Real Weddings, Winter/Spring 2020

From the editors of

magazine

WINTER/SPRING 2020

Wild , wild LOVE

A perfectly West Coast wedding weekend on Gambier Island. p.12

PLUS The Hottest Spring Wedding Trends p.8 // Tying the Knot in a Tropical Oasis p.16 // New Year’s Eve Nuptials p.22 // Chic-Meets-Cozy Venues p.26 // Expert Advice p.32

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Happily Ever After Say “I do� on a mountaintop surrounded by alpine peaks and centuries-old forest.

In summer or winter, Grouse Mountain can help create a day where every moment will take your breath away.

Visit grousemountain.com/wedding or call 604-980-9311 for more information

Photo: Erica Miller Photography

Every love story deserves a fairy tale setting.

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REAL WEDDINGS volume 20; issue 1; no. 41

realweddings.ca

PUBLISHER Samantha Legge EDITOR Stacey McLachlan ART DIRECTOR Amanda Siegmann ASSISTANT EDITOR Alyssa Hirose EDITORIAL INTERN Jusneel Mahal EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, VANCOUVER MAGAZINE

Anicka Quin CREATIVE DIRECTOR, VANCOUVER MAGAZINE

Cathy Mullaly

PRODUCTION MANAGER Kristina Borys INTEGRATED MARKETING BUSINESS MANAGER

Johnny Alviar ACCOUNT MANAGER Andrea Burgers PRODUCTION SUPPORT TECHNICIAN Ina Bowerbank FOUNDING PUBLISHER & EDITOR Michael J. Alexander

230-4321 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C. Tel: 604-299-7311 Fax: 604-299-9188 PUBLISHED BY

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PRESIDENT Samantha Legge, mba SENIOR VP OF INTEGRATION Brad Liski VP OF CONTENT MARKETING Ryan McKenzie CAN ADA WI DE M E DI A LI M I T E D | can ad awi d e . com

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DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL Michael McCullough DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Kim McLane DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Tracy McRitchie MARKETING Chris Hinton ACCOUNTING Eileen Gajowski, Terri Mason CIRCULATION Katie Gajowski, Kelly Kalirai, Lori North

PRINTED IN CANADA BY TRANSCONTINENTAL PRINTING.

Real Weddings is published two times a year by Canada Wide Media Limited, 230-4321 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6S7, Phone 604-299-7311, fax 604-299-9188. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form—print or electronic—without written permission of the publisher.

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Weddings VANCOUVERCLUB.CA

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NOW TRENDING

NEW A ND NOTABLE FRESH TAKES AND HOT WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2020 by Julia Dilworth

Keep up with the latest trends by visiting us online at RealWeddings.ca/ trends

LET’S GET PERSONAL FASHIONABLE FELLA Couples are throwing tradition to the wind, and man-gagement rings are the happy result. And these aren’t just any wedding bands; they’re blinging eye-catchers with frosting, mixed materials, custom designs and everything extra to draw attention to that hand (like this Stittgen wedding ring in 18- and 19-karat white gold with accent diamonds; price upon request). stittgen.com

THE 100-MILE WEDDING A “regional” destination wedding doesn’t sound that sexy until you consider how our backyard is old-growth forest, mountain peaks and oceanfront coastline. Sorry, Mexico, but in 2020, couples are going to be keeping it closer to home. “It’s all destination, destination, destination... but here on the West Coast,” says DreamGroup planner Chrissie Vides. Local spots like Whistler, Vancouver Island, Squamish and Grouse Mountain (pictured; inquire for pricing) offer that getaway glamour in a more accessible (sometimes via chairlift) fairy-tale setting. grousemountain.com/weddings

MAKE ROOM FOR BLOOMS Our Little Flower Company’s Lizz Miles says loose and messy bouquets with ample greens are being replaced by monochromatic, bloom-heavy arrangements that use flower frogs and chicken wire instead of not-so-fabulous-for-theenvironment floral foam (boo, microplastics!). More sustainable options—like dried flowers, vase rentals or real plant rentals—will be popular, too. olfc.ca

C L A I R E A N D A L E X L E O N E W E D D I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S A M B A J O Y; F L O W E R B O U Q U E T: S H I R L E Y G L U A

“The biggest wedding trend for 2020 and going forward will be incorporating personality: a bespoke sense in the couple’s celebration,” says Heather Siu, artistic director and lead florist at Myrtle et Olive. Think custom everything, comprehensive colour palettes, bold attitudes and experimentation, with styles influenced more by interior design (hello, Art Deco!) than by what’s #trending in weddings. “Custom dinnerware for the head table can be a keepsake,” says Siu. Or decorative mirrors can be used as signage and will live on at home, like the ornate Anthropologie Wooded Manor mirror (from $248). anthropologie.ca

8 REAL WEDDINGS winter/spring 2020

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Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club provides the most spectacular views and high-class luxury at amazing prices.

