Family Centered Wedding at the Squamish Estuary
From visiting Squamish numerous times over the last 20 years and having been a photographer for many weddings there, I’m always excited when a couple inquires about their Squamish wedding. I’m even more excited when that couple is as fun and down to earth as Cristina and Phil.
Cristina and Phil are Squamish locals who don’t take their beautiful backyard for granted. We instantly connected over a shared love of the great outdoors and an even greater love for family.
Celebrating the beautiful outdoors at your Squamish wedding
When Phil and Cristina first reached out to me, they told me about how they met on a hiking trail and how Phil proposed on Mt. Lapworth after a three hour bushwack. Clearly, these were my kind of people!
They went on to say, “We absolutely love the way you capture these celebratory moments in these beautiful landscapes we call home and feel your portfolio of work would be a true representation of the lifestyle we live.”
We got together in the fall of November for their engagement session at the Cheakamus River in Whistler. The snow was gently coming down, blanketing the forest – and Cristina and Phil – in thick snowflakes. But no amount of cold or snow could keep these two from enjoying each other’s company and the beautiful scenery all around them.
When it came to planning their wedding, I helped Phil and Cristina choose their ceremony site. I knew the Squamish Estuary would be a perfect fit for this nature-loving couple. I also helped them out with some of their vendors, as I’ve had the pleasure of working with the best of the best for Squamish weddings. Because they didn’t have a wedding planner, I assisted Cristina and Phil with their timeline to ensure everything ran smoothly on the big day.
July 19, 2023 was a beautiful day in Squamish and the Estuary was looking perfect for Phil and Cristina’s wedding. They had a meaningful ceremony and we made the most of the stunning landscape for their family photos and couple’s portraits.
When I sent a sneak peek of the images to Phil and Cristina, Phil wrote back and said, “Just saw the previews, you are a fricking amazingly talented legend!!!“
Bringing family together for the moments that matter
More than celebrating the beautiful landscapes of Squamish, Cristina and Phil’s wedding was a celebration of their family.
From the start of the day, family was front and centre. Phil began his day colouring with the kids while Cristina was getting ready. All dressed and prepped, the family reassembled in their living room for the finishing touches: corsages, boutonnieres and flower crowns for all.
Phil and Cristina’s ceremony was a family affair with parents, kids and grandparents walking down the aisle, and loved ones lighting candles and signing the marriage licence. At the end of the ceremony, Phil, Cristina and their two kids walked back down the aisle hand in hand as a new family.
While taking family photos in the Estuary, I particularly loved capturing the time the kids spent with Cristina. As a blended family (Phil’s children from a previous marriage), seeing how close the kids were to Cristina was beautiful to witness and some of my favourite images of the day.
After sending off their gallery, Cristina messaged me to say, “The photos are absolutely perfect. Thank you for your time and your vision. You really captured us as a couple and a family.”
Planning a kid-friendly reception
Phil and Cristina’s reception – held at the sadly now closed Cordelia’s Locket – completely suited the casual and heartfelt vibe of their day. Close friends posed for silly photos and reconnected over drinks, live music accompanied a few special dances, and everyone laughed over an enthusiastic round of the Shoe Game.
But perhaps no one enjoyed the reception more than the kids. They were going OFF! It may have gotten a little hectic with all the kids running around, scooting down pathways and throwing things, but the adults took it in stride. After all, it was a casual reception that was all about having fun together – why shouldn’t the kids be part of that?
Why you should consider the Squamish Estuary for your wedding ceremony
Over the years, I’ve captured many lifestyle, engagement and wedding sessions at the Squamish Estuary. It’s truly one of the most beautiful spots and one of my go-to outdoor Squamish wedding venues.
With the Chief dominating the background and the lush salt marshes and grasslands sweeping across the landscape, there’s not a bad angle in the Estuary. The wind in the Estuary can be strong, but it brings so much life to images.
4 tips for a Squamish Estuary wedding
As with most outdoor weddings, it’s important to be prepared. After many years of being a Squamish wedding photographer, here are four tips to ensure your Squamish Estuary wedding goes off without a hitch!
1. The Squamish Estuary is located down a long, dirt road that can be quite bumpy. Ensure your car is up for the task, pay attention to any road closures, and give yourselves lots of time to get there.
2. At certain points in the year, the marshes can flood and the landscape can change. Pay attention and be ready to pivot if you need to move your ceremony to dryer ground.
3. The Squamish Estuary is the first piece of land that is struck by wind in Squamish, so can get quite windy and cold. Dress appropriately; you may want to wear warm layers under your wedding outfit.
4. The Estuary is first and foremost a protected wildlife area. Please be respectful of the beautiful creatures that call this place home.
For more tips for planning your Squamish wedding or to chat about hiring me as your Squamish wedding photographer, please get in touch!
Vendors
- Squamish wedding photographer: Logan Swayze Photography
- Hair & makeup: Helen Hamilton
- Celebrant: Tracy Kerr
- Musician: Will Ross
- Ceremony venue: Squamish Estuary
- Reception venue: Cordelia’s Locket (unfortunately, this place is now closed down)