Intimate Vancouver Island Wedding
This intimate wedding on Vancouver Island was a round up of all the important things in life: close-knit community, the great outdoors, delicious food and wine and great music. Turns out, Marie Kondo’s “Does it spark joy?” really is the very best question to ask when planning your wedding. Adam and Deanna’s big day was a truly joyful reflection of who they are heart and soul. We love that they did things their way – something we always suggest to clients. In other words, there are no rules, do what makes you come alive!
“The heart behind our wedding was to keep our day small and intimate so that we could spend quality time with close friends and family.” – Deanna
Vancouver Island Wedding Venue
Over the past year, Deanna’s parent’s home was renovated and landscaped into their dream location – and it turned out beautifully! Their home / perfect wedding venue has floor to ceiling windows, with countless spots to admire the ocean view, whale watch and enjoy the sunset. Adam and Deanna also hired in RV’s so their friends and family could stay overnight, and party on until dawn.
Outdoor ceremony and reception locations
It was one of those perfect summer’s days, created for a good story… and a cold beverage. Clear skies allowed Deanna and Adam to bring their dream of holding both their ceremony and reception outdoors to life.
The outdoor ceremony was located at the edge of a small cliff, boasting uninterrupted views of Vancouver Island’s pristine coastline and the gulf islands beyond. Adam made their wedding arch out of foraged ocean driftwood. Deanna and her bride tribe then decorated it with dusty pink fabric, raw cotton stems, pampas grass and dried flowers. A bohemian woven grass mat placed under arch completed the rustic seaside look.
The outdoor reception was setup on the patio. One of Deanna’s bridesmaid’s is an interior designer and helped bring her vision to life. They created a sky of suspended white roses above the wooden tables, which were set with gold cutlery, royal purple napkins, black charger plates and candles. It was bold, striking and beautiful!
We also loved the DIY stands that she created for the shared family platters. Various found brass and glass vessels were placed into pie dishes and then filled with concrete. Once set, the pie dishes were removed, leaving beautiful patterns etched into the concrete. She finished them off with a fringe of gold paint, which tied in with the gold cutlery and candlestick holders.
Favourite wedding moments
Taking the time to look out and seeing everyone we love so much as a couple. Also having Ian fall / roll off the patio, and then jump back up and dance even harder… that was a highlight for sure! – Deanna
From the moment we met Adam and Deanna, we knew they would be clients turned friends. Their love and zest for life, adventure and fun is infectious. We had so many good laughs with them at their wedding and engagement session. Not only this, but is was incredible to witness and capture the deep connection they share with the group around them.
In summary, it’s true what they say, “The best kind of wedding is one that leaves your bellies (and hearts) full.” (We could also add your bellies aching from laughter!)
From Gold, Novo Amor
Adam and Deanna’s Engagement Story
My family always goes for a morning walk on Christmas morning. As we were walking along the Valley Trail in Whistler, I stopped to take a picture, the alpenglow was so beautiful on the mountains. Adam asked me to hold on a second while he pulled out his phone. I assumed he was checking an email or something. My family was still walking ahead of us, and no one knew about his plan to propose except my dad.
Adam started reading something to me from his phone. I honestly blacked out and the next thing I knew he was on one knee… I believe my exact words were; “Don’t you dare mess with me!” And then he pulled out a ring, asked me to marry him and I said, “YES!”
Soon after, my sister and mom came running towards me bawling their eyes out! Haha! My dad popped the champagne, which Adam asked him smuggle on the walk, and we all celebrated together! It was a memorable Christmas!