Vancouver Island Wedding Videography :: C&J {Prestige Oceanfront Resort, Sooke, BC}

Claire and Jesse’s September wedding was a first for me- their bridal party schemed and planned and invited me to the wedding- as their surprise videographer! Now, being an actual surprise is a little nerve wracking itself- but did I mention that Claire and her maid of honor Lynda are my peers in the wedding industry? Lynda and Claire run the fabulous local floral company Chocolate Lily Floral Design.

Filming a wedding when you’ve never met the couple is a little different, but Claire and Jesse welcomed me with open arms and are two of the sweetest, funniest people around!

As expected, Claire and Jesse’s wedding featured dozens of gorgeous flower arrangements, put together by the girls and their flower team. The ceremony and reception were held at the Best Western Premier Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke, BC. While the day may have been the windiest, rainiest day of the whole year- causing the original ceremony spot to be moved- everyone had high spirits. At the end of the night, I complimented Claire for being radiant and happy the whole day, even though it poured and poured. Claire said, “I didn’t care, I just wanted to marry Jesse.”

Screenshots by Cassie O’Neil Cinematography

Claire was a stunning bride, with a custom hairpiece designed by maid of honor Lynda (of Lynda Marie Couture Millinery) and an incredible intricately designed dress from The Bridal Gallery.

Ashley and Brandon Photography are a local husband and wife photography team, who also go way back with Jesse. Ashley and Brandon were so great to work with- two of the sweetest and most talented photographers I’ve had the pleasure of working beside! Check out Claire and Jesse’s engagement session on their blog.

As Lynda mentions in the video, she may be one of the reasons Claire and Jesse are husband and wife today. Jesse was a childhood friend, and Claire a fellow florist. One momentous night they met on a couch during a girl’s night at Lynda’s place (crashed by Jesse), and the rest is history. What they didn’t know is that Lynda would actually have this couch carried into the wedding reception- a seat for Jesse and Claire to enjoy speeches from their friends and family. Props to Lynda for this original idea and hilarious moment.

I wish Claire and Jesse a bright future with many laughs!