C L A I R E A N D A L E X L E O N E W E D D I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S A M B A J O Y; F L O W E R B O U Q U E T: S H I R L E Y G L U A

BOOK YOUR DREAM WEDDING TODAY

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NOW TRENDING

Local bridal gown powerhouse Gaby Bayona (Truvelle, Laudae) has launched another new brand, Halseene, with romantic styles exclusively for today’s modern curvy brides.

The 2020 collection has eight dresses ranging from flirty halters to strapless lace silhouettes to A-lines covered in gold organza, in sizes 14 to 40. We like the fitted crepe Paloma with its allsequin train ($2,525). halseene.com

COLOUR RUSH “This is the year of bold jewel tones and weddings that rival the best New York galas in decor,” says the Lazy Gourmet’s Shannon Boudreau.

“Tablescapes are plentiful and lush, and gone are the subdued colour palettes.” Swap the traditional china whites for emerald, magenta and gold—if you feel like a splurge, the wild and glamorous Voyage en Ikat dinnerware from Hermès would do quite nicely (from $705 per plate). atkinsonsofvancouver.com

SECRET MESSAGE Individuality is the name of the game, and so DreamGroup planner Sandy Hoong says to look out for embroidery showcasing all manner of personal messages, from “big and bold, like in a veil for all to see,” or “understated and private, hidden in a dress’s design.” Just in time, local brand New Phrenology launches a 2020 collection of customizable handmade veils this January, with embroidery, fringe, beading and pearls (from $280). newphrenology.com

THE GRAZING HOUR Hanging around waiting for the next scheduled event can be a drag for wedding guests, which is why Epic Event’s Briar Johnston says people are moving toward scheduling ceremonies later in the day: shortening cocktail hour or having a dusk ceremony accommodates a better time flow for guests. Naturally, late-night snacks like charcuterie grazing boards (like this one from Board and Peckish, bespoke from $275) with artisanal cured meats, seasonal berries and fresh blooms are all the rage. boardandpeckish.com

H A L S E E N E 2 0 2 0 C O L L E C T I O N P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y: B R I A N VA N W Y K ; M O D E L : B R I A N N A M A R Q U E Z F R O M N AT U R A L M O D E L S ; HAIR/MAKEUP: MARLU SORIA

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

10 REAL WEDDINGS winter/spring 2020

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H A L S E E N E 2 0 2 0 C O L L E C T I O N P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y: B R I A N VA N W Y K ; M O D E L : B R I A N N A M A R Q U E Z F R O M N AT U R A L M O D E L S ; HAIR/MAKEUP: MARLU SORIA

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Happy Campers

Summer-camp vibes infuse a love-filled Gambier Island wedding weekend.

by Stacey McLachlan

photographs by Shari and Mike Photographers

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F PURE ROYALTY The bridesmaids were asked to source their own floor-length dresses—several came from LULUS. Mat had a custom suit made from INDOCHINO. The groomsmen’s navy suits came from BLACK AND LEE. Alexandra had detachable sleeves added to her dress from BISOU BRIDAL to suit her style. AIMEE COX of PUNCH STUDIO and KELSEY DICKSON did hair and makeup, respectively. The velvet floral ribbons were from HONEY SILKS.

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F THE DRESS Though Alexandra’s mom passed away before the engagement, Alexandra knew she had wanted to buy her a wedding dress some day.

So when she heard her mom’s favourite song on the radio as she was trying on a layered, crocheted dress she’d at first been skeptical of at BISOU BRIDAL, she took it as a sign. (Other, more practical considerations: it happened to fit perfectly off the rack and was deeply discounted.) When the big reveal to Mat came on the wedding day, in a field of ferns, it turned out Mom’s pick was exactly right.

“There is nothing that can compare to seeing my wife for the first time in her dress,” says Mat. “I’m not typically an outwardly emotional person, but that moment made a big impact.”

ALEXANDRA TEED AND MAT BARKER SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 | CAMP FIRCOM, GAMBIER ISLAND, B.C.

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e was super off-limits,” laughs Alexandra of her now-husband, Mat. He was her brother’s best friend growing up, so she kept her crush from afar, but when they ran into each other in their 20s, it turned out the feelings were still there... and mutual.

Alexandra is an artist and Mat works as an environmental engineer, which made them the perfect pair to plan an elaborate and artful wedding weekend after Mat’s Kits Beach proposal. “We collaborated so well: I drew everything out, and he put it in a spreadsheet and dealt with the logistics,” says Alexandra.

They booked Fircom summer camp on Gambier Island to be the setting for their moody, West Coast fall wedding, and when the weekend came, it was all hands on deck to set up the remote 122-acre boataccess-only waterfront property. The bridal party came early to help set up the decor

and kegs, and as guests started to arrive, they all began pitching in, too. “They helped with everything from tagging luggage to welcoming people off the water taxis,” says Alexandra. “Everyone was stringing lights and hanging lanterns.”

