Emily & Shaun’s Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Park Wedding
On a sunny September day, Emily and Shaun celebrated their marriage with a large, outdoor wedding at Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Park in Colwood, BC. These two are big ocean lovers, and they knew they wanted to marry with views of the sea in clear site. Shaun is a bit of a history buff and has interests in the military and all that they have done for Canada. If friends and family knock on their door and they aren’t home, chances are they are hanging out at the Esquimalt Lagoon. This beautiful beach is very near their home and is a three minute drive from Fisgard Lighthouse. It seems very suitable that they chose Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse, a National Historic Site of Canada that was once a west coast artillery fortress as their ceremony wedding venue. They kept things real local and held their reception at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Center nearby.
Their Love Story
Emily has raised four beautiful children, aged fifteen to four, while pursuing a career in nursing. NURSING! That is a solid four year commitment and she managed to do it all. When you meet her, you feel safe around her. She has a strong presence and makes friends that last a lifetime. Family is everything to her. What was missing though, was the love of her life. When she met Shaun, she remembers him being a neighbor when she was younger. She didn’t expect it, but when they reconnected years later, it was like he was the fuel to her fire. His sense of humor, laid back approach to life, and strong sense of family and friendship matched her drive perfectly. If they aren’t at the beach, they are either camping, hiking or hanging out with their family and friends. They are always up to something fun, and it’s obvious in their connection that these two are perfect together. Check out our awesome west coast engagement session at Sombrio Beach here!
Wedding Day Details
Emily and Shaun kept things traditional by not seeing each other until the ceremony. The ladies rented out the Bear Mountain Chalet through AirBnB, and the guys got ready at a friends place. The AirBnB was stunning and enormous. It fit all of the kids, the bridesmaids and parents too. The bride and groom saw each other for the first time on the high hill at Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Park overlooking the ocean and Esquimalt Lagoon. It was a brilliant bright day with a slight breeze that allowed guests to enjoy the wedding in comfort. We took formal photographs at the lighthouse built in 1860- the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast in fact! After a mini tailgate party, guests drove a few minutes up the road to Juan de Fuca Recreation Center for cocktail hour and reception. With 110 guests, the reception room was spacious and entertaining with a dance floor, photobooth, kids games, and a candy bar. Emily’s uncle hadn’t seen any of his family here on the West Coast for a very long time, I’m talking at least a decade. He didn’t tell everybody that he was coming, and so his presence was a great and emotional surprise. Hey Mr. DJ played excellent tunes well into the night, as usual doing an incredible job both as emcee and DJ for the wedding. It was a amazing day for them, a great way to start their lives as husband and wife.
Wedding Vendors
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
Wedding Reception Venue: Juan de Fuca Recreation Center
Dress Alterations: Lily Kennedy Custom Gowns
Wedding Cake: Thrifty Foods
Hair Stylist: Katrina at Westshore Shears
Wedding DJ: Hey Mr. DJ