There’s something extra special about photographing couples who invite you into their full story — not just the “just us” love story, but the big, beautiful life they’ve built together. That’s exactly what Erica and Andrew did when they turned their engagement session into a family session with the kids.

These two met the modern way — a little swipe, a lot of connection — and 5.5 years later, they’re prepping to tie the knot in sunny Mexico (and yes, I do get to join them, and yes, I am already packing sunscreen and memory cards). But before they say “I do” on the sand, we captured their love right here in the salty breeze of Vancouver Island.

And can we just take a second for the proposal story? During a cozy family getaway to Victoria, Andrew popped the question in their hotel suite overlooking the harbour. The best part? The kids were in on it the whole time — and somehow managed not to spill the beans for weeks. That’s true love and next-level secret-keeping.

What I loved most about this session was how grounded and natural everything felt. Erica and Andrew are warm, genuine, full of laughs, and totally at ease with each other.

We spent the afternoon in the sand, soaking in the April sun and capturing images that blend romance, real life, and the kind of connection that only grows stronger with time. Whether it was the quiet moments between just the two of them or the goofy, joy-filled shots of the whole crew — these photos tell the story of a love that feels like home and an exciting adventure.

Next stop? A beach wedding in Mexico — where we’ll swap Vancouver Island’s driftwood for palm trees, but keep the same heart-forward storytelling and celebration of love.