The weekend kicked off with a Friday night taco fiesta, where Alexandra and Mat gave their heartfelt welcome and thank-you speeches and new friendships were formed.

“Having a weekend wedding where the first night was full of activities and time to hang out made the ceremony and reception extra-special because acquaintances had a chance to become friends before celebrating the big day,” says Mat. “It was really amazing to look around and see friends and family who, before the weekend, didn’t know each other and were now sharing a beer, playing a game of Spikeball or jamming together around the campfire.”

While planning the wedding, Alexandra and Mat were torn: “We wanted it to be intimate and private, but we still wanted to celebrate with everyone,” says Alexandra. So in the end, they did both. Mat’s uncle performed a ring ceremony in front

of their 150 guests, but after dinner the couple snuck off with just the maid of honour and best man in tow to a candlelit gazebo on a cliff to meet their legal officiant, Jeremy Postal. (“He was such a good sport to take a boat at 9 p.m. and hike in the dark!” says Alexandra.) There they signed the papers to officially finalize their marriage, away from the crowd, before returning to the party and hitting the dance floor.

Of course, no wedding day is without a few bumps—on the Saturday, they woke up to gale-force winds that thrashed the florist’s boat around so much that half the flowers showed up broken, and the day-of coordinator got lost in the woods on her morning hike—but the couple took it all in stride. “Weddings are about rolling with it,” says Alexandra. After all, no matter how much planning you do, you just can’t predict everything... and that may even be a good thing, says the bride.

“Even though I drew pictures of how the ceremony was set up, down to where the candles would be, you just can’t design how 150 people’s love is going to feel.”

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INSPIRATION D PRETTY PALETTE A palette of rusts and copper popped against the natural greenery here. GREEN LEAF FLORAL DESIGN and BLOSSOM AND VINE FLORAL CO. teamed up to fill the dining hall with gorgeous blooms. “I’m obsessed with textures and contrast,” says Alexandra.

D LIGHT UP MY LIFE White candles and white lights brought a beautiful glow to the whole day.

“Everything was about light,” says Alexandra. “We wanted to cater the day around the sunset and lighting.” But while they were meticulous with their planning, Alexandra and Mat also left room for vendors to do their own thing. “As an artist, I didn’t want to micromanage,” she explains. “I told Amanda at Green Leaf I wanted something moody, with contrast and texture, and she took it and ran with it.” And run with it she did, stringing up lush floral chandeliers over every table.

KEEP IT SIMPLE The happy couple’s best advice? “Know your true priorities. Focus on what is important to the two of you, and don’t stress about the rest,” advises Mat. “Everybody has their own thoughts on what a wedding should be, but if you stay true to yourself you will be happy you did.” For him and Alexandra, that meant filling an island with their favourite people and not worrying about anything else.

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LYDIA OKELLO AND HANNAH ACKERAL AUGUST 8, 2019 | BLOEDEL CONSERVATORY

In Bloom An intimate, joyful ceremony in the (urban) tropics.

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ydia and Hannah knew they had each found their person within their first year of dating. They just didn’t think they’d get hitched as soon as they did. “We knew we wanted to get married and were planning to do it in summer 2020,” Lydia says. “But we went to two weddings this year—one in Australia, one in Vancouver—and they were just so fun and intimate and felt so personal to the couples. We loved being at both of them, and so we were like, ‘What if we got married this year?’”

The pair, who met at a party at the Red Gate Arts Society in 2014, had that thought in April. They ended up marrying in August in a cheery, unstuffy ceremony at Bloedel Conservatory, where classic wedding conventions were upended in favour of coralpink pants, a poetry reading and a ring-warming ritual in which guests had the chance to hold—and imbue love and blessings into—the dainty wedding bands that Lydia and Hannah would eventually slip onto each other’s fingers.

Hannah led the whirlwind four months of planning, enlisting the help of talented friends as florists, bakers and sound technicians. Friends contributed to the reception at Gastown’s Six Acres, too, by naming a song they’d like to hear on the dinner and dance playlists when they submitted their RSVPs. “Having our friends help out and having a little bit of them in the wedding was really lovely,” says Hannah. “Because they’re what flavours our lives, right?”

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A COORDINATED COOL Lydia and Hannah didn’t want to go the traditional wedding-dress route.

Instead, Lydia opted for peach-pink ELOQUII pants and a ZARA buttonup dotted with sunny daisies. Hannah paired a breezy white ZARA dress with OAK AND FORT earrings.

The couple wore pink shoes: a pair of ABOUT ARIANNE bow-tie sandal mules for Lydia and 27 EDIT slingback pumps for Hannah. “Our outfits weren’t a big reveal on the date,” says Lydia. “So we were able to coordinate our looks.” CHRISSEY LEYBURN did the brides’ makeup.

NESSA PINEDA of FIELD TRIP HAIR styled Hannah’s tresses; Hannah styled Lydia’s hair.

