Karolina & Scott's Multicultural Tigh Na Mara Wedding - Devee Photography: Parksville Wedding & Family Photography

A Scottish and Polish Multicultural Tigh Na Mara Wedding

Karolina and Scott thoughtfully infused their cultural heritage throughout their multicultural Tigh Na Mara wedding in Parksville. From Scott wearing traditional Scottish kilt attire and performing a bagpipe piece at the reception- to breaking bread and shooting Vodka, this day was absolutely brimming with fun. I had met these two 2 years prior when they secured my photography services. We quickly met up for their engagement photoshoot, which turned out to be legendary. In the pouring rain with their two fur-babies, they stumbled upon Chanterelles, sat in the sand and had an absolute blast. Take a look at their engagement photoshoot here! These two have an incredible zest for life, and I knew that their wedding would be one that everyone in attendance will fondly remember for life.

Getting Ready With Friends From Far and Near

Kari and Scott hired me to document the full wedding day story- from getting ready through to the height of the reception dancing. This is my personal favorite. It allows an intimate look at all the many emotions that happen over the course of the day. There’s often a moment where it really clicks- holy shit I’m about to get married! With a Tigh Na Mara wedding, documenting both the ladies and gentlemen is easy and convenient. With the many accommodations at the resort, both guys and gals are within a 2 minute drive from each other and I can capture this process without much logistical planning. Scott prepared in a little bungalow with his best guy pals, drinking a specially engraved Scotch Whiskey with the date of his wedding and bridal party names. This was gifted to him during my time with them- a great photo op. Kari was dancing and singing with her mom and best girl friends- dancing so much the girls had to tell her to stop so they could do up her dress! While taking photos on the bed, throwing petals in the air and having some fun, the newly trending song, “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus came on, which was just perfect!!

A Heartfelt Ceremony

One of the greatest alluring settings of Tigh Na Mara is the gazebo. Overlooking the ocean, observing the great tides of the sandy expanse, this is a perfect wedding ceremony site to say I do. Guests were nestled on the gazebo level grass, ready to witness the awesome duo exchange their vows. Each member of the bridal party made their way down the path as bagpipes were played. Also walking down the aisle this day, were Kari and Scott’s two dogs! Tigh Na Mara is dog friendly, a wonderful perk if you are keen to include your fur babies in your wedding ceremony! Kari’s father walked her down the aisle last, and Scott saw his beautiful bride for the first time in her wedding dress. I adore photographing this- there’s really no other moment quite like it. The lovely Laurel Russell officiated their ceremony, a true delight of a human who simply loves what she does! The heartfelt vows were also truly exceptional, and tears were had by many.

Two Polish Wedding Traditions

As part of their grand entrance to their reception, the newlyweds were greeted with a Polish Bread and Salt Blessing. The parents of the couple present them with bread sprinkled with salt, and two shots of vodka. The bread represents having plenty to eat throughout their marriage, and the salt will bring happiness and protect them from evil. After eating the bread, the couple shoots the vodka and throws the glasses on the ground to break the glass. This is supposed to bring good luck. The other Polish wedding tradition implemented this day was the Wedding Gate (Bramy Weselne). Traditionally, this is when neighbors make a gate or blockade along the path to the church, and will only let the couple pass through with bribes of vodka. Kari and Scott’s Wedding Gate required Scott to saw through the wooden barrier, and bribe with both vodka and money! It was great fun for the couple!

Alternative Bouquet Toss

Instead of tossing her bouquet at all the single ladies, Kari held red ribbons in her hand and had the gals circle and dance around her as she cut ribbon by string above her head. Finally, the last girl with ribbon would be the recipient!