Hitched 2018

OVER 50 LOCAL VENDORS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

METRO VANCOUVER | 2018

❱❱ LUSH LOCATIONS FOR WEST COAST WEDDINGS ❱❱ BRIDAL LOOKS: WHAT’S TRENDING FOR 2018?

FAMILY, INTIMACY & LOVE MERGING TRADITION AND MODERN CHIC

TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE PLANNING

Beautiful Surroundings...

Meadow Gardens Golf Club is conveniently located in Pitt Meadows, right off the Golden Ears Bridge. Choose from four different rooms accommodating a gala affair for 300 or a corporate boardroom meeting for 8.

We have a 2000 square foot patio to hold wedding ceremonies or great for BBQ’s after your golf tournament. All looking out at our famous 18th hole stone bridges.

Our world-class facility and beautifully landscaped grounds offers a fabulous backdrop for any event. The food and beverage team can create menus to suit every need. Weddings, Golf Tournaments, Corporate Seminars, Christmas we can assist you with it all!

Contact Kayla Bell 604.465.5474 Ext. 205 19675 Meadow Gardens Way, Pitt Meadows kayla@meadowgardens.com Pictures provided by Aspect Arts Watermark.

2 | 2018 | HITCHED

www.meadowgardens.com

Create your

Sip a cool beverage and enjoy some tasty snacks while you choose items for your dream kitchen that you just can’t live without!

Let Posh Pantry make the most of your special day!

With the best quality brands like Le Creuset, Emile Henry, All-Clad, Scanpan, Browne, Indaba, Abbott, Cuisipro and many more!

Check us out on HITCHED | 2018 | 3

Home is where the heart is You’re planning your big day.

You’ve chosen the venue, met with the caterers, sent out the invitations.

But have you also thought about where you will begin your new life together?

Just as a wedding planner guides you through the picture-perfect celebration of your love, we can help you build the foundation of your beautiful new life together.

We will work with you to discover your needs and aspirations, using our experience to ensure that your new beginning starts the day after you say, “I do.”

RE/MAX Real Estate Services North Tower, #410-650 W. 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2M9 Tel: 604.263.2823 Fax: 604.263.1057 Each office independently owned and operated.

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Excitement. Intimacy. Bliss. And dreams that really do come true.

Plan your elopement at evranch.com/romantic_elopements

evranch.com • info@evranch.com • 1.800.253.8831 only 5 hours from Vancouver HITCHED | 2018 | 5

6 | 2018 | HITCHED

Features

22 INSPIRED BY FILM Iconic movies as muse SQUAD GOALS Kit out your bridesmaids TEAMMATES FOR LIFE A family-first wedding

14

22

STUNNING WOODSY WATERFRONT VENUES West Coast wedding spots 2018'S COOLEST FROCK STYLES Bridal trends to watch in 2018 BRIDESMAID GETAWAYS Girls trip to wine country SIMPLE ELEGANCE Timeless wedding at home A WEDDING PLANNER'S ADVICE Top-5 tips from a pro

36 PUBLISHER: EDITOR: ART DIRECTOR: PROJECT MANAGER:

10 13 14 22 29 33 36 43

FROM THE COVER Cover couple Jusleen Virk and Shaun Dhillon, whose story is featured on page 14, photographed by Melissa Baker from Bake Photography: bakephotography.com.

LARA GRAHAM NIKI HOPE MATT BLAIR MONICA SHOKAR

Hitched is produced by, and is exclusive property of, Glacier Media Inc., copyright 2018.

To advertise in future editions of Hitched, contact Lara Graham at lgraham@van.net.

For editorial enquiries, please email Niki Hope at write@nikihope.ca.

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ONE DESTINATION, ENDLESS EXPERIENCES Photo: Beautiful Life Studios

8 | 2018 | HITCHED

TIME TO GET

F

or me, the best weddings are the ones that truly reflect the couple. It’s not about the big picture, because, let’s face it, most weddings have the same formula – ceremony, food, toasts, reception – but rather the unexpected, magical moments.

Examples of this: in our cover couple’s wedding (Jusleen Virk and Shaun Dhillon), their families held a dance-off, and in Greer Nelson and Jonathan Orr’s Shaughnessy wedding, it was a ceremony for three with Nelson’s son that was the emotional peak of a perfect day. These are the kind of moments that you can never plan for, and they tend to be the ones that are the most cherished.

