A Pre-Wedding Shoot at Queen Elizabeth Park
Some photo sessions just feel special. This morning with Christina and Trevor was one of those moments that stay with you.
Four weeks before their wedding we decided to get some pre-wedding photos while the cherry blossoms were still in full bloom. In Vancouver, the season comes and goes so quickly. The weather can change overnight and the blossoms never last long. Christina didn’t want to miss the chance to include them in their wedding memories, so we planned a quiet early morning session at Queen Elizabeth Park.
The light was soft. The park was peaceful. And it felt like we had the place to ourselves.
Why a Cherry Blossom Pre-Wedding Session Can Be Worth It
If you are thinking about skipping a pre-wedding shoot, I want to give you another perspective. Sometimes it is worth planning something before your wedding day so you can take advantage of the most beautiful time of year.
Cherry blossoms don’t always line up with your wedding date. They might bloom too early or too late. Or they could be washed away by rain just before your day.
By planning a pre-wedding session, you can have that dreamy cherry blossom look without stressing over whether the timing will work out.
Here are a few other reasons couples love this idea:
- You get to relax in front of the camera without the rush or pressure of the wedding day.
- It is a perfect way to test your outfits, see how you photograph together, and get comfortable with gentle posing.
- You can include elements that may not fit into your wedding day timeline, like a second outfit or traditional attire.
Christina and Trevor had all of this. They spent the morning enjoying the blossoms and the view, laughing and holding each other. They wore their wedding outfits for part of the session and then changed into traditional Vietnamese attire for something deeply personal to them.
Adding the Vietnamese Áo Dài for a Personal Touch
Christina’s red Áo Dài was stunning. The traditional Vietnamese dress felt even more striking surrounded by soft pink blossoms. These portraits were meaningful for her and her family, so I made sure we took the time to do them with care.
If you have traditional clothing you want to include, I always encourage it. It is a way to honor your roots and create photos that feel timeless and personal.
Why Queen Elizabeth Park Works So Well for Cherry Blossoms
I will admit it. I am a cherry blossom geek. When the season arrives, I check the bloom status almost every day.
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of my favorite spots for a reason. It has multiple cherry tree varieties that bloom at slightly different times, so you have a better chance of finding blossoms even if one section is past its peak. The park has elevated views, hidden paths, open lawns, and quiet corners that make the photos feel intimate.
The light here in the early morning is incredible. For Christina and Trevor, we started around 7:30 AM. The backgrounds were clean, the light was soft, and there was a calm atmosphere you rarely get later in the day.
Timing and Planning for Your Own Session
If you want cherry blossom photos, the biggest thing to remember is that timing matters. The season can shift year to year and the blooms can disappear overnight. This is why I track bloom reports and help couples plan for the exact window when the trees look their best.
Sometimes that means doing a pre-wedding session a few weeks before your actual day. You can wear wedding-like outfits to give the photos that same timeless feeling, without worrying about whether the blossoms will still be around for the wedding.
If you want soft, romantic images surrounded by cherry blossoms, let’s plan it. We will find the perfect time and make sure you get those once-a-year photos you will treasure forever.
