Rachel Baskin
- Jul 4, 2022
- 4 min read

Jeff & Janelle | Destination elopement at Oak, Estate Winery in Summerland, BC.

When Janelle first reached out to me back in February regarding her intimate, destination elopement at Oak Estate Winery in Summerland, BC - my interest immediately got piqued and I couldn't wait to hear more about their plans to elope in the Okanagan! When Janelle's inquiry landed in my inbox, I immediately responded to her because I was curious to hear more about what she had in mind for her big day and we had the best chat! I got to hear all about how Jeff proposed and why they decided on a summer elopement in the Okanagan. By the end of the conversation, I knew that I had just spoken with my next Baskin Creative Bride and I couldn't wait to capture the most beautiful images of their special day! Fast forward to Friday, June 24th, every day 2022 and it was the perfect weather for a beautiful and intimate summer wedding in the Okanagan! The weather had been miserable, wet, and gray - all day, every day, for several days - leading up to the day of the wedding and, I was secretly dreading that the day of the wedding would be no better. The weather cooperating was a big deal for me on many levels! For starters, my couple traveled from far away in order to enjoy the magnificent and scenic views that the luxury wedding venue, Oak Estate Winery has to offer. In my mind, nothing could be worse for them than traveling all the way from "Friendly Manitoba" and not seeing the breathtaking beauty that the Okanagan landscape is known for - especially on their wedding day! The next reason why the weather had to cooperate was that Jeff and Janelle were eloping - and they literally told NO ONE! Friends and family back home were completely oblivious to the fact that these two lovebirds were tying the knot, so, it was imperative to me that we had a gorgeous, sunny wedding day so that my sweet couple would have the most amazing experience that will live forever their timelessly beautiful wedding images! Well, God heard my prayers and answered because we couldn't have had a more beautiful day! The weather was just perfect - not too hot and not too mild - and mountains were out in all of their majestic glory, and the grounds were lush, green, and vibrant - both of which served as the perfect backdrop for the perfect couple pledging their life and love to each other!! The day couldn't have been more perfect!! Jeff and Janelle, thank you so much for having me share in your special day! Meeting you, hearing your story, and getting to know you both was such a wonderful experience for me and I am so honoured to have stood by your side on an occasion as special and as intimate as this - I loved every moment! I wish you both all of the happiness in the world! I pray that your days together be filled with a deep love that will stand the test of time and may you both live happily ever after!!

Oak Estate Winery - where the magic of Jeff and Janelle's elopement took place!

I love taking getting-ready photos! It's fun to capture all of the special little details that make the day so special!

Jeff and the breathtaking view he got to soak up while waiting to turn around and take a look at his beautiful bride!

And here she comes! Just look at her! Isn't she a vision!!

The first look! It will get you every time!!

Becoming Mr. and Mrs. Gross!

The joy and celebration of their love!

If you are getting married, then I cannot recommend Janik Livera of Vancouver Officiant enough! From the second I met him, I could sense that he is a genuine and authentic person who truly cares for and is there for his couples! Janik serves his couples with grace and the highest level of professionalism. Working with him as another vendor at the wedding was such a breeze and by the end of our time together, I felt like I was working with a dear, old friend! I sincerely hope that our paths cross again soon! Janik, you're the best!

And just when you think they couldn't get any cuter, Janelle surprised Jeff with a first dance! They slow danced to Kina Grannis' rendition of the song "Can't Help Falling In Love" and it was really beautiful!

One of my favourite parts of every wedding that I have the privilege of working on is when it's time to capture the just married bridal portraits with just my Baskin Creative Couple at sunset! The light is perfect, the couple is full of love, and excitement and they are eager to savour their first few moments alone as newlyweds. This combination always leads to creating the most magical and dreamy images that will remain forever classic and elegant! I LOVE how their portraits turned out!!

A beautiful Okanagan sunset... An intimate and elegant charcuterie picnic for two... Excellent wine while in the company of the one you love... I'd say these two have hit the jackpot!!