If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I love a wedding weekend. I think multi-day events are such a great way to bring people together and celebrate, especially if you’re bringing in a lot of people from out of town. This way, guests can really feel like their trip is worthwhile — not only do they get to see more of the couple, they also get a chance to forge new friendships!
Planning Tahreen and Shakil’s Ismaili wedding weekend on Galiano Island was such a joy. Not only did we get to plan multiple events — the welcome party, the actual wedding, and a post-wedding brunch — it also gave us the opportunity to learn more about their culture and incorporate beautiful aspects of it into each part of the wedding.
The wedding weekend actually started on the North Shore of Vancouver. We kicked off the festivities at The Wallace. Part of what we love about the Wallace is that its fairly bare interior offers a blank canvas when it comes to designing an event. For the pre-wedding party, we took every opportunity to fill the space with colour. There was a fabric canopy in pink and orange hues that covered the event space, vibrant table settings, as well as bright and joyful flowers that accented the decor.
Guests were treated to traditional Ismaili food, as well as a popsicle bike, among other delicious treats.
Following this event, guests were whisked off on a ferry to Galiano, a tiny Gulf Island off the shores of Vancouver, where they would spend the next three days celebrating.
The setting for this gorgeous series of events was Galiano Island’s Bodega Ridge. Filled with beautiful cabins and spaces on the edge of the forest, it was a magical setting for this wedding weekend.
The first day on the island was marked by the welcome party. Guest were treated to delicious Spanish fare with a traditional paella, tapas-style appetizers, and coconut drinks that were ideal for a warm afternoon outdoors.
We also incorporated games for guests to play during the welcome party. These included a Sip + Solve couple’s crossword that was set up on a whiteboard, as well as a Jeopardy-style game with various teams.
The wedding day itself was slightly overcast, but that didn’t stop everyone from having a wonderful time. The bride and groom got ready separately, surrounded by friends and family. While Shakil wore a sleek, grey suit, Tahreen wore a gorgeous white and gold sari that made her glow. Complemented by gold jewelry and white floral details, she was a vision.
The couple had their first look in a small meadow near the venue, and the photos from that moment are absolutely stunning. The setting provided a calm exterior that framed the love and partnership these two shared.
Held outdoors with the Pacific ocean and mountains as the backdrop, the ceremony included traditional Ismaili elements. As Tahreen and Shakil walked back up the aisle at the end, it was clear that they were surrounded by so much love and good wishes for their union.
As guests moved towards the tented reception space, the couple took the chance to make an outfit change. Clad in a tuxedo and stunning modern wedding dress, Tahreen and Shakil were greeted for the first time as husband and wife.
The dinner table decor was filled with soft features. Pink and cream flowers, as well as gold cutlery and candles, were the perfect complement to a fantastic meal.
After dinner, guests danced the night away, pausing only for syringe shots (a nod to Tahreen’s profession as a doctor), and other treats.
For the final day on the island, we hosted a brunch. This included a ceremonial aspect, in which the bride departs with her husband, symbolizing the start of their new life together. It was very emotional for everyone.
Guests were treated to delicious waffles and other brunch fare, and it was the perfect send off after such a wonderful weekend.
This four-day wedding extravaganza was so much fun to plan, and we were so proud to have this wedding featured in Rocky Mountain Bride earlier this year!
We’d also like to thank all the vendors that joined us throughout the weekend. They were a joy to collaborate with and they helped us surprise and delight guests throughout a full three days!
Photographer: Blush Wedding Photography
Videographer: Third Eye Pro
Beauty: Faye Smith Agency
Florist: Raspberry Florist
Decor Rentals: Trend Decor
Decor + Flowers: Koncept Event Design
If you’re thinking about hosting a wedding weekend, we’d love to help! Get in touch today.