Katerina & Tyler Seaside Wedding in Nanoose Bay BC

Getting Ready in Parksville, BC

Katerina and Tyler’s wedding day started off in Parksville, BC at Katerina’s grandparents’ home, which made the morning feel extra meaningful and relaxed. Katerina got ready surrounded by family while a very talented family friend took care of hair and makeup for her and the bridesmaids. Everyone patiently waited around, chatting and hanging out, while Katerina was getting dolled up.

Once everything was finished, Katerina quietly snuck away to the bedroom so her mom and sister could help her into her beautiful wedding dress. After she was fully dressed, we set up a father-daughter first look with her dad, surrounded by family. It was one of those moments where everyone in the room was tearing up. Such a sweet and emotional way to start the day.

Wedding Ceremony at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church

From there, we headed to St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church for the ceremony. Out of respect for the private moments shared with family inside the church, I only included a select few photos from within the building.

One of the main things I remember from this ceremony is sweating absolute buckets. It was so hot while Katerina and Tyler were being blessed by the priest that I swear I started sweating again just writing this post. The church was packed beyond capacity. People were spilling out the side doors, standing shoulder to shoulder, and some guests were seated so far back in another room that they could not even see the couple get married. Truly a big Greek wedding in every sense.

When Katerina and Tyler were officially married, they exited the church to cheers echoing around the block as rice filled the air. A lot of it landed in Katerina’s dress and her hair, and honestly she still looked absolutely stunning even covered in rice.

Wedding Party Photos and Rathtrevor Beach Park Portraits

After the ceremony, we headed to a longtime family friend’s property for snacks, refreshments, and a well deserved break. The property was gorgeous and made the perfect spot for wedding party photos.

From there, we walked down a short path to Rathtrevor Beach Park in Parksville for Katerina and Tyler’s couples portraits. The beach was quiet and serene, and the two of them were so natural together in front of the camera. It was a calm pause in the day where they could just be together by the water, soaking it all in.

Reception at Nanoose Bay Cafe

After portraits, we drove to Nanoose Bay for the reception at the beautiful Nanoose Bay Cafe. The space was perfect for such a large celebration. It was spacious, thoughtfully decorated, and full of lovely details. Dinner was delicious, and they even made me a special vegan meal which I very much appreciated.

There were so many guests at this reception, easily close to 300 people, and the energy was incredible. Between the desserts, music, and nonstop dancing, the night was full of joy and celebration. It was such an amazing way to end an already unforgettable wedding day.

Planning a Wedding in Nanoose Bay or Parksville

Katerina and Tyler’s wedding day was heartfelt, joyful, and full of meaningful moments from start to finish. From getting ready in Parksville BC to portraits at Rathtrevor Beach Park and a lively reception in Nanoose Bay, it was truly one for the books.

If you are looking for a wedding photographer in Nanoose Bay, Parksville, Nanaimo, or elsewhere on Vancouver Island, I would love to hear from you. Reach out anytime to chat about your wedding plans and see if we are a good fit.

VENDORS:

Photography - Kelsea Taylor Photo @kelseataylorphoto

Ceremony - St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Reception - Nanoose Bay Cafe @nanoosebaycafe