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Magical Wedding at Rowena’s on the River

May 27, 2025
Featured  ·  Photography  ·  Wedding

From Storm to Sunshine 

What started as a day filled with unexpected challenges turned into one of the most unforgettable weddings we’ve ever photographed at Rowena’s on the River at Sandpiper Resort in Harrison Mills, BC. Hayley & Peter’s wedding was the perfect example of how love, resilience and a touch of magic can transform even the stormiest of mornings into a celebration overflowing with joy.

Their wedding day began with a curveball—literally. On the drive to the venue, Peter and Hayley’s brother were involved in a minor car accident. Thankfully, everyone was okay, but the stress and worry naturally set in. And as if that wasn’t enough, the skies opened up and the picturesque riverside venue was soaked in a relentless downpour.

With the dream of an outdoor forest ceremony on the line, we started exploring a Plan B. Moving everything under cover was an option, but Hayley had always envisioned exchanging vows beneath the towering treetops of Rowena’s. And with a little patience, some teamwork, and a whole lot of heart, we made it happen.

One of the most touching moments was Hayley’s walk down the aisle. To keep her dress clean and dry, all of the guests—and Peter—stood facing away as she made her way to the end of the aisle holding her gown high above the damp ground. Once she was fluffed and prepped beneath the canopy of trees, everyone turned to see her at once. That shared gasp, the emotional smiles, the tears—it was nothing short of magic.

 

And then, just when we thought the day couldn’t get more magical, a rainbow appeared in the sky during the ceremony. A perfect, unexpected symbol of hope and new beginnings.

Despite the rocky start, Hayley & Peter’s wedding was full of warmth, love and laughter. Set against the lush forest and river views of Sandpiper Golf Course wedding venue, their ceremony reminded everyone present of the beauty that comes from weathering life’s storms together.

Bride putting her shoes on for her wedding day
Bride putting her earrings on before walking down the ailse
Bride smiling as she gets makeup done in natural light at Rowena’s on the River bridal suite
Detail shot of lace wedding gown hanging in window at Sandpiper Golf Course venue
Bride popping champagne when the sun started shining through the rain clouds
Candid moment of bride preparing for the day, surrounded by quiet anticipation
Bride looking at the venue before getting her dress on
Mens morning preparing for his wedding day
Grooms thoughtful moment of how the wedding day will commence
Groom tying his shoes for his wedding day
Mens details before his wedding day
Grooms sharing a drink with his boys before wedding
Couple exchanging vows with emotional expressions and joyful tears
Wide angle of ceremony setup at Rowena’s on the River with mountains and water behind
Every big and quiet moment, held with care.
Wide angle of ceremony setup at Rowena’s on the River with mountains and water behind
Couple exchanging vows with emotional expressions and joyful tears
The kiss—newlyweds sealing their vows against stunning BC backdrop
Bride and groom walking back down the aisle hand-in-hand as newlyweds
Bridal party lined up with forested Fraser Valley views behind them at Sandpiper Golf Course
Bridesmaids laughing and holding bouquets in elegant mismatched dresses
Bridesmaids laughing and holding bouquets in elegant mismatched dresses
Bride and groom holding hands with details of the wedding dress
Romantic outdoor wedding ceremony at Rowena's on the River with mountain backdrop in Fraser Valley
Classic portrait of bride holding bouquet with mountains softly blurred in background
Bride and groom holding each other along the riverbank with soft sunset light
Fun bridal party dancing together across riverside lawn at Rowena’s venue
Fun bridal party dancing together across riverside lawn at Rowena’s venue
Romantic close-up of couple with heads together framed by tall grasses and golden glow
Bride looking over shoulder with train flowing behind her in Fraser Valley setting
Bride and groom in front of Rowenas on the rivers house
Laughing candid of bride and groom walking hand-in-hand on riverside path
Elegant close-up of couple’s hands intertwined with wedding bands visible
Groom spinning bride in flowing dress during golden hour at Sandpiper Golf Course

Planning a Wedding at Rowena’s on the River?

Rowena’s on the River is one of the most breathtaking outdoor wedding venues in the Fraser Valley. Nestled along the Harrison River with views of the mountains and forests, it offers a truly serene and romantic setting—rain or shine.

Whether you’re envisioning a spring elopement under the trees or a full summer wedding surrounded by loved ones, this venue offers incredible versatility and beauty no matter the weather.


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Pro tip for your wedding day: build in a little ti Pro tip for your wedding day: build in a little time just for the two of you.
No cameras, no expectations—just a quiet moment to breathe it all in.

Sarah and David did exactly that. They slipped away from the bustle, stood hand in hand overlooking their ceremony site, and let the day sink in. The view, the calm, the love—it was everything.

Because sometimes the best part of your wedding isn’t the big celebration, it’s the quiet space in between where you realize... this is your forever.
Missing evenings like this… Paige, the ocean bre Missing evenings like this… Paige, the ocean breeze, and that golden sunset glow. There’s something about those warm, fleeting moments that stay with you long after the sun has set.
There’s something about the mountains at golden There’s something about the mountains at golden hour that makes every bridal moment feel epic. Sam and Dino brought the perfect mix of romance and connection to this mountain-side session—proof that bridal portraits don’t have to be just about the dress, but about the story, the connection, and the moments in between.

Content day with@katepatersonphotography 
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Golden hour has a way of making everything feel a Golden hour has a way of making everything feel a little more magical, and this evening with Steph and Stefan was no exception.
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Leaving their boys at home, they spent the evening soaking in the meadow, laughing, connecting, and fully embracing just their relationship.
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Moments like these—soft light, genuine smiles, and the quiet joy of being together—are exactly why I love what I do. It’s all about capturing the sparks that make your love story uniquely yours.

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