Intimate, Intentional, and Filled with Sunset Magic in Finnerty Gardens

When Sarah and Adam reached out about their elopement at the University Club in Victoria, BC, I knew it would be something truly special—quietly elegant, deeply meaningful, and rooted in tradition and intention. From the beginning, they envisioned a day that was more than a ceremony—it was about presence, connection, and honouring heritage in a way that felt deeply true to them.

Their beautiful and quaint elopement unfolded on the grounds of the University of Victoria, a setting that offers a timeless academic charm softened by lush gardens and West Coast trees. This blend of cultivated beauty and natural wildness reflects so much of what I love to capture: the in-between spaces where real emotion and natural magic meet.

A Heartfelt Persian Ceremony

The couple's ceremony included elements of a traditional Persian sofreh aghd—a meaningful cultural ritual symbolizing love, unity, and abundance. With a curated spread of symbolic items like honey, mirrors, and delicate florals, it felt like stepping into a living poem. Photographing these intimate moments is where my intuitive photography approach shines: tuning into the energy, noticing the subtle glances, and holding space for emotion to unfold authentically.

There’s something so powerful about a ceremony that weaves together ancestry and modern love. Sarah and Adam’s Persian-inspired vows were a gentle reminder that elopements don’t have to be minimal to be meaningful—they can be rich in ritual, layered in symbolism, and still deeply personal.

Golden Hour in Finnerty Gardens

After the ceremony, we wandered into the forested trails and flower-lined paths of Finnerty Gardens for sunset portraits. This is one of my favourite places to photograph—lush, tucked away, and kissed by golden light when the sun dips low. As the light filtered through the trees, Sarah’s dress caught the glow, and Adam’s quiet joy radiated in every frame.

I always encourage couples to treat portrait sessions like a gentle walk through nature—there’s no need to pose or perform. My role is to guide with softness and intuition, capturing the essence of your connection as it naturally unfolds. The result? Images that feel like memory—soft, honest, timeless.

Why This Elopement Felt Like Magic

What made this elopement unforgettable wasn’t just the beauty of the setting or the richness of tradition—it was the way Sarah and Adam stayed fully present with each other. They carved out space for a ceremony that honoured their roots and a day that felt true to who they are.

This is what I specialize in: creating space for you to be fully seen, celebrated, and reflected in your photographs. I work with couples who value emotion, artistry, and authenticity. If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement that honours your story—whether that’s deep in the forest, beside the sea, or wrapped in your cultural roots—I’d be honoured to photograph it.

Planning Your Own Intentional Elopement in Victoria, BC?

Victoria is full of hidden gems for nature lovers and romantics—like the ivy-covered University Club, or the peaceful sanctuary of Finnerty Gardens. Whether you're blending traditions or simply want to exchange vows in a meaningful way, there are so many beautiful ways to create a day that feels uniquely yours.

Let’s co-create something soulful and stunning—where every photograph tells your story with heart.

Melanie Orr Photography
Intuitive. Earth-rooted. Artfully honest.
Serving Vancouver Island and beyond with documentary-style, emotionally attuned photography for nature-loving romantics and deeply connected couples.