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INSPIRATION F READY TO ROLL Securing a venue for a wedding just four months out proved the most challenging part of the planning process. Luckily, BLOEDEL CONSERVATORY— an attraction Hannah has fond memories of visiting as a child and an environment that fits Lydia’s love of the tropics—was available. It works great for couples in a time crunch, too. “The Bloedel is beautiful, so you don’t have to decorate it,” says Hannah. “You can just show up and get married.”

S FLOWER POWER Lydia arranged the bouquets with the help of a friend on the morning of the wedding. The duo opted for a minimalist arrangement of origanums from the FLOWER FACTORY and WYNN’S PLANTS AND FLOWERS at Kingsgate Mall.

“We wanted to have something in our hands, but it didn’t need to be elaborate,” says Lydia. “We didn’t want it to get lost in the setting.”

The Pe

A SWEET STRUCTURE Lydia and Hannah skirted tradition for most of their ceremony, but, as writers, they made it a point to craft their own vows. That’s when their celebrant, JAYNE GIBSON, came in handy. “She was like, ‘Your vows should be about this long, and that’s about this many typed words and this many pages,’ which gave us a guideline to work with,” Hannah says.

S THE LOCAL A go-to date-night spot for Lydia and Hannah, SIX ACRES proved a natural choice for the reception. “It almost feels like a womb in there,” says Lydia. “It’s very warm and sheltered, and there’s this feeling of history and memory. But it’s also very easy and approachable.”

F BEST BITES The wedding cake was a collaboration between two friends, one a hobby florist and one a baker. The couple had a few guidelines: the cake should be white and unfussy, lavender-lime in flavour and decorated with pastel-hued blooms. “We didn’t see it until we got to the venue, but it was perfect—and it tasted really good,” Lydia says.

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Vancouver’s most unique ceremony and reception venue.

info@thepermanent.ca | 330 West Pender St. Vancouver BC | www.thepermanent.ca #PermanentLove The Permanent.indd 1 Untitled-15 1

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Midnight Magic

One Vancouver couple rings in the new year with some Parisianinspired romance.

by Caroline Mitchell // photographs by Aileen Choi

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A DAZZLING DETAILS Inspired by Parisian style,

BESPOKE DECOR pulled out all the stops with café

seating, custom signs and menus and cozy lounging areas, all surrounded by romantic candlelight. AILEEN CHOI snapped gorgeous shots all night long.

SANJA KOVACEVIC AND IAN LEVINE DECEMBER 31, 2018 | THE SETTLEMENT BUILDING, VANCOUVER

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t the Mission: Impossible wrap party back in 2009, stylist Sanja Kovacevic was focused on a critical mission of her own: get that cute camera operator’s number.

Though she spent the whole party scheming on that night 11 years ago, she never got to execute her plans… because Ian Levine walked right over to her and asked for hers. “We’ve basically hung out every day since then,” laughs Sanja.

After a proposal in a Hawaiian rainstorm (“At first I thought it had just popped into his head, but then I realized he had a

S FRIEND PARADE “I didn’t have bridesmaids,” explains Sanja. “It didn’t make sense to me to play favourites, and I didn’t want to give anyone responsibilities to stress over during the holidays.” Instead, she invited her friends to drop by her dressing room as she was getting ready to share a drink and wish her well.

The bride’s hair and makeup were done

by TRUDI EGERTON BALL, and DE LA FLEUR crafted her bouquet.

ring and had actually planned it,” says Sanja. “I didn’t know a ring would mean so much”), the two set to work organizing a vintage-Paris-meets-urban-cool wedding in Railtown’s Settlement Building. New Year’s Eve was an easy choice for a date: everyone had the next day off and was looking for something fun to do. Why not throw a wedding?

The couple gave Bespoke Decor free rein for the interiors (“I handed her a Pinterest board and full control,” says Sanja), so they were as surprised as anyone by the art deco-chic look when they walked in the door of the warehouse. “If I could do it all again, I don’t know if I would do a surprise,” says Sanja. “It was almost too much to take in on a day where so much else is going on.”

D RAISING A GLASS “We love good drinks,” says Sanja. “There’s nothing I hate more than highballs.” While the venue provided the wine, beer and bartending staff, Sanja and Ian were able to bring in their own pre-made cocktails: a barrel-aged Negroni and a big batch of Paper Planes, both with cute handmade labels. Food from the Settlement Building’s own BELGARD KITCHEN made the rounds.

But more important to them than decor was that everyone have a good time. “For us, the biggest part of the night would be the party,” says Sanja. With a day-of coordinator from Smitten Events on hand to help make sure everything ran smoothly, they kicked off the intimate ceremony at 8 p.m. with their 80 guests, then went straight into a cocktail party reception, with canapés from Belgard Kitchen and homemade cocktails instead of a big sit-down dinner. At midnight, a balloon drop rang in the new year—and a new decade of love for Sanja and Ian. Mission accomplished.

