TAYLOR DAWNING

Photography

Romantic Island Destination Wedding BC

Weddings

Newlyweds are photographed in wedding attire, sharing a kiss at their BC destination wedding with glacier lake in the background.

Lauren & Devyn’s Stuart Island destination wedding in BC was like a dream come true. Their wedding weekend on private island property felt like something between modern editorial and a sun-soaked coastal dream (with Mama Mia vibes in the best way!). With sleek styling, stunning waterfront views, and joyful, heartfelt moments, their wedding brought the best of both worlds. It was somehow elevated and elegant, but still rooted in nature and connection with the guests who joined them for their multi-day celebration.

A black and white image of a bride + groom holding hands following their bc destination wedding ceremony, and the bride looks on at the groom with a smile.

A bride wearing a ball gown and a groom in his tux stand before a helicopter following their destination wedding in British Columbia

BC Destination Wedding Ceremony with a View

Lauren & Devyn’s Discovery Islands ceremony took place overlooking the water on Stuart Island. The views were something straight out of a summer romance, and that’s an understatement. While the scenic background was otherworldly, the emotions displayed during their vows were even better. When you look at the photos from their day, the joy they shared is written all over their faces. There was nothing performative about it. Just two people completely present in the moment, surrounded by loved ones and the views of the natural beauty of BC.

A bride and groom hold hands as they exchange vows before a background of mountains at their destination wedding in BC on Stuart Island

Bridesmaids look on as a bride & groom hold hands during their Stuart Island ceremony, a popular area for British Columbia wedding destinations

Newlyweds share their first kiss after wedding on Stuart Island, similar to some Gulf Island wedding venues

Newlyweds throw their arms up in celebration after their destination wedding in British Columbia

Following their waterfront ceremony, Lauren and Devyn took a helicopter tour as guests enjoyed cocktail hour. The results were the most epic glacier lake portraits up in the mountains and memories to last a lifetime. Unique barely covers these newly wed portraits!

A groom and his groomsmen walk toward the camera in a candid b+w photo at a destination wedding bc

A bride and groom stand on opposite sides of a helicopter for bridal portraits at their British Columbia destination wedding

A bride & groom show of their wedding rings inside a helicopter during a tour of Stuart Island following their Quadra island Wedding

BC Destination Wedding Weekend

Lauren & Devyn emphasized being fully present with each other & guests when they planned their wedding. Since they knew in their hearts that 24 hours just wasn’t enough time to celebrate and visit, they planned a multi-day celebration. Because of this, they had peace of mind knowing they didn’t have to stick to a tight timeline. Instead, there was time to be present, soak in every moment, and let those spontaneous in-between memories unfold. It’s a slower, richer way to celebrate, especially when it comes to destination weddings like theirs.

A family member wipes his eyes after a first look with the bride at a bc destination wedding

A black and white image of a bride + groom with a wedding guest at their destination wedding on Stuart Island in British Columbia

A bridal party wearing chic black ensembles walks toward the camera with the bride & groom in the center during bridal portraits taken by a Vancouver Island wedding photographer

Bridesmaids pose in sunglasses holding newspaper props that read 'newlywed times' in a black & white image taken by a Vancouver Island wedding photographer

Bridesmaids react to their first look of the bride at a BC destination wedding in a black and white photo

Quadra Island Wedding Venues

While their venue was private, there are similar island venues throughout the Discovery Islands. If you’re planning an island destination wedding like theirs, you’ve got options! The closest nearby venues with a similar vibe and nature backdrops are Discovery Islands Lodge on Quadra Island, Gowlland Harbour Resort on Quadra Island, Sea Breeze Lodge on Hornby Island, Sonora Resort on Sonora Island or The Cottages at Shoal Bay on East Thurlow Island. Note: many of these require full venue buyouts, but this gives couples and guests the chance to settle in, relax, and really experience the magic of the islands.

Golden Hour BC Destination Wedding Reception

As the sun dipped over the water, guests gathered for an evening that radiated warmth and joy. The decor could only be described as timeless and refined. Black candle holders, white tapers, baby’s breath, and crisp linens covered the tables. It was elegant, heartfelt, and exactly right. The vibes, on the other hand, were SO fun and perfectly embraced the essence of an endless summer vacation.

Lauren changed into a short, modern reception dress, and the night carried on with emotional toasts, happy tears, and signature cocktails. Their cake was a picture of chic simplicity wrapped in a soft tulle bow. Large light-up letters glowed in the background as this lovely couple shared their first dance, and then things became even more fun.

The Perfect Ending to a Destination Wedding in BC

Once the sun had set and the formalities had faded, Lauren and Devyn ended the night with the most iconic send-off: hand in hand, they jumped into the pool fully clothed. They laughed together, soaked from head-to-toe, as guests watched from the poolside. It was the perfect ending that beautifully summarized their wedding weekend. Unscripted. Joyful. And completely unforgettable.

Vancouver Island Wedding Photographer

Hey, I’m Taylor. I’m a British Columbia-based wedding and elopement photographer here to capture moments that matter. Are you searching for a photographer dedicated to candid shots of the big moments, the quiet moments, and all of the beautiful in-betweens, too? Whether you’re planning your own destination ceremony on the Discovery Islands or dreaming up something entirely your own, I’d love to help you tell that story through images that feel like you. View my investment packages or talk to me here to get started.