Tofino Beach Engagement

The Shoot

When this lovely bride-to-be approached me about a Tofino beach engagement, I got a little too excited and started planning, pinning and preparing immediately. Having never been to Tofino before, I heard tales of its beauty and surf culture, rare in Canada, and I wanted to capture some of the beaches that Tofino is famed for.

I wanted this shoot to look like an editorial in a fashion magazine. To shoot editorial style with non-models, it’s difficult to achieve without some direction from the photographer and under the pressure of impeding darkness we had to work fast. Luckily these two were comfortable to joke and tease each other in front of the camera, which really brought their personalities into the shoot. When I shoot, I try to remember that the images are mute, pictures are not audible. A photographer can shape and create unreal personalities through the photographs and it’s the photographers responsibility to bring the true character of the couple into the photos without using words.

The Love Story

These two met the old fashioned way – through an online dating site. When I asked them to write a little paragraph about how they met, her’s was basically a stream of consciousness while his had great grammar and ready for the blog. I think this is a great representation of their characters. P, a reserved and distinguished gentleman is the perfect compliment to the vivacious and outgoing R.

From the Groom to be: My first impression of her was that she lived life her on her own clock….she was late for our first date! I almost left but thought, “let me see how this goes”. I’m glad I did because I met a loving, kind, and beautiful person. Not only that, I got to meet Muffin, who is such a big part of our lives – definitely a perfect package deal. I’m glad I took the leap and contacted her when I did. She takes me out of my comfort zone, and I love that about her.”

From the Bride to be: ‘Even though he doesn’t like to admit it, P contacted me first, I can remember his first message to me. We bonded over PhD life and comedy shows and I’m glad he waited around on our first date.  After three months of dating, I knew he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.’ 

I saw the wave coming, the groom-to-be saw it coming… but R did not!