This summer camp wedding at Camp Elphinstone on Gibsons Island just off Vancouver is anything but traditional. Just because there’s a “typical” way that weddings are often seen done, doesn’t mean that resonates with everyone and doesn’t leave much room for a unique or personalized day.
Camilla and Shane felt this way when planning their wedding, and although they included some of those classic elements you see at a wedding, the details of their summer camp wedding were anything but ordinary. From a dress that’s not white, to doing archery in their wedding gear, to the bride playing the drums with the live band for a song during the evening party, this wedding is one that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Just a 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay is a small island host to this unique summer camp doubling as a wedding venue. It features lodges and cabins for guests to stay in, as well as a few extra large rooms for getting ready, which is where I met up with Camilla and her bridal party putting on their final touches.
Dresses on, we made our way down to their ceremony location, snagging a car ride down. The bridal party lined up in anticipation for Camilla’s arrival. Finally, she arrived and met Shane at the end of the aisle, standing in front a gorgeous backdrop of ocean, trees, and mountains. They said their vows, signed the papers, and made it official with a kiss.
Immediately following the ceremony, we took some family photos and headed off with the bride, groom, and bridal party for some of the most epic photos. The entire party hopped into a giant canoe, no questions asked, and posed for a few photos. We then lined up on the docks, and went exploring around the property for a few more. Of course, stopping along the way to get some stunning photos of the couple in their non-traditional wedding attire.
We finished off in the forest at the camp’s archery station, where the couple took a few minutes to shoot some arrows of their own. We split for a break, and got ready for the reception entrance.
The bridal party, followed by Camilla and Shane, danced their way into the reception, where their hilarious MC’s greeted everyone and laid out some ground rules. Dinner was next, followed up by some touching and humorous speeches, a thank you from the bride and groom, and a cake cutting.
This led into a first dance and the dancing part of the night. Previously having been in a band together, the groom, a few groomsmen, and other guests took the stage to perform a set (live music is definitely a must-do at your wedding reception)! Camilla surprised everyone by taking the stage on drums for one song at the end.
Camp Elphinstone is the perfect wedding venue for couples who want a unique venue, somewhere for their guests to stay, and who want to make their wedding an entire weekend celebration. A summer camp wedding is for you if you love the outdoors and want to channel your inner child for a day full of fun.
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