Eva Shockey + Tim Brent // married! // Vancouver Island, BC

Goodness gracious – I could not wait to share these images with you!

It was a home grown, handcrafted, backyard wedding celebration – my favorite kind. On this day, I got a chance to witness what love, family, and history actually looks like as Eva Shockey and Tim Brent's wedding day dreams came to life!

I got an email last September from Tammy Markwart, the event planner behind Blue Lily Event Planning. "I have a client, Eva Shockey, who would love for you to shoot her wedding…" And so began our incredible adventure, building up to a wedding day that I am STILL on an emotional high from.

I love how weddings bring people together from different walks of life. Isn't that the truth? Eva and Tim were surrounded by a group of people that care so much about them. So much so, that they came from all over the globe to be there to support them and celebrate their love. They toasted and roasted them, we laughed wildly, and we cried like big babies. Ten months ago I knew very little about this sweet Canadian couple that met in 2012 at a hunting trade show called the Dixie Deer Classic, which took place south-of-the-border in North Carolina. Eva was at the event to promote her hunting adventure TV series on Outdoor Channel called “Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures.” Tim, who was playing professional hockey for the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, NC, just happened to attend the event with one of his buddies. After their fateful meeting, the two stayed in touch – they emailed, spoke on the phone for hours and then Eva eventually got on a flight to see him. At the wedding, I listened to stories told by their closest friends, who shared excerpts from childhood diary entries and recounted crazy teenage years to remind us all that their roots run deep. But most notably, the storytellers told us about Eva and Tim together, and how they are such a good match -- that apart they almost seem incomplete.

On the morning of the big day, the stunning bride got ready with her girlfriends, buzzing around in the summer cottage on her family’s property on Vancouver Island. Her grandma Lillian and beautiful mother Louise were right beside her as she prepared. Everyone was fully present and enthralled with the excitement of the day. Eva’s dad, Jim – who also co-star’s on the aforementioned Outdoor Channel television series with Eva – picked her up in his vintage Hudson. She had always dreamed of her dad driving her to her wedding in this car. Jim and Louise escorted her through their hay field, arm in arm under towering Gary Oak trees. There Tim waited patiently for her. Under gorgeous sunny skies, Eva and Tim said "I do" in a beautiful wedding ceremony lead by officiant Lura McCallum. Tears were brimming in their eyes they sealed their commitment with a kiss.

Taking family portraits is always a privilege for me. However, I especially enjoyed it this go around. Both the Shockey's and the Brent's provided such a warm, accommodating and inviting atmosphere. Two incredible families that are so, so close they made family portrait time really special and memorable – filled with laughter, much love and a whole lot of high fives.

Dinner was served by the talented London Chef, showcasing the bull moose that Eva hunted in the Yukon last fall. It was delicious and enjoyed by all! Jackson's Ice cream cart provided guests with a sundae bar - delish!! Bulb lights were strung in the trees; tables were decorated with golden antlers, succulents and florals from Platinum Floral Designs; and a palette of gold sequence and soft pinks with sweet stationary by Studio 745 completed the look.

Music drifted into the evening air as guests kicked up their heels, rounding off a day none of them will ever forget.

What an honor it was to be their photographer – a front row seat to capture memories that will last a lifetime. And, I had the privilege of shooting this wedding with my dear friend Meghan Kirkpatrick of Sweet Heirloom Photography, who always brings her photo talent, and her passion for documenting love and life to each event we get to shoot together. Love that girl. And all these images.

So many talented hands contributed to Eva and Tim Brent's beautiful wedding day, a complete listing found below:

Blue Lily Event Planning Wedding Planning and Event Design

The London Chef Catering

Element Photo Co. Photography

Platinum Floral Designs Flowers

Schur to Please Cupcakes

Trend Decor Decor Rentals

Party Mood Barrel Table Rentals

Triple T Party Rentals Tent + Liner

Coastal Environment Washroom Trailer

Studio 745 Stationary

Jackson's Ice Cream Float Ice Cream Bar