Married in the Shuswaps – Heather and Chris Rayner! – BC wedding photography

Everything about this wedding was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. I may be a little bit biased here, but I’m not going to apologize.

On Sunday, August 15th 2010, my beautiful cousin Heather, married the love of her life. Chris Rayner.  He moved in as her next door neighbour a couple of years ago and her life changed forever.  First it was just friendly campfires out back as friends, but soon they became cherished memories as they realized how lucky they were to have met each other.

Heather and Chris bought a house in Beaumont, Alberta which they’ve spent the last year renovating, turning it into a home for their family. They have an angel for a daughter named Alexis… who brings so much joy to her parents’ lives everyday.

Chris moved out to Alberta from PEI just a few years ago, so choosing to have the wedding outside of Edmonton in British Columbia, where Heather grew up every summer was a brilliant idea.  Chris’ family who flew out all the way across the country shared in the holiday out at Shuswap Lake, BC.

The wedding was gorgeous through and through.  We met up with the whole bridal party before the ceremony to take some pictures and they helped us create a ‘first look’ moment for Heather and Chris.  He waited at the edge of a hill beside the lake, while she came up behind him…He. Was. Speechless.  All they could do was hug!

After taking a few bridal party portraits and stunning couple images with the lake and mountains in the distance, we headed back to the site for the ceremony. They were married out at Talking Rock Resort just outside of Chase, BC. Many of the guests, and family were staying at the breathtaking golf resort over the weekend, so there was a great sense of connectedness between everyone.  After a sweet ceremony in the sunshine, where Heather and Chris shared their vows and love with their favourite people, a reception lasting late into the night followed.  Heather’s brother Graeme MC’d the evening, he did a great job keeping people laughing. There was a cute slide show…and Alexis kinda stole the show… then the dancing started.  It didn’t end until the end of the night.  Nobody wanted to stop dancing, we were having too much fun with the bride and groom.

We were so happy to play such a big role your wonderful day!

Chris’ father presented him with a pocket watch of his for the wedding.

After a long morning of preparations the two finally meet to see each other for the first time.

Little Lexi was super sweet all day.