Jordan and Matthew's Colorful Tigh Na Mara Wedding - Devee Photography: Parksville Wedding & Family Photography

A Colorful Tigh Na Mara Wedding

Jordan and Matthews Tigh Na Mara wedding was intimate, colorful, and thoughtfully curated. Celebrating their marriage with a destination wedding on Vancouver Island, they travelled from Alberta to British Columbia to get married. Family and friends gathered at the Parksville resort on a sunny mid-August afternoon, enjoying the beach views during the ceremony, and twinkling lights at the sublime garden patio reception. With only four hours of photography coverage, Jordan and Matthew were able to document a variety of moments beginning with getting ready, and finishing with a kiss at the dinner table.

A Thoughtful Alternative To Bridal Party

Jordan and Matthew had a bridal party consisting of just one maid of honor, and one best man- a small team to stand by their side at the ceremony. However, Jordan had at least six more ladies she wanted to include in a meaningful, bridal-ish party way. Wearing matching shorts and t-shirts, all the gals got ready together in their ocean view bridal suite. Listening to spirited tunes, drinking mimosas and getting dolled up by a professional hair and makeup team, it felt as if they were one big bridal party! After the dresses were on, all the ladies snuck down to the beach for some “girl photos” as Jordan called it. I treated these photos as if they were bridal party, capturing a variety of poses and even individual shots with each of her girls. In just a short 12 minutes of so with the ladies, we captured their vivacious vibe and loved every moment of it!

First Look and Private Vows

After I was sure I captured a fun variety of photos with the girls, everyone except the bride and maid of honor went back. Jordan hid behind a large driftwood log while the maid of honor provided her some quick refresh gum and checked to make sure she was ready for a first look with her man. She absolutely was ready! Matthew walked up the beach and stood on the other side of the log, looking away. Jordan came out of hiding and stood behind him. They were both soooo excited to see each other!

Shortly after their first look, we took actual bridal party photos and bride and groom photos too. Shooting in full sun with the true ocean and sky blues, and in the shade of the trees, in a short time we captured quite a bit. When they were ready, they chose to sit comfortably on that very log Jordan hid behind to exchange personal vows. This was also the first time I’ve seen vows spoken while sitting. Like, HOW AMAZING IS THAT! Unplanned, and so perfect. Everything finished with just enough time to reset before their wedding ceremony.

A Unique First Dance

The wedding ceremony overlooking the ocean was absolutely beautiful. Bathed in sunshine, the couple were glowing with a blue sky and light blue waters sparkling in the background. Immediately after their ceremony, they surprised their guests by having their first dance inside of the gazebo. Carol, their lovely marriage commissioner, invited guests to stand at the exterior. They were surrounded in a circle of LOVE! I know that’s cheesy, but damn was it sweet to have that whole gazebo to themselves, with family and friends literally encircling them. It was also gorgeous to photograph, using natural light and shooting with their family in the background.