No matter how much you plan, the morning of a wedding can be a little chaotic. But for Danica, it was pretty smooth sailing. As she got ready, her thoughts drifted to her betrothed, Derek, wanting to see him. She found her thoughts curious about what Derek was doing and what the atmosphere was like at his parents’ house, as he got ready. Danica got ready at her & Derek’s house, with her sister and cousins, who all buzzed about, gushing over the beautiful bride, and adjusting every last detail.

Danica’s family helped her with everything she needed. As things came up, they jumped in to handle it for her. Everything from steaming her veil, arranging the last-minute decor items for the ceremony, and helping her to choose her jewelry when she couldn’t decide. When she was in her dress, they all took turns doing up her dress buttons. It was such a special moment to see each of Danica’s female family members have a literal hand in her final preparations.

Just a few blocks away, Derek was calm and excited. His morning had been smooth and relaxing, starting his day with a coffee, courtesy of his thoughtful siblings. His family helped him get ready, ensuring that his suit and his hair looked good. As he finalized his wedding day look, Derek’s thoughts began swirling with excitement to see Danica in her wedding dress.

As the guests sat inside the main event room at Crave, Derek entered, walking swiftly to the front of the room. He stood, looking toward the back of the room, hands nervously wringing, as the doors swung open. Derek beamed as he marvelled at how incredibly beautiful she was. The lighting in the room was dim, but the light streaming in behind her gave Danica an almost angelic glow as she floated down the aisle toward him.

Danica, escorted by her grandfather, met Derek’s eyes as she thought, “Look at my handsome man!” All of the nerves of having everyone watch her make her entrance instantly vanished. Once she had her eyes on Derek, she was locked into his gaze and immediately calm.

As they exchanged their vows, Derek & Danica were each enamoured with the other. Derek couldn’t stop admiring her incredible beauty through the ceremony, feeling as though they were the only two people in the room, even with a room full of people onlooking.

After the ceremony, we got to spend a good amount of time photographing Derek & Danica around Les Sherman Park, Wascana Marina, and the TC Douglas building. We loved having the luxury of time to capture so many photos for them and around some of our favourite spots! And these two were so much fun and so easy to work with. Even though this was the first time we photographed them, our connection with them felt so natural, and in front of the camera, they were perfectly connected, which made it nearly impossible not to capture some amazing images.

Our favourite part of our time with them was their private vows they chose to share. During their ceremony, Derek & Danica completed their civil vows in front of their friends and family, but chose to keep the content of these private vows just for each other. This was such an intimate and meaningful time for each of them, one that they will never forget. And, one that was so impactful for them, that they would recommend all engaged couples consider. And we would agree! This was such a precious time for us to experience and to photograph. It was absolutely beautiful!

Derek & Danica, we had so much fun with you and your beautiful family. It is so clear to see how you are such amazing people, after meeting the people you’re surrounded with. Your wedding day was full of so much love, and we have no doubt that your marriage will grow from this beautiful foundation. We wish you the richest of life’s blessings as you begin your journey as husband and wife, enjoying your beautiful home and the life you will build together.

xoxo

Cam & Courtney

{ Derek & Danica – Summer Wedding 2025 }

Wedding Vendors

Makeup: Sam Tran
Bride’s Dress: W Bridals | Justin Alexander
Groom’s Suit: Colin O’Brian
Wedding Ring: Peoples Jewellers
Flowers: Wascana Flower Shoppe
Ceremony Venue: Crave Kitchen + Wine Bar
Officiant: Vanessa Arrojado The Knotary