If you're searching for a Gulf Islands wedding venue, Brayden and Lara's wedding at The Tides Cottages on Pender Island is one you'll want to see. As a Vancouver wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of documenting weddings all over the province, and every once in a while, a wedding day reminds me exactly why I fell in love with this career. This is a real wedding, filled with genuine moments, thoughtful details, and the kind of connection you simply can't stage. If you're dreaming of an intimate West Coast celebration, I really think you're going to fall in love with this one.
From High School Friends to Husband and Wife
Every wedding day begins with a story, and Brayden and Lara's started years before they ever became a couple.
The two met in high school, where they were simply friends. It wasn't until university that their friendship slowly turned into something more, and together they built a relationship around life's simple joys. They love wandering new trails around Vancouver Island, discovering quiet beaches, packing picnics, and spending afternoons reading beside the ocean.
Brayden actually carried Lara's engagement ring around for months before finding the perfect opportunity to propose. After attending her niece's second birthday party, they headed to The Gorge for what Lara assumed would be an afternoon swim.
Instead, Brayden suggested they sit and read together first.
While sitting behind her, he shared everything that had brought him to that moment before asking her to turn around. When she did, he was already on one knee.
She said yes, obviously.
Moments later they spotted a baby seal swimming nearby before calling their families to share the news. Honestly, I can't imagine a proposal that feels more perfectly West Coast.
This Is Why They Chose The Tides Cottages
The first time Brayden and Lara visited The Tides Cottages, they immediately knew it was somewhere they wanted to return.
Perched along the shoreline of Pender Island, the property has an undeniable charm. Colourful gardens surround quaint seaside cottages, the ocean stretches into the distance, surrounded by peaceful forest, and ferries quietly glide across the water throughout the day. It's peaceful, intimate, and feels wonderfully removed from the pace of everyday life without being to difficult for guests to reach.
For couples looking for a Gulf Islands wedding venue, it's easy to understand the appeal. You get the beauty of an island destination wedding while remaining accessible from the mainland, making it an ideal choice for couples who want their guests to enjoy a weekend away together.
A Spring Wedding That Felt Almost Too Perfect
When Lara first told me they had chosen an April wedding on Pender Island, I'll admit I packed extra rain gear.
If you've lived in British Columbia for any length of time, you know April can be unpredictable, especially in the Gulf Islands.
Instead, we were given one of those rare spring days that photographers dream about, well... at least I do. The temperature climbed to an incredible 25 degrees, the sky stayed brilliantly blue, and every flowering tree seemed to burst into bloom all at once. Everywhere we looked, vibrant blossoms and fresh spring greenery surrounded us, perfectly complementing the wedding's green and blush colour palette. It honestly felt like spring had decided to show off.
The Sweetest First Look Overlooking the Ocean
I'm a complete sucker for a first look.
Not because they're trendy, but because they create one of the only quiet moments couples get to share together before the excitement of the day begins.
Brayden waited patiently on the patio overlooking the ocean while Lara made her way toward him.
As he turned around, the biggest smile spread across his face.
There were no elaborate reactions or dramatic gestures. Just two people taking a deep breath together, laughing through happy tears, and soaking in the fact that after years of friendship, adventures, and growing together, this was finally the day they'd become husband and wife.
Those quiet moments always become some of my favourites to photograph because they aren't performed for anyone else.
They're simply real.
A Beautiful Ceremony Filled with Sunshine and Spring Colour
The ceremony itself reflected everything the day had become bright, joyful, and incredibly peaceful.
With the ocean nearby and gardens blooming in every direction, it almost felt as though nature had become part of the décor. Their wedding party wore soft greens and light neutrals that blended beautifully into the surrounding landscape rather than competing with it.
Sometimes couples spend months trying to create the perfect wedding palette.
Brayden and Lara simply chose colours that reflected the season, allowing the venue itself to become part of the design.
The Speech Nobody Saw Coming
Some of the most meaningful moments on a wedding day are never listed on the timeline. During the reception, Lara's grandfather unexpectedly stood to give a speech. Nobody knew it was coming.