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INSPIRATION GETTING PERSONAL The couple exchanged rings from CAVALIER during a ceremony officiated by JANE HALTON from YOUNG, HIP AND MARRIED, who asked the couple to take a pause to look out at their guests and soak in all the love that was in the room. “It gave us the opportunity to actually look out and take it all in for a second,” says Sanja.

“It was such a great thing to include.” (Another key ceremony tip from the bride: “Trust me: you have to have a mic.”) Sanja hired a translator from UPWORK to transcribe the whole ceremony in Serbian to give to her non-English-speaking grandparents after the wedding.

A COSTUME DEPARTMENT Sanja wore an elegant white boatneck dress with a train RITUALS OF LOVE for the ceremony; the floor-length veil was custom-made from fabric Ian’s sister found in New York. The groom, meanwhile, dressed to the nines in a black GUCCI blazer and a classic black bowtie. But once the ceremony was done, Sanja immediately switched into her real dream dress for the reception: an allsequin number sourced online from SHOPBOP.

A SPECIAL TOUCHES Ian’s sister, a fashion designer, sketched a portrait of the couple that was 3Dprinted into a topper for the cake by GANACHE PATISSERIE. F A midnight balloon drop from BALLOONATICS was a festive addition to the dance floor.

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VENUE GUIDE

COZY COUPLING FOUR LOCAL SPOTS FOR ROMANTIC WINTER NUPTIALS by Josh Murray

“Twelve months out of the year, we grow our own vegetables so expect food five minutes out of the garden—from greens to herbs to passionfruit, even,” —Pamela Wright, director of sales, the Brew Creek Centre

Whether you choose to bring the outside in with fresh winter greens or want to showcase a stunning vista as a backdrop for the ceremony, these warm, inviting spots around British Columbia provide for your perfect winter wedding.

Imagine the most sky-scraping of conference hotels, ominous and sprawling... and you’d be completely off the mark. The Brew Creek Centre, located in the pastoral woods surrounding Whistler, is a quiet and reflective escape ruled by romanticism.

“We are nestled in a forest, with a wonderful creek flowing through. A lovely winter wonderland, connected by bridges,” explains Pamela Wright, the venue’s director of sales. “There are vignettes throughout... there’s a true quaintness to it.”

The antithesis of local chain hotels, the centre offers exclusive access for the couple and invited family and friends over a wedding weekend. “They eat together, stay together... they are in that family and friend strata for the weekend,” says Wright.

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That focus on relationships lends a special brand of intimacy. “When people leave the Brew Creek Centre, they talk about the food, the location and the people. There’s a very heartfelt feeling about the property.”

PREVIOUS WEDDINGS Approximately 20 each year CAPACITY 30 to 65 in winter, with more in summer MINIMUM SPEND Site fees and

accommodation costs vary by date LEAD TIME Six months to one year PLANNERS Day-of organizers or wedding planners are required A/V On-site, and costs are included in site fees OUTSIDE CATERING/LIQUOR No outside alcohol permitted, but Brew Creek will allow for special requests, working with couples to create menus and tend to dietary choices

CHRISTIE GRAHAM, SARA SPECTRUM WHISTLER W E D D I N G C O L L E C T I V E , L O G A N S W AY Z E

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DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT The Dockside Restaurant is a spectacular venue day and night.

CHRISTIE GRAHAM, SARA SPECTRUM WHISTLER W E D D I N G C O L L E C T I V E , L O G A N S W AY Z E

DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT It boasts large glass doors that open up to the waterfront

allowing your guests to spill out onto the dock and watch the boats travel up and down False Creek.

The day private The Dockside Restaurant is a spectacular venue andrestaurant night. patios areglass the perfect spotopen to enjoy while you and It boasts large doors that up toa cocktail the waterfront youryour partner take of the allowing guests toadvantage spill out onto thebeautiful dock andboardwalk watch thewith views of the city. boatspanoramic travel up and down False Creek. The private restaurant patios are the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail while you and The Dockside Restaurant accomodates up to 200with of your your partner take advantage of the beautiful boardwalk guests,views depending on your event menu and vision. panoramic of the city.

THE GRANVILLE ISLAND HOTEL

The Dockside Restaurant accomodates up to 200 of your guests, depending on your event menu and vision.

THE GRANVILLE ISLAND HOTEL & DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT THE GRANVILLE ISLAND HOTEL & DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT

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We invite you to discover one of Vancouver’s

THE GRANVILLE ISLAND HOTELtucked between best-kept secrets.

Conveniently

the bustling activity of Granville Island and the tranquility False Creek, hotel is the ideal We invite you toofdiscover one ofour Vancouver’s setting for your wedding. With fabulous views best-kept secrets.

Conveniently tucked between and no-two-rooms alike, our hoteland guarantees you the bustling activity of Granville Island the and your guests a beautiful, unique tranquility of False Creek, our hotel is theexperience. ideal setting for your wedding. With fabulous views One of the little ways you can guarantees say thank you and no-two-rooms alike, our hotel youto yourguests friendsa beautiful, and familyunique attending your wedding is and your experience. to set aside a room block for them.

