Welcome to my little corner of stories, photos, and inspiration from weddings and elopements across BC, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding West Coast. I’m Karysa, a BC and Vancouver Island wedding photographer, and here I share real love stories, intimate elopements, and the wild, beautiful moments that make every wedding unique.

Whether it’s a wedding, an engagement, a family session, or a portrait just for fun, you’ll find a mix of photography goodness here — candid, heartfelt, and full of personality from every kind of session I love to capture.

Capturing Love & Life Across Vancouver Island and BC of Past Work, Resources & More!

The Blog

Bluminessence Photography blog

Recent Posts

Nootka written on a buoy
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Hiking the Nootka Island Trail: A Complete Trip Report The Nootka Island Trail is a remote coastal trek on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Spanning approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Louie Bay to Yuquot (Friendly Cove), it’s a challenging yet rewarding adventure offering pristine beaches, rugged shorelines, and glimpses of lush […]

Nootka Island Trail: A 6 day Adventure with Thrilling Wildlife

August 29, 2024
Intimate couple on Newcastle Island in Nanimo BC
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A Nanaimo Wedding Photographer’s Experience on Newcastle Island the Night of a Storm   This was a lovely little adventure day. The weather had been great all summer long, it seemed, and this day was still a sunny one. If you’re looking for a Nanaimo Wedding Photographer for your own wedding, check out this cute […]

Nanaimo Wedding Photographer – Newcastle Island Camp Out Wedding

August 17, 2024
Sproat Lake Christmas Family Portraits
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This family was willing to go beyond a simple photoshoot. My ideas can get a little wild. They fully accepted and had their own great ideas to add! We made a campfire, drank hot chocolate, and wore Christmas sweaters. They even brought a generator to string Christmas lights in the trees. It was a fun […]

Sproat Lake Christmas Family Portraits

April 18, 2024
How to plan a stunning surprise proposal with a photographer.
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The decision to propose to your partner is a momentous one, and capturing that beautiful moment with a surprise engagement photography session makes it even more special. If you’re wondering how to plan a proposal, you’re in the right place. Planning a surprise proposal with a photographer lets you relive it over and over again, […]

How to Plan a Proposal with a Photographer (Keeping the Surprise)

April 12, 2024
Why buying Prints From Your Photographer is a Must!
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Turn Digital Memories into Timeless Treasures So, imagine this: you’ve just had an incredible photoshoot—whether it’s your elopement on Vancouver Island, a romantic adventure session, or a milestone moment in your life. Your photographer has captured stunning, emotion-filled images that truly tell your story. But what happens next? Too often, those cherished photos remain trapped […]

Why buying Prints From Your Photographer is a Must!

April 12, 2024
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Hiking the West Coast Trail: A Complete Trip Report The West Coast Trail is one of Vancouver Island’s most iconic hikes, offering a rugged and rewarding adventure along 75 kilometers of remote coastline. Originally built as a life-saving route for shipwreck survivors, the trail is now a bucket-list destination for hikers seeking dramatic ocean views, […]

West Coast Trail Trip Report: A 6-Day Adventure Along Vancouver Island’s Rugged Coastline

March 28, 2024
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What Does Eloping Actually Mean? You’ve probably heard people say “elopement” and picture running off in secret to a courthouse somewhere. Historically, that’s true—elopements were small, sneaky ceremonies without family or fanfare. But modern elopements have totally redefined the term. Today, eloping is all about intention, intimacy, and freedom. It’s choosing to design a wedding […]

What Is an Elopement? (And Why So Many Couples Are Choosing This Path)

March 14, 2024
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 Hiking the North Coast Trail: A Complete Trip Report   The North Coast Trail is one of Vancouver Island’s most rugged and remote hikes. It offers a challenging and rewarding adventure along 43 kilometers of wild coastline leading into Cape Scott, which tacks on another 38 kilometers of exploring. Known for its dramatic landscapes, this […]

North Coast Trail Hike: 2.5 Adventures on Vancouver Island

January 29, 2024
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Are you looking for an epic couples adventure? Spend some time connecting with nature among the rugged landscapes of Vancouver Island for your engagement or elopement.

Elevate to a unique experience with your photographer and guide with Bluminessence Photography.