Melissa & Reno - Galiano Island Wedding

Weddings

Jan 29

Written By kim jay

The first time I met Melissa and Reno we went for a cocktail and chatted about their Galiano Island wedding. I knew right away these were my kind of people! They told me the details of their plans - a pizza party rehersal, an oceanside ceremony that included their dogs, delicious catering, friends taking turns DJing, and dancing late into the night.

One thing that was really important to them was they wanted their friends and family to get to enjoy a weekend away, connecting with each other and taking in the scenery at the Galiano Inn - and for good reason. The grounds themselves were beautiful with lush gardens, a koi pond, and little massage huts hidden amongst the trees. Ah, a photographer's dream!

Saturday was calling for rain and it came. Living on the coast, the chance of rain on your wedding day is a possibility. Melissa and Reno didn't let it bring down their spirits. They were smiles all morning long. Marika, the planner and owner of R ock Paper Square, had everything under control. There was a rain plan in place and the team was ready to set up the outdoor ceremony if the rain let up last minute - and it did! Right under the wire, the rain stopped and the ceremony chairs were put out on the lawn, overlooking Active Pass.

I've said it before, I'm a sap at ceremonies and this had all the feels. Melissa and Reno were smiling ear to ear and holding hands the whole time. They read the vows they wrote each other and their loved ones cheered them on.

We snuck away to do photos partway through the cocktail hour. We visited some sandstone cliffs of a nearby park with the bridal party and then drove to the forest. I think I squealed a little when we drove around the corner and realized the whole park was enveloped in fog. Fog is one of my favourite things to photograph. It adds a layer of mystery and depth - perfect for portraits.

The night continued with a delicious meal and heartfelt speeches. Mother nature changed gears yet again and the sky light up with a vibrant pink sunset. And as promised, the dance party went late into the night.

woman walking on top deck ferry and life preserver

west coast inlet viewpoint of island with trees

front wooden house with greenery and flowers

view of the wedding ceremony location with ocean and ferry backdrop

diamond wedding bands and wedding invitation on wood with rings and flowers

woman in dress pouring champagne into flute

two women getting their makeup done side by side

a man helping another man with his cufflinks

a women putting on earrings and three women smiling while reading a card and drinking wine

a man helping another man with his collar and tie

wedding ceremony with guests taking their seats

groomsmen shaking hands and smiling before the wedding ceremony

little girl in white dress holding the leash to a chihuahua while wedding guests smile

groomsmen and officiant at the altar with ocean backdrop and bride walking down the aisle with father

the back of the brides vale and the groom looking at her

bride looking into her grooms eyes at the altar with bridesmaids in background

bride and groom at the altar with bridal parties and wedding guests with ocean in background

bride and groom looking at each other smiling and groom kissing brides hand

bridesmaids holding flowers and little girl in white dress

bride and groom holding up their hands celebrating

bride and groom walking down the aisle greeting their guests

wedding guests mingling in yard with umbrella

bridal party lined up against grey backdrop

groomsmen lined up with coastal backdrop

bride looking at camera in dark forest and walking trail

woman tying a bow on back of brides dress

bride and groom walking down trail in dark forest

bride and groom looking at each other on trail in forest

bride and groom looking at each other amongst ferns in forest

bride and groom holding each other in the forest

bride and groom looking at each other in forest

bride and groom waving in front of a house

wedding guests mingling at the tables of reception

wedding guests mingling at tables of reception

bride and groom smiling at table of reception

guests mingling at wedding reception with tent and tables set up

bride and groom watching the sunset in front of the ocean

bride and groom looking at each other in front of the sunset and ocean

Vendor Credits:
Venue and Catering: Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa
Coordinator: Marika from Rock Paper Square
Flowers: Trincomali Farms
Dress: Martina Liana from Blush Bridal Boutique
Suit: Outlooks for Men
Hair and Makeup: Heartwood & Co.
Jewellery: Violette Boutique
Cake: The Bake House
Officiant: Marcia Devicque
Transit: Tommy Transit
Donut Bar: Empire Doughnuts
Mid night Snack: Maria's Deli