Lauren and Ben
A Vancouver Island wedding photographer, nears the end of a busy wedding season. Armed with her favorite cameras, lenses and a kick a$%$ assistant, she boards a ferry to Quadra Island, then another to Cortes Island.
She tries not to complain, but is somewhat worn down. Pregnant. Emotional. Not feeling entirely herself. (Yes, I said pregnant) Tired. Suffering from a bad tummy and feeling nauseous. Trying desperately to shake it all off, and get down to brewing up magic images that will be different from the last wedding, from any wedding. She couldn’t shake it. Until meeting Lauren. Something happens, you can see everything lift off, evaporate into thin air… not thinking, not nauseous not even feeling odd. But better, vibrant and more alive. She is just better as the camera lifts to her face, and moments stand still within each frame. She can’t explain it. She doesn’t try. Just chooses to believe in the magic.
Lauren and Ben are from San Francisco, Ben spent every summer of his life on Cortes Island. His grand father built the church there. His intense connection to the place, the surroundings and the venue, made it completely meaningful, absolutely wonderful and inspirational. It is not easy co-ordinating a wedding on an island that takes two ferries to get to from Vancouver Island, especially when the majority of your guests are from San Francisco and everywhere but Vancouver Island. But, if you can pull it off… it is worth it.
Lauren oozed sweetness, warmth and has energy about her, that makes you want to be her friend instantly.
Ben has a calm, gentle, lightness to him, that you would also equally like to be around. The two of them together, effortless.
I believe there is something to be said about weddings with a lot of not only thought, but heart to them.
Lauren and Ben’s beautiful wedding, was exactly what I needed to fuel me up, and inspire me to finish off this wedding season with a bang. There are not a lot of weddings left for me this year. In fact, there are only five. But I believe now, after Lauren and Ben… I am ready to conquer the rest of them, with the same gusto, passion and spirit as if I were at the first one.
Here are a few of my favorites.
p.s… British Columbia… You are beautiful.



Ben and Lauren chose to have their portraits together before the ceremony, which I love. Here is Ben’s first look at Lauren







Don’t you just love them???

We prepare to go to the ceremony.



Waiting in the church that Ben’s grandfather built for the ceremony to begin, one of my all time favorite images was created.


The ceremony was so beautiful, intimate and full of emotion. Yes, I was crying… a lot.




Apparently Lauren and I weren’t the only ones with tears, love this image of Lauren’s wonderful mom caught up in the moment.

How radiant is Lauren?



I’ll leave you with a favorite of the newlyweds after the ceremony.

Hope your weekend is full of love.
Tags: cortes island wedding photography, cortes photographer, vancouver island amazing wedding, vancouver island photographer, vancouver island wedding, vancouver island wedding photography, wedding on vancouver islands, weddings on vancouver island
September 5th, 2009 at 2:45 am
Congrats Erin! If you haven’t had enough advice already, you can try ginger or mint tea for the tummy… and my midwife swore by salt and vinegar chips for nausea too. Working while pregnant is tough, but it’s truly amazing what a mommy can do when she has to.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:27 am
As soon as I saw the bride on the steps of the church the Grandfather built … tears …. beautiful as always! love Ma xo
September 6th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Erin, your pictures brought tears to my eyes! They, the couple and the news of your baby, are all so wonderful! My deepest congrats go to you and your family! The experience is life changing! One that I hope you get to have a few times!
September 6th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
WOW! Amazing! Beautiful…. You are so awesome Erin. Pregnant!!! Congratulations! You are going to be an amazing mom and I can’t wait to see the pictures of your little one!!
September 6th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Comments on post from the ol’ facebook…
Deanna Davies Unbelieveable…beautiful…gorgeous…takes my breath away!
Fri at 8:41pm · Delete · Report
Lynda Allen Breathtaking as always, Erin you are wonderful! And CONGRATS!
Fri at 10:13pm · Delete · Report
Ludy Mennie WOW…truly amazing, breathtaking and inspiring!!! You are so blessed with an amazing gift!!!! And congratulations to becoming an “expectant mommy”!!! Welcome to the club of motherhood! When are you due?
September 8th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Erin! I am so happy and excited for you guys, awwww…..I did the double take but had to believe it in the end as you said “that’s right, I said pregnant”! Totally over the moon for you, xoxoxo
September 17th, 2009 at 5:07 am
I’m such a fan! Amazing & Beautiful. I was just wondering what camera you use….?
If you could reply as soon as possible, that would be great.