Looking for a perfectly woodsy West Coast kind of affair? We’ve got plenty of location ideas for the rustic bride. In fashion, movies are the muse for aesthetic inspiration, and we look at some of the year’s biggest trends to help you find the perfect look for your perfect day.

You can plan your wedding, but you can never prepare for the magic you’ll feel.

And let’s not forget about the bridesmaids. In this issue, we don’t leave your squad hanging with a favourite of Vancouver’s bridesmaids, Park & Fifth, a company that values both gorgeous dresses and sustainability. For the big bridesmaid getaway, we take you on a delicious trip to B.C.’s wine country.

We hope you are inspired to start planning your day after reading this issue of Hitched.

Wishing you many special moments,

~ Niki Hope, Editor

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Editor | Hitched Magazine

Our art director, Matt Blair, recently married his partner, Casey-Marie Nicholson.

The big day was hosted at Cheakamus Centre, Squamish. Billies Flower House provided the flowers; invitations from Minted. Rings

by Tacori (with help from Rodan Jewellers); photography by Jenna Low of Whistler Wedding Collective. Day-after photos were courtesy of the very talented Laurie K. Jensen.

We want to send him and his beautiful wife our best wishes for their lives together.

Laurie K. Jensen Photography

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SIMPLE CHIC

Fleur De Lis bangle in 18k white gold with diamonds, Tiffany & Co., $7,750.

Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick at Hudson’s Bay, $43.

Geneva gown by Katie May, line available at Union Bridal, price on request.

Blue Sapphire stackers

by Anna Sheffield, $9,050.

LA DOLCE VITA

Mona Sultan large maroon bandana, $95, at www.monasultan.com.

WILD BEAUTY

SULTRY GLAM

BEFORE SUNSET

Marmont Gucci pump, $940.

BONNIE AND CLYDE

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Bea three stone ring

by Anna Sheffield, $4,400.

Hematite leather strand necklace by Chan Luu, $145.

Tai flats by Grace Loves Lace, $120.

Harlow blouse and pants

by Alexandra Grecco. Line available at Union Bridal; price upon request.

Sheaves band in white gold by Anna Sheffield, $795.

Pavé strata cuff

by Dean Davidson, $466.

Sunglasses by Gucci, $1,090, Nordstrom.

Aurora clutch by Badgley Mischka, $260, Nordstrom.

Coco Crush bracelet by Chanel, price on request.

Endless’ pendant in gold

by Melanie Auld, $80.

Rockstud quilted leather bag

by Valentino, $4,100.

Veiled beret by Jennifer Behr, $525.

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Congratulations on finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.

Let me help you find a home you feel the same way about.

City reaLty

Harvey Gill Personal Real Estate Corporation

www.harveygill.ca 778-707-0730 yielding results you deserve

12 | 2018 | HITCHED

HELLO WEARABILITY Words: Aileen Lalor

Fashion-loving brides can now kit out their wedding party in stylish, sustainable frocks they’ll definitely wear again

T

hese days, fashion-forward brides have got it made.

Designers have cottoned on to the fact that your style savvy doesn’t go AWOL the moment you get engaged, and so when it comes to gowns, there are options for even the coolest of brides. Alas, the same can’t be said for bridesmaids, who are often left with traditional (read: frumpy) options, or expensive ones.

Fortunately for B.C.-based brides and their besties, Park & Fifth has identified the problem and come to the rescue. The Gastown retailer caters almost exclusively to bridesmaids with beautiful minimalist dresses – the ‘UnBridesmaid Collection’. All are priced below $300 and sustainability in every sense is a top priority.

“We were just appalled by the idea of all these dresses that are bought at exorbitant prices and never worn again,” explains Jenny Wright-Harper, who co-owns the business with Zoe Tisshaw and Brooke Johansen.

First step: Design something that’s attractive and versatile enough to be worn again. “It’s all about simplicity, comfort and style,” says Wright-Harper. That means muted colours – this season; she’s tipping mauve, sage, nude and navy. She says: “We’re seeing a lot of dusty colours, which are really stunning – blush and mauve, rather than ballerina or fuchsia pink.”

