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HIGH OR LOW? GLAM GRANDEUR High or Low, It’s Love shows you how to design the wedding of your dreams at the price tag you can afford!

Text by Maria Kenney Styling by Amanda Douglas Photos by Mackenzie Jean

YOU'RE ENGAGED...NOW WHAT?

S TA RT M A K I N G P L A N S

to register

the moment you’re engaged your fiancé in the

DO INCLUDE

process, unless he truly doesn’t mind what you receive MAKE A LIST

of stores you’re

considering, and narrow it down to 2 or 3 based on how convenient they are to access for your guests

Planning Checklist:

CREATING YOUR

GIFT REGISTRY

PAY A V I S I T

in person to the

stores you plan on registering at to scope out the goods MAKE SURE

you bring your fiancé,

your mom, a friend, or anyone who really knows their house and kitchenware W H E N Y O U A R E R E A D Y,

ask a staff

member to assist you in setting up your registry GO WILD

with the scanner gun! You

can always edit your selections later at the store or online BE SURE TO INCLUDE

An equal

and abundant number of midrange and lower priced items, as well as a few big ticket ones

avesm

l A c p il lowce n t s l F l A orma la r m l c h in c lo c k l G a l B r av y l S ed sk b o at e ir t l G b ow lsr v in g l B r il li n g la n ke set ts l Ic l S l B e h le n d e a n d t b u c ke t ste e l a r p e n in g r ongs l B u t te r l l K d is h Soup n ife b l C pot lo c k a ke s l L l S tand ugga p l C ge p a n r in g fo r m a r v in l Napk g k n if in r in l C e l S a gs tand l P d is h ss e r o le ic m ixe f ra m t u r e r l S te a k es l C k n ive hamp l P s l S f lu te s agne itc h e t e a r c le a n m l P er l C la ce m h at s l S p late a r g e r ugar l R ed an s an cream d w h ite er se d l C rock t g la ss w in e l V pot acuu es l E m le l S l V o p e n c t r ic c a n a la d ase b ow l er l S l W a lt a f f le pepp and ir o n er sh l W ok a ke r s

you have

registering for charity donations instead at idofoundation.org A LT E R N A T I V E LY, G U E S T S C A N

contribute to aspects of your honeymoon on sites like thebigday.com LET GUESTS KNOW

where

you’re registered through your parents, wedding party, or wedding website (never on your invitations) SIGN UP FOR

more than you

think you should, but nothing unnecessary (you just might get it) U P D AT E YO U R R E G I S T RY

frequently as guests often forget to mention that the item is part of a gift registry AS SOON AFTER

your wedding

as possible, send out thank you cards citing how you will use the present in your new lives together

Photo by Brittany Mahood Photography

must-h

IF YOU FEEL LIKE

everything already, consider

REAL VANCOUVERWEDDING

A Touch OF WINTER

Photos by Geoff Heith of Fill in the Blank Studios, Assisted by John Bello Text by Lina Sana

Distance does make the heart grow fonder as Alex and Jon experienced when months after they first met, Alex, then a dancer, moved to the Netherlands to perform with a dance company. While half a world apart, they would communicate through Skype and when Alex returned a year later, the two became official.

Promised a day that she’d never forget, Alex pursued a series of video clues in a scavenger hunt which involved a head-to-toe makeover. Following the last clue, she found Jon waiting for her atop the snowy, Grouse Mountain where they skated around the pond until Jon knelt to one knee and presented Alex with the perfect triple-stoned ring.

This page: The couple held heir ceremony and reception at Harris Barn; Alex chose a simple white cake by Richlea Bakery. Opposite: A chalkboard makes fun drink and card signs; burlap and simple mason jars with white flowers sourced from Sonia's Flowers & The Latest Event; A DIY seating chart with rustic woord boards.

REAL VANCOUVERWEDDING

With winter as her favourite season, Alex sought a venue that would allow her to incorporate the snow into her wedding. She was immediately drawn to the Harris barn for its simplicity and elegance which helped her set the

This page: The couple wrote each other letters on their wedding day; Outdoor photos took place on a lake near Harris Barn; Rubber boots added to the barn and outdoor rustic themes; The bride sourced her hair comb from David's Bridal and her veil from ElleBay Bridal.

ambiance with warm lighting and candle arbours inspired by her favourite Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast. Married by their pastor and joined by family and friends, the couple began their marriage and renewed partnership with honour and love.

Photography Geoff Heith of Fill in the Blank Studios, Assisted by John Bello Venue Harris Barn Videography Fill In The Blank Studios Flowers The Latest Event & Sonia's Flowers Cake Richlea Bakery Dress ElleBay Bridal Hair & Makeup Makeup By Rae Shoes Nine West, Ted Barker DJ DF BFAD

Sunset

WATER SIDE

Photos by Blush Wedding Photography Text by Lina Sana

REAL VANCOUVERENGAGEMENT

When Jenny was settling into her hospital bed after being admitted into the ER, the last person she expected to be knocking at her door was Gary, whom she was introduced to four years ago by her high school friend and his sister-in-law. While this wasn’t the official first meeting that Jenny was hoping for, it was memorable enough to lead to a first date.

