Victoria Wedding Photographers

Choices {Vancouver Island Wedding Photographers}

Jan Korteland — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:15:37 +0000

Every day has only 24 hours. Don’t we all wish there were more hours in a day sometimes? Well, I know I do! With a thriving business, a busy toddler and a house to keep organized, Jan and I have our hands more than full. We have to make choices on how we spend our time and what is most important. That is why we have decided that we are not going to be blogging every wedding and engagement session anymore. We still have a ton of engagement sessions to blog, and two more weddings still haven’t made it to the blog either. Instead of posting sneak peeks on our blog, we will use our Facebook page to share some favourites from our sessions.

That’s not to say that we won’t ever blog again. Just expect that for the time being you won’t see us blogging much. Perhaps the occasional blog post here and there, but if there’s anything new, we’ll make sure we’ll let you know on our Facebook page. So if you’re not already following us on Facebook, make sure that you click the “like” button!

We are so thankful for this past summer with a calendar full of weddings and engagements and all couples have been so great to us. We seriously love every minute of working with our clients and there is nothing we would rather do! Thank you to all of you!

Here’s a photo from our daughter taken in the zoo in Holland. I just had to share!

Wedding Eiko & Chris {Victoria Wedding Photographer}

Jan Korteland — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:30:07 +0000

Jan and I were married on a beautiful day in October, and Eiko & Chris definitely lucked out with a gorgeous day as well! The weather is just as unpredictable during the summer as it is in the fall, so why not choose a fall wedding? This creative couple chose Hatley Castle as their wedding venue, and I have to say, that this is probably one of the most stunning wedding locations that you can find on the Island. So full of character, and warmth. Their Victorian decorations made the impact even more dramatic. You’ll see what I mean when you see the images!
But what can you expect from a talented couple like Eiko & Chris? She is a gifted musician who composes music for films, video games, etc. Her music played throughout the reception, and it was evident that this girl is extremely talented. She didn’t say exactly how many instruments she plays, but when Chris told me that she plays several string instruments, brass instruments, the flute, the piano, etc, I couldn’t believe it. Isn’t that amazing? He is quite the artist himself… he does special effects in movies, more specifically he draws monsters and his latest project was the blockbuster Thor. It’s his childhood dream come true.
Eiko & Chris, it was great to be part of your day! I loved seeing how your families from Japan and Australia all came together to celebrate with you and to get to know each other. I hope that your love for each other grows stronger every day!

Wedding venue: Hatley Castle
Catering: Truffles Catering
Cake: Cakes Galore
Flowers: Fox Glove Flowers

Thanks Kim for second shooting with me! It was great to have you there!

Wedding Rachel & Mark {Duncan Wedding Photographer}

Jan Korteland — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:27:01 +0000

It was only about 2.5 months before their wedding when I received a call from Rachel’s mom to see if we still had their wedding date available, and I’m so glad we did! I loved capturing this day for them and their families. They did not have a whole lot of time to pull it all together, but you’ll see that their DIY wedding was nothing short of fabulous. Rachel found a gorgeous wedding gown, as well as her shoes and bridesmaids dresses at David’s Bridal across the border. They had a friend do their bouquets. They had a FANTASTIC vintage car. They had a lot of amazing friends and family contribute to preparing the dinner, which I have to admit, wouldn’t have been done better by a caterer (I guess that’s because they’re used to cooking dinner for large crowds). The father of the bride made a lemonade stand; they looked all over the place to collect milk bottles for the center pieces, they hung mason jars with flowers from the garry oak tree; they baked delicious cupcakes in glass jars… and I guess I can go on and on about the little details that went into making their day unique. But most importantly, their wedding was about celebrating their love and dedication in giving their lives to each other. It was a beautiful celebration and I was honoured to capture the memories of this day for them.
Rachel & Mark, it was so wonderful to get to know you and to spend the day with you. Enjoy your time together in Hawaii; I’m sure you’re having a great time!

Vendors
Hair: Ek Design
Gown + bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal

Thank you Courtney for being a fabulous second shooter and getting this great shot of the boys!

Win FREE Wedding Photography

Jan Korteland — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 01:14:59 +0000

]]>

Wedding Lorieann & Josh {Parksville Wedding Photographer}

Jan Korteland — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:22:11 +0000

Live in love with passion. My vow to live every waking moment loving you more than the last. I declare my love for your thoughts, your spirit, your every being forever. I dedicate my passion to making your dreams and aspirations become a reality.

