The Fraser Valley Wedding Photographer

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How to Plan  a Fraser Valley Wedding

As you already know, your corner of the planet is glorious. The snow caps on Mount Baker, the sparkles of the Fraser River, the richness of Golden Ears, the majesty of Mount Cheam. Why would you get married anywhere else?

In the Fraser Valley, your wedding options are limited only by time, budget, and weather. For the rest, let your imagination flow! Are you dreaming of a ceremony nestled in your backyard among berry plants andfir trees? Souds good! Or how about hosting a mountain-view lodge celebration? Sure, we’ve got that too. Embracing the community you love is a recipe for wedding delight.

Fraser  Valley weddings are a combination of hometown charm and unbeatable British Columbia beauty. If your friends and family aren’t local, this is a great chance to show off your community. Show off your town with price – they’ll enjoy experiencing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Interested in downloading the Fraser Valley Wedding Planning guide? Click here!

(Chock-full of inspiration photos, respected local vendors, and wedding planning tips: it’s free, it’s fabulous, and it’ll start your wedding planning with a flourish.)

How To Choose Your Fraser Valley Wedding Venue

As you have thought through your wedding day and prioritized elements according to your budget, you’re now ready to think about a venue. Before you let the Google overwhelm set in, ask yourself which do you prefer: Indoor or outdoor? Garden or ballroom? All-inclusive or DIY?

More importantly, perhaps: What do you want your guests to experience? How will you create that?

The Fraser Valley offers options in almost every category, including the uniqueness of a Fraser River Lodge backdrop for your ceremony or the majesty of a Swaneset Wedding Reception overlooking the mountainscape.

As you clarify your style and the experience you want for you and your guests, your decision will become clear and your venue options will narrow.

 

How to Choose Your Fraser Valley Wedding Photographer

I won’t sugar-coat it. You have a lot of decisions to make. But in all the choices you’ll make for your wedding day, the most lasting one will be in the photographs. Here is where the food, the flowers, the dress, and the venue will come to life. This is how you’ll remember your big day for years to come. Here are my top-three tips for nailing the photographer choice.

Find a photographer you like (nay, love!) to photograph your Fraser Valley wedding

More than liking the photos, you should also like the person! You’re welcoming this person into your most important and exciting moments and asking them to stick closer to you than any other vendor you work with. You have to like your wedding photographer. Loving your photos is valuable but loving your photographer is priceless.  Go have coffee with prospects, treat it like a “first date”, and see if you click well enough to spent intense hours together.

Find a photographer who is well-respected and well-established to help you document your fun.

As easy as it is in our iPhone-driven world to take and share pretty good photos, a photographer is not just taking a snapshot of a moment. A good wedding photographer is drawing upon years of experience to give you living proof of your wedding day.

But how do you tell whether or not a photographer is a pro?

  • Has the photographer shot in a range of settings, in a variety of conditions? Look for variety in your photographer’s portfolio images
  • Does the photographer have happy previous clients? Asking for references is completely acceptable
  • Does the photographer have wedding experience? Not just wedding portraits, but wedding day celebration.

Find a photographer who likes you.

You want your wedding photographer to like you because you’ll get better photographs. Plain and simple. You don’t want someone who’s just showing up for the paycheque.

(For the record: if I don’t think you and I are a good fit, I won’t sign a contract to shoot your wedding. The photographer/bride connection is vitally important to the creation of magnificent images.)

In case we haven’t officially met yet… hi! I’m Jennifer AKA Jenni Marie of Jenni Marie Photography.

I’ve photographed weddings for the last eight years and built my business while working a desk job and living in North Carolina. For the past six years I’ve lived in the Fraser Valley and learned to love its beauty and variety.  (My love story is a crazy one and is the reason I moved from North Carolina to British Columbia – you should ask me about it when we meet for coffee!)

I believe you are beautiful and deserve to look and feel your best on your wedding day.

But I also know you don’t always feel that way. So maybe you’re not a Hollywood icon. And maybe you don’t fit the idealized version of beauty the media portrays. Maybe you hate your nose and your weight isn’t where you’d like it. But here’s the thing.

You. Are. Beautiful.

You are, I’m convinced of it. And I’m committed to tell your unique love story in a way that’s true to you and showcase how stunning you are.

Jenni Marie Photography is for you if you…

  • Are in love with a great man
  • Want great photos filled with real life and emotions
  • Know you are created in God’s image
  • Love juxtaposing rugged adventure and femininity
  • Celebrate marriage, not just the wedding day
  • Don’t accept norms “just because”
  • Think outside the box
  • Find art in everyday life

For more about my bridal packages and availability please email me. I look forward to hearing about your vision and bringing your dreams to life for generations to enjoy.