Within moments there wasn't a dry eye in the room. As a photographer, those are the moments I find myself quietly watching just as much as photographing. It's the way someone reaches for a parent's hand. The tears they're trying not to wipe away. The laughter that follows an emotional moment. Those are the memories that become priceless years from now.
A Cake Cutting That Perfectly Captured Who They Are
If I had to choose one moment that perfectly summed up Brayden and Lara's personalities, it would probably be the cake cutting.
They are both fairly type A but this moment allowed them to really slow down, be present, and be silly.
The dessert display was one of my favourite details. Alongside a small wedding cake sat cupcakes, cookies, and plenty of sweet treats for everyone to enjoy. As golden hour settled across the property, we suddenly realized we had forgotten one tiny detail. There wasn't a serving knife. Or plates. Or utensils. Instead of letting it become a problem, they leaned into it and laughed. They cut the cake with the only knife we could find, fed each other with their hands, and before long everyone was happily grabbing pieces of cake however they could. It was messy. It was funny. It was completely unplanned. And somehow it became one of the most memorable moments of the entire celebration. I always tell my couples that your favourite memories probably won't be the ones you planned down to the minute. They'll be the little surprises that remind you that your wedding wasn't meant to be perfect, it was meant to be yours.
Four Insider Tips For Planning a Wedding at The Tides Cottages
1. Make a Weekend Out of Your Gulf Islands Wedding
One of the biggest advantages of choosing The Tides Cottages as your Gulf Islands wedding venue is that your guests don't have to rush home after the reception. Encourage everyone to arrive the day before, explore Pender Island, and stay the weekend in their cozy cottages. The relaxed pace is part of what makes getting married here so special, and it gives you more quality time with the people you love.
2. Plan Your Timeline Around the Ferry (Without Letting It Stress You)
Because Pender Island is ferry-accessible, I always recommend sharing ferry schedules with guests several months in advance and encouraging reservations during peak season. If possible, arrive the day before your wedding so you're able to settle in, enjoy the property, and wake up feeling relaxed instead of watching the clock.
3. Don't Skip Golden Hour Portraits
To be frank, I don’t even like golden hour… there, I said it. Orange is my least favourite colour and when both of my clients are red-heads it usually doesn't work very well, in my opinion anyways. However, the waterfront at The Tides Cottages absolutely comes alive during the last hour before sunset. The warm light reflecting off the ocean creates some of the most beautiful portraits of the entire day. I would recommend setting aside 15 - 20 minutes after dinner so you can sneak away together while your guests enjoy dessert and conversation.
4. Let the Venue's Natural Beauty Do the Heavy Lifting
One of my favourite things about The Tides Cottages is that it doesn't need to be overdecorated. Between the ocean views, blooming gardens, mature trees, and charming cottages, the venue already feels incredibly romantic. Instead of filling every corner with décor, invest in beautiful florals and thoughtful personal touches that complement the landscape rather than compete with it.
Is The Tides Cottages the Right Gulf Islands Wedding Venue for You?
If you're dreaming of exchanging vows surrounded by ocean views, colourful gardens, peaceful cottages, and the relaxed pace that makes island life so special, I genuinely think The Tides Cottages deserves a spot on your venue list. As a Gulf Islands wedding venue, it offers something that's becoming harder to find: a space that feels intimate without sacrificing beautiful scenery. Whether you're planning a small celebration with your closest family or a weekend wedding where guests can truly unwind together, it's the kind of place that encourages everyone to slow down and simply enjoy being together.
Planning Your Own Gulf Islands Wedding?
Whether you're getting married at The Tides Cottages, another Gulf Islands wedding venue, or somewhere else in beautiful British Columbia, my goal is always the same, to tell your story honestly, beautifully, and in a way that lets you relive not just how your wedding looked, but exactly how it felt. If you connect with candid storytelling, gentle guidance, and photography that captures the quiet moments just as intentionally as the big ones, I'd love to hear what you're planning. Reach out and tell me about your wedding day, I can't wait to hear your story.
The Team
Photography: Kristina Harnett
Venue: The Tides Cottages
Planner: Across The Watters Planning
Florals: Folklore Florals
Florals: Rock Rose Florals
Catering: Raving Raven Catering
Cake: Darling Cake Co