While Jenny’s hospital gown was absent this time, Gary showed up at her door wearing a cow costume, setting the tone for their night. They spent a warm and sunny Vancouver evening having dinner and snacks, drinking coffee, and trekking through the rain to Stanley Park.

After making a wish at the fountains in front of Sheraton Wall Centre they ended their magical night with drinks.

Exactly one year later, the couple decided to relive their first date through each step as they had done the year before, but this time their wishes ended with Gary getting down on one knee and proposing to Jenny.

Photography Blush Wedding Photography

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Pianist THE

Text by Lina Sana Photos by Blush Wedding Photography

As Russel played the Piano

while Jessica walked down the aisle, their romantic and elegant wedding all came together.

First meeting through Jessica’s co-worker, who also happened to know Russell from elementary school, the pair shared lunch together with friends. From that point on, the rest was history. Four years later on a trip to Kelowna, Russell participated in his first Ironman Canada Race with Jessica and their friends cheering him on. Crossing the finish line, he stopped in front of Jessica, went down on one knee, and proposed.

REAL VANCOUVERWEDDING

This page, clockwise from top left: Stationery from Love Gallery in Hong Kong; Flowers by A Flower's Touch; Reception held at Rosewood Georgia Hotel. Opposite: Custom wedding bands helped the couple personalize their wedding jewellery.

REAL VANCOUVER WEDDING

Shoes Christian Louboutin Photobooth Collective You

Photographer Blush Wedding Photography Cake Piece of Cake by Kelly Venue Rosewood Hotel Georgia Wedding Coordinator Diana Cheng Flowers A Flower’s Touch Dress Vera Wang Music DJ X3 Sound Group Tavaras Power

Jessica’s love for pink with a little glam and sparkle inspired the vision for her wedding from the colour coordinated sweets table to the hand coloured hydrangeas in their beautiful centrepieces. The couple made their wedding exceptionally special by incorporating a lot of personalised and do-it-yourself elements. Not only were the table linens and chair covers handmade by the bride herself but the couple also personalised their invitations, favours, and gifts for their out-oftown guests. The pieces of the puzzle came together with all the little details making the difference.

This page, clockwise from top: The table and chair covers were made by the bride herself; Cake by a Piece of Cake by Kelly; personalized favours included pink pencils with gold stencil lettering. Opposite: Bridal gown by Vera Wang; bridesmaid & groomsmen attire custom made in Hong Kong; Hair and makeup by Annie Chang.

View

FORGET THE Photos by Edward Lai Photography Text by Lina Sana

REAL VANCOUVERENGAGEMENT

When Seana was hired at the restaurant where Ryan worked as a sous chef, he would offer to walk her home when they finished late at night. She declined, but Ryan always reminded her, “if you get in trouble, just throw up your bat signal and I’ll be there,” and insisted she call him when she was home safe and sound. Despite all the refusals, Ryan never gave up. That persistence, with a little help from one amazing Coconut Crème Brulée made by Ryan himself, was what it took to win Seana over. After that, they were inseparable.

Four years later, during their travels across South East Asia, the couple would end their journey in Bali. With just two weeks of the trip left, Ryan took Seana on a motorbike ride around the island while enjoying a sunset cruise. Finding a tsunami evacuation route which took them to the top of a mountain, they were enjoying the ocean view when Ryan told Seana that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

Photography Edward Lai Photography

LOVE & MARRIAGE KEEPING THE HOME FIRES BURNING AFTER “I DO” It’s Love’s very own President Zarah has been happily married for 8 years. She shares her top tips to help keep the spark alive!

Text by Zarah Tinholt Photos by Jeremy Hiebert Photography

1. The “What If” Challenge

3. Prioritize Physical Intimacy

One of the important rules of couplehood is this:

Physical intimacy is a key ingredient to keeping

never stop dreaming together. Everyone has their

a marriage strong and secure. Protect your date

own individual passions and interests, but it is finding

nights, and if necessary, schedule time for sex. This

the ways to bring different passions together that

becomes especially important as your lives become

becomes so much fun. You are the best cheerleader

busier, especially if you decide to have kids. Statistics

your spouse could ever ask for. Where are you headed

have proven that couples who engage in physical

in life, professionally and personally? Dream what the

intimacy daily (or close to that) report feeling

future might look like, both as individuals and as a

happier about their marriages than couples whose

couple. Play the “What If” game and have fun with your

sex lives aren't as regular.

imagination and your love for each other. How can you support each other? What might your challenges be?

Pick scenarios and see where your ideas take you!

