Stefanie and Garret’s McLean Mill Wedding ~ September 2024
Stefanie and Garret’s McLean Mill wedding was the perfect laid-back, country-style party they desired for their wedding. Held at the 32 acre National Historic Site of Canada in Port Alberni, the property was once a thriving sawmill and lumber yard. Today, much of the 1920’s-1960’s equipment is still in tact- and even operational, including the steam-powered sawmill!
The site features 35 buildings, such as an old school, workers housing, blacksmith, vehicle repair garage, and the McLean Hall itself, where indoor wedding receptions take place. Walking around the venue, you’ll see patina-spotted old trucks, logging equipment, a wooden water tower, steam donkey, and other historic artifacts from a bygone era.
What truly makes McLean Mill stand out, is the forest that has regrown here naturally. You will find second growth maples and cedars growing from nurse logs, and may even spot a few springboard notches in the original growth stumps. The forest floor is a lush carpet of ferns and moss, painting the landscape in every shade of green. The combination of nature and history at McLean Mill National Historic Site truly makes it a one-of-a-kind wedding venue on Vancouver Island.



On- Site Bride and Groom Preparations
The campground and old workers housing at McLean Mill Historic Site makes it easy to plan a convenient day in one place- from getting ready through to the reception dancing. Garret and his groomsmen readied in one of the services RV sites, sheltering in the forest shade and keeping cool on such a hot September day. Stefanie, her daughters and her bridesmaids prepared in one of the old workers houses. The quaint space was just enough room for the group. I enjoyed taking Stefanie’s wedding dress around the mill for pretty detail photos- there is no shortage of photo ops at the mill!

A Comical and Charming Wedding Ceremony
Stefanie and Garret’s wedding ceremony took place in front of the old sawmill, where guests were offered sunscreen and ice-cold water bottles to stay comfortable in the warm Alberni Valley heat. Their marriage commissioner perfectly matched their laid-back vibe, adding humor throughout the ceremony and even kicking things off with a fun photo opportunity. Guests were encouraged to snap pictures of the quirky couple before the ceremony officially began.
When it came time for their vows, Stefanie lightheartedly blew dust off her paper, joking that the moment had been a long time coming. With their daughters, best friends, and fur babies by their side, and surrounded by family and friends, Stefanie and Garret made it official in a heartfelt, laughter-filled ceremony.


Formal Photos at McLean Mill
There are plenty of picturesque and unique photo settings at McLean Mill. There are almost too many choices! We started at the old wooden water tower, which is an iconic feature of the historic site. We also took photos in the forest, on the old blue International truck, on the bridge and among the rustic wooden bunkhouses. During golden hour later that day, I took the newlyweds back out to the forest for some low-light golden hour photos. I always encourage this as I think it’s the prettiest time of day for light, and also serves as an opportunity to take a moment along together on a busy wedding day.



A Beautiful Reception and Dancing Under the Stars
Receptions at McLean Mill Historic site can take place either inside McLean Hall with a capacity of 90-100 guests, or you may choose the outdoor courtyard which can seat even more. The three-tiered terrace just beyond the courtyard is an ideal setting for dancing, or can even seat the head table! The options here are customizable. Stefanie and Garret hosted their farm-table style wedding inside of the McLean Hall, serving a Panago Pizza buffet dinner. I was asked to take a portrait photo of each guest wearing special heart-shaped sunglasses- which added a level of fun to the event on my end. The night ended with dancing and mingling under the stars in the outdoor courtyard, illuminated by Edison bulb string lights, and a whole lotta love.
For more information about McLean Mill weddings, check out their website here: https://mcleanmill.ca/weddings


















































7-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline:
1:30pm-1:45pm: Guys Getting Ready
1:45pm-2:45pm: Ladies Getting Ready
3:00pm-3:30pm: Ceremony
3:30pm-3:45pm: Mingling with Guests
3:45pm-4:15pm: Family Formal Photos
4:15pm-4:55pm: Bride and Groom/Newlywed Photos
5:00pm: Reception Begins
5:15pm: Grand Entrance/First Dance
5:30pm: Dinner
6:00pm/6:15pm: Speeches
6:30pm-6:45pm: Golden Hour Photos
6:50pm/7pm: Cake Cutting
Dancing
7:30pm: Chair Group Photos
8:30pm: Photographer Finishes