An Elegant Mini-Destination Wedding at Laurel Point Inn | Victoria BC Wedding Photographer
When Jessica and Ben began planning their wedding at Laurel Point Inn in Victoria BC, they knew one thing for sure: they wanted it to feel elegant, fun, and full of love. Travelling from Vancouver with their closest friends and family, they turned their celebration into a true mini-destination wedding on Vancouver Island — complete with waterfront views, city backdrops, and an atmosphere that blended elegant details with playful moments.
From a heartfelt first look at Laurel Point Inn’s garden waterfall to parasols spinning on the Parliament grounds, to the high energy dance party, every moment of their day reflected their personalities: stylish and fun-loving. Jessica had shared from the beginning that as long as “everything goes smoothly and everybody is having fun, that’s all that matters”. And that vision came to life in the film and images.
As a Victoria BC wedding photographer and filmmaker, I couldn’t help but be swept up in the energy of their day. Their wedding was proof that upscale doesn’t have to mean stiff or formal — it can be deeply personal, effortlessly elegant, and filled with authentic connection.
Destination Wedding Vancouver Island: Getting Ready at Laurel Point Inn
The day began with laughter, music and a private first look with Jessica and her bridesmaids as they got ready in matching robes. Capturing these relaxed, fun moments was a top priority for Jessica, and her bridal suite was full of that unmistakable pre-ceremony excitement. Meanwhile, Ben and his groomsmen were preparing nearby. A huge advantage for a mini-destination wedding on Vancouver Island is having the entire wedding day unfold at Laurel Point Inn. This gave the celebration a relaxed, intimate feel. Guests were able to stay on-site, making everything seamless.
A Romantic First Look by the Waterfall
Jessica and Ben chose to share their first look at Laurel Point’s garden waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of flowing water. This private moment gave them time to breathe, connect, and shake off any pre-ceremony nerves.
Wedding party photos on site at Laurel Point Inn were followed by piling into a limo and making their way downtown for portraits at Victoria’s iconic Parliament buildings. With parasols spinning and music pumping, it felt more like a dance party than a photoshoot — exactly what Jessica and Ben had envisioned.
Choosing this timeline was perfect for ensuring the day would be memorable for all their guests, and they had plenty of time to share in the celebrations with them.
Waterfront Wedding Ceremony with City Views
This Victoria BC waterfront ceremony was everything you’d hope for in a mini-destination wedding on Vancouver Island. The couple exchanged vows overlooking Laurel Point’s waterfront, with sweeping city and harbour views as their backdrop. Elegant white florals framed the ceremony. A unique and touching feature was having reserved seats “in memory of” loved ones who were no longer physically present.
The Benefits of Having a Second Shooter
One of the unique elements of Jessica and Ben’s wedding was their decision to add a second photographer. Although it’s not mandatory, most of the couples I work with love that I have a team. A second shooter gives a couple so much more variety in their final gallery by ensuring that every important moment is captured from multiple perspectives.
For example, during their ceremony and portraits, one photographer focused on the wide, cinematic view, capturing the grandeur of the backdrop, while the second photographer zoomed in on the candid, emotional details. While Jessica was getting ready with her bridesmaids, the second shooter was able to document Ben with his groomsmen so that nothing was missed.
The result? A storytelling wedding gallery that feels dynamic, complete, and filled with depth. Couples get to relive their day not just through one lens, but through a multi-layered story that truly brings the celebration to life.
Elegant Meets Playful: Reception Highlights at Laurel Point Inn
If there’s one thing that stood out at Jessica and Ben’s reception, it was the balance of elegance and fun. Some highlights included: guests were asked to sign a creative Lego-built guest book, an adorable mini ice cream cone bar, and later in the evening, a champagne tower that had everyone cheering. And no guest was excluded! Bubble wands and guns gave the perfect exit dip kiss, but also served as fun for the kids throughout the day.
Jessica and Ben went table to table after dinner to take photos with each group of guests, that turned into a joyful round of laughter and hugs.
As night fell, sparklers lit up the celebration, and Jessica changed into a chic party dress (so easy to do when your mini-destination wedding has everything all in one place!), ready to dance the night away. Their wedding was a perfect reminder that luxury doesn’t mean letting go of fun, it means elevating every detail while keeping the heart of the day authentically “you.”