2. Play Together

4. Always Be Improving Don't focus on trying to change your spouse. Focus on being the best person you can be, and on being a blessing to others—especially to your significant other. If

Finding activities that you both enjoy can make couple

both of you work hard at being patient, kind, thoughtful,

time a lot of fun. Whether it is teaching your partner to

caring, loyal, forgiving, and supportive, both of you win!

throw a frisbee, going for long bike rides, vacationing

Even if your spouse doesn't show interest in the self

together in new places, or taking up a new hobby, playing

improvement game, enjoying yourself and supporting

together makes it a lot easier to stay together. If you

your spouse in his own needs can have huge benefits on

don't have the resources to travel right now, plan a dream

the marriage. Practice active listening, avoid nagging,

trip from start to finish and start a travel savings fund.

and focus on serving others the way you would love

Keep adventure and discovery alive in your marriage!

to be served.

L O V E L I S T V E N D O R S J E R E M Y H I E B E R T P H O T O G R A P H Y ( P G .1 7 5 )

EXPERT ADVICE

5. REMEMBER: EVERY PHASE IS JUST A PHASE

Sometimes life doesn't always turn out the way we expect it to. Parenthood, challenges with work, and family crises can sometimes pop up unexpectedly. Take a deep breath in, focus on gratitude, and remember that you are in a phase of life that will change. You can't always control your circumstances, but you can control your reaction to it. When we lost everything in a fire, our family pulled together, and we found we were happier living with less. Turn the negative into something positive. Relationships are what matter most in life. Everything else is secondary. Keep your eye on the bigger picture, and enjoy the journey!

Vineyard Text by Lina Sana Photos by Ken Tan Photography

WEDDING

Being your own wedding planner can be extremely stressful especially when you don’t have a clear vision of what you want for your wedding.

Relying on her gut feeling when making her first big decision with the venue, Emi used this momentum to pull the rest of their wedding together. Emi was willing to search the world for the perfect pieces, purchasing her wedding and bridal dresses from Hong Kong as well as her wedding invitation and favours.

Under a clear sunny sky surrounded by family and friends, Emi and Jay had a civil ceremony and enjoyed the spectacular result of their year of planning.

This page: Emi noted that, "Jay and I enjoyed having Kenny photograph our engagement and wedding shoot so much that we've asked him to take our pregnancy shoot as well."

REAL VANCOUVERWEDDING

This page, clockwise from top left: Shoes by Audrey Brooke; Hair done by Akane from Espirit; "[The] Bouquet and boutonnieres were arranged by Queensberry Flower Company.

I often walked by this cute shop when I went on the skytrain. I saw some of their past works on their website and liked their arrangements so I decided to go with this flower shop."

REAL VANCOUVER WEDDING Sharing the Observatory patio with a

proposed to Emi, but luckily he had a plan B. Whisking her away to the Cleveland Dam under the pretense of testing out his new camera and tripod, Jay rushed to frame a shot of the setting sun and, to Emi’s surprise, the moment when he got down on one knee.

This page: The couple was married and held their reception at Mayfair Lakes Golf Course. The couple took dance lessons so they could dance to Michael Buble's "Everything" for their first dance.

Linens Divine Decor Hair Akane from Espirit Make-up Gigi Lee

quite what Jay had in mind when he

Photographer Ken Tan Photography Venue Mayfiar Lakes Golf Course Cake Sweet Bliss Wedding Coordinator Ashley Cain Flowers Queensberry Flower Company Dress Elegance Music Tiffany Tux Black and Lee Shoes Audrey Brooke

high school graduation party wasn’t

High School

REAL VANCOUVERWEDDING

SWEET HEARTS Photos by JLS Photography Text by Lina Sana

It was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT when Chantelle met her high school sweetheart, Prentice who played on the senior football team. His personality and love for his family allowed her to realise instantly that he was the one. Ten years later, Prentice took Chantelle to dinner at Grouse Mountain and while telling her he wanted to grow old together, he got down on one knee and asked if she would be his best friend for the rest of their lives.

Opposite: Dresses from Bello Bridal in East Vancouver; Menswear from Moore's Clothing; Flowers by Rosalba Buffat at Fiorire. This page: The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Celebration Pavilion.

From the moment they were engaged, Chantelle started planning every aspect of their wedding and worked to execute it the way she envisioned with the help of her supportive family members and wedding planner.

The couple’s coral palette was perfect for their summer wedding as they incorporated it into every detail of their dÊcor for a romantic and luxurious impression.

This page: Tables and decor arranged by Kristy, Chic and Unique Event Design. Opposite: The bride's shoes were ordered from Oscar de La Renta; Matching white shoes for all of the bridesmaids.

REAL VANCOUVERWEDDING

Photography JLS Photography Ceremony Venue Queen Elizabeth Celebration Pavilion Reception Venue Villa Amato Ballroom Videography RF Weddings – Desmond Cheng Dress Jasmine Wedding Coordinator/Decorator Kristy Sherwood from Chic and Unique Event Design Flowers Rosalba Buffat Cake Cori Laemmerzahl Tuxes Moore`s Clothing Catering Casanova Catering Music Man About Town Entertainment