With these words Josh started his vows to Lorieann. He is a musician, and you can’t deny it: he definitely has a way with words.
Lorieann is very artistic herself as well; she made most of the decorations, as well as designed the wedding cake. They’re not only artistic, they’re also such a fun couple; I think they are so great for each other!
Lorieann grew up in a family with four other girls, all of whom she chose to have by her side as bridesmaids. It was wonderful to see how close they are to each other. Even though some have moved away, or have started a family, their bond is still so strong. Her other two bridesmaids were like sisters to her as well. The evening was filled with toasts and speeches; these two have a lot of close relationships with their friends and family, which was wonderful to witness.
Their wedding was at the beautiful Beach Club in Parksville and since they love Cathedral Grove, that’s where we went for a picnic and some of their photos. But before we left on the drive there they paraded around town in a shiny old car followed by honking bridesmaids and groomsmen. We managed to squeeze in some photos with the car as well, some of which are my favourites of the day!
Lorieann & Josh, thank you for such a fun day! It was great to work with you both, and your wedding party was awesome too! I wish you all the best for your marriage; may your commitment to each other always stay as strong as it is now.

~ Rosanne

Wedding Venue: The Beach Club Resort
Wedding Planner & Coordinator: A Plus Weddings & Flowers
Flowers: A Plus Weddings & Flowers
Cake: Nanaimo Fairy Cakes

Thank you Vivian for second shooting with me again today.

Wedding Amanda & Hayden {Pender Island Photographer}

Jan Korteland — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:11:22 +0000

I love weddings, and I love exploring and going to places where I’ve never been before, so I was really looking forward for Amanda & Hayden’s wedding at the beautiful Poet’s Cove Resort on Pender Island. While Jan and I were making our way to the venue after a short ferry ride, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to live on a small island like Pender. It must feel secluded at times, but I love the country and I am sure that everyone knows everyone. This island is so beautiful; what a great place for a wedding!
Hayden and Amanda had decided to do their photos in the morning, so they could spend more time with their guests after the ceremony. The morning didn’t start without a hitch though, as the makeup artist Amanda had spoken to just a week before hand, did not make her appearance. As unfortunate as this was, thankfully she had a good friend that had done a practice makeup run with her, so she could save the day! When both Hayden and Amanda were ready we took them to a gorgeous bluff overlooking the ocean where they saw each other for the first time. This is always such a special time of the day; the anticipation that both bride and groom feel, and then when they see each other all the stress falls away and they can enjoy spending some time together before their ceremony.
We hope that you’ll enjoy these favourites, which are mostly shot on the Poet’s Cove property, although there are also some images that we shot at a cute little church just down the road.
Hayden & Amanda, we hope that you are having an amazing time on your honeymoon and we wish you all the best for your lives that you’ve chosen to spend together!

~ Rosanne & Jan

Venue: Poet’s Cove Resort
Hair: Nicole Payer from Hope Bay Hair Salon
Gown: Blush Bridal Boutique
Musician: Mark Fossen
Flowers: Thrifty Foods – Broadmead

Katelyn & Jesse’s Wedding at the beach {Youbou Wedding Photographer}

Jan Korteland — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:17:07 +0000

Katelyn and Jesse live with their super cute 1.5 year old son close to Sparwood, but since there’s no ocean nowhere near the Alberta border they decided to have a destination wedding in Port Renfrew. Jan had done the drive a couple of times, but I hadn’t, so it was great to do a little sight-seeing. One thing I didn’t expect was to have no cell phone reception from the moment you leave Lake Cowichan. It seems so weird that you come to depend on that little thing so much, but it’s true. Well, we didn’t really need it anyway, but it still felt kinda strange
Their ceremony was beautiful. It was on a sandy beach right on the ocean and the weather couldn’t have been more beautiful. I love it when a couple writes their own vows. Jesse told Katie I’m very lucky to have you as part of my life. You’re my best friend… You asked me once how much I loved you. I told you 3.14, because it’s never-ending. She told him in her vows: After all these years you still give me butterflies. What a romantic couple!
Before driving back to Youbou for their reception, we spend quite a bit of time with them and their fun wedding party on the beach for photos. I love shooting on the beach; I’m so glad we live so close to the ocean! Their ceremony was at the Youbou Community Hall and Katie had done a great job decorating the place with paper lanterns, and I also loved the peacock feathers they used as part of their decorations.
Thanks so much, Katie and Jesse, for letting us be part of your day. You guys are a great couple and wonderful parents, and you’re blessed with such a happy little man!