Sustainability also comes from ethical sourcing.

“We source locally where possible, to keep the carbon footprint lower, and we also get fabrics from a company called Ragfinders (ragfinders.com), which sells end-ofroll materials that otherwise would be burnt or dumped.”

Dresses are made by local seamstresses, and after they are complete, any scraps are either upcycled into pillows by The P&F Pillow Project (@pfpillowproject) or recycled with Fabcycle (fabcycle.ca).

“People really don’t understand about the environmental effects of fashion,” says Wright-Harper. “We all shop at those fast fashion store because it’s so attainable – you can buy a tee for $5. But fabric doesn’t biodegrade.”

Business is going so well that the team has now opened a second studio in Toronto and you can also be fitted for and order dresses online. To find out more, visit parkandfifthco.com.

HITCHED HITCHED || 2018 2018 || 13 13

A LOVE

14 | 2018 | HITCHED

TEAMMATES FOR LIFE

S T OR Y

TEAMMATES FOR LIFE ...

J

usleen Virk and Shaun Dhillon have always been each other’s number-one fans – and they mean that in the truest sense of the word.

The pair met more than a decade ago as juniors on the B.C. provincial karate team and have spent the years since competing alongside one another on the Canadian National Team, an opportunity that Virk calls an amazing journey.

Somewhere along the way, the pair became much more than teammates and this last summer, that amazing journey took a new turn altogether: marriage.

Words: Christina Myers • Photos: Bake Photography- Melissa Baker

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TEAMMATES FOR LIFE

When it came time to tie the knot, both Virk and Dhillon knew what they wanted: a celebration balancing diverse traditions, surrounded by the most important people in their lives.

“Our wedding was based on being family-focused, small and intimate,” said Virk, noting that many Indian weddings can have more than 1,000 guests. “We invited close family, friends and our teammates from across Canada.”

And while that tops the charts for best memory of the day, she says it’s a close race for second place: the dance-off between her family and Shaun’s.

HITCHED | 2018 | 17

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TEAMMATES FOR LIFE

The pair chose Virk’s family home as the site for the wedding and reception – a venue that helped provide a sense of intimacy for the 300 guests, including family who came from the UK. Most of the planning and preparation was carried out by immediate family, with a wedding planner lending a hand in the final few weeks.

“The wedding was held in our backyard and with the help of contractors – and mostly my Dad – we were able to create a stunning and nature-inclusive ambience that allowed our guests to feel a part of our home, lives and the surrounding environment,” she said. “We are so grateful for the overwhelming help from our family and close friends that made it possible – we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.”

Virk says it was a priority that their wedding celebrated the couple’s heritage with aspects from both traditional Indian and Western culture.

“It had to reflect who we are – proud Canadians with Indian spice,” she said. “We wanted our cultural roots to be present, and we followed a lot of the traditions, with a few modifications that worked for us and our families.”

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TEAMMATES FOR LIFE

The most visible representation of that unique bridging of cultures is in the couple’s attire: they wore traditional Indian outfits for the ceremony, then a classic gown and tux combo for the reception.

“Would you believe, I showed my mom a few ideas of what Shaun and I wanted for our ceremony outfits, and she went to India with our measurements,” she said, noting that her mom then described the designs to a seamstress and chose the fabrics. “They turned out even more beautiful than we imagined.”

In the end, having everyone under one roof was the most important detail of all.

“One of my favourite moments was seeing every one of my close family members, friends and relatives under one tent united together,” she said. “I really tried to take the opportunity during the wedding to soak it all in and reflect on the fact that all these people were in attendance to support us in life.”