Why Laurel Point Inn is a Dream Venue for a Destination Wedding Vancouver Island
For couples travelling to Vancouver Island, whether from mainland BC or other locations throughout Canada, Laurel Point Inn offers everything you need for a seamless mini-destination wedding experience. The waterfront views, upscale accommodations, and proximity to Victoria’s downtown landmarks make it an incredible venue choice for both elegance and convenience. Guests can stay on-site, enjoy a weekend getaway, and fully immerse themselves in the celebration without worrying about logistics.
As a Victoria BC Wedding Photography & Videography Team, we love capturing weddings at Laurel Point Inn because it provides a mix of modern architecture, natural beauty, and the charm of downtown Victoria just steps away.
Final Thoughts
Jessica and Ben’s wedding was the perfect reflection of who they are: deeply connected, surrounded by the friends they love most, and ready to celebrate in style. From their emotional first look to their lively wedding party photos downtown, every moment felt like a scene from a film. It was joyful, elegant, and unforgettable.
Vendors that made this come to life:
Venue & Catering: Laurel Point Inn
Photography Team: Hayley Zumkeller Photography & Videography Team
Planner: Emma from Details BC
Officiant: Andria Lee Winters
Content Creator: Your Wedding Bestie – Becky
Hair/Make-Up: The Love Team – Coco
DJ: Christ Poynter
Transportation: LA Limo
Photobooth: Mr Booth
Decor: Designer Weddings & Victoria Party Rentals
Florist: Folklore Floral
If you’re planning a wedding in Victoria, BC or dreaming of a destination wedding on Vancouver Island, we’d love to capture your day. Download our free Vancouver Island Wedding Vendor Guide to start planning with confidence, or reach out to learn more about how our team can create timeless, cinematic images and films for your celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings in Victoria BC
Yes! Victoria is one of the most popular spots in British Columbia for couples planning a mini-destination wedding.
It’s close enough for guests travelling from Vancouver or across the Island, but it feels like a true getaway thanks to its waterfront views, charming downtown, and luxury hotels.
Laurel Point Inn offers the perfect mix of elegance and convenience.
Couples can host their entire day in one location — from getting ready in the bridal suite, to a waterfront ceremony, to a ballroom reception — while guests enjoy upscale accommodations on-site. The harbour and city views also make it an incredible backdrop for wedding photography and film.
Laurel Point is ideal for high-end, elegant weddings with a modern feel.
The waterfront terrace is perfect for ceremonies, while the ballroom and reception spaces allow for both sophisticated décor and playful touches (think champagne towers, sparklers, or live entertainment).
Victoria is full of stunning photo locations.
Popular spots include the Parliament Buildings, Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, and the city’s historic architecture. Many couples also love the gardens and unique features at their venue, like Laurel Point’s waterfall.
A second shooter ensures no moment is missed and provides multiple angles of the same event.
While not every couple chooses a second photographer, it can make a big difference. Having two shooters allows for multiple angles of the same moment, which adds variety and depth to your gallery. It also means that if you and your partner are getting ready in different locations, both stories can be captured at the same time. Many couples find that having a second shooter makes their wedding photos feel more complete and cinematic, especially for larger guest counts or full-day coverage.
Guests can stay on-site at hotels like Laurel Point Inn, making it easy to combine a wedding with a mini getaway.
Most couples take the ferry or a short flight from Vancouver, then plan a full weekend celebration in Victoria. Hiring a Victoria BC wedding photographer and filmmaker who knows the area helps ensure every moment is captured beautifully.
If it feels right! Working with the same photographer (or photo & video team) across your milestone events ensures consistency in style, editing, and storytelling.
It also means you’ll feel comfortable in front of the camera, which makes your images and films more natural, emotional, and connected. Many of our couples hire us for proposals, engagements, weddings, and even family sessions later on.
Planning Your Own Mini-Destination Wedding on Vancouver Island? Here’s How We Can Help
Whether you’re planning your wedding in Victoria or Tofino, Nanimo or Quadra Island, or anywhere across Vancouver Island, our Victoria BC based Wedding photographer and videographer team offers 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
Serving couples across Victoria, Vancouver Island, and beyond — from Nanaimo to Tofino and everywhere in between.
💻 Learn more about my wedding photography + videography services: View Services
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Whether you’re planning a Victoria BC wedding, a mini-destination celebration on Vancouver Island, or a luxury elopement in Tofino, our wedding photography and videography team is here to tell your story with cinematic detail and vibrant, true-to-colour images.
