A Surprise Proposal at Ruckle Park

35MM Film by Local Salt Spring Photographers

Coast and Kin photography. Salt Spring island wedding photographers

It all started with an email: "Good afternoon, I was wondering if you are available on Nov 27th for a surprise proposal."

Both Alanda and I decided immediately that we both wanted to photograph the proposal together for a few reasons:

1) We wanted to shoot together (because we always have so much fun capturing sessions together as a team… seriously, it’s the best!)

and 2) We wanted to have one of us dedicated to shooting the session fully on 35mm film. That way, one of us would be completely focussed on capturing it all on digital, and the other would be able to photograph it all on film.

Why 35mm film photography?

There’s been a natural shift back to analog in the industry. And to be honest, I’ve felt it in other aspects of my life. This pull back to physical media.

The beautiful thing about using film photography is you’re limited to 36 images on a roll. Instead of the “happy snapping” and limitless feeling of digital photography, film photography forces you to slow down, and find the moment. It feels more intentional.

Film photography also offers some nostalgia, a reminder of our childhood photographs from the past. You just can’t get the same grain or tones in digital as you do while shooting film.

TLDR: Film photography = aesthetic is killer and vibes are immaculate.

We are fully embracing 35mm photography in all of our upcoming sessions.

We absolutely loved this session with J and S. (I mean really, the energy of a surprise proposal is beyond contagious and exciting!)

We actually scouted out a different location, and originally we were planning on heading up Mount Maxwell. Mother Nature had a different idea though, and Maxwell ended up having absolutely no view: it was completely socked in. We quickly got in touch with J about switching locations, and ended up landing on Ruckle Park… which was perfect! Quintessential PNW vibes: evergreen forests, moody and misty coastline, J&S decked out in flannel Chefs kiss!

Nicole & Sean

Salt Spring Island Wedding

Nicole and Sean were married at Nicole’s parents’ home on beautiful Salt Spring Island, where she grew up: a place filled with meaning, memories, and love. The relaxed, familiar setting made the day feel incredibly personal and true to who they are.

Sean, a Victoria-based drummer in multiple bands, shares a deep love of music with Nicole (something well known by their friends and family.)

The ladies got ready together in a familiar room - celebrating, laughing, and dancing as hair and makeup came together. Just like they did in their younger days. The girls’ pre-party has always been one of the best parts of a night out with your gal pals, and this morning felt no different.

Except this time, they were waiting for something even better. They couldn’t wait to watch their best friend walk toward the man of her dreams, under a beautiful blue sky, to say I do.

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First look. In a day filled with celebration, they chose intimacy; pausing the world for a moment that belonged only to them. Taking time to be fully present with one another was important. We also completed family and wedding party photos before the guests arrived, which took the pressure off the timeline. No one was left feeling antsy to rush off to cocktail hour.

Guests arrived at an easy pace, greeted with signature drinks and charcuterie, settling in and savouring the moment as they awaited the ceremony.

Salt Spring has a rare balance: barefoot elegance. You can host something relaxed and intimate without sacrificing beauty, style, or intention. It’s perfect for couples who want meaning. Local vendors genuinely care. Florists, chefs, planners, musicians, and venue hosts collaborate with heart. It feels personal, like everyone is rooting for your day to be magic. Ocean views, ancient forests, rolling meadows, rocky shorelines, golden light: Salt Spring offers incredible variety without needing to travel far. Your backdrop is already cinematic, which means less décor and more authenticity.

Love and emotion wove through the ceremony and echoed again during the speeches, equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. Laughter mixed with happy tears (sometimes at the same time). A kiss, a shower of flower petals, and a walk back down the aisle as husband and wife. They were then greeted with bright Aperol spritzes and snuck away for a private moment to soak it all in.

Dinner and wonderful words from friends and family. Desert by Hazel’s Ice Cream!

The music starts, shoes off. The Cuban band begins the evening!

“Last call” just isn’t their vibe. They will strut onto a dance floor to conquer it at all costs. Floor damage is possible. They dance like the rent is due. They are your romance novel, your sitcom, and your family snuggle.

They love you harder than your cat.

Late night comes for us and the grass between the toes hits the best when served at 11pm

NICOLE & SEAN FOREVER <3

Adding family into your wedding

Hastings House Hotel Wedding on Salt Spring Island BC Canada. Photo by Coast & Kin Photography

So… you’re getting married. Congratulations!