Book Your Fraser Valley Wedding Photographer Now

 

 

Best Wedding Reception Games

Email today for Jenni Marie Photography wedding coverage.

I can’t wait to chat with you! I pride myself on speedy responses so if you don’t see an email from me within twenty-four hours, please check your spam filter. =)

 

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Instagram post 2340141394864953984_49906028 Speaking of impressive views.... this is my favourite spot.⁠ ⁠ But ever since hubby bought a new truck he is hesitant to have it driven up there. Something about not wanting to scratch it yet. Understandable, I suppose, but I guess I need a 4x4 all my own. Any suggestions?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #engagementphotoshoot #engagementphotographer #couplesphotography #wildloveadventures #muchlove_ig #radlovestories #togetherjournal #wildhairandhappyhearts #adventurouslovestories #adventuresession #adventurouscouple
Instagram post 2338764808000930173_49906028 Pssst. I have many favourite wedding venues in the Fraser Valley, but this one has such impressive views I can't even stand it.⁠ ⁠ @americancreeklodge⁠ ⁠ #realcouplesofBC ⁠ #fraservalley #vancity #fraservalleywedding #langleybc #weddingday #weddingplanning #vancitybride ⁠ #weddinginspiration #chasinglight #neverstopexploring #photobugcommunity #ilovebc #weddingwirecanada #604now #bridalphotos #bcwedding #livefolk #huffpostido #mountainbride⁠
Instagram post 2337407766928557557_49906028 What is special about this light?⁠ ⁠ Over the past few weeks, I've been sharing some of my favourite photo tips and ways you can improve your own photographs.⁠ ⁠ We've talked about how to be smarter than your camera, we've talked about how to pose for more flattering photos and more natural smiles, we've talked about how to compose intentional photos.⁠ ⁠ (If you missed it, follow along at #jennimariephototip.)⁠ ⁠ BUT ULTIMATELY, the goal of truly exceptional photography is to follow the light, work with the light you can find, and utilize the light you see.⁠ ⁠ So.⁠ ⁠ What is special about this light?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #lifeofadventures #letswander #roamtheworld #visualwanderlust #stayandwonder #portraitpatrol #creativeportrait #fraservalleyadventurist #takeabreak #marriedadventure #photographerlife #meetthephotographer #fraservalleyweddingphotographer⁠ #engagementphotoshoot #engagementphotographer #couplesphotography #wildloveadventures #muchlove_ig #radlovestories #togetherjournal #wildhairandhappyhearts #adventurouslovestories #adventuresession #adventurouscouple
Instagram post 2335123837925953107_49906028 Here's my final #jennimariephototip for achieving natural smiles in photos: BE GENUINELY HAPPY.⁠ ⁠ It's not always possible to eliminate stressors of life, but as much as it is possible a photoshoot needs to be a happy experience showcasing your genuine happiness.⁠ ⁠ If I can be dramatic, THE NUMBER ONE TIP is to stop stressing about how you look and instead focus on how happy you feel.⁠ ⁠ Yup, that's right. Ignore appearances and focus on happiness.⁠ ⁠ During your photoshoot with me, it'll be easy: you'll be laughing at and with me and won't have time to worry about whether your smile is going to your eyes or not. I will make it fun, easy, and fabulous.⁠ ⁠ But.⁠ ⁠ If you can't let go and just laugh, if you're too nervous about your appearance to enjoy the forced make out session (aka date with a paparazzi), if you're scared to trust me (I have never had anyone NOT laugh during a photoshoot with me!), then it's going to have to be mind over matter: FORCE yourself to stop stressing and make every effort to let go of the tension and just be happy. ⁠ ⁠ If you want to look happy, you have to be happy.⁠ ⁠ End of story.⁠ ⁠ <3 ⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip⁠ #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #theweddingbliss #gettinghitched #yourdayyourway #herecomesthebride #marthastewartweddings #huffpostweddings #marthaweddings #springwedding #tohaveandtohold #aislestyle #weddingbliss #weddingsofinstagram #bridetrends #weddingchics #realweddings #huffpostido #justsaidyes #myweddingbee #fraservalleyphotographer #fraservalleyweddings #canadianwedding #vancitywedding #weddingwirecanada #bridetobe
Instagram post 2333623434294589707_49906028 For truly natural smiles, I remind you: it's all in the eyes.⁠ ⁠ Smize.⁠ ⁠ Smile with your eyes.⁠ ⁠ Let your eyes smile.⁠ ⁠ I don't care how you say it, just let the happiness make it to your eyes.⁠ ⁠ ALSO: this photo is almost two years old and I still love it just as much as ever. <3 ⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #realcouplesofBC ⁠ #fraservalley #vancity #fraservalleywedding #langleybc #weddingday #weddingplanning #vancitybride ⁠ #weddinginspiration #chasinglight #neverstopexploring #photobugcommunity #ilovebc #weddingwirecanada #604now #bridalphotos #bcwedding #livefolk #huffpostido #mountainbride⁠
