I have to start this post by first and foremost sharing how much I loved working with Jessica and Eric to create their Fairmont Pacific Rim wedding. They will forever be imprinted on my heart.
From the second they entered my office I felt like I had known them for years and I immediately wanted to be best friends with Jessica. My instinct was right, they are two of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever met and I loved every second of planning their wedding with them. On a very personal note, during the course of planning their wedding, I found out I was pregnant after trying to have a baby for eight heartbreaking years and I was terrified to tell my couples in case they somehow felt that I was no longer a good fit for them.
Of course, all of my couples were amazing, supportive and I felt so silly for even worrying about it; Jessica’s response to my news is something I will never forget and will carry with me for the rest of my life. She was unbelievably excited, supportive and said two very important things I needed to hear, one I will keep between us and the other, is that she never questioned for a second how I would continue to care about her wedding and that she would be taken care of.
Jessica and Eric’s wedding took place in the Emerald Ballroom at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. It was so much fun to design with Jessica, as her taste is exquisite and she has a passion for the perfect font and an eye for design.
As the guests arrived for the wedding, they entered the Emerald Ballroom through black crushed velvet curtains tied back with gold-painted split leaf philodendron leaves. Within the ballroom, gold infinity chairs with black cushions were lined facing the windows towards the northeast corner of the room.
The ballroom’s floor to ceiling windows filled the space with natural light balancing the bold use of black within the décor. A white aisle runner lead to an energetic arch constructed of a vibrant mix of tropical leaves that appeared to be floating. The white drapery behind the arch not only helped create the illusion of freestanding greenery on the arch, but also helped to filter the natural light coming into the space. This allowed guests to enjoy the ceremony without squinting into the sun while still letting plenty of light to come in.
Against this backdrop, the wedding party looked stunning with the bridal party in formal strapless black floor-length gowns and the groomsmen in black tuxes with bowties and patent leather shoes. Standing beside the wedding party and dressed in her classic white satin gown with her blond hair done in a low bun, Jessica radiated with light.
After the ceremony, guests were moved to the foyer where they enjoyed passed canapes including West Coast Oysters with Cucumber Yuzu Mignonette and Qualicum Beach Scallops with Cauliflower Puree. Guests enjoyed sparkling punch and were kept busy with a portrait booth. During this time, Jessica’s Maid of Honour led the private Tea Ceremony after some family photos were taken in the ballroom.
After the ceremony, we worked with the team from Koncept Event Design to flipping the ballroom from the ceremony set up to dinner. Tables were adorned in white satin linen and centerpieces that featured white orchids and large green and gold-painted tropical leaves. Adding a bit of texture, we used black slate tiles in lieu of charger plates and modern gold cutlery.
Set atop of the chargers, a neatly folded white napkin in the bottom left corner was used to frame the black menu with gold foil font that matched their invitation. Opposite the head table and windows, a gold and black geometric wall with gold philodendron leaves acted as a backdrop to those who gave speeches and the dance floor later on.
After the MC formally welcomed the guests to Jessica and Eric’s wedding and introduced the wedding party, they introduced a surprise that Jessica had organized for their guests and Eric – traditional lion dancers! After a performance by the dancers, guests enjoyed a three-course plated dinner finished with Poached Rhubarb for dessert and Jessica and Eric visited each table to thank each guest for attending their special day.
After dessert, the couple enjoyed their first dance to ‘You Are the Best Thing’ by Ray LaMontagne inviting their wedding party to join in part way through to start the party. From here on, guests enjoyed dancing, a photobooth by Wigglebooth, and even a gourmet Ice Cream Sandwich Station.
Lastly fun fact I will leave you with, Jessica designed the invitations herself and they are some of my all time favorites!
Enjoy reading!
Love Alicia xo