V E N D O R S Wedding Planner: Always and Forever Weddings \\ Videographer: Hera Films \\ Photographer: Bake Photography- Melissa Baker \\ Hair and Makeup: Aquarius Art - Denise Thuy Dinh \\ Florist: Suki’s Flowers \\ Musician/DJ: DJ Hark - Decibel Entertainment \\ Decorator: Andaaz Wedding Centre \\ Tent: Premier Tents \\ Officiant: Baltej Singh \\ Bridal Reception Dress: The Wedding Gallery \\ Custom Made Tuxedo: Apsley Tailors Hong Kong \\ Bow Tie: Tom Ford \\ Indian Ceremony Attire (Bride and Groom): Custom Made via CTC Mall

HITCHED | 2018 | 21

Stunning Woodsy Waterfront Venues

FROM SEA TO SKY TO TOWERING CEDARS, THESE SPECTACULAR WOODED WATERFRONT VENUES HIGHLIGHT EVERYTHING WE LOVE ABOUT THE WEST COAST. WITH MOTHER NATURE IN CHARGE OF THE WEDDING DÉCOR, YOU’LL WOW YOUR GUESTS WITH THE VERY BEST OF THIS PROVINCE AS YOU START YOUR LIFE TOGETHER IN A LOCATION THAT EMBODIES THIS SPECIAL PLACE WE CALL HOME.

The Wickaninnish Inn TOFINO Nestled between old-growth rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, The Wick is a beloved B.C. destination known for its stunning views and even better cuisine. Gaze out at the ocean from a private dining room, or wow your guests with a West Coast salmon barbecue reception on the private Shell Beach.

BONUS IDEA: Don a wetsuit and dive into the waves for a pre-wedding surf lesson.

22 | 2018 | HITCHED

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Words: Christina Newberry

STUNNING VENUES

Local is for

LOVERS!

Handmade items for locally-conscious couples. Create your wedding registry today at Bird On A Wire Creations.

For gift-giving that aims higher... think Bird On A Wire.

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PHOTO BY: LEANNE SIM PHOTOGRAPHER

12160 Beecher St., Crescent Beach

604-535-0015

Beecher P lace A Beachfront Paradise for Your Wedding and Reception!

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STUNNING VENUES

West Coast Wilderness Lodge EGMONT Perched on a granite cliff overlooking Sechelt Inlet, this woodland lodge offers a completely secluded wedding experience on the Sunshine Coast. From campfires on the beach to a stunning reception dinner in the timberbeamed Inlets Restaurant, think of it as a highclass summer camp for your closest family and friends.

BONUS IDEA: Hop a helicopter for photos in the remote B.C. alpine.

With its rustic wooden benches, the bluff-top ceremony site overlooking Trincomali Channel is perfect for modern boho brides. Wedding menus feature ingredients sourced from organic farms on the island, and even the handmade soap on the property is made by the local Galiano Soapworks.

BONUS IDEA: Set off in a double kayak for a bride-and-groom paddle to Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park.

Photo by Shari + Mike

Bodega Ridge GALIANO ISLAND

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Celebrate your picture perfect day at VanDusen Botanical Garden With a variety of outdoor and indoor options to choose from, we can help bring your dream wedding to life.

Contact us today to set up a viewing. vandusenrentals@vancouver.ca | 604-257-6915 5251 Oak Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6M 4H1 vandusengarden.ca Photography clockwise from top left: Raymond & Jessie Leung Photography; Jelger + Tanja Photographers; Mikaela Ruth Photography; Jelger + Tanja Photographers; Blush Photography; Matt Kennedy Photography

This Relais & Châteaux property on a pristine private island is accessible only by air or sea.

Come for your wedding and stay for your honeymoon, taking the time to explore the oldgrowth forests and spot grizzly bears on tours offered in partnership with local First Nations.

BONUS IDEA: Arrive by floatplane at the resort’s private dock.

Photo by Jarusha Brown

STUNNING VENUES

Sonora Resort SONORA ISLAND

Built from rock, glass, wood, and steel, the lodge at Black Rock Resort seems to rise organically from its rugged rocky headland above the Pacific Ocean. For a dramatic rehearsal dinner or intimate wedding, opt for the Wine Cellar, facing into the active surge channel, for spectacular crashing wave views.

Photo by Douglas Ludwig

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort UCLUELET

BONUS IDEA: Indulge in a spa treatment featuring locally harvested organic seaweed and glacial mud.

