Tofino Wedding
A little dose of botanical love.
Is it possible to celebrate love during a pandemic?
Pandemic doctor expert Tiffany Gale and emergency doctor James Furneaux say YES it is! The couple flew from Newfoundland to Tofino, Vancouver Island, to recite their vows in the golden light of Cox Bay.
After the getting ready photos, we wandered in the lush gardens of the Tofino Botanical Gardens for the first look and then headed to Mackenzie beach to capture some gorgeous images of the wedding party on the rocks. Tiffany's dress was beautifully draping over the black volcanic rocks, and the wind even took part in the session to lift the veil and fill in the frame with its magic. It was indeed a special moment that felt like nature wanted to say thanks to these two, especially since they had been working so hard to save us all from the pandemic.
The ceremony was held on the north side of the beach by the rocky outcrops, creating an intimate atmosphere, the background sound of the waves complemented by the violin and cello of the Cascadia Quartet. The wedding party, dressed in tones of navy blue and dusty rose, started walking down the stairs with the cutest flower girls timidly threw their basket of rose petals to prepare Tiffany's ground to walk on. The sun was filtering perfectly amongst the twisted pine trees when she walked with her stepdad towards the ceremony. Then her dad took his daughter for the final steps towards her married life. I think we were all crying at the exchange of the dads, even me behind my camera (still hustling of course but so touched to witness this moment between the dads of her life). They exchanged their vows with the support of Judy, the ceremony officiant. Luca, their golden retriever (also Insta famous!) brought his parents the rings, and after a little bit of force, Tiffany got the ring on James' finger. Following the ceremony, we paused long enough for the flower girls to indulge in puddle jumping, and we all made our way to the Botanical Gardens.
The reception had a carnival theme with games to play between the chickens and goats and the gorgeous wooden sculptures of the Botanical Garden. The staff managed to host 36 people and keep them separate in their respective bubbles, with one waiter assigned to each table. Thanks to Sheila at Rare Earth Wedding for coordinating such a day and ensuring the staff and the guests stayed safe. We ended up our photoshoot as the sun was setting down with a stroll on the inlet to capture more intimate photos. Luca got some water time. I handed my special gift to them, and we walked back to the ceremony for the first dance as the stars started filling up the sky.
It was such a beautiful wedding, and on my drive home, I just felt so empowered to be there for this pandemic hero couple. I am no doctor, but if my work and passion supported them, well, I hope that it ripples some healing waves out in the world because we are indeed in it together.
#furneauxandforever
Event Coordinator Sheila at Rare Earth Weddings
Venue Tofino Botanical Gardens
Flowers from Darcey Welsh at Wild Bloom Floral
Catering Company Red Can Gourmet
Bakery Rhino Coffee House
Music Cascadia Strings
Jeweller East-West Gem
Dress Ever After Bridal
