It was dark out. I woke up way early in the morning for this wedding and remember sitting in my car and saying a quick prayer before getting my gear on and pulling my stuff out of the car. It was so dark that I had watch my step as I could not see much of the sidewalk except for what was illuminated by the street lights. Despite all this, I had a skip in my step as the excitement of the day was starting to roll in. I was going to be a big part of Andrew and Haley’s day and little did I know that the day was going to be filled with lots of laughs, smiles and some epic dancing at the end.
I recall standing in the upper room where Haley was observing the Chinese “door games” that were taking place in the living room. As part of the Chinese way of doing things, Andrew (the groom) had to pass a series of challenges before finally seeing his bride, who was hidden away in the upper room. Occasionally I saw Haley crack a smile and laugh as the events and challenges became crazier down below.
This moment took place just as Andrew (the groom) and his groomsmen and groomswoman were making their way into the house. Haley was taking time to straighten her necklace. Without asking her to pose, I simply observed Haley until she moved towards the mirror and I clicked the shutter.
After the ceremony had ended and Andrew had kissed Haley, they rushed out the front door amidst clapping guests and off to the side door of Minoru Chapel. At this side door, they were waiting for the guests to exit so the pastor could let them back in to ring the church bell. Moments like these are often posed but for me it was important to let Andrew and Haley have this moment together so I walked away for a few minutes and photographed from a slight distance to document the whole scene from afar.
Andrew and Haley, a newly “minted” couple at this moment after having kissed at the altar, waited by the side door of Minoru Chapel.
A view from afar showing the guests waiting outside and Andrew and Haley waiting on the other side of the building so they can ring the bell at Minoru Chapel.
Before we headed to the reception, Andrew and Haley and the wedding party and helpers took a break and I joined them. Although I did have a drink and took in some snacks to regain energy, I kept my camera handy and available to document everyone during this break time.
A documentary wedding dress detail shot. Andrew and Haley and everyone else took some time to change out of the formal clothes and into casual wear during their break.
The reception at Lee Garden started with a Chinese tea ceremony, followed by dinner, various games and, of course speeches. There were also table toasts as well. In the midst of all this, while documenting the main events, I was also looking around and keeping an eye out for documentary moments that were happening between guests. I recall seeing children hiding under the tables and took a few photographs of this happening.
This moment came together in a flash and I had to move quickly to get it. However, I did position myself to take a shot of the wedding table and was waiting to see where Andrew and Haley positioned themselves. As they saw guests arrive and moved towards the door, I took this shot.
Andrew smiles as relatives help put jewellery on him.
As Andrew and Haley and most of their guests danced the night away (some left early but most stayed), I soon left and tried to contemplate the day that was. In a bit of daze, I placed my equipment down in the car and sat down in the driver’s seat. A smile crossed my face as I thought to myself… “wow, what a day.”
Admittedly, I tell stories better through photography than writing … so here is a gallery of images from their wedding day.
WEDDING INFO:
CEREMONY - Minoru Chapel, Richmond
RECEPTION - Lee’s Restaurant, Burnaby
