At the end of our last post, Nina and Martin’s guests had just hopped back onto the shuttles after the beautiful Pemberton wedding ceremony and they were headed towards yet another secret location. This time, after winding their way along a tree-lined road and passing through a beautiful large black gate, they arrived at Riverlands Equestrian Centre. A Riverlands wedding was a dream for Nina. Her horse Coco lives there and Nina spends many hours every week riding there. Nestled between mountains and surrounded by luscious green fields, it was an idyllic place to dance the night away and celebrate a truly special couple.

I’m so excited to share the last part of this wonderful story with you!

PART 3: THE RIVERLANDS WEDDING RECEPTION

Just picture it: stables, rustic fields, and majestic snow capped mountains giving their blue-green hue as a backdrop for what was set to be the event of the summer. That’s the setting that greeted Nina and Martin’s mystified friends and family as their cocktail hour got started. 

Just like every other part of this very special weekend, Nina and Martin put a lot of thought into the details that made up their reception. Kicking off the evening, guests were met with a choice of three signature cocktails: the Maverick, Hibiscus Kiss, and a non-alcoholic Crackling Rose. Each of these had beautiful pops of colour that stood out against the regal white tent that had taken a week to build. 

As guests enjoyed their cocktails, they had a variety of activities open to them. They could either watch a dressage horse show, take a tour of the stables, or have a cheeky taste of whiskey from the Pemberton Distillery in the Spirits Tent. For the kids, there was a dream-like tent filled with toys and comfy seating as well as corn hole boards set up across the lawn. 

While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, Nina and Martin snuck off for a few photos around the property.

The main event of the venue was definitely the reception tent—in fact, it was a masterpiece. The space was filled with a cream and gold dining area, laden with white and blush roses that had a light, delicate scent. Thousands of twinkling lights and roses also hung from the ceiling and created a magical effect over the room, particularly as the light outside started fading. Granville Island Florist and Koncept Events made Nina’s dreams come true! Just imagine dancing the night away under that beautiful canopy. 

The magic didn’t end there. Within the tent, there were a number of smaller spaces for guests to enjoy. At the entrance of the tent, there was a lounge that was set up as a stylish, comfortable living room in hues of white, light pinks, and gold. 

Walking in, people were greeted by a small vignette that made it seem like a painter had just stepped away after finishing the work of art that was the seating chart. Inspired by the save the date, the canvas showed a Pemberton vista that captured why this part of the world is special to Nina and Martin. Each table number also depicted one of the couple’s favourite local scenes hand painted by Love by Phoebe (who provided all stationary for this wedding).

The space was filled with thoughtful touches that showed that Nina and Martin had really prioritized their guests when they planned out the reception. They had a Sugarfina candy station filled with jelly beans that matched the colour scheme, a phone charging station and an amenities cart with blankets and Rescue Flats for anyone that got tired of dancing in heels. 

The tables were yet another special feature at the reception. The perfect setting for a dinner catered by Hawksworth, each table was set with elegant white china and gold flatware. Friends and family were also treated with scented candles from Jo Malone, chocolates from Thomas Hass and a personalized menu card with a wax seal and their name tag attached in silk ribbon. 

Making sure their guests were entertained was another important feature for the couple. With that in mind, their guestbook was interactive and provided by The Portrait GuestBook. In a testament to their unique style, instead of speeches, Nina and Martin opted to bring in CBC’s The Debaters to do a set for their guests—it was so much fun! And of course they hired Side One to play live music throughout the evening and fill the dance floor!

There were so many beautiful details at this reception, each one showcasing the love Nina and Martin felt towards each other, their guests, and Pemberton. It’s so hard to pick a favourite, but I would be remiss if I signed off this blog without telling you about their cake. A true feat of culinary design from A.Elizabeth Cakes, this cake towered over the room with amazing, intricate lace-like features and florals. And if you took a peak at the back, there was a tiny Dalmatian taking a tiny bite out of the icing. 

Guests danced the night away and eventually (and reluctantly!) they made their way with their liqueur of choice from Pemberton Distillery, to the shuttles waiting to take them back to the hotel. When they arrived they were greeted with a personalized hangover kit and a customized grocery bag with breakfast for the next morning.

Nina and Martin’s wedding was a labour of love. Nina and I (and my amazing creative partners and team) poured our hearts into this every special celebration and I am so grateful that we had this opportunity to get to know each other. I am even more grateful to still have Nina in my life as a friend.

In case you missed it, part one of this wedding can be found here, part two can be found here and if you still want more, you can also see it on Wedluxe, as they featured in print and on-line.

xoxo,

Alicia