Spring is my favourite season to photograph. Every year I can’t wait for the first blossoms to open, because I know the most magical sessions of the year are about to begin.

After the long grey winter, Vancouver wakes up in colour. Pink and white blossoms line the streets, magnolias open their big blush petals, tulips pop up in every garden, and the soft golden light makes everyone glow. Whether you’re planning an engagement session, a maternity shoot, family portraits, or fine-art portraits just for you, spring gives us the most romantic backdrop of the year, and it’s right outside our door.

The photos in this journal are from a dreamy spring session with Piper & Ella, two best friends whose bond shines through in every single frame. From quiet glances and holding hands to fixing each other’s flower crowns, their friendship made this session feel so natural and full of love. We wandered under magnolias, sat among the tulips, and laughed in the golden light. It was pure spring magic.

Here’s why spring in Vancouver is a photographer’s dream, and how to make the most of it for your own session.

1. Cherry Blossoms: Vancouver’s Most Iconic Spring Backdrop

Vancouver is famous for its cherry blossoms, with tens of thousands of trees blooming across the city each spring. From late March to April, streets and parks turn into soft clouds of pink and white. Walking beneath them feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Cherry blossoms create a dreamy, romantic feel that works beautifully for couples, families, and portraits. The petals soften the light, frame your faces, and add a touch of magic to every photo.

Favourite cherry blossom spots:

• Queen Elizabeth Park
• Stanley Park
• VanDusen Botanical Garden
• Quiet neighbourhood streets in Kerrisdale, Kitsilano, and East Vancouver

See Ebony & Nick’s cherry blossom engagement session

2. Golden Hour: Soft, Glowing Light

Spring light in Vancouver is something special. It’s softer and warmer than summer light, and the longer days give us more time for that beautiful golden glow.

Golden hour, the hour before sunset, wraps everything in warm, flattering light. Skin glows, hair shines, and the blossoms behind you light up like a painting.

Best times to book:

• Morning sessions: quiet parks, soft light, and fewer crowds.
• Sunset sessions: about 1 hour before sunset (around 7-8 PM in April and 8-9 PM in May)

3. A Symphony of Colour: Tulips, Magnolias & Spring Blooms

Spring in Vancouver isn’t just about cherry blossoms. Soon after, magnolias open their big blush-pink petals, tulips pop up in bright reds and yellows, and garden shrubs fill with delicate white bell-shaped blooms. Every corner becomes a living painting.

These colourful blooms add depth, texture, and a pop of colour to your portraits. They’re perfect for maternity sessions, family photos, and fine-art portraits.

Where to find spring blooms:

• Magnolias: VanDusen Botanical Garden and many neighbourhood streets.
• Tulips: Queen Elizabeth Park and the tulip festivals in the Fraser Valley (usually mid-April).
• Garden blooms: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and UBC Botanical Garden

4. Spring Wardrobe: What to Wear

The right outfit makes your spring photos feel effortless and timeless. Think soft, romantic, and natural.

• Flowy dresses: light, airy fabrics that move beautifully in the breeze.
• Soft colours: cream, white, blush pink, lavender, sage green, and pastels.
• Texture and detail: lace, florals, ruffles, or a vintage-inspired corset.
• Coordinate, don’t match: choose 2-3 colours that complement each other.
• Bring a light layer: spring evenings can be cool!

Pro Tip: Add a Flower Crown — A flower crown is the easiest way to make your spring session feel like a dream. It adds colour, softness, and a little whimsy, and it looks stunning against the blossoms. Fresh or faux flowers both work beautifully. Ask me about styling ideas when you book!

5. Beyond the Blossoms: More Spring Locations

Some of Vancouver’s most beautiful spring backdrops aren’t in famous parks at all.

• Hidden Neighbourhood Streets: Many of the city’s prettiest blossoms line quiet residential streets, with fewer crowds and the same magic. Ask me about my favourite secret spots!
• Beaches: Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach for soft sand, ocean views, and mountain backdrops
• Forest Trails: Pacific Spirit Regional Park for lush, green, moody portraits
• Classic Architecture: historic Gastown for a timeless, old-world feel

Note: Some locations require entry or permit fees for professional photography. I’ll guide you through it when we plan your session.

Spring only lasts a few short weeks, and every bloom is fleeting, but true friendship lasts forever. That’s what makes these photos so precious. They capture a moment in time, and a bond, that Piper & Ella will treasure for years to come.

Piper & Ella, thank you for letting me capture your beautiful friendship. It was such a joy to spend this spring afternoon with you both!

Now Booking Spring 2027 Sessions

Spring 2027 dates are now open, and early bookings get first pick of cherry blossom season! Spring sessions fill quickly, so reserve your date early.

Spring sessions available:

• Engagement sessions
• Maternity sessions
• Family portraits
• Best friend & sister sessions
• Fine-art portraits

Send me a DM or email hello@monrevephotography.com, and let’s create something beautiful together.

Book your date: monrevephotography.com/book-your-date

Email: hello@monrevephotography.com

MonReve Photography Studio, Cartier Street & West 67th Avenue, Marpole, Vancouver, BC

Instagram: @monreveportraits | Facebook & TikTok: @monrevephotography

With love, Melda, MonReve Photography