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Sateen

by Sherry Matin

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5

F I V E T R E N D S T O

K N O W

N O W

2018’s coolest frock styles Words: Aileen Lalor

T

he thing bridal retailers want you to remember when you’re picking a gown this year? Be daring. That doesn’t necessarily mean something that would shock granny. It’s all about resisting the temptation to play it safe. “I see brides all the time fall in love with a beautiful gown but not able to choose it because they feel it is not them or is too dressy,” says Samantha Hallaran, owner of Rituals of Love Bridal. “After they get married they often wish they went for the more daring gown, the one they truly felt the most beautiful in and excited to wear.” Sarah Frood, co-owner of Union Bridal agrees – and she says it’s partly down to women thinking too far into the future. “I think brides put a lot of pressure on themselves to pick a dress they won’t regret in 20 years, and as a result, they go for something that feels safe.” They, and stylist Nadia Albano, have pinpointed five styles that the brides who dare to be different will be wearing this year.

1 W R A P

G O W N S

“These are universally flattering with a feminine neckline and waist cinching wrap effect,” says Frood. “We love how the wrap gown can be interpreted as modern or romantic but always feels effortless."

Rime Arodaky Joss gown, price available upon request, at Union Bridal, Gastown.

Photography Ben Simpson

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R U F F L E

D E T A I L S

Red carpets and runways have been cascading with ruffles the past couple of seasons and where they lead, bridal fashion follows. Bonus: as well as being bang on trend, ruffles add playfulness as you glide down the aisle or twirl across the dance floor..

Rime Arodaky Jonah gown, price available upon request, at Union Bridal, Gastown

2

3 T E X T U R E

&

E M B E L L I S H M E N T There’s less smooth satin and more lace, appliqué, beading and even fringing.

These add a modern boho touch while keeping the silhouette simple.

Flora Julia Gown, $6,500, at Rituals of Love, Gastown. This intricately embroidered lace gown has soft beading and scalloped cap sleeves.

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P L U N G I N G

N E C K L I N E

“We love plunging necklines, balanced with a delicate lace or floral fabric or an A-line skirt to keep it sexy but tasteful,” says Frood. If you don’t feel confident enough for a deep V neckline, go high at the front, and low at the back.

AA x UB Dolly gown, $2,350, exclusively at Union Bridal, Gastown.

This gown is a collaboration between Canadian designer Anais Anette and Union Bridal, Vancouver. Photography: Inga Vedyan

4

5 C A P E S

“Veil capes add a lovely element of drama and romance and can cover up a revealing neckline,” says Albano. It’s all part of a new trend of regal architectural detailing, says Hallaran – think capes, floating A-lines, high necks and long sleeves.

Berta 18-07 Cape wedding dress, $4,300, at Blush Bridal, Yaletown.

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Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country

BRIDESMAID GETAWAY Words: Christina Newberry

When you just can’t look at one more version of your seating chart, grab your best girls and hit the road for a planning-free weekend that’s all about good food, good wine and great friends. Less than five hours’ drive from Vancouver, Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country is a perfect staycation destination to reconnect with your friends before the big day.

SIP

River Stone Estate Winery This is wine country, after all, so there’s got to be wine – and River Stone makes some of the region’s best. Winemaker Ted Kane started making wine at age 17, then headed southwest from his Alberta home in search of the best grapes. Stop by for a tasting, and you’ll likely find him out in the vineyards with his dogs, carefully tending his award-winning vines.

Intersection Estate Winery Learn a little something on your getaway with a class at the Vinstitute wine education centre at Intersection Estate Winery. Passionate instructor Moss Scheurkogel, a former English teacher, is dedicated to showcasing B.C. wines. You’ll do plenty of tasting as you build oenophile knowledge that’s sure to come in handy as you plan your reception.

HITCHED | 2018 | 33

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Our specialty is in off-site catering whether it is in the comfort of your own home, backyard or private venue.

Our experienced teams of culinary planners are here to help you plan your event and make the planning stress-free! All our menus can be customized to suit your budget, palate and theme. We believe being“flexible is the key”to a successful event, and we like to offer menus that reflect seasonality and culinary trends. We offer menus for groups of 25-500 people call us today!

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vinAmité Cellars

SNACK

vinAmité Cellars Simply put, for $15 per person, you’ll get one of the best cheese and charcuterie boards you’ve ever seen on a sunny patio overlooking the vineyard. Add another $5 for a tasting of five award-winning wines (waived with purchase), and you’ve got a gourmet lunch in in a charming location for just $20 per head. If only reception menus were this simple.

