Proof That Rainy Weddings Are Romantic | an October Wedding in Parksville - Devee Photography: Parksville Wedding & Family Photography

Married in the Middle of a Storm: Vanessa and Zeke’s October Wedding in Parksville

Vanessa and Zeke’s October wedding took place at the ever-popular Tigh-Na-Mara Resort on a beautifully moody autumn day. October 28th has long held meaning for these two, and they were more than willing to embrace whatever Vancouver Island weather decided to deliver. As anyone who plans an October wedding on the Island knows, it’s always a gamble — sunshine and mild temperatures, steady rain, or, in this case, powerful winds accompanied by a weather warning.

The dramatic conditions didn’t faze them in the slightest. If anything, the storm added to the romance and intimacy of the day. Vanessa and Zeke fully embrace West Coast charm, and they saw the wild weather as iconic rather than inconvenient.

One of the standout features of Tigh-Na-Mara is its seaside gazebo — and on a day like this, it really came in handy. The spacious structure offered shelter from the wind and rain while still allowing the couple and their 18 guests to feel immersed in the coastal landscape. Everyone gathered close beneath the cover, wrapped in provided lap blankets, with sweeping views of the white-capped ocean just beyond. It was cozy, windswept, and very romantic — the kind of atmosphere you can only get from a true West Coast October wedding.

Embracing the Elements

After the ceremony, Vanessa and Zeke enjoyed a slice of tasty red velvet cake, topped with rich cream cheese icing. Family photos followed just outside the gazebo. Even with rain falling, the shelter and surrounding forest kept the wind manageable. Everyone did get a little wet, and they chose to forgo umbrellas during the family formal photos — a small choice that made a big difference.

I find that embracing the elements invites a sense of vulnerability and playfulness, and those natural, unguarded moments are exactly what I love capturing in my photography. I mean, how often do you dress up beautifully and then stand in the rain with your family members, laughing and leaning into the unexpected together?

Soaked in Five Minutes: The Storm That Drenched My Cameras

Once all the family shots were complete and after a quick 10-minute warm-up in their cozy cabin, we made our way down to the beach — and that’s when the storm really showed off. In less than five minutes, my cameras were completely covered in rain! Photographing in rain isn’t usually a problem for me, except that these sideways winds were wicked! The wind was relentless, the usually calm ocean churned with whitecaps, and Vanessa’s dress whipped dramatically in every direction. Even the seagulls seemed entertained by the chaos.

We kept the beach session short — the cold was evident in their reddened hands — but we leaned into the elements. My lens fogged and smudged from the spray, creating a naturally moody, ethereal “filter”. Vanessa and Zeke fully embraced it, laughing and playing in the wind as if it were part of the plan all along. With the beach entirely to ourselves (save for the curious seagulls), it was a wild, unforgettable, and wedding moment. These two were also prepared with a second set of wedding attire which they would change into for their reception.

“Wow – these photos are beautiful. We had so much laughter and smiles going through the album just now. It brought forward the memories of the very wet beautiful day. :) Thank you for weathering the storm with us, capturing our families smiles and ours as well on our wedding day! :) “

vanessa & zeke