Wedding Planning by Alicia Keats – Photography by Sushi Su

A blast from the past! After the beautiful summer we had this year, our thoughts drifted back to the stunning summer weddings we have had the privilege to work on over the years. Jimin and Shao Dan’s definitely comes to mind and I can’t believe I haven’t shared this one yet!

What I loved about this couple was that our tastes were so aligned. They loved everything I suggested, and I loved everything they suggested! They were kind and sweet towards each other, and their parents had said they could do whatever they wanted for their wedding, even if they wanted to break customs, which really showed the love present in their two families.

Shao Dan has a passion for photography, so he was incredibly excited that his friend was shooting their wedding. He took lots of pictures during our planning sessions.

The couple wanted a very natural feel to their wedding, as well as a unique experience for their guests. The ceremony was at Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver and the reception followed at the Gleneagles Clubhouse. We included little touches like live music and lawn games after the ceremony, as well popsicles by Johnny’s Pops to cool the guests down. We also organized a shuttle to Whytecliff Park and then on to the venue for all their guests, to make it as easy as possible for them.

They wanted their wedding to be different from any other wedding – for example, for their favours, they made their own olive oil infused with rosemary for each guest.

Shao Dan and Jimin are totally smitten by their gorgeous dog, Noodle… they brought her up at our first meeting (and I loved it as noodles are my favourite food!)

So it was natural that Noodle would play a part in their wedding – she was their flower girl (complete with a cute flower garland round her neck!) She was so well behaved and did a great job as a flower girl 🙂

Celsia, their florist, did a great job of creating a rustic, beachy vibe, with added details by Decor DeLovely Creative. I loved how the couple mixed modern elements such as the clear chairs, with the rustic space.

During cocktail hour, the food stations were a hit, including treats such as Pork Belly Buns, Japanese mini sushi balls, plus passed tuna tartar and Thai rice rolls. The delicious food was provided by The Peake of Catering. After the wedding dinner, guests enjoyed a trio of desserts: Matcha ice cream, tiramisu, and a mini blackberry pie – heaven!

Later on in the evening, Shao Dan and Jimin offered guests a late-night food station, with grilled cheese and tomato soup, as well as a Polaroid station for taking candid snaps of the night, as well as music by the talented SideOne band.

Jimin looked so beautiful and happy throughout the day. Her hair and make-up was done by Margaret Lai, and she wore two dresses; one white and one red.

After dancing the night away, the bride and groom stayed their first night as husband and wife at the Pinnacle at the Pier hotel in North Vancouver. We were so happy to celebrate their special day with them, and we wish them continued love and happiness in their married life!

With love,

Alicia xoxo