Mandi + Cody | Neck Point Park, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Engagement

When Mandi inquired about me photographing her and Cody’s wedding this April in Nanaimo, B.C., I remembered them from high school and how they were dating back then. I thought how adorable it was they were high school sweethearts getting married. What I didn’t realize was Mandi and Cody have known each other since elementary school! Yeah, their love story goes waaaaaay back and it’s pretty dang cute, if you ask me.

It was basically love at first sight for Cody. He was in fifth grade and remembers walking down the hall with some friends and his twin brother when he happened to glance through the open door of a classroom. That’s when he saw her. Mandi was sitting at a desk asking the teacher a question. Cody was struck by her beauty; he felt like he stood still there in the hall for five minutes “smitten with fifth grader love,” as he puts it.

They starting dating once they hit grade eight. Mandi called it “high school dating” where you only hold hands, but don’t actually go on dates. Obviously, things didn’t stay at that level and have since blossomed from there.

The really unique thing about Mandi and Cody is how they literally grew up together, from ten-years-old onwards, and have been dating for the majority of their lives. How incredibly romantic is that?! Gah! I was sighing with “awes” when I read through their answers to the questionnaire I sent them. One thing that is seriously cute, Cody said doing everyday mundane activities is an enjoyable event with Mandi by his side. He said he even enjoys shoe shopping! These two just fit. It’s as though they are a perfect mold for one another.

With me living in the prairies of Saskatchewan and them in British Columbia, we only had a couple options for when to do their engagement shoot. The hubs, babe and I flew out to Gabriola Island for Christmas last year, so it was decided to do their shoot on Christmas Eve. I’m a sucker for a good love story and Christmas so when the two are combined, I’m all heart eyes emojis!

Mandi and Cody chose Neck Point Park for their engagement session. It’s a special place to them and it’s going to be the location of their beach side ceremony in April!

Christmas Eve in Nanaimo was a balmy [OK, balmy for us Saskatchewanites] plus 9 degrees. Rain was forecasted, and it came, but mercifully held off for the duration of our shoot. The cloud cover was perfect. Gotta love me some moody, west coast days, two lovers and the Christmas spirit!

Blue is Mandi’s favourite colour. At prom, Cody gave her a blue corsage and, since then, he has given her single blue roses as a way of saying, “I love you and was thinking of you.” They brought a blue rose to their shoot to commemorate that.

Mandi loves Disney movies; through Mandi, Cody discovered he does too. Beauty and the Beast is one of their favourites. Mandi’s engagement ring is a rose, just like the rose from Beauty and the Beast. So sweet, right?! Also, during their shoot, I couldn’t help but think how much Mandi looks like a Disney princess. Anyone else see Pocahontas?

Ellie, their affectionate pooch, also came along for the shoot. I am always OK with couples bringing their dogs to sessions! Ellie was a super good listener. Isn’t she big? She’s not even full grown yet!

Mandi and Cody, you two are so in love and it shows. I am thrilled to have the honour of photographing your wedding day next month!