One of the little ways you can say thank you to your friends and family attending your wedding is to set aside a room block for them.

1253 Johnston Street Granville Island, Vancouver BC, Canada, V6H 3R9 1253sales@docksidevancouver.com Johnston Street reservations@granvilleislandhotel.com Granville Island, Vancouver BC, Canada, V6H 3R9 sales@docksidevancouver.com reservations@granvilleislandhotel.com

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VENUE GUIDE

Whistler’s only lakeside hotel, the cozy, boutique charm of the Nita Lake Lodge extends to its service. Heralding a commitment to a “truly Canadian experience,” thanks to a dedication to personalized service, the locale offers visitors a fashionable blend of sophistication and rustic charm. “It’s truly romantic and unique,” says meetings and event manager Kathryn Birrell. “With two outdoor ceremony spaces—even when it’s snowing— it’s perfect for anyone who is in love.”

Just steps to the Creekside gondola and boasting an award-winning spa on-site, Nita Lake offers a luxurious, all-encompassing retreat for wedding parties but retains a sense of intimacy, hosting just one wedding per day.

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PREVIOUS WEDDINGS More than 70 weddings in 2019 alone CAPACITY From 30 to 140, depending on venue selection on-site MINIMUM SPEND Rental rates for specific locations on-site begin at $500 LEAD TIME From three weeks to 18 months PLANNERS Outside planners welcome A/V Screen, projector and microphone rentals are available; other A/V requires an outside supplier OUTSIDE CATERING/LIQUOR No

“Live, chef-attended cooking stations are an easy way to wow your guests during a cocktail reception.” —Kathryn Birrell, meetings and event manager at Nita Lake Lodge

Terminal City Club

Tastes change, but tradition stands strong... and Vancouver’s Terminal City Club has long been a regal landmark in the city’s financial core. For more than 80 years, the same

Hastings Street location has been home to a series of festive events and receptions. “We pride ourselves on delivering a highly personalized experience,” says Brittany Whalen, the catering sales manager on-site. “We work directly with our talented and versatile culinary team to craft a tailored menu... or let us take the extra decision-making off your hands with some of our tried-and-true favourites.”

The space—showcasing two ballrooms and a number of wellmaintained garden patios—is perfect for both elaborate affairs and intimate gatherings. “We’ve done small dinners in our elegant dining room, tea ceremonies in our pretty Gibson Suite, beautiful outdoor ceremonies on our terrace, and dance parties to remember with a live band in our ballroom; we even had a couple build a sublime flower wall,” explains Whalen. “It’s really great to work with couples to bring their vision to reality.”

“Our grand staircase can fit up to 250 guests for one large group photo, which makes a lovely keepsake,” – Monika Paripovic, catering sales at Terminal City Club

PREVIOUS WEDDINGS More than 200 in the past six years alone CAPACITY 300 in the larger of the ballrooms on-site MINIMUM SPEND For Saturdays in peak season Metropolitan Ballroom is $15,000; the Terrace Ballroom is $7,500 LEAD TIME Flexible PLANNERS Outside planners welcome A/V Offers some in-house A/V services, but additional needs require rental OUTSIDE CATERING/LIQUOR No

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VENUE GUIDE

“The Upper Gallery is truly a blank canvas, featuring angular architectural details and a cantilevered space that protrudes into the forested surroundings... the ideal setting for a minimalist ceremony or intimate photo session.” —Justine Nichol, marketing and communications manager at Audain Art Museum

Showcasing some of British Columbia’s most impressive and engaging artworks from the late 18th century to the present, Whistler’s Audain Art Museum may seem like an unlikely spot to tie the knot at first glance. But the space has seen an influx of receptions and blissfully happy wedding parties over the past three years. “Couples with a passion for British Columbia, an eye for design and a sentimentality toward the West Coast will find themselves immediately falling in love with the museum inside and out,” explains Justine Nichol, marketing and communications manager. With a number of rooms available for weddings and other events, the museum offers stunning backdrops, thanks to ingenious design and a location tucked away near Whistler Village in what is proudly describe as a forested enclave. “The museum’s breathtaking event spaces have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the snow-covered forest surroundings, while remaining warm and cozy, thanks to the West Coast wood interior elements that are iconic of British Columbia,” says Nichol.

PREVIOUS WEDDINGS Tallies are confidential CAPACITY From 150 to 200 MINIMUM SPEND $2,500 LEAD TIME Flexible, depending on calendar PLANNERS A wedding planner is required A/V Microphone available, with all other A/V needs requiring rental OUTSIDE CATERING/LIQUOR Required; preferred catering options available

A L A N N A G OV E N LO C K

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Audain Art Museum

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River Rock Casino Resort makes your special day come to life.