Along with vows, outfits, and a cake decision, you’re also doing something else rather bold: inviting your families to gather in one place to celebrate your union.

Have they met before?
If yes—how did that go? Are we talking instant best friends, cordial but cautious, or polite smiles with a hint of unresolved tension? Well… nothing brings people together quite like a wedding invitation and an open bar.

Either way, it’s all normal, and we promise—we’ve seen it all.

Every family is beautifully unique, which means there’s no universal playbook. Your vendors can’t give meaningful advice until they understand the dynamics at play—but once we do, we’re on your team. Need someone to subtly protect your personal space? Or gently redirect emotions before they escalate? Consider us your emotional bodyguards in nice shoes.

While weddings are often described as “your perfect day” or “all about the couple,” they’re also about something bigger. You’re bringing together the people who shaped you—family and chosen family alike—to witness one of the most meaningful commitments of your life. That deserves a little intention.

Start with the Ceremony

The ceremony is a wonderful place to include family in ways that go beyond the traditional wedding party. Loved ones can serve as greeters, readers, flower bearers, or ring bearers—yes, even fully grown adults (highly encouraged, actually because it can be hilarious).

One of the most unforgettable moments we’ve witnessed? Flower grannies. Iconic. Joyful. Elite energy.

These roles aren’t just charming—they’re symbolic. They represent the support system standing behind your marriage. And if you’re blending families or officially joining two into one, consider a unity ritual: a sand ceremony, lighting candles together, a shared toast, a family vow, or even a signature drink that says, we’re in this together.

The Moments You Don’t Forget

One wedding moment still lives rent-free in our minds: guests reading the couple’s vows aloud, each person sharing a sentence or paragraph in an intimate setting. It was heartfelt, personal, and deeply moving.

Let’s just say… there may have been discreet eye-wiping. On a shirt. No regrets.

At the end of the day, including family doesn’t mean forcing tradition—it means choosing connection. And when it’s done thoughtfully (and with a sense of humor), it can turn a beautiful wedding into an unforgettable one.

Let’s Talk About the Hard Stuff First

Before we get to the meaningful moments and beautifully choreographed symbolism, it’s worth acknowledging the reality that often goes unspoken: not every family dynamic is simple. Some relationships are strained. Some are still healing. Some exist politely, with boundaries carefully—and intentionally—drawn.

Weddings have a way of amplifying emotions. Joy, nostalgia, grief, unresolved tension—it all shows up dressed for the occasion. And while love is the reason everyone is gathered, that doesn’t automatically mean harmony is guaranteed. This is not a failure of planning or intention; it’s simply human nature.

This is where honesty becomes an asset. Understanding your family dynamics allows your vendor team to support you in meaningful ways—whether that means thoughtful seating, carefully curated moments, or knowing when not to place certain people side by side “for tradition’s sake.” We don’t need details for the sake of curiosity; we need context so the day feels calm, supported, and emotionally safe for you.

There is also no obligation to include every family member in the same way—or at all. Inclusion should never come at the cost of your peace. A wedding is not a referendum on family relationships, nor is it a moment to resolve decades of complexity. It is a commitment ceremony, not group therapy.

Once the hard truths are named, everything else becomes easier. Intention replaces pressure. Thoughtfulness replaces obligation. And from there, the moments of connection—the real ones—have room to unfold naturally.

A Quiet Luxury: Photography That Holds the Day Together

A beautiful wedding is not defined by perfection—it’s defined by how it feels. As a wedding photographer, my role extends far beyond documenting what happens. It’s about awareness, restraint, and presence. About knowing when to step forward and when to disappear. About understanding that the most meaningful moments often unfold in between the planned ones.

Luxury, in this context, is not excess. It’s intention.

It’s reading the room before emotions crest. It’s recognizing when a moment needs privacy rather than an audience. It’s positioning myself so that nothing feels staged, rushed, or disrupted—while still preserving the honesty of the day.

When family dynamics are layered, I work quietly and respectfully within them. I photograph with sensitivity, never forcing moments that don’t feel natural and never amplifying tension for the sake of a shot. Instead, I focus on connection as it truly exists—capturing warmth where it’s present and honoring boundaries where they are needed.

This approach allows couples to remain fully present. You don’t need to manage your timeline, your guests, or the emotional temperature of the room.

That awareness becomes part of the service.