They met in Winnipeg in the fall of 2017, at the Salvation Army Training College in which they were both enrolled. Even before they realized it, their classmates saw a spark between Kassie (who’s from Ontario) and Josh (who’s from BC).
Over Christmas 2017, the pair began to talk more. They discovered their mutual love of books (Tolkien, anyone?), donuts, and tea and throughout their courtship, the word “Always” became a central theme. By the June 2018, they were engaged and began planning their wedding as they continued working towards their Salvation Army ordination. Though their choice of wedding date was ambitious in its own way – coming just two days after the scheduled ordination ceremony in BC – it made sense, since their families would already be in BC to celebrate with them.
Having built their relationship on the firm foundation of Jesus, Kassie + Josh promised one another ALWAYS in a beautiful ceremony at Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby on a perfectly beautiful Monday in June. That may seem like an unconventional wedding day choice but when your ordination ceremony is on the Saturday and everyone’s here to celebrate, you do what works!
Kassie and her bridesmaids got ready (along with her family) in a home they rented for their stay. I loved that they chose neutral dresses that allowed the gorgeous florals to really pop. For her something old, Kassie wore her grandmother’s engagement ring, since her grandma wasn’t able to travel out for the wedding. And she spiffed up her adorable shoes (thrifted! a woman after my own heart, ha ha!) with little bows that matched the fabric of Josh’s bowtie. Josh chose a sharp bespoke suit with the words J + K Always embroidered inside the jacket front. So sweet!
They put their personal stamp on both the wedding and reception venues with touches like stacks of books, a tea bar, and of course, a selection of Cartems donuts. After cutting their elegant cake (made by Kassie’s mom!), Kassie + Josh shared their first dance as husband and wife, with Kassie kicking off her shoes and stepping onto Josh’s size-fourteens for a few spins around the dance floor. And when you see Kassie’s dad’s reaction to the father-daughter dance, let’s just say you’ll need a tissue. I know I did!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t give my sweet friend Amanda Haggett a shout out…she’s the one who sent Kassie + Josh my way. Amanda, I don’t know how you knew I’d be a good fit for this sweet couple, but you sure did. And I’m so so so so so thankful!
Kassie + Josh, it was a blessing to capture your wedding day memories! Here are just a few of my faves from your day!
Vendors
Photographer: Wendy Lees Photo | Bride’s and Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal | Bride’s and Groom’s shoes: thrifted | Groom’s and Groomsmen’s attire: Eph Apparel | Rings: Simon Imports | Florals: Budget Blooms | Church: Salvation Army Cariboo Hill Temple | Reception Venue: Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion | Caterer: Just Right Catering | Cake: Bride’s mom | Donuts: Cartems | Second photographer: my amazingly talented friend Nelson Bergen