~ Rosanne & Jan

Flowers: Roses and More
Makeup: Crave Beauty Boutique
Hair: Remedy Hair Salon
Gown: Blush Bridal

Their cute little guy made a speech for mom & dad… so adorable!

Wedding Rebecca & Josh at The Beach Club {Parksville Wedding Photographer}

Jan Korteland — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 02:56:03 +0000

When we arrived at The Beach Club Resort, Rebecca was nearly ready to get dressed. Being a physical education teacher, she didn’t wear heels, but very comfortable Adidas flats, as you’ll see in the photos below. However, she did wear a gorgeous white gown, with a beautiful train. Both Josh and Rebecca are big into sports; for their honeymoon they are travelling to the East Coast of the States and in the speeches their trip was referred to as a “baseball honeymoon”. Apparently, Josh didn’t have to do much convincing, as Rebecca just as much wanted to do this as he did.
After a short and sweet ceremony we went off to Paradise Mini Golf for some fun shots, but since it was really crowded (I guess with the overcast skies people didn’t want to be on the beach), we decided to start at our second photo location first. When we were checking out Rathtrevor Beach in the morning, I was walking around with goosebumps from the cold wind. Thankfully, when we came back for photos the temperature was much more comfortable, and the overcast sky provided the perfect light. The tide was coming in and that meant we sometimes had to literally outrun the water. With the shallow beach, the water comes in really quickly. We were really excited to shoot at this beautiful location though; I think these are definitely some of my all-time favourites!
Rebecca & Josh, it was so great to capture your wedding memories for you, and we hope you’re having a blast on your honeymoon! Enjoy these few weeks that you can spend together before the craziness of work starts again!

~ Rosanne & Jan

Wedding Venue: The Beach Club Resort
Makeup: Lesley’s Esthetics and Access
Hair: Creo’s Hair Studio
Cake: Frosted Affair Cake Creations

Wedding Fay & Gregor {Nanaimo Wedding Photographer}

Jan Korteland — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:22:00 +0000

The night before the wedding she didn’t go to bed until 4am. But when my second shooter Deanna and I arrived at the B&B in the morning Fay seemed very calm. Apparently this bride likes to leave things to the last-minute, but I don’t think there is much that will make her feel stressed. Good thing she doesn’t mind staying up late Having gotten to know Fay a little I didn’t expect her to be stressed on her wedding day, and that turned out to be quite accurate. I believe the father of the bride was more anxious to get her to the church in time, than the bride herself.
Both Fay and Gregor are from a German background and all of his family lives in Germany, so part of the church service was in both English and German. I especially loved the “altar of gratitude”, where their guests would leave a rock from their part of the country/world, before taking part in communion. When I first spoke with Fay about her wedding she told me how the wedding was about expressing their thankfulness to God and their friends and family. I love their warmth and realness. Their thankfulness was so evident throughout the day. These two are truly loved by many and I can see why.
Fay & Gregor I absolutely loved capturing your wedding day so you can forever treasure these memories. I want to say congratulations again and I cannot wait to hear where life takes you!

~ Rosanne

Wedding Planning & Coordinating: Amber Leigh Weddings & Design
Ceremony Venue: St. Philip Anglican Church
Reception Venue: Westwood Lake Tennis Club
Flowers: A Plus Weddings & Flowers
Cake: Mon Petit Choux

Wedding Joanna & John at Sun Lotus {Duncan Wedding Photographer}

Jan Korteland — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:00:27 +0000

Joanna & John aren’t afraid of a challenge… I still cannot believe that they actually moved from Port Moody to Duncan less than a week before their wedding! And they couldn’t just move into their cute house, they actually painted the entire house the weekend before the wedding. Very ambitious couple! They also both found jobs; I am so thrilled for them.
Their wedding was nothing short of fabulous. Joanna had done a marvelous job at putting together a beautifully styled wedding. For their wedding ceremony they decided on something unique as well: a handfasting ceremony. This tradition with Celtic roots involved the tying of their hands together with a cord, among other things. After the ceremony they paddled away to a little island in the middle of the pond where they enjoyed some champagne and a picnic lunch prepared by Anita, the host of Sun Lotus.
Jo & John, congrats again and I hope you guys are enjoying your new home in Duncan. I hope life is now settling down a little bit, even though there are probably still dozens of boxes to unpack

Wedding Venue: Sun Lotus Guest House
Catering: Parker Productions
Florist: Roses & More