Affinity Guesthouse Intimate DIY Wedding // Vonnell + Colin

It hasn’t been the way I’d imagined getting back to blogging but if there’s one positive upside to the current at-home situation, it has given me back time to devote to parts of my business that may have been neglected in the past few years. This intimate wedding on Vancouver Island was at the top of my list to get up onto my site, not because of all the gorgeous details (but trust me, it has those in spades! This wedding is a DIY dream), but because it was one of the most heartfelt and personal celebrations I’ve attended (plus it included a pug in a suit, you know I’m in love already!).

For those looking to host a wedding on Vancouver Island, I can’t recommend Affinity Guesthouse enough. Located in Duncan, the venue is tucked away in a remote little spot, ensuring lots of privacy for your gathering. With huge grounds, the property could be configured for small weddings like this one, or much larger events which could be tented on the lawn, or open air if you wanted to dine under the stars (Romantic!). I loved how much variety there was for portrait locations right on site as I didn’t have to take the couple away for too long from their guests, because really the whole point of a wedding day is to be present to celebrate with family and friends!

When I arrived in the morning the weather was beautiful and sunny and I headed off to photograph Colin and his friends in the carriage house, where they were busy making charcuterie boards and hanging out. Vonnell was getting ready in the main house where there’s a suite with perfect window light, I was excited to get some beautiful portraits of her in the space. After getting dressed the couple had a tea ceremony in the main house which included a few happy tears and special moments with their parents. After the tea ceremony, Vonnell headed back upstairs to get changed into the wedding dress that she made herself (!!!), and spent a few minutes crafting a boutonniere for Colin as well as wrapping her bouquet (also hand made, I swear there’s nothing this talented woman can’t do). The couple then had the sweetest first (or I guess second?) look and we took some portraits around the property. Meanwhile guests enjoyed the grounds, drank americanos and ate charcuterie as a pre-ceremony snack. The ceremony was such a beautiful celebration, officiated by a friend of the couple. There were no dry eyes, so the ‘in case of tears’ tissues on each chair got lots of use.

The rain came pouring down in the afternoon, but luckily the venue has a tent set up on the grounds, so we huddled under it staying away from the rain while family and friends gave really heartfelt and funny speeches and toasts. When we had a quick break from the rain we headed out for some portraits of under the amazing willow tree on site and then we drove to an abandoned stone church around the corner and got some really unique shots in and around it! I love that Vonnell and Colin were game to explore and get creative event though it was a stormy day. When the couple arrived back their guests were waiting for them and we enjoyed a candlelit dinner catered by the incredible Toque Catering, one of my favourite food service vendors on the Island. The night wrapped up with super energetic dance party and we also took some sparkler photos before I left for the night.

This wedding was a DIY dream, not only did Vonnell make her own wedding dress, she also made the flower girl dress, did all the floral arrangements (including her bouquet), designed all the stationary and paper goods, and monogrammed all the napkins. Colin put together an amazing playlist for the day, and friends brought home brewed beer and hand smoked meats that they assembled into amazing charcuterie platters. A seriously talented group of individuals!

I love photographing intimate days like this one, there were only about 25 guests but you could tell everyone there had a really strong connection to the couple, and were so happy to be there celebrating with them. Everyone also welcomed me in to the fold and was so kind the whole day. Vonnell and Colin were game for just about anything, it was such a pleasure working with them. I also got to do a post-wedding session with them in Tofino which I’m going to get around to blogging as well. Until then, enjoy the full gallery of this wonderful, unique wedding day!

Vendor Credits
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Affinity Guesthouse
Vonnell’s Dress: Handmade
Colin’s Attire: Indochino
Florist: Bulk florals from Ninebark Farm, Vonnell handmade all the arrangements
Catering: Toque Catering