Crystal Van Kooten didn’t just find her way into photography—she returned to it with intention. A nurse, a mother of three, and a deeply empathetic storyteller, Crystal brings a unique perspective to her work that’s rooted in memory, connection, and personal loss. Her wedding photography isn’t about trends or aesthetics for their own sake—it’s about preserving emotion with a quiet reverence that only someone who has lived a full, complicated life can bring.

A Lifelong Connection to the Camera

Crystal’s earliest exposure to photography came through her stepfather, a professional wedding photographer in Ontario. Growing up with cameras always within reach, she learned about aperture and manual settings long before she understood their significance. But like many creatives, her journey wasn’t linear. Photography faded into the background during her teen years—only to return in a powerful way after the birth of her first son in 2013.

A few years before that, tragedy reshaped her outlook. Her brother’s suicide in 2006 left behind a void that only photos could partially fill. “All we had left were photos,” she says. “I can look at an image of us together, and I’m transported—sitting on him, laughing. That’s what I want my clients to feel. That emotional time capsule.”

This emotional gravity—combined with the technical foundation passed down from her stepdad—would eventually lead Crystal to weddings. After experimenting with maternity and family shoots for friends, she was invited to photograph her brother-in-law’s wedding. That single experience sparked something lasting. It wasn’t just about documenting a day; it was about honouring the moments that shape lives.

Intimate, Honest, and Timeless

Crystal now runs her photography business while working full-time as a nurse managing a family practice in Nanaimo. It’s a delicate balance, but one she embraces. “I never want to take on more than I can give my full attention to,” she says. “I want my couples to feel seen.”

It’s no surprise, then, that she gravitates toward smaller, more intimate weddings—ones where genuine connection is possible. Crystal primarily works throughout Vancouver Island—Nanaimo, Qualicum, Port Alberni—and takes on 7 to 10 weddings per year. She’s also open to destination weddings and recently returned from a trip to Mexico. “If the opportunity came up to travel for a wedding, I’d say yes in a heartbeat.”

Stylistically, Crystal aims for authenticity over artifice. Her editing is timeless and true-to-life. “I want my images to look just as good today as they will in 20 or 40 years,” she says. She avoids overly trendy editing styles and embraces natural light and rich emotion. It’s an aesthetic that feels as grounded as the woman behind the lens.

Built on Empathy

It’s easy to trace the throughline between Crystal’s career in healthcare and her photography: both are deeply rooted in empathy and connection. “A few of my clients actually found me because of my nursing background,” she shares. “They felt I’d understand them better.” That intuitive, people-first approach shapes everything she does—from how she communicates with couples to the way she tailors engagement sessions around each couple’s story and love language.

Clients consistently describe her as bubbly, warm, and easy to be around—qualities that make her a calming presence on a wedding day. She’s especially attuned to the needs of couples planning intimate celebrations, offering gentle guidance when needed while preserving the natural flow of the day.

Balancing Life, Work, and Creativity

As a full-time nurse, Crystal manages care for over 13,000 patients alongside nine physicians. She also oversees clinic operations, payroll, and staff. Add three kids to the mix—one full-time, two shared with her ex-husband—and it’s a life that runs on precision and passion. “I’ve always had multiple things on the go,” she laughs. “But photography fills my creative cup. It’s something I do because I love it.”

Her weekends are often split between editing galleries and decompressing on the water—her family regularly competes in fishing derbies, and she protects that downtime as fiercely as her work schedule. “It’s how we recharge.”

Despite her packed calendar, Crystal continues to grow her photography business at a pace that feels sustainable. With each wedding season, she becomes more refined, more focused, and more confident in her style and direction.

Website: coastalreflectionsphotography.com
Instagram: @coastalreflectionsphotography