Instagram post 2332979113734537523_49906028 For the more extreme "Chandler smiles" (unpopular opinion: that's the one episode of "Friends" that I laugh at . . . ), I can only suggest one final technique: make him laugh with whatever means necessary. ⁠ ⁠ Even if it means tickling. ⁠ ⁠ I will admit that my own hubby doesn't have a very easy time of letting natural smiles happen in front of a camera. With as much as photos are part of my world, being photographed isn't his favourite thing and we make it as fun (and fast!) as possible.⁠ ⁠ We take a lot of photos together, yes, but this one from a couple years ago by @sherriprestonphotography I remember distinctly because I am very covertly tickling his side to get that very genuine smile and laugh.⁠ ⁠ So maybe that's the only way to get a real smile...and that's okay.⁠ ⁠ At least you're sure to create a memorable moment!⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip ⁠ ⁠ #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #theweddingbliss #gettinghitched #yourdayyourway ⁠ #phototips #photographyhacks #photographyideas #photographyislove #nikoncanada #canada_gram #lifeincanada #photographylessons #learnphotography #photographytips #photographersoninstagram
Instagram post 2329990227858230526_49906028 To continue the conversation from yesterday: pandemic life is not easy on relationship and family.⁠ ⁠ But. While it's important to acknowledge the struggles, it's also valuable to play Pollyanna and find blessings in the raindrops, gratitude in the storm. ⁠ ⁠ Is there something you can be thankful for BECAUSE of this season? ⁠ ⁠ I could complain for hours about the border closures and mandatory quarantine that has kept my newborn-ish daughter from seeing/meeting my family that all lives in Americaland (and sometimes I do :-P)⁠ ⁠ OR ⁠ ⁠ I can celebrate that a forced longer-than-planned maternity leave (my spring/early-summer weddings have been postponed) have granted me the opportunity to just get to know my girl, unrushed and unscheduled.⁠ ⁠ So there's my encouragement/challenge for you: play Pollyanna when you can, but take time to grieve when you need to. And, most importantly, give yourself and your spouse/fiance grace upon grace upon grace.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #marriagetip #marriagetips #relationshipskills #marriagehelp #healthymarriage
Instagram post 2329249062187390470_49906028 A global pandemic is NOT normal relationship strain.⁠ ⁠ Ha. Like, understatement of the year. Yesss, marriage takes work and yesss you'll face hard stuff many times in your marriage BUT the all-encompassing strain of a pandemic should not be underestimated. It's mental and physical and emotional and financial. It's inside your relationship, it's outside your relationship, it's coming from friends and family, it's coming from media, it's literally everywhere and affecting everything. I can't think of any other strain in a relationship that would be THAT all-encompassing. So give yourselves a LOT of grace, okay?⁠ ⁠ I wrote that in an email a few weeks ago to an overwhelmed bride and I've been pondering the reality ever since.⁠ ⁠ Pandemic life has uprooted all sense of normal, created an all-encompassing season of grief, forced plans to change on every calendar (calendar? what calendar?) and created a perfect situation for strain and pain.⁠ ⁠ This is NOT normal. ⁠ ⁠ So, what can you do today to bolster your marriage and strengthen your relationship to weather the storm? ⁠ ⁠ #marriagetip #marriagetips #relationshipskills #marriagehelp #healthymarriage
Instagram post 2327827676307304491_49906028 I love wedding details. <3 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #langleywedding #vancitywedding #vancitybride #vancouverbride #realcouplesofBC #realbridesofBC #bcwedding #langleyphotographer #embracehopeBC #weddingwirecanada #fraservalleyphotographer #fraservalleyweddings #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #thefraservalley #fraservalleywedding #explorefraservalley #bcweddingphotographer
Instagram post 2327133089304562922_49906028 NATURAL SMILES: don't look at the camera. The easiest way to freeze into a blank smile? Staring at a black box. The best way to relax into a moment filled with genuine happiness and sincere smiles? Look at the person you are with. If you've ever been photographed by me, you've seen me create moments where you're naturally looking at one another and laughing. I will ask a silly question, for example, and suddenly you're looking at one another trying to answer it and...voila! ... its a genuine smile. So if you're trying to get a natural smile, look at someone you're with for a sweet, memorable moment. OR, you know, smile away from the camera for a minute and then come back to the frame for a moment of candor. (Fact: I'm not on a beach in Spain right now. But if I were, I wouldn't be six months pregnant like I was in this photo. 😂 If that isn't a testament to the power of knowing your angles, I don't know what is.) #jennimariephototip
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