A Surprise Proposal at Ruckle Park
We loved this surprise proposal down at Ruckle Park, captured on 35mm film. Quintessential PNW vibes: evergreen forests, moody and misty coastline, J&S decked out in flannel Chefs kiss!
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. Coast and Kin Photography had the pleasure of attending Nicole and Seans wedding. Great food, wonderful people, and a stunning Salt Spring Island backdrop came together to create a wedding day that felt joyful, heartfelt, and completely perfect.
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.
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