Rust Wine Co. You can’t beat the expansive views from Rust Wine Co.’s patio, where simple antipasti lunches or private barbecue dinners at the outdoor long table (Tomahawk steaks and king crab legs, anyone?) are available by request. Email kane@rustwine.com for the inside scoop.

SPA

Solterra Desert Spa Stop by this full-service spa at Spirit Ridge Resort for some simple mani-pedis or settle in for a desert-inspired body treatment featuring rose clay or sage and cedar oils.

Solterra Desert Spa

STAY

Walnut Beach Resort With its private, palapa-covered sandy beach on Canada’s warmest lake and stunning pink sunset views from the hot tub, it’s hard to believe this apartment-style resort is so close to home. Two-bedroom suites offer plenty of room for up to six guests, perfect for a grown-up pajama party fueled by local wine.

The Villa at Hester Creek This six-suite bed and breakfast overlooking acres of vineyards embodies the South Okanagan wine lifestyle.

Treat your bridal party to a private “tutored tour and tasting” at Hester Creek’s tasting room, or stroll down to Terrafina restaurant for dinner. You’ll be well positioned to explore the local wine scene, but with breath-taking views and awardwinning wines and dining on site, you may not want to leave.

Walnut Beach Resort HITCHED | 2018 | 35

Simple Elegance Words: Christina Myers Photos: Shari + Mike - www.shariandmike.ca

IN SOME WAYS, LUCK WAS ON THEIR SIDE. FOR VANCOUVER COUPLE GREER NELSON AND JONATHAN ORR, SETTLING ON A LOCATION AND MUSIC WAS SIMPLE: THEY MARRIED AT NELSON'S FAMILY HOME, A HERITAGE HOUSE IN SHAUGHNESSY, AND THE COUPLE'S CLOSE FRIEND AND LOCAL ROCKER RICH HOPE PROVIDED THE LIVE TUNES. EVEN THE WEATHER - NEVER A GUARANTEE ON THE RAINY WEST COAST - COOPERATED, OFFERING UP A GORGEOUS END-OF-SUMMER SUNDRENCHED WEEKEND. BUT MAGIC LIKE THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN BY LUCK ALONE IT TAKES PLENTY OF VISION AND PLANNING. Continued on page 39

36 | 2018 | HITCHED

HITCHED | 2018 | 37

We hereby propose hair that looks as stunning as your love is enduring With care, your Extensions, Wig or Hairpiece can look and feel beautiful for months, even years beyond your wedding night.

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Celebrating 25 years

Simple Elegance

Cont. from page 37

"We really knew what we wanted, and what was important to us, and that shaped everything," said Nelson. "We wanted it to be about our community, our friends, and our family, and we wanted to celebrate our love for each other but for it to really be about everybody coming together."

To Nelson and Orr, that meant making things as simple as possible for their guests: choosing a long weekend to permit more time and flexibility, opting for one location for ceremony and reception, and keeping the guest list small and intimate.

"We started to look around for places, and it was obvious very quickly that the best place was my parents' house," she said. "We just thought 'how much fun will that be, to have it all here.' And it worked perfectly."

As an interior designer herself, Nelson had an innate sense of what she wanted in the look and feel for their day. The comfortable ease the home provided was tempered by the classic elegance of the heritage style design – a balance that was reflected throughout the planning, from the invitations, to the flowers, and even to the clothing worn by the couple and bridal party, which included Nelson's 10-year-old son Oliver as ring bearer, five bridesmaids and one best man.

Her dress – "a classic style with a boho vibe" – paired seamlessly with the bridesmaids in simple white; an unconventional choice, certainly, but one that worked perfectly in the end.

"It felt very timeless, very elegant, and yet very simple," she said. "It was just beautiful."

But Nelson says the details were all secondary to the joy of the day itself.

"There are so many special memories," she said. "Probably the highlight was Oliver – when we were doing our vows, Jonathon also did vows to Oliver, and I remember looking up at everyone there, and there was not a dry eye, and I just felt so happy and so grateful. It meant everything."

And after all the months of planning, it was a pleasure to be able to finally kick up their heels and party.

"It was truly just the most fun day. Having Rich's band play was huge – music has always been a big part of our lives.

Everyone was dancing, and having so much fun," she said. "It was exactly what we'd hoped: everyone together, celebrating."