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ADVICE

REAL TALK

Want more advice? Find us online at RealWeddings.ca/ advice

WISE WORDS FOR WEDDING WOES by Lisa Manfield

Q: I’ve been to so many bridal showers that feel stiff and boring. How do I make sure mine is full of fun and bonding for my family and friends?

Q: We’re trying to keep the budget down with a cash bar. How do we communicate this to guests without seeming cheap? Or is there an option somewhere in between a cash bar and open bar?

A: First of all, don’t fret—cash bars are common, says Eron Jaskow, owner of Encore Events. “They’re typically more common in halls or at farm weddings, where you can supply your own bar and alcohol at a fraction of the cost of a bar at a hotel or golf course.” Jaskow adds, “Just be sure to let your guests know that’s what’s happening.

That way you remove the elephant in the room.” If you’d prefer to host a portion of the bar, try a smaller offering. “Provide a few select drinks like beer, wine and ciders,” Jaskow says. “Or, if you want to have a signature drink, have it premixed with minimal garnish for quick and easy dispensing.” Other options include offering drinks by donation, having a toonie bar or reduced-price drinks, or providing a complimentary cocktail hour or dinner wine. And if those compromises aren’t doable, simply advising of the cash bar on the invite is acceptable. “However, you may also wish to suggest gifts and cards are not required,” Jaskow says. “Guests will be less likely to complain when they understand you do not wish for anything in return but their presence at your celebration.”

A: “The most amazing bridal showers are the ones that are best coordinated,” says Elena Ismail, owner and lead planner at FluffyBlooms Events. “I always tell my clients that you don’t have to have a huge budget; it’s simply about putting in creative thought.” The two elements Ismail thinks are critical? Decor and activities. “Decor sets the mood; it’s the first thing guests notice when they arrive,” she says. It can also be a thoughtful way to personalize the event. “Let’s say the groom proposed in Mexico or the bride always wanted to visit Paris; it can be simple and relatively inexpensive to recreate those atmospheres.” Ismail adds that decor can be tied to themed games and activities.

“Fun activities allow people to fall into conversation without feeling awkward, and they can create memorable friendships.” If games aren’t your thing, try an activity like cooking the bride’s favourite meal together. “Guests will feel useful and engaged,” Ismail says, which is exactly what you’re aiming for. Because while a bridal shower is about the bride, she notes, it should be inclusive. “Guests might not care about the food, decor or games, but they will remember how they felt at the event.”

Q: I don’t need a wedding registry (we’ve got all we need!) but my family is pressuring me. How do I navigate this?

A: If this sentiment feels famil-

iar, you’re in good company, says Jeanine Wilk, principal planner with Niche Events, a boutique wedding planning and styling company. “I find the majority of couples are hesitant to sign up for wedding registries these days,” she says. “Most couples

have lived together prior to the wedding, so the need for ‘stuff’ is not as important as it used to be.” Wilk has a few recommendations for those who want to accommodate their guests’ desire to give a gift. “I’ve had quite a few couples provide links to charities close to their hearts on their wedding website so people can donate on their

behalf,” she says. But for those feeling obligated to have a registry for guests who prefer to give a physical gift, she suggests signing up for daily-use items you know you’ll need. “My top recommendations would be kitchen towels and cooking utensils, a white bathroom towel set for two, good-quality knives and a heavy wood cutting board.”

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Looking for the best vendors in B.C. for your wedding day? Our Real Experts are known for their style, professionalism and industry expertise. From bakeries to boutiques, trust the experts to help plan the wedding of your dreams. Find their details here or look online at RealWeddings.ca/vendors for more local love.

FAMOUS PLAYERS BAND

CULINARY CAPERS CATERING AND SPECIAL EVENTS

VENUE

EMAIL

WEB

WEB

VANCOUVER

VANCOUVER

TRUFFLES FINE FOODS CATERING

YOUNG HIP AND MARRIED

Our team strives to provide seamless and memorable culinary experiences. We offer a wide range of services, from elegant FamousPlayers.indd 1 1/20/20 12:16 PM buffet-style meals, creative plated dinners to cocktail receptions. Let our expertise help elevate your wedding to something very special!

If every couple is different, why have we all been to the same boring wedding ceremony?

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604-505-4961 info@trufflesfinefoods.com trufflesfinefoods.com

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DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT

Your Greater Vancouver DJ provider offering a wide range of Audio & Visual services.

Let us create the fairy-tale atmosphere YoungHipMarried.indd 1 4:02 PM 1/8/20 of your dreams, for your special day.

Dockside Restaurant is located waterfront in the Granville Island hotel. Water views, award winning patio, amazing food andPacificGatewayHotel.indd 1 1/21/20 10:01 AM service. Dockside Restaurant can assist you in planning your perfect wedding.

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VENUE

AUDIO EDGE ENTERTAINMENT

604-685-7070 info@docksidevancouver.com WEB docksidevancouver.com 1253 JOHNSTON STREET, VANCOUVER

EVERYBODY DANCE!

