There are wedding days that are beautiful because of the details, and then there are wedding days that become even more beautiful because of the people and the meaning woven throughout them. Amanda and Codey’s wedding somehow managed to be both.
I also had the pleasure of having my friend Chelsey join me for the day. Chelsey is newer to photographing weddings, and she did such a wonderful job capturing moments alongside me. It was so much fun getting to share this beautiful day with her!
Getting Ready
We began the morning surrounded by Amanda and Codey’s bridesmaids, groomsmen, children, and some of the family members closest to them.
Chelsey spent the morning with Codey and his crew, capturing everyone hanging out together as he got ready and stepped into his incredible RCMP Red Serge. And seriously... Prince Charming vibes, anyone?
Meanwhile, I spent the morning with Amanda and the girls while they were transformed by two incredibly talented ladies. I always love getting the chance to work alongside Stephanie Man, one of my absolute favourite makeup artists, and the equally talented hairstylist Brielle.
Once everyone was looking gorgeous, the mimosas were poured, the dresses and pretty things came out, and it was time for a round of first looks that none of us were quite emotionally prepared for.
A First Look I'll Never Forget
First was Amanda’s stepfather, Isaac.
Isaac has been Amanda’s father figure since she was a child, even if they never officially shared a last name. Amanda may now be a Vansteelandt through marriage, but before beginning this new chapter of her life, she wanted a permanent reminder of another incredibly important relationship in her story.
She had Isaac’s last name tattooed onto her forearm.
When she revealed it to him during their first look, I’m fairly certain there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It was one of those incredibly genuine moments where everyone seemed to disappear for a minute and it was simply the two of them taking in what that gesture meant.
Then it was Codey’s turn!
We blindfolded him with my purple shawl... sometimes wedding photography requires a little improvisation, and led him into the room to wait for his bride. When the blindfold came off and he saw Amanda standing there in her gown for the first time, we got another one of those beautiful moments that made this day so special.
After a few more moments with family, it was time to head to one of the most incredible ceremony locations Regina has to offer.
The RCMP Depot Chapel
Amanda and Codey chose the historic RCMP Depot Chapel for their ceremony, and I can't imagine a more fitting setting for these two.
The little wooden chapel has been standing on the Depot grounds since 1883, when it was originally constructed as a mess hall for the North West Mounted Police. It was converted into a chapel in 1895 and is considered the oldest known surviving building in Regina.
Its simple wooden architecture, pointed windows and beautiful stained glass carry more than 140 years of history, and tucked into the RCMP Depot grounds, it was an especially meaningful place for Amanda and Codey to begin their marriage.
And begin it they did.
Standing together in front of their closest friends and family, Amanda and Codey looked every bit as regal as their surroundings deserved.
Their officiant presented them with a box of soil and shared a beautiful message about marriage, about planting the seeds of the life they want to build together, tending to what they grow, and eventually reaping what they sow. Such a simple little gesture, but such a lovely sentiment for the beginning of a marriage.
Then came their vows.
Beautiful, personal, sentimental handwritten vows.
And the tears started all over again.
Even Amanda was crying, despite insisting that she never cries!
They exchanged rings, sealed everything with a kiss, and just like that, Amanda and Codey stepped out of that historic little chapel as husband and wife.
Portraits Around Regina
We stayed on the RCMP Depot grounds for family formals before heading over to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, where we had plenty of time to have some fun with their wedding party and children before stealing the newlyweds away for portraits of their own.
Between the flowers, fountain and beautiful architecture surrounding the Legislative grounds, we certainly weren't short on gorgeous places to photograph these two.
And honestly, putting Amanda in that bridal gown beside Codey in his RCMP Red Serge made my job pretty easy. Royalty.
Once we had filled our cameras with portraits, it was time to head to the reception and celebrate!
Time to Celebrate!
I’ve photographed several weddings at the Hungarian Club over the years, but I have never seen the room look quite like this.
Amanda and Codey absolutely transformed the space. Their decor was so beautiful that the club loved it too, so much so that they actually worked out a deal with Amanda and Codey to keep some of it afterward!
The newlyweds made their grand entrance and we settled in for a delicious turkey dinner prepared by the Hungarian Club, followed by heartfelt speeches, plenty more laughter (and maybe a few more tears), desserts, and Amanda and Codey’s first dance as husband and wife.
Of course, we couldn't leave without taking full advantage of the photo booth!
Chelsey and I jumped in together for a round, and later joined Amanda and Codey for some wonderfully ridiculous keepsake photos of our own.
A huge shoutout to Oh Snap Photobooths, this booth was an absolute hit. There was a lineup practically from the moment it opened until the end of the night, and it was so much fun watching everyone get into it.
Congratulations, Amanda & Codey!
There were so many things I loved about this wedding, but what I’ll remember most are the relationships surrounding these two.
The parents and stepparents, their children, their friends and wedding party, there was so much genuine love packed into every part of this day. It was also especially lovely for me to see some familiar faces among them. Isaac and his wife Robyn are dear friends of mine, and getting to spend a little time with them while documenting such an important day for their family made this wedding that much sweeter for me personally.
Amanda and Codey, thank you for trusting Chelsey and me to capture it all.
From mimosas and emotional first looks to handwritten vows inside a 143-year-old chapel, beautiful portraits, turkey dinner and some truly excellent photo booth shenanigans, it was one incredible day.
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Vansteelandt. Here's to everything you plant, grow and build together in this next chapter. ❤️
