I had an amazing time capturing Ben and Haley’s springtime VanDusen wedding. With flowers in bloom, we were able to make the most of the garden, plus focus on the heartfelt moments with loved ones throughout their getting ready time, ceremony, portraits and reception.

Haley and Ben first reached out to me when they came across the photos I had captured at Sam and Shane’s Shaughnessy Restaurant wedding. Since Ben and Haley were also considering Shaughnessy Restaurant for their reception, they could picture themselves in my images.

They said, “I found your photos of a wedding at Shaughnessy Restaurant. I thought they were so beautiful, and captured the feeling of the event so well. The photos are full of life and joy and love, I actually almost teared up imagining having photos of Ben and I that looked like that. Your style of mixing candid and more formal shots matches my ideal photography style. I'd like some traditional posed photos for my mom and grandfather to frame, but really I just want to be able to look back and remember the happiness and excitement, even nervousness of the day.”

How could I say no to that? Their desire for a mix of posed and candid images, perfectly capturing the emotions of the day, is exactly how I like to shoot weddings. Plus, I was so excited to return to some of my favourite Vancouver wedding venues.

Getting ready at the Fairmont

After capturing Ben and his buddies as they got wedding-ready at JD’s Barbershop in Gastown, I headed over to the Fairmont for getting ready photos with Haley and her bridesmaids.

This hotel was absolutely gorgeous! I loved making use of the elegant space and beautiful lighting streaming through the windows.

Haley and Ben had organized their wedding day schedule so we had lots of time for getting ready photos, which made for a relaxing and picture-perfect start to the day.

Ceremony at St. Augustine’s Parish

St. Augustine’s Parish is a great ceremony space with tall ceilings, stained glass windows and lots of natural light. It was also an important venue for Haley, Ben and their families.

Getting married in a church can come with some photography restrictions. For example, the photographer may not be allowed past the steps of the altar and the couple is often facing the clergyman rather than each other.

I enjoyed the challenge of working around these restrictions while still telling the story of Ben and Haley’s meaningful and family-oriented ceremony.

Portraits at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Most of the VanDusen weddings I shoot happen in the summer, but since Ben and Haley’s wedding was in the spring, we got to enjoy the gardens in full bloom!

Before their wedding, I visited VanDusen so I could scout out the best places for portraits. On the big day, we were graced with the most beautiful, dramatic lighting, which allowed everything to come together so well.

“We hired Aileen for our engagement photos and wedding day photos and I could not recommend her services more. Obviously her photos are stunning, you can tell that from her portfolio, but just as a professional to work with on your wedding day? Aileen is the bee's knees. LOVE LOVE LOVE, can't wait to work with Aileen again!”

- Haley & Ben

Reception at Shaughnessy Restaurant

Shaughnessy Restaurant is one of my favourite Vancouver wedding venues. The space is stunning, but it’s also very versatile. I love that they have a covered patio that still lets in lots of light!

Of course, the food and service at Shaughnessy Restaurant is also exceptional. If you’re planning a Vancouver restaurant wedding, put this one on your short list!

Tips for planning your Shaughnessy Restaurant and VanDusen wedding

The great thing about planning a wedding at VanDusen Garden and Shaughnessy Restaurant is that you really don’t need to bring in much. These spaces are beautiful on their own!

Of course, the garden is a natural paradise. You’ll be able to take portraits under draping willow trees, in open fields, over ponds and in and amongst the blooming flowers. (PS: Your photographer can scope out the best spots for you!)

You’ll also be able to see all of that greenery from Shaughnessy Restaurant. But if you really want to take the vibes to the next level, bring in some candles to create a super warm ambiance.

“Of all your vendors, you probably spend the most time on the wedding day with your photographer, so it is definitely worth finding someone that you can vibe with, that you can be vulnerable in front of and who makes you feel like a supermodel of the world. Aileen is all of those things. On top of being a rock star photographer and grade A queen, Aileen also recommended 90% of our other vendors to us, all of whom were amazing to work with.”

- Haley & Ben

Planning your own garden wedding in Vancouver? I’d love to hear more. Get in touch and let’s chat about your wedding photography!