they look awesome! Also, watch the groomsmen walking toward the camera. It’s worth it.

We took our couple down the road for a few more shots by a white fence and into a private vineyard to reflect Josh’s life growing up in the winery.

The reception was held back at The Harvest where dinner and speeches (some of the funniest and most touching we’ve heard) were followed by a quick sunset photo op with our couple. We ask EVERY couple if they would be interested in spending 10mins before the sun goes down behind the mountains and it’s worth it! Just check out the silhouette!

DJ Dwayne Mollin kept things lively with dances, tosses, and more dancing! This group loves a good party! Congratulations Stephanie + Josh! T’was an amazing day!

Venue: The Harvest Golf Club
Floral Design: Passionate Blooms
Hair & Makeup: Total E’Clips Salon
DJ: Dwayne Mollin Music Services
Stationary: Minted

www.barnettphotography.ca
assisted by Devin Araújo

Devynn + James met at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, as Devynn was living downtown at the time, and the city was ALIVE with thousands upon thousands of extra people flooding the city to celebrate!

Devynn’s mom was visiting her to be in the electric city during this massive sporting event. They were out one night and Devynn spotted this cute guy across the room, and Cyndie (Devynn’s mom) offered to go talk to him for her. Of course Devynn shrugged it off with a “No, Mom,” then she went to use the washroom. Arriving back from the washroom, much to Devynn’s chagrin, Cyndie was talking to James and his friend.

After a few minutes of Devynn awkwardly having to turn down James’ friend (her aunt thought she was interested in the friend, and not James), Devynn and James started chatting. They had an amazing conversation and James used the great pick-up line, “Why don’t we continue this conversation? Can I have your phone number?” And they agreed to meet for a date of donairs the following day.

James had been roller blading in the city and he met up with Devynn and they instantly did NOT like each other, but feeling like they needed to be polite, they continued on to get the light and unassuming dinner they had planned on. That night, chatting over donairs, the two found that electric spark they had felt the night before, and they became inseparable for the rest of the Olympics.

One year after meeting at the Olympics their little Brooklyn was born, and they became a family.

A few years later, they were engaged, ever so romantically on a cliff over a little picnic they had hiked to, while James was worried he was going to fall off the mountain.

On May 30th, now with their 2 little girls, Devynn and James were married at Bench 1775 Winery in Naramata.

The morning anticipation grew more thick as James made sure Devynn brought Little People Prince Eric with her to the wedding, and gave her a teary love letter while Devynn got ready at Summerland Waterfront Resort. He would later be united with the Princess Ariel.

We felt the electricity between these two at the first look in Summerland. They could not wait to see each other and they were so excited to get married. Even we can tell these two were meant to be together.

The wedding ceremony was on the patio at Bench 1775 Winery overlooking the entire Okanagan Valley. While a touch windy it was a breathtaking view to take their vows in front of.

Steph of Dream Big Event Management, did such an amazing job with the Day of Coordination, and managed to seamlessly flip the ceremony cite into the gorgeous wedding reception, in a matter of minutes, with rentals from Westminster Party and Tent Rentals.

While the guests had Tapas and Cocktails, we ventured into the vineyard for some romantic vineyard wedding photography with a splash of candid family photography with the sweet family of four.

Devynn’s florals were straight out of a dream, and Arlene of Edgy Petals did an amazing job adding to the romance of the day with her artistry.

The party got started with DJ Alex Bird of Okanagan Wedding Entertainment Group, not only DJing the event, but doing a fantastic job as the MC as well. Alex really knows how to please a crowd, and even his dinner music was put together with skilled craftsmanship.

Dinner was a classic wedding buffet, with all that you would expect from a beautiful and romantic Okanagan Wedding, catered by Catering Done Right from Kaleden.

A golden hour reception with a view of the Okanagan wine country was the perfect way to end our evening with Devynn + James, and we could not be more happy for this sweet little family of four. Please enjoy their photos, and if you know Devynn + James, leave them your congratulations in the comment section!

Be blessed, you two! Congratulations.

Getting Ready and Accomodations: Summerland Waterfront Resort + Spa
Wedding Venue: Bench 1775 Winery
Day of Wedding Planning: Dream Big Event Management
Transportation Guest Shuttle: Top Cat Tours
Decor: DIY, DDecor, Westminster Party + Tent Rentals
Catering: Catering Done Right
Floral Designer: Edgy Petals
DJ: Okanagan Wedding Entertainment Group
Hair: Heiress Salon
Stationery: www.minted.com

Here’s a wedding we shot in August of last year! It was such a busy year for us and a few really beautiful weddings didn’t make it to our blog. Well, I couldn’t let that stand with this one. It’s too good.

Christine and Kiffer’s gorgeous wedding day started with Christine and her bridesmaids getting ready at the Ramada in Penticton, BC. Make up artist Bri Stein did her magic while Tamara Gunther from Blue Dahlia Salon and Spa did a fantastic job with hair. We think Christine’s dress is one of the most beautiful we shot of 2014. Stunning!

Kiffer and his son (the sweetest boy ever!) got ready at La Punta Norte in Summerland, BC. La Punta Norte is a beautiful location with spanish decor and fabulous lake views! The photos of Kiffer and son are so touching as the boys got dressed to begin their future with as a new family with Christine.

Christine + Kiffer wanted to see each other before the ceremony and share a private moment to themselves, so they asked us to photograph their expressions as they saw each other for the first time that day. This “first look”  took place outside at La Punta Norte. With the Okanagan Lake in the background, they laughed, spun, hugged, and kissed at the sight of each other.

We took time before the ceremony to capture our couple around the resort by themselves and with their wedding party. It was our first time at La Punta Norte and we were thrilled with all the options for some spectacular portraits.

The ceremony was simple and sweet with Aaron Gordon crooning on his guitar while guests were seated and while Christine came down the aisle with her father. After the vows, family portraits, and a little hang out time, we all met under the tent for for the reception.

Dinner was served and speeches begun. Somehow, I got suckered into jumping on the mic and telling a joke. T’was a first for this wedding photographer, but when your connection with your clients is so genuine, you feel like a guest, and if they ask you for a good joke…I guess you tell a good joke!

A dog walks into a bar and orders a drink. The bartender pulls out a gun and saying, “We don’t serve dogs here!” shoots him in the foot. Weeks later the dog limps through the saloon doors, pulls his own gun and says…
“I’m lookin’ for the man that shot my paw.”

Okay, okay. It’s not that good, but they laughed politely as the MC took a few blurry pictures with my camera. Haha. I’ll stick to my day job!

After a few warm and funny speeches toasting the bride + groom, they cut a beautiful cake, and dancing ensued! Aaron Gordon DJ’d the reception and kept the energy flying high with guests spinning and air guitaring…it was awesome. Enjoy!!!

Venue: La Punte Norte
Makeup: Bri Stein Artistry
Hair: Blue Dahlia Salon and Spa
Decor: DIY
Florals: DIY
Catering: Flambé Catering
Cake Design: Oyama Sunbush
DJ: Aaron Gordon