V E N D O R S

Photographer: Shari + Mike \\ Hair: Ana Gundzik \\ Makeup: Alisha Noon \\ Florist: Bloom Room Botanical Gallery \\ Band: Rich Hope \\ DJ: Jonathan Orr, Groom \\ Venue: Bride's Parents' Home \\ Caterer: Smoke & Bones BBQ \\ Officiant: Paula Marie Skalnek & Jodi Loudfoot \\ Bridesmaids' Dresses: Park & Fifth \\ Wedding Gown: Rue de Seine Dress from Union Bridal \\ Groom's Suit: Farah Menswear \\ Wedding Invites and Custom Family Crest: Adina Edwards \\ Wedding Decor: Greer Nelson, Bride \\ Wedding Bands: Anna de Courcy \\ HITCHED | 2018 | 39

Let Your Dreams Blossom Your Vision Is Our Passion Say “I Do” In A Style That’s ALL YOU

www.lotusflowerboutique.ca

LOTUS FLOWER 4132 Dawson St. Burnaby, BC I 604-299-5200 Toll Free: 1-888-565-5200 BOUTIQUE

40 | 2018 | HITCHED

Vendor

DIRECTORY

CATERING

ENTERTAINMENT

LIMOUSINE

THE GOLDEN BOOT

TONY CHOTEM - TASTEFUL LIVE MUSIC

BOSS LIMOUSINE

thegoldenboot.com | 604.939.0855

tonychotem.com | 604.980.4336

bosslimos.ca | 604.592.2677

Since August 1997. From the very beginning, ownerchef David Azzi has emphasized that he was not in competition with fast-food outlets, nor with restaurants that placed more importance on quantity than quality.

For that reason the food served at the Golden Boot, whether it be the pasta, the sauces, or the desserts, is homemade. Home of Traditional Italian Trattoria Cuisine!

Tony Chotem lives in North Vancouver where he has been working as a free-lance instrumentalist and guitar instructor and recorded for the CBC and with the Quebec based rock group, Harmonium. In 1989, Tony relocated to Vancouver, BC where he has been working as an instrumentalist, composer, producer, and guitar instructor. His performances include recitals, festivals, clubs and restaurants, as well as, many weddings and corporate events.

At BOSS Limousine, we know that your wedding day is one you will always remember. We strive to give you one less thing to worry about while planning your special day. We guarantee ultimate treatment on your wedding day. While luxuriating in one of our wedding limos, your wedding party will be pampered with complimentary champagne on ice, bottled water and one of our professionally trained and well dressed chauffeurs.

LIMOUSINE

LIMOUSINE

RENTALS

ELITE LIMOUSINE

KAVANAGHLIMO.COM

DRAGONFLY EVENTS & RENTALS

elitelimo.ca | 604.433.1900

kavanaghlimo.com | 604.945.4605

dragonflyevents.ca | 604.561.2140

At Elite Limousine we are committed to providing the best service all the time, so when it comes to your wedding day, you can rest assured that we will exceed your expectations. We have a wide array of limousines to suit all bridal party sizes. Plus we also offer shuttle services for guests. Give us a call or email info@elitelimo.ca to inquire further.

Kavanagh Limousine Service is a small private limousine service tailored to meet the standards of the wedding industry. We understand you wedding day requires the out most attention to detail and we will make sure of that. Come experience the difference in quality that we have to offer with our diverse fleet of limousines. We look forward to serving you needs.

Email info@kavanaghlimo.com to inquire further.

You dream it….We plan it! We offer a complimentary consultation with the following services to make your wedding complete in one phone call. We provide event planning , décor and party rentals. If we don’t have it we will find it! Please contact hello@dragonflyevents.ca for all your wedding rental needs.

VENUE

VENUE

WINE

EVERGREEN CULTURAL CENTRE

FURRY CREEK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

COQUITLAM WINE KITZ

evergreenculturalcentre.ca | 604.927.6550

furrycreekgolf.com | 604.896-2224 x 260

coquitlamwinekitz.ca | 604.472.1188

Evergreen Cultural Centre is a unique venue for weddings and special occasions. Our park setting, intimate theatre space and ample parking make it a perfect wedding venue for small weddings up to 150 people. In addition, the bright, glassed-in lobby is ideal for receptions and special events. The lobby provides breathtaking views of Lafarge Lake and the Town Centre park.

