Tofino Wedding Video | Crystal Cove Resort at Chesterman Beach | Wedding Photography & Videography
Not every love story needs a big guest list. Some of the most powerful weddings we capture as a Tofino wedding photographer and videographer are the intimate ones—the ones where every single person present has played a part in the couple’s journey.
That’s exactly what Traci and Brett’s Chesterman Beach wedding was all about. After 17 years together, they brought just their closest people—kids, partners, and a brand new granddaughter—to the west coast to celebrate a love that’s been steady and always full of laughter.
This was a wedding built on intention. It was heartfelt, beachy, and beautifully simple. And it was unforgettable.
Tofino BC Wedding Film
Getting Ready at Crystal Cove Beach Resort
Traci and Brett spent the day at Crystal Cove Beach Resort, tucked into cozy beachfront cabins just steps from the sand.
Each of them got ready separately, but always within reach. Traci spent time with her daughter Ellen and her baby girl, and her soon-to-be-daughter-in-law —getting ready together. Brett shared laughs with his son and his son-in-law. The whole day felt like a gentle exhale.
As a Tofino Wedding Videographer and Wedding Photographer Team, we had two cameras rolling—one capturing the bridal moments and one outside, documenting the energy of the morning, and the beach setting itself. Every angle mattered, and we wanted them to be able to relive it all.
A First Look with Music & Meaning
Instead of meeting at the altar, Brett and Traci had their first look just below the cabin steps, as a local guitarist played the bride down the path. It was quiet and deeply moving. No big reveal—just a walk toward one another, hand-in-hand, ready for this next chapter.
From there, they walked side by side to their ceremony site in a little cove on Chesterman Beach, surrounded by driftwood, ocean mist, and the people who mean the most to them.
A Ceremony for the Soul | Chesterman Beach Wedding
Their ceremony was deeply emotional. The officiant told the story of their relationship—how they met, how they grew together, and how they’ve built a life that centers around love, laughter, and family.
There were tears. There was laughter. And there were so many moments that hit you right in the heart.
“My favorite memory?” Brett said later during his interview. “It was at the John Mellencamp concert… there was just something in that moment. I felt incredibly present. I just started crying in the middle of the crowd and thought, ‘I’m in this for life.’”
This wasn’t a wedding for show. It was for them, and it was for their family. Their baby granddaughter played in the sand while they said their vows. Their daughter and son spoke about the kind of love their parents modeled.
As their son said, “True love isn’t always perfect, but they have each other’s backs always.”
And that? That’s the kind of love that makes a Tofino wedding video really matter.
Champagne, Family Photos, and Bike Rides on the Beach
After the ceremony, the whole family shared a champagne toast on the beach. It was relaxed and joy-filled. We captured portraits with their kids and partners, and then let the day flow into more candid moments—smiles, toasts, hugs, and stories.
Then came one of our favorite parts: the bike ride.
Every summer, Traci and Brett ride beach cruisers along Chesterman Beach. So naturally, we included it in their wedding day. Traci hopped on the handlebars while Brett pedaled along the shoreline, the ocean breeze catching her dress as they laughed the whole way.
We ran beside them with cameras, filming every second of joy and movement. If you’re looking for the definition of connection, it’s this—two people who still want to play, still want to share adventure, and still look at each other like it’s year one.
Sunset Dinner in Tofino & Golden Hour Vows
Dinner took place at Browns Social House in Tofino, right by the beach. They sat by the fire, exchanged cards and gifts, and toasted the life they’ve built together.
“My dad is such a good man,” said their son. “There’s no amount of words to thank him for what he’s given me.”
We sent up the drone to capture the coastline during golden hour, and the footage will give you chills. Soft pink skies, silhouettes of their family walking along the beach—it was like watching a memory happen in real time.
Cake on the Beach & Final Sunset Moments
Back at Crystal Cove, they ended the night with a cake cutting on the beach. Then, just before the sun dipped below the horizon, we pulled them aside one last time.
We filmed them in their cove, sharing the story of their relationship and what this day meant.
“She taught me what true love was,” Brett said, voice cracking.
Traci smiled through tears. “We always start every day with a coffee and a kiss, and we end it the same way—no matter what.”
That moment is the heartbeat of their Tofino wedding video. It’s raw and real and filled with the kind of love you hope to grow into someday.
Why We Loved Filming This Tofino Wedding
Weddings like this are why we do what we do. This Chesterman Beach wedding was everything—quiet, joyful, deeply emotional, and beautifully simple. It was proof that love doesn’t need an audience to be unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning an elopement, an intimate family celebration, or a full weekend wedding on the coast, we’d be honored to capture it.
We specialize in Tofino wedding photography and Tofino wedding videography that feels timeless, cinematic, and honest—so you can remember the day exactly as it felt.
Tofino BC Wedding Vendors That Made It Happen
Wedding Photographer: Hayley Zumkeller Photography
Wedding Videographer: Hayley Zumkeller Photography’s Team
Bridal Makeup: Knot Artistry
Resort: Crystal Cove Resort
FAQ’s About Tofino BC Weddings
Q1: Do I need a permit to get married on Chesterman Beach?
A: For small, low-impact ceremonies like this one, a permit may not be required—but it’s always best to contact the District of Tofino or Parks Canada depending on the beach location. As a Tofino wedding photographer and videographer, I’m happy to guide couples through this.
Q2: When is the best time to have a wedding in Tofino?
A: Late spring to early fall (May through September) offers the best weather for Tofino beach weddings. Summer gives you the warmest temperatures, gorgeous sunsets, and a higher chance of dry skies. But at the same time, August is typically called ‘Fog-ust’ beacuse it can be extremely foggy in August. Your safest bet to ditch the rain is in July.
Q3: What’s the best way to include your family in a Tofino elopement or micro-wedding?
A: Many couples choose intimate venues like Crystal Cove or beachside cabins to keep things relaxed and personal. Family members can witness the ceremony, share a private dinner, and be part of interviews for your Tofino wedding video—just like Traci and Brett did.
Q4: What makes Chesterman Beach a popular wedding location?
A: Chesterman Beach is known for its wide sandy shoreline, epic west coast sunsets, and secluded coves—perfect for romantic vows or candid portraits. It’s one of the most photogenic spots for Tofino wedding photography and video.
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Planning a Wedding in Tofino BC or on Vancouver Island?
Whether you’re planning a wedding in Nanaimo, Victoria, Tofino, or anywhere across Vancouver Island, we offer full-service wedding photography and videography. Our approach is documentary-style with a cinematic flair—meant to make you feel the day again every time you look back.
We help you:
- Feel confident and calm in front of the camera
- Plan a seamless timeline so your day flows effortlessly
- Capture both the big emotions and the little, fleeting moments
Ready to Book Your Wedding Photographer or Videographer?
We’d love to hear about your vision.
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Whether you’re eloping by the ocean or planning a full weekend celebration, we’ll be there to tell the story exactly as it felt. Let’s do this!
