A Wedding Rooted in Tradition at Bridlewoods Event Center in Chilliwack
A heartfelt Bridlewoods Event Center celebration in Chilliwack, BC featuring intimate moments, meaningful traditions, and natural wedding photography.
Some wedding days ask you to slow down, listen closely, and witness something far deeper than a timeline or a shot list. This wedding at Bridlewoods Event Center in Chilliwack, British Columbia was one of those days.
Set against the quiet beauty of the Fraser Valley, Bridlewoods offers a setting that feels grounded and expansive all at once. Open fields, tall trees, and soft spring light created space for a day rooted in intention, presence, and connection.
The Quiet Before the Ceremony
The hours leading up to the ceremony often hold some of the most tender moments of the day. The steady rhythm of getting ready, hands helping with final details, and the quiet anticipation that settles in before everything begins.
At Bridlewoods Event Center, there was space for these moments to unfold without rush for the bride. The small moments of connection grounded the day before it fully arrived. This time spent with your people are the are the moments that set the tone for the day, allowing everyone to arrive at the ceremony present and ready.
As a Chilliwack wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to this part of the day. It’s where nerves soften, emotions surface, and the story begins long before anyone walks down the aisle.
A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition and Presence
The ceremony was traditional, deeply intentional and moving to witness. The couple gently placed goose down gently on each other’s heads, followed by a blanket ceremony.
Everything unfolded with calm and care. There was no rush, no performance, only presence. It was one of those ceremonies that asks you to be fully there, to listen, and to bear witness on a love that is so intentional.
A Quiet Moment with the Land
After the ceremony, the bride stepped outside into the surrounding trees. She gathered a piece of cedar and gently brushed it over herself and her wedding dress. It was a quiet, grounding moment that felt deeply personal and connected to the land.
These are the moments that don’t need direction. They don’t need explanation. They simply ask to be honoured exactly as they are.
Portraits Among Bridlewood’s Grounds
After the ceremony, the couple stepped into a quieter part of the day, leaving space to just be together with their two favourite people. The golden afternoon light wrapped around them, softening edges and illuminating the laughter and tenderness between them. Every glance, every shared smile, felt like a story unfolding just for them. It’s in these portraits that the essence of the couple, their connections, and their love truly shines through.
Words That Filled the Room
During the reception the room shifted into a new energy, one filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt words. Friends and family rose to share their stories, their hopes, and their love for the couple. Each speech painted a deeper picture of the journey that led them here, a mosaic of memories and shared connections that made the day even more meaningful.
Even as the room responded with soft laughter, and applause, the couple remained anchored in each other’s gaze, soaking in the love that surrounded them. These speeches weren’t just words; they were moments of affirmation, joy, and reflection — moments that would stay with everyone long after the music faded.
These moments were a reminder that weddings aren’t just about the couple alone — they are about the community that lifts them, the people who have witnessed their story, and the lives they’ve touched along the way.
Dancing Through the Unexpected: A First Dance to Remember
As the evening unfolded, the power unexpectedly went out. The room went dark, but through the large windows, soft natural light spilled in, illuminating the couple as they stepped onto the dance floor for their first dance. The DJ’s computer quietly kept the music playing, and for a moment, the celebration felt stripped down to its purest form: love, presence, and joy.
With fewer guests remaining nearby, the moment became even more intimate. Every smile, laugh, and glance was magnified, making the first dance feel like it belonged solely to them. The absence of electricity didn’t diminish the magic, if anything, it made it more memorable. It was a beautiful reminder that weddings aren’t about perfection, they’re about the people, the connection, and the love that surrounds the couple.
Even in unexpected moments, the day moved forward with joy, laughter, and authentic memories that will last a lifetime. For a photographer, these are the moments that truly capture the heart of a wedding — real, unscripted, and unforgettable.
A Personal Moment of Witnessing
This day also held a personal resonance for me. I have known the groom since high school, and watching him step into a life with someone who so clearly sees him, loves him, and stands beside him was deeply moving. It was one of those moments where time softens, and you quietly witness someone arriving exactly where they are meant to be. As a wedding photographer, these are the moments that stay with me long after the day ends, this day however, was extra meaningful..
A Wedding Day to Remember
Weddings aren’t just about the perfect moments captured; they’re about the real, raw, and meaningful experiences shared between the couple and the people who love them. This Bridlewoods wedding was a perfect example of that, a day where nature, tradition, and authenticity came together to create memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re planning a wedding at Bridlewoods Event Center or anywhere in the Fraser Valley, and you want your day captured with attention to detail, emotion, and authenticity, I would love to hear from you.
Shelby's Pond Wedding| Chilliwack Wedding Photographer
Shelby’s Pond is located within the farmlands of Chilliwack, BC. This quaint farm property specializes in hosting country style wedding ceremonies and receptions. The gorgeous backdrop of mountains and fields is the perfect spot to say your vows during an outdoor ceremony and then with the large open red barn to host your closest 100-150 friends and loved ones for your indoor/outdoor wedding reception. The venue is known for its picturesque setting, surrounded by nature and featuring a tranquil pond. The outdoor location is ideal for those seeking a rustic and natural setting for their wedding.
I met up with Shawn and Des just before their wedding ceremony so they could spend some time together for their first look and couple portraits before heading to Shelby’s Pond for their outdoor wedding ceremony and reception with their loved ones. My absolute favourite part of the day was watching how their pups Louis and Winston were included in all parts of their wedding day, they truly were, the most well behaved pups at a wedding ever!
Including your dogs in your wedding can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate your special day. Here are some ideas on how to include your dogs in your wedding:
Ring Bearer: You can train your dog to carry the rings down the aisle in a special pouch or box. This can be a cute and unique way to include your dog in the ceremony.
Walk Down the Aisle: You can also have your dog walk down the aisle with you, perhaps with a special leash or collar that matches your wedding colors.
Wedding Attire: Dress your dog up in a cute outfit or matching wedding attire that complements your own wedding outfits. Make sure the outfit is comfortable for your dog and does not restrict their movement or breathing.
Photos: Including your dog in your wedding photos can be a fun way to capture memories of your furry friend being a part of your special day. Consider including them in the bridal party photos or taking photos with just you and your dog.
Dog-Friendly Venue: If you are having an outdoor wedding or reception, consider choosing a dog-friendly venue that allows dogs on the premises. This way, your dog can be a part of the celebration and enjoy the festivities with you.
Dog-Sitter: It's important to assign someone to be responsible for your dog during the wedding day, to make sure they are comfortable, have enough water and food, and are not a distraction during the ceremony. Consider hiring a professional dog-sitter or assigning a friend or family member to look after your furry friend.
Overall, including your dogs in your wedding can be a fun and meaningful way to celebrate your special day. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make sure that your furry friend feels loved and included in your wedding day just like Shawn and Des did!