GROUSE MOUNTAIN RESORTS

Traditional Waltz, passionate Tango, or upbeat Swing, professional instruction will help you to feel relaxed and confident DocksideRestaurant.indd 1 1/20/20 12:13 PM for your first dance. Let us help.

Everybody can dance!

From an intimate gathering to a spectacular party of 500+, weddings at Grouse Mountain are pure magic. Happily ever after starts here.

4603 Main St., 2nd Flr, Vancouver 604-874-3972 EMAIL info@everybodydance.ca WEB everybodydance.ca VANCOUVER ADDRESS

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

EMAIL

GREATER VANCOUVER AND FRASER VALLEY, OKANAGAN, VANCOUVER ISLAND, CALGARY, RED DEER, GREATER TORONTO, SEATTLE, LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO

AVAILABLE IN LOWER MAINLAND

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1-866-726-9510 marryme@younghipandmarried.com younghipandmarried.com

CONTACT

WEB

EMAIL

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604-725-1272 info@famousplayersband.com famousplayersband.com

CONTACT

EMAIL

VENUE

CATERING

Blush Sky Photography

MUSICIANS

604-875-0123 info@culinarycapers.com culinarycapers.com

CONTACT

Famous Players Band is the most popular live wedding band in Vancouver. With Famous Players Band, you aren’t just Hollyburn country club.indd getting live wedding music, you’re getting an unforgettable, world-class, customized musical wedding experience.

OFFICIANTS

CATERING

The experienced event planners at Culinary Capers will work closely with you to custom design a distinctive menu and environment to complement your personal taste, style and vision.

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VENUE

REAL EXPERTS

CONTACT

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604-998-4271 weddings@grousemountain.com WEB grousemountain.com/weddings VANCOUVER CONTACT EMAIL

Joanna Moss Photography

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River Rock Casino Resort makes your special day come to life. Water and mountain views create the perfect setting for weddings, receptions, and honeymoons on the shores of the Fraser River. Our talented team of event specialists create a one-of-a-kind experience you will never forget.

VENUE

VENUE

604.913.4530 catering@hollyburn.org hollyburncatering.com

CONTACT

EMAIL

EMAIL

WEB

WEB

RICHMOND

NEWLANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

TERMINAL CITY CLUB NEWLANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

CLUB WED ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDINGS Ballrooms set on the golf course edge, featuring floral & décor design studios RiverRockCasino.indd 1/20/201 and photography and music professionals.

Personalize your wedding together with our experts! One Source, One Price, Once In A Lifetime!

Located in the heart of downtown CLUB WED ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDINGS Vancouver, is an elegantly furnished venue Ballrooms set on the golf course edge, featuring rich in history and tradition. Featuring two floral décor design studios and photography 12:18 & PM stunning and unique ballrooms with vintage and music p rofessionals. Personalize your chandeliers, floor to ceiling windows and wedding together with our experts! rooftop terrace with views of the harbour One Source, One Price, Once In A and Lifetime!

North Shore mountains.

EMAIL

EMAIL WEB

604-533-3288 admin@newlandsgolf.com newlandsclubwed.com

CONTACT

604-533-3288 admin@newlandsgolf.com newlandsclubwed.com

CONTACT

WEB

LANGLEY

LANGLEY

Grand ballroom spaces, Unique outdoor spaces, and a year round 7000 sq. ft heated deck on the Fraser River. These are just a 1/8/201 4:04 PM Terminal few options the Pacific Gateway Hotel hascity to Club.indd offer to make your dream wedding a reality.

Choose from a sustainable, local farms inspired menu or customize your own.

VENUE

VENUE

ALLEY, GARY, E,

604-488-8605 weddings@tcclub.com WEB tcclub.com VANCOUVER CONTACT EMAIL

604-276-1963 sales@pacificgatewayhotel.com pacificgatewayhotel.com

Waterview is located on the downtown Vancouver waterfront and features dynamic unobstructed views of False Creek, Granville Island and surrounding cityscapes.

CONTACT

EMAIL

EMAIL

RICHMOND

Blush Sky Photography

1/20/20 12:19 PM

604-875-0153 info@waterviewvancouver.com WEB waterviewvancouver.com 1661 GRANVILLE STREET, VANCOUVER

CONTACT

WEB

1/20/20 12:19 PM

WATERVIEW SPECIAL EVENT SPACE

PACIFIC GATEWAY HOTEL

all mony? ons: 1/20/201 12:12 PM Newlands.indd arried.

604-247-8933 sales@riverrock.com riverrock.com

CONTACT

VENUE

VENUE

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RIVER ROCK CASINO RESORT

Hollyburn Country Club offers brides and grooms an amazing chef, professional service and spectacular views in a West Coast setting. Hollyburn caters to budgets of all types and can accommodate receptions and ceremonies of up to 200 guests.

WEST VANCOUVER

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