Me & You, together
The ability I have to put people at ease and “read a room” allows me to capture your day in the same authentic loving way I will take care of you from the moment we start working together.
I am inspired by your connection, true moments and creating photos amongst the legendary Vancouver Island beauty that will frame your day. Does this resonate with you? If yes, let’s connect.
your Vancouver Island wedding experience.
Getting Ready
Getting ready photos are a special opportunity to capture the excitement of the day and the relationships within it. The hours leading up to exchanging vows are filled with reflection, shared emotion and sometimes some chaos. Whatever it is, it is your story and a stunning time to capture who you are.
Ceremony
This is one of my favorite parts of the day. Watching you take that deep breath as you see each other, then hearing how you choose to express your love, and your loved one’s reaction to the outpouring of commitment and love - it fills me up. This dedication to each other is the reason for the day.
Couples Portraits
A compliment I receive from couples is - “that was so fun”. Your couple portraits are a time to pause and lean into each other in the midst of a busy day and reflect on the day so far, while it is all fresh. As for locations and tips on being photographed, from beach to mountains and forest, I have you covered.
Family & Wedding Party
Before your wedding, I will guide you through deciding how these photos will unfold. It is different for all couples. However, we will ensure all the important people are captured, in a meaningful way that won’t take you away from your wedding guests for too long. On the day, you can just enjoy visiting as I ensure that we move through creating these images in a fun and efficient way.
Reception
This is where the surprises happen - the speeches that bring you to tears, the stories that send you into fits of laughter, these moments are full of heart. Beyond speeches, cake cutting and games, there are the little quiet moments to document. Dad talking to your best-man, the flower girls hiding under the table - sometimes these moments aren’t even seen by my couples until they receive the photographs.
Dance Floor
It starts with your loved ones dropping tears as you two melt into your first dance, then my camera moves to your ring bearer showing off his hip hop moves until grandma starts ripping it up on the dance floor. I am right out there with her getting all the moments and capturing the life of the party you gifted your friends and party. It gets silly and I love ensuring you will relive it all through photographs.
what my COUPLES are saying
Such a blessing.
“We were surprised at how the focus of the photography kept us balanced throughout the emotionally overwhelming day without detracting from it. Karen not only excelled as our photographer but also as a guiding light of support. Exceptional outcome with professional and gracious delivery. The whole experience was such a blessing. ”
— Chris & Meghan, married in a private home, Comox
A true professional.
“From the moment we spoke on the phone, it was apparent she was a true professional. On our day, Karen was our bright shining light amidst the chaos of having a Covid wedding with very tight time constraints. She was able to get in all our location requests and all the pictures we wanted. She was so calm, prepared and confident”
— Ian & Tracy, married at Local’s Restaurant, Comox Vallley
They are breathtaking.
“We want you to know how very much you mean to us. From the bottom of our heart. You are just an unbelievable person and artist. We couldn't have imagined our wedding without you. The images are are breathtaking. Please know how special of a place you hold in our heart.”
— Jenna & Brendan, married at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, Parksville
telling your wedding story
A Pandemic Plan in Parksville
In April, Kirstin and Joe had to abandon their original wedding plans. They paused and then regrouped, and then we regrouped again, as we all adjusted to the new pandemic reality. They were committed to putting together a beautiful celebration and with some flexibility, they were ver successful. At Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, in Parksville, they had an incredible day full of tears and joy. They had close family friends, stunning weather and of course their two beloved pups, Emma and Molly.
Cumberland Forest Elopement.
Surrounded by the richness of the Cumberland Forest, Dave and Chantal quietly said “I do”. They were welcomed by a tapestry of ferns, moss and a forest canopy. With some nerves and much excitement Chantel made the quiet walk up to join the very cheerful Dave, who was waiting at the top of Devil’s Ladder to exchange vows. The marriage commissioner Craig Gillis, myself and one guest, all knew we were part of a very magical moment.
FAQs
We are still deciding which collection is right for our wedding photography. Is it okay to still book?
Absolutely! These days planning is hard. If you know you are having a full wedding, it is especially helpful to contact me before you have everything decided. I can give you information about how long photos might take, location ideas and the best time of day to get married.
Will you help us plan our wedding itinerary for the day?
Yes! That is exactly the type of care I like to give my clients. For full weddings the conversations I will guide you through will be invaluable in creating a flow to your day that keeps in mind your guests, your energy and how capturing moments and portraits fits within the day. We will talk through all the details about what is important to you, including all the people who will be there to make your day memorable.
For elopement and micro weddings, I can provide tips on the right time of day to get married and some incredible locations for photos.
Can you recommend other Vancouver Island wedding vendors like make-up artists, caterers and florists?
I would love to. There are so many talented and caring wedding professionals on Vancouver Island. I like to find out a bit about you style and then I can point you in the direction.
The uncertainty around Covid has us stressed out, should we still contact you and book our day?
I hear you. I am actually in the midst of planning my own wedding so I understand what you might be feeling. I have a plan in place to work with my clients around any uncertainty.
Do you travel?
Between Nanaimo and Campbell River there are no travel charges. For Hornby, Denman, Gabriola and Quadra Island clients are responsible for ferry costs and overnight fees if I am unable to get off the island. If your wedding is outside of this area I am happy to create a custom quote to cover my travel expenses.
How do we book you?
Please email me at info@mckinnonphotography.com and I will set you up with on online contract and questionnaire. Of course I will also be available for any questions you may have. As part of my booking I require a $800 retainer to hold the date. The balance is due three week before your wedding. It is quite simple really. I can’t wait to meet you.
Pricing
Your Collection does not need to be decided on for us to move forward with booking. Due to Covid, it could be hard to know what is going to work best for you. In this case, and if you are unsure if you might need a different option, please reach out to me. I understand, and am here to help.
Vancouver Island Elopements
Elopements, this means the two of you and witnesses (I can help with that if you would like.) With up to three hours of coverage you can look forward to having your having your ceremony captured and some epic portraits, as well as potentially some photos getting ready.
Includes:
Up to three hours of coverage
Recommendations for other vendors and locations
Zoom call to discuss your day
A selection of images delivered within 48 hours
All images delivered digitally within 3 weeks
$1450
Vancouver Island Intimate Weddings
Available for events of 30 people or less. With three hours of coverage, you can look forward to having your ceremony captured and some epic portraits, as well as potentially some photos getting ready.
Includes:
Up to three hours of coverage
Recommendations for other vendors and locations
Zoom call to discuss your day
Images delivered digitally within 3 weeks
$1650 *additional hours available
Vancouver Island Wedding Collections
From getting ready, to ceremony, portraits and the party - you can choose your wedding collection based on what will suit your day and photography vision the best.
All full wedding collections include:
Between 6 hours and 14 hour
Photographer’s assistant
Caring attentive guidance, including in person or zoom meetings and location scouting
Images delivered to you digitally within 8 weeks
Complimentary online gallery by request
Begins at $3300.
Connect.
Karen McKinnon
info@mckinnonphotography.com
(250) 703-3486
Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, BC
I am fully booked for Saturday’s in July and August 2021