Photos by Sweet Pea Photography, wedding featured on Wedluxe.com
Yesterday afternoon I was asked by a friend: why do you plan weddings? While this is a question that is not simple for me to answer because there are so many reasons why I choose to plan weddings, one of the reasons is very simple: Mandy + Karl. I remember very clearly our first meeting, we chatted for at least two hours and we just clicked. I got started on the wedding planning that afternoon as Mandy and Karl were only in town for a few days before they headed back home and we needed to find the perfect venue for their wedding before they left!
I was blessed to be able to work with Mandy + Karl for close to two years because we needed to work around Karl’s crazy work schedule. The months of planning involved text messages, Skype dates, phone calls and some Vancouver visits and the months flew by. These two are some of the most kind, sincere, loving, supportive people I have ever met. They trusted me instantly and knew I would do everything in my power to create an easy planning experience and help them bring their plans together.
Mandy and Karl were married at the beautiful Vancouver Convention Center West on June 30th with the spectacular backdrop of the North Shore Mountains in the distance. The wedding was inspired by the couples love of the outdoors, nature, and their loving relationship.
Hilary Miles created a birch arbor for the wedding ceremony which included Mandy + Karl’s initials carved into the trunk of the ‘tree’. This detail was carried through in other parts of the reception. Karen Ell led the personal ceremony and included a tribute to the couples love of dogs (see below for photos of their four legged ring bearers) and Adam Woodall played country love songs on his acoustic guitar. During the cocktail hour the guests were treated to decadent canapés and cocktails while a ice sculpture tree glowed in the back ground. Kasia, one of our amazing wedding assistants, took over as Official Puppy Caregiver and every few hours she would make sure our special four legged ring bearers were happy as could be. Mandy told me later that her puppies had the best sleep ever that night after all the love and attention.
For the reception, Hilary created gorgeous flower arrangements which were a perfect reflection of Mandy’s understated elegance and the couples love of nature. Upright Decor’s raw table linens and mercury votives added the perfect touch of warmth. Sweet Thea created a coconut cake with white chocolate shavings to go along with the natural theme. On the place settings, a home made candle in a small mason jar for each guest to take home.
After an elaborate four course meal, which included a seafood platter to die for, and many heart felt speeches, it was time for dancing! As guests partied until the wee hours of the morning they were spoiled by Mandy’s Midnight Buffet filled with pizzas and savory treats and Karl’s Kandi Bar, which had the most candy I have ever seen on one table! Photobooth Vancouver provided endless entertainment as guests swapped mustaches and sunglasses, all carefully made by Mandy. By the end of the wedding ties were off and tied on heads and girls were dancing barefoot, it was a party to remember!
The following day I was invited along with my sweetie to attend their After Wedding Brunch as a friend. I was so touched by their kindness and I will forever be thankful for their friendship. As I tear up writing this, all I can say is that I am so grateful and honored to have been a part of this special day and I wish for them both that their lives are filled with happiness, love and so much joy-as they deserve only the very best.
xo Alicia
