Seana + Mike // Married // St James Club, Morgan Bay, St. Lucia

Seana + Mike were our neighbours. Practically our roommates. We shared a home where Malcolm and I lived in the basement and the two of them upstairs. It's funny how luck, fate, or just plain life would have it.  I sent up some "welcome to the house" ginger snaps. She rallied back with Banana Bread. Then nothing for weeks. Short chats on the driveway after work with Mike. They had recently got engaged. Moved to the island from out east. Huh, funny...me too.  Her accent tipped me off, definently not a flat lander. Must be waaay out east. Newfoundland. Perfect! The night they invited us up for G+T's, Pizza and beers. We knew we had hit the flatmate jackpot. Boy were we right.

Fast forward 1 year and we are getting a crash course in Newfie slang. Laughing about the Swiss Chalet Holiday Turkey dinners. "You gotta try the stuffing".  And making plans to celebrate Seana + Mike in St. Lucia with...you guessed it...40 something Newfs. And we LOVED it!! hashtag thetimewecrashedanewfiewedding

It was an honour to be able to photograph this memorable day. The morning was charged with emotion and anticipation. But melted away through a very sweet first look. The afternoon was filled with laughter, adoration + cheers from on-lookers (especially of the Canadian variety who loved seeing that Red Serge making it's rounds on the beach).  A confused and perhaps star struck local even asked if he was a prince.  Caribbean rhythm from the Steel Pan drums filled the air and Seana + Mike happily exchanged rings and "I do's". After a Champagne celebration with guests we snuck off to a remote location for some b r e a t h t a k i n g sunset photos before the reception started. And then we got down, with one epic dance off!

In Seana and Mike, we have found counsellors, friends, confidants, a construction buddy, and someone to watch Grey's with every Thursday night — we found community.

There is so much more I could say about these two. But for today, I will show you a pivotal moment in their lives.  It is a moment they’ll be able to show their kids, and someday their kids kids! He will remember the heat of the day in that wool coat, and how the co-ordinates may or may not have been for St Lucia on those rings, she will remember that beaming smile on his face cleverly shielded by the brim of his hat when he first saw her that morning. This is the beginning of their family, and of two people choosing each other for the rest of their lives.

To your amazing family + friends.  What a joy it was to meet and holiday with you in paradise. Thank you for including us and making us feel so welcomed and like one of the bunch. We hope that our paths cross again soon + sincerely look forward to an East coast adventure in the future.

Get your tissues ready, folks.