A Parksville Destination Wedding Story | Andrea & Lee's Family Fun Wedding Celebration - Devee Photography: Parksville Wedding & Family Photography

A Vancouver Island Celebration, a Parksville Destination Wedding at Tigh Na Mara

Andrea and Lee chose to celebrate their marriage with a Parksville destination wedding, making Vancouver Island their setting from their home in Alberta. They picked Tigh Na Mara, a popular venue for destination weddings, for its convenience, beauty, and excellent reputation. The site offers everything a couple could need: on-site accommodations, a ceremony space, reception hall, décor, restaurant, and easy planning. Plus, it’s just steps from the beach—so you really don’t have to leave! With family already on Vancouver Island, Tigh Na Mara was the perfect choice for Andrea and Lee to enjoy a seamless and memorable wedding day.

During our meeting, I learned something that made my heart leap—I had actually played a part in their venue choice! A coworker of Andrea’s had tied the knot at Tigh Na Mara the year before, and I had been the photographer. Andrea had seen those photos and instantly felt inspired; so they looked into the venue and booked! Amazing!

A Heartfelt Ceremony Shared With Family

Andrea and Lee’s Parksville destination wedding ceremony took place at 2:30 pm on a sunny August afternoon. The blue skies were clear, revealing the distant snow-capped mountains and a far-reaching tide. Nature was glowing that day. Their children stood by their sides as part of the bridal party, sharing in every vow and promise. For Lee, it was especially important to have his young daughter walk him down the aisle—a moment that was as sweet as it was memorable.

The ceremony was led by Jane Good of Circle Ceremonies, whose storytelling approach made the moment feel extra personal and meaningful. Unlike a standard marriage commissioner, a celebrant weaves together the couple’s story, creating a ceremony that truly reflects their relationship. For Andrea and Lee, it added an intimate, heartfelt touch to the day- a few laughs too!

Family Photos at the Beach—A First for Me!

Andrea and Lee decided to take their family photos at the beach—a first for me in all my years photographing weddings at Tigh Na Mara. Normally, I keep family photos close to the ceremony site for efficiency, since the walk to the beach is about three minutes down a fairly steep brick path. For large groups or anyone with mobility challenges, it can be difficult to navigate.

But Andrea and Lee were determined. We started with a few photos at the gazebo for anyone who couldn’t make it, then carefully made our way down to the sand. With their relatively small, intimate group, it worked beautifully. The beach setting added a stunning backdrop, and the extra effort was absolutely worth it.

Alone at Last: A Quiet, Emotional Moment

After the family and bridal party photos, Andrea and Lee finally had a moment alone together. I see this often—it’s that quiet pause where couples can take a deep breath after a busy, exciting few hours. I always ask if they’d like a little private time at the point in the day, and for Andrea and Lee it was a yes.

Sitting together on a log, they shared an intimate, emotional moment that was all their own. These are the moments I love to capture—candid, genuine glimpses of the connection between two people amidst the whirlwind of their wedding day. Not every couple takes this time, but when they do, the results are truly special.