For Cody and Christina’s wedding, on August 20th, I was once again a Rowena’s Inn on the River Wedding Photographer in addition to being a West Vancouver Wedding Photographer. Their love story started 12 years ago, as described by Christina: “we first met in our hometown at the Hockey rink. We dated for three years and then went our separate ways when I went to College. We found our way back to each other after over five years.”
Nestled in one of several luxurious cabins, the one called “Phylis”, Cody and his Groomsmen dressed in a comfortable yet stylish outfit of grey slacks and suspenders with a crisp white button shirt. Rather than opt for colorful ties, Cody and his Groomsmen paid homage to a favorite childhood show – The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – with all 4 characters appearing on the Groom’s socks and each of the Groomsmen donning Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael. They shared jokes and laughs as they helped prepare Cody for the day to come.
Christina and her Bridesmaids started their morning wearing satin floral printed robes and toasting mimosas out on the sun filled deck. Jade, Christina’s eldest and Cody’s step-daughter, was alongside her mom getting her hair and make up done. Christina’s bridal party all wore long flowing baby pink dresses, but instead of matching in the same style, each Bridesmaid was allowed to pick her own dress which showcased their individual personalities. I thought that was a great touch.
I must admit – the ceremony and reception that were to follow is probably one of the most touching and intimate events I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Christina’s father unfortunately passed away about a year ago, so when it came time to walk down the aisle, it was her brother Matthew that had the honor of accompanying her. Christina did carry him with her, as she had a small portrait added to the ribbon of bouquet. The guests took their seats to watch Cody and Christina unify their love and devotion for one another, and Cody took a moment to present his own vows to Jade. He made his promises to her, and then presented a token of his love and adoration – a circular pendant with a heart hanging in the middle.
Before his passing, Cody had asked Christina’s father for his blessing to marry her. He had also asked for him to write a letter, which was read by Matthew during the reception. There was not a dry eye among the wedding guests as they took part in this intimate moment. It was a beautiful and stunning tribute to the memory of her father. Set up in the dining hall was a tree to honor the memory of other family members and friends who could not be there to celebrate Cody and Christina. Each photo was in it’s own hanging ornamental frame and hung from a white tree. It is their attention to details that is most prevalent.
Rather than have guests sign a book, Christina and Cody cleverly set out wooden hearts and asked that guests write their messages before dropping them inside a white metal frame. This way, they said, they’d “never forget our loved ones who came.”
Cody and Christina, this was a wonderful wedding and I hope you always find a lifetime of happiness. Best wishes!
Full Vendor List at the bottom

rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0001rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0002rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0003rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0004rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0005rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0006rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0008rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0010rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0011rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0012rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0013rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0014rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0015rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0018rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0017rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0020rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0021rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0022rowenas_inn_by_the_river_wedding_sunny_vintage_vancouver_wedding_by_clint_bargen_west_vancouver_wedding_photographer_0023

Vendor List
Venue: Rowena’s Inn on the River
Florist: Debbie James
Hair Artist: Kelsie Starchuk
Make-Up Artist: Erin Anderson
DJ: Ryan Olesko
Cake Artist: Habstack Cakes
Wedding Dress: Lisa’s Bridal
Grooms Attire: Moore’s
Decorator: Shyla Shade at Valley Weddings
Chalkboard Calligraphy: Hand Lettered Love by Bev

Thank you for visiting my blog! I am a West Vancouver based wedding photographer also specializing in couples and family photography. I love me a good destination wedding and am currently dreaming about shooting a wedding in Santorini, Greece. Absolutely LOVE that island. I mostly shoot weddings anywhere in the Greater Vancouver area, but I am quite willing to travel. Originally from Saskatchewan, I got my start photographing those bright blue skies and wide open spaces. My images have been published in numerous blogs such as Popsugar, Rocky Mountain Bride and The Huffington Post. My focus has always been capturing the true joy and intimacy that my couples experience. As a North Vancouver wedding photographer, I get to capture so much beauty and feel blessed to live and work here! I’m currently booking for 2016 and 2017 weddings, so message me SOON with any inquiries you may have about wedding, family or portrait photography. Click here to get in touch or email me directly at clint at clintbargen.com and say hello!