Chris & Stephanie - Sun Peaks wedding

If there were ever two people meant to be, this would be them. Chris (who is my cousin) and Stephanie have more than a lot in common. The thing they’re most “known” for is their love of running. They are both ultra marathon runners. Yep, thats right ultra.. meaning they run usually 80-100km+ per race, and in the mountains I might add!

Their love for the outdoors, their family and friends helped them build the foundation for their relationship. They compliment each other like no other couple I’ve known. Their interactions are always genuine and intentional. Sincere, grounded and kind, they truly are a perfect match.

Their wedding was last July near Sun Peaks, a ski resort nestled in the Okanagan, just outside of Kamloops. The backdrop for their big day was an acreage called The Epona Rise Retreat Centre. The property was so breath taking surrounded by rolling hills, grassy fields and wild flowers.

The day began with the two getting ready in separate cabins that were on the grounds. Anticipation of the upcoming events had everyone so excited. The girls enjoyed champagne & the boys shared some scotch.

Steph’s gorgeous Grace Loves Lace dress

The ceremony was held a top a grassy field that overlooked a beautiful valley that surrounded the property. They built an arch and had it draped in flowers and foliage. The ambience they created was amazing and the energy was so beautiful as the ceremony began. The walk down the aisle is always a favourite moment and a pretty emotional one. Steph’s walk with her dad was truly heartfelt, radiating their love, and just before the “hand off” they rest their heads together which set the profound and honest tone of the ceremony.

Their marriage officiant was one of her sisters, which made it that more intimate. They stood in front of their closest friends and family exchanging the most loving sentiments and their vows to one another, which had most people in tears. Words that came from deep within their love. The smiles on their faces were present the entire time exuding true happiness, and finally sealed with a kiss they were officially husband and wife.

We did our photos in the grassy valley below. The perfect floating clouds, blue sky and wild flowers made them look like out of a fairytale. photos then off for a champagne toast to their new adventure together. Joy, laughter and love were at the forefront of the entire day.

We dined in a big white tent in the meadow next to the main house, where laughter, love and wine flowed through the guests. They served the most delicious catered vegan dinner, as we listened to speeches from family and their wedding party. After, the party shifted to the big outdoor patio for a dance party where everyone danced the night away!

winter wedding - Jack+Sam

Being asked to capture a wedding is an honour. I know the importance this day holds. The time spent carefully planning details with months of work putting it all together. From finding the perfect dress to choosing your photographer, the planning is an event in its own right. I have been fortunate to capture quite a few weddings, each one so different yet with the same common factor- love. I can say I truly enjoy all that comes with it, from the prepping of our first meeting to editing the final images. As a photographer, there is a lot of pressure to make sure I capture it exactly how you imagined it, because at the end of the day, these images are what you have to hold on to, and I take each wedding on knowing all of this and putting that extra pressure on myself.

All weddings are special to me, however this one had a bit more of a personal connection. It was my ex husband marrying his best friend. I know you’re thinking “what??” but you can actually split up and maintain a great relationship with your ex. We have children together and have done everything in our power to maintain that friendship for them. When he told me he was proposing, I was genuinely so happy for them, and couldn’t wait to congratulate them. When they asked me to photograph it, you can bet I didn’t hesitate!

I couldn’t imagine not capturing it for them.

Their wedding was set this past January. We had just lived through what felt like the coldest few weeks ever of winter to awake to the most gorgeous sunny and warm winter day. Their venue was The Lake House, which is a beautiful restaurant that sits on Lake Bonavista. It is the perfect indoor location for an intimate wedding. The room is drenched in natural light with the focal point being a grand stone fireplace. Not much is needed, but they added some romantic decor and stayed true to winter tones, with touches of reds, golds and greens. All perfectly thought out and in place - the room looked magical.

I always start my day with capturing the bride getting ready with her friends and family. You can count on there to be a lot of laughter and a few (happy) tears. On this day, we created some beautiful portraits in the adjoining room to where the ceremony was being held. Her dress was so incredibly stunning, with fine beading intertwined with delicate lace, that fit her exquisitely. Her veil was the perfect finishing piece. Bridal portraits are some of my favourites of the day. Confidence exudes knowing how beautiful they look, and then you add in the anticipation of seeing their soon to be husband, the emotions are so real and raw, knowing all the dreaming is about to become reality.

Their ceremony was in the morning, composed of a small gathering of their closest friends and family. They stood proudly in front of them and professed their love and promised themselves to one another. It was such a beautiful exchange of vows. Now I have couples ask what is better - a first look before the ceremony or waiting for the traditional walk down the aisle. Either way seeing the bride for the first time is such a special moment. The expression is always so true, and this one was no different. The way his face lit up when he saw his bride walking towards him had everyone welling up.

After the ceremony they shared a lunch with everyone, a first dance as a married couple and gave the most heartwarming speech, personally thanking each individual who was there for the years of love and support. All in all, the day was beyond perfection. The mood was playful and loving, everyone had an amazing time and the newly married couple started their new journey. I was so honoured to have shared such a special moment with them and loved capturing their joy. We had fun when we went out on our own to capture their love and they have some pretty amazing memories from their day.

First dance being “interrupted” by their incredibly cute 2 year old

March Madness...?

Hello friends,

It has truly been too long since I’ve found the time to blog. A lot has happened, including having a baby - who is already 1… I know I am so bad at keeping up on this side of things, but now that I have all this down time, I will try my best to go through some past sessions here.

I just wanted to address our current situation. Our world is in a very fragile state right now. This virus, covid-19, is unlike anything I’ve experienced in my life and to be honest it never crossed my mind that something so big could happen. I remember SARS, H1N1, and the ebola breakout in Africa, but I never imagined something bigger than it all, affecting us the way it is. Each day we wait in anticipation for the news about our own province and how many more cases we have. It consumes us, as my big boys and I read article after article regarding it, soaking in as much information as we can. I can’t even imagine how some of the harder hit countries are doing. Mentally it’s more than anyone should be able to handle, being unable to mourn with family due to the lockdown rules in effect. My heart truly goes out to everyone who is dealing with this.

As far as my family goes, we are living the bubble life. Leaving the house is only done every 4 days or stand that’s only to get groceries, and only one of us goes. Minimizing time away is our way of helping flatten the curve as well as protecting ourselves. It also brings great sadness knowing I won’t be able to schedule any sessions during this time. I feel it’s everyones job right now to listen and respect the social distancing recommendations that have been put in place. We have gone out for walks, but we definitely are not going to interact with people. Trying to maintain some sense of physical activity is high on my list of priorities, and fresh air does wonders to refreshing your soul.

As I’m nearing the end of editing my last session before this new way of life came to be, I’m sad knowing I won’t get to create these moments for you. I’m sad I won’t get to see so many family’s that had booked, and meeting baby’s that are born. I’m lucky in a sense that I have had the ability to follow my passion and create a business out of it, but in times like these it’s definitely a downfall as I no longer have any income coming in for my family. (and yes, I know its always been a risk owning my own business, I’m not looking for sympathy) I’m more sad at the fact that I won’t see any of you for an uncertain amount of time.

We have no idea how long this is going to last. I read articles that say at least 8 months, then I see others that say up to 18 months. All I can say is that I hope you are all well. I hope your families stay safe & healthy, and I hope you come around to my Instagram (@chelseabroda_photography) and say hi! Tell me how you are, and what you’re doing to pass the time.

Also I just wanted to put it out there how grateful I am to all the workers on the front lines including doctors, nurses, janitors, grocery store workers and truckers who are doing their best to keep us all afloat.