Rusted Rake Wedding | Carlyn & Donovan's Nanoose Bay Wedding Story - Devee Photography: Parksville Wedding & Family Photography

Rusted Rake Wedding Reception & Pacific Shores Resort Ceremony

Carlyn and Donovan chose every part of their wedding day with intention and care. Planning from the mainland, they envisioned a celebration surrounded by the natural beauty that Vancouver Island is known for. During a few trips over to the Island, they packed in some serious planning — venue tours, vendor meetings, and, taste testing. With the hired help of event planners, Golden Hour Events, and curated vendors, the day ran smooth and beautifully.

In the end, they found the perfect combination: a ceremony at Pacific Shores Resort and a reception at Rusted Rake Brewing. Both locations sit just 15 minutes apart in beautiful Nanoose Bay, creating the ideal backdrop for their Vancouver Island wedding story.

Pacific Shores Resort: The Perfect Mix of Seaside Scenery and Convenience

What drew Carlyn and Donovan to Pacific Shores Resort was the incredible ocean view from the ceremony site. The wide, grassy field overlooking the water—framed perfectly between two large, healthy maple trees—created a natural, open-air setting that felt just right for them.

With plenty of on-site accommodations, they booked a spacious suite for Carlyn and her bridesmaids to get ready in. That same suite became the starting point of her walk down the aisle—she stepped out the door and straight into her ceremony. You really can’t beat that kind of convenience.

Something I really admired from the day was what happened right after the ceremony. Instead of immediately joining the celebration, Carlyn and Donovan slipped back into their suite for a quiet, private moment together. After such an emotional experience, giving themselves that pause—just the two of them—was incredibly grounding. I don’t see this happen very often during a wedding!

While they took that time to breathe and connect, I gathered their guests into one long line for a group photo. Once the couple was ready, we welcomed them back out for a joyful, beautifully coordinated group shot.

Wedding Photos at Pacific Shores Resort

Although Nanoose Bay has an abundance of gorgeous beach and forest park settings, we didn’t need to travel off-site for photos. Pacific Shores Resort has its own beach access, and it made for some seriously stunning images! The sky that day was especially unique. Wildfire smoke created a warm, soft, almost overcast light that wrapped everything in a beautiful, even glow. After shooting the large group photo, we broke into about 10 minutes of mingling before beginning family photos. I had Caralyn’s brother help locate the family members, which made process smooth and efficient. After the family was finished, we had a short 10 minutes for bridal party photos. Together, C & D had a total of 18 bridal party members!! Wow, these two know how to connect and maintain relationships!

When I shoot this intimate pose where the couple is holding hands with their foreheads touching, I’m up close and personal, inches away. There’s usually a touch of awkward happening, and I dispel it by naming it, “I know this might not be natural to you, having a stranger this close in your bubble while sharing a beautiful pile of hands!” When I said that to Carlyn & Donovan, they both looked around curiously, searching for someone. When I told them I was the stranger, they told me, “You’re not a stranger anymore!” Ugh! That melted me! ♥

Rusted Rake Wedding Reception

The Rusted Rake wedding reception was, admittedly, my first time ever visiting this well-loved Nanoose Bay business. And after experiencing it firsthand, I can honestly say it was one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had. As a wedding photographer, the buffet break is always a perk — but this one? Next level! The Rusted Rake Brewery is known for its exceptional culinary experience, and it lived up to every bite of its reputation. The pickled spruce tips in the Caesar salad blew my mind, and every taste that followed was just as incredible. For any food lovers out there who factor the menu a major part of wedding planning, I’d absolutely recommend the Rusted Rake. You will not be disappointed. From presentation to palate, they’re winners.

Beyond the mouth-watering food, the venue itself taps right into those Vancouver Island forest vibes. The reception space is outdoors, complete with a large white-canvas tent, a rustic silo-turned-bar, and a photogenic pond — all surrounded by lush green ferns and forest. It’s the perfect blend of cozy, natural, and beautifully unique.