The first choice in the Sea-to-Sky, only minutes from downtown offering a gorgeous waterfall ceremony site; new ballroom; cocktail reception area; mountains, rivers and beaches for your photo tour, and delicious cuisine to wow your guests before a night of music and dancing...all with a personal wedding liaison. Furry Creek has it all, and it's all in one location.

Coquitlam Wine Kitz has been making wine in Coquitlam for over 20 years. Customize your labels and bottles, save money and feel better (less sulfites).

Wine can be ready in 6 weeks, but the more lead time, the more time for the wine to age. It's easy and fun!

Mention this ad and get $20 towards your purchase.

HITCHED | 2018 | 41

Pro Advice 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding

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Your wedding day will be one of the happiest moments of your life. On your big day, you want to ensure your mind is free and clear of worry and distractions, which can sometimes be a challenge when there are so many factors that go into planning a wedding. Surprises may happen, but here are five tips on proper planning to put the odds in your favour.

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Keep Your Planning Organized.

Don't Procrastinate.

Be Thoughtful. Don’t Over-Analyze.

It’s important to keep all of your wedding plans in one or two spots to prevent you from scrambling to find information when you need it. If you like putting pen to paper, buy a fun notebook in the colour scheme of your dream wedding, or a special wedding planning binder from your local stationery shop. Add in tabs for every major aspect of your wedding including venue, flowers and décor, menu, entertainment, photographer/videographer, and anything else you know you’ll need to refer back to on a regular basis.

Or if your more of a digital-first type, make a folder on your computer.

Wedding dates book up fast, and you don’t want to have to settle for a venue that was near the bottom of your list because you didn’t secure your date in time.

In fact, your venue is one of the first things you should book after you get engaged – especially if you’re looking to book space you know is high in demand.

While it’s important to keep yourself organized and to consider different factors when planning for your wedding, you don’t want to fall into a cycle of overanalyzing every detail. Yes, you want to have your perfect dream wedding and plan for possible hiccups.

But remember, no matter what happens – you’re going to be saying I do to your true love and that’s the most important part of your day.

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Your venue will determine a lot of other factors of your wedding like how many guests you can invite, what equipment can be brought in, available options for catering, and more. Once you have your venue booked, start looking into securing your vendors.

Some vendors require you book them within a certain timeframe of your wedding (i.e., a year in advance) so you don’t want to miss out on having your dream team behind you.

Designate Jobs to the Right People.

Hire a Wedding Planner.

Flower girl, ushers, and everyone in between. There are a ton of jobs to fill on your wedding day. Assigning people to oversee certain tasks takes stress off of you and your groom and gives your wedding planner or day of coordinator a chance to focus on the big picture. It also makes your friends and family feel especially great about holding an important role in your big day. Now the key is to not only fill these positions but also fill them with the right people.

Surprise, surprise. Sure, I may be a little biased here, but hiring a planner is the easiest way to ensure your planning is thoughtful, on schedule, and organized.

42 | 2018 | HITCHED

Every wedding planner is unique and offers something a little different, so do your due diligence and find someone who is the best fit for you. A lot of planners offer free or budget-friendly initial consultations so after doing your research, etup meetings with a few different planners and see which one vibes with you the most. Once you’ve found that special someone (no, we don’t mean your future husband), review their packages one last time and book them right away.

If you find yourself stuck for weeks or even months between two different types of centerpieces, remember that this type of decision isn’t going to make or break your wedding. Consider which one fits in best with your overall theme or colour scheme, falls under budget, and move onto your next task.

You’ll drive yourself bonkers if you let the back and forth of these types of decisions eat up too much space in your wedding-planning brain.

This is your big day, and it’s truly going to be a beautiful moment in your life. Keep yourself organized, don’t sweat the small stuff, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This is going to be an amazing day you’ll never want to forget – especially if you plan ahead.

Briar Johnston

Owner, Principal Planner at Epic Events www.epicevents.ca

Uniquely Yours

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127 E. BrOadway

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Free parking underneath our Vancouver store – entrance off 8th avenue

348–4800 Kingsway ® BurnaBy ® 604.439.0753