Weddings are always an emotional event, but Van and Minh's day in Vancouver felt extra special. The day started at their home, where Minh’s parents, visiting from Vietnam, joined the excitement of the upcoming celebration. You could just feel the anticipation in the air as friends and family gathered to see Van and Minh officially tie the knot.
Minh’s sister Melody was incredibly kind and welcoming, showing how close-knit and loving their family is. Of course, their cats, Dior and Louie, added their own charm to the day. We managed to capture some adorable family photos with Minh, his family, and the cats (though Van wasn't around for those – funny enough, she was missed even by the cats!). The getting-ready moments were filled with joy, with Minh’s parents helping him into his suit for the big day.
After spending some time with Minh and his family, I headed to Mayfair Richmond Golf Course, where Van was getting ready. The bridal party looked absolutely adorable in their matching robes, and we managed to capture some fun shots outside in the beautiful light. Van’s excitement was contagious – her entire bridal party was full of energy and ready for the festivities.
After those cute "getting ready" moments, Van changed into her wedding dress. The time had come for one of my favorite parts of any wedding – the first look.
The first look took place in a secluded area on the golf course, with Minh waiting anxiously. I left him there alone to really let the emotions build while I went to get Van. This moment is always one of the highlights of the day for me – it’s such a beautiful, intimate scene. Van looked absolutely breathtaking as she walked up to Minh. The excitement and love between them were undeniable.
Once Minh turned to see Van, the look on his face said it all. The moment was filled with such genuine emotion – it was an honor to capture their reactions to seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day. Afterward, we took advantage of the moment to get some photos of the couple, allowing them to share this time together before the ceremony. Doing the first look is such a great idea for couples because it not only provides beautiful emotional photos but also frees up time later for family and party portraits.
The ceremony was nothing short of touching. Van and Minh exchanged their heartfelt vows in English, which added a sweet, personal touch to their day. They joked that it would be too "cheesy" to say their vows in Vietnamese – I loved hearing that! Their love was evident to everyone in attendance, and it was so clear how much this couple is adored by their friends and family. After the ceremony, we gathered for more formal family shots before heading into the golden hour for portraits.
The light at Mayfair Richmond Golf Course was perfect for capturing some incredible golden hour portraits of Van and Minh. Their love for each other truly shone through in these shots, and the beautiful scenery provided the ideal backdrop. It’s hard to believe they planned this entire wedding in just three months! From the flowers to the decor, every little detail was so thoughtful and perfectly executed. Not to mention, Van was pregnant and they were also moving at the same time – talk about a power couple!
The reception was as moving as the ceremony, filled with heartfelt speeches from the maid of honor and best man. The emotions were running high, and it was clear that everyone there had such deep affection for Van and Minh. It was amazing to witness how they went around to each table, showing their appreciation for all the guests who had joined in celebrating their day.
As the night went on, there were some fun moments with games, the cake cutting, and of course, the first dance. The kids enjoyed the bouquet toss, and the DJ kept the energy going with great music that had everyone on their feet dancing.
I just want to express how grateful I am to have been part of Van and Minh’s incredible day. It’s clients like them that make my job so rewarding – their warmth and kindness were felt throughout the entire event. I hope these photos serve as a lasting reminder not only of how beautiful their day was but also of the deep emotions they shared. Van and Minh, thank you again for trusting me to capture these precious memories – I can't wait to continue documenting your family as it grows!