There’s just no denying it that blush and gold tones make for the prettiest of weddings ever. And when you layer those pretty colors with local goods, bridesmaids in gorgeous Jenny Yoo dresses and true love, there’s really nothing in the world that compares. Michael Wachniak snapped up all the pretty details and over-the-moon happy moments and you can see them all right here.
From the Bride… We originally considered getting married at Long Beach Lodge were Jeff proposed to me on the Tofino beach last winter, but finding vendors proved tricky. We then drove up to the Okanagan and scouted venues in Kelowna and Osoyoos but ultimately we let our dog, Oscar, chose the venue by tying a treat to three pieces of paper: 1 each for Tofino, Osoyoos and Brix Restaurant in Vancouver, and seeing which he chose first. Needless to say, Oscar decided that a Vancouver wedding was the perfect fit for our vision of a European-inspired wedding, complete with exposed brick, high ceilings, ivy-covered walls adorning the keyhole courtyard for the ceremony, and a romantic indoor space complete with chandeliers everywhere. It was like walking into a romantic Parisian restaurant! We loved the idea of having our ceremony in the outdoor courtyard and immediately toasting after exchanging our vows, with champagne and canapés with all of our friends. Jeff and I had our first look near Vancouver’s Convention Centre. One of my favourite parts of the day was seeing Jeff’s expression for the first time when he saw me in my wedding dress!
Pink has always been my favourite color, so it made an appearance in soft blush tones, accented with gold and cream, in the invitations, bridesmaid dresses, flower and decor. It was very important to us to support local, independent vendors, and everyone seemed to become our friend by the end! The invitations were handmade by a local Vancouver designer named Michelle Mark, and our three small cakes, inspired by my dress and the venue, were made by Meg Nelson. The bouquets were full, romantic and tied together with lace, with the bridal bouquet clasped by my late grandma’s brooch.The reception had tables adorned with lit luminaries with the names of our favorite places we’ve traveled together, instead of table numbers. The tables were covered in blush-colored table cloths and covered with candelabras, candles and multiple small bouquets in clear square vases on top of a runner of mirrors. Multiple chandeliers dimly lit the reception and were strung across the length of the restaurant. Family is very important to Jeff and me, s0 the guest signing table was adorned with pictures of our mothers and grandmothers on their wedding days.
A few months before the wedding, I was with friends at the Fairmont Pacific Rim lounge, listening to a vocalist, Cassandra Bangel, singing and playing piano and acoustic guitar. I fell in love with her soulful sound and loved the Adele covers she did. I asked her that night to consider playing at our reception. She agreed, and I’m so happy she did as I’m told by many she was one of the highlights of the night. It was a perfect interlude while people mingled after dinner with cocktails and wine, but before the DJ got the dancing started! At the end of the night, Jeff and I exited to an archway of sparklers, held by all of all our guests, which was beyond romantic and made for my favourite wedding photo. It truly ended what already felt like a surreal fairytale.
Wedding Photography: Michael Wachniak / Wedding Venue: Brix Restaurant in Vancouver, British Columbia / Event Planning: Nicole Turcotte of Down the Aisle / Floral Design: The Flowerbox / Officiant: Roxanne Thornton / Wedding Cake + Dessert Table: Cakes by Meg / Wedding Invitations: Made By Michelle Mark / String Trio: Musical Occasions / Musician: Cassandra Bangel / DJ: DJ BFAD / Decor: All Occasions Chic Decor / Transportation: Ultimate Limousine / Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero via Isabelle’s Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Nine West / Hair + Makeup: Jayne Marie Bussiere / Eyebrows: Alisha Noon of Beautymark / Bride’s + Bridesmaids’ Jewelry: Elsa Corsi via Jeweliette / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Men’s Tuxedos: Black by Moores