A couple of summers ago, I had the honour of planning Rekha and Aaron’s Spirit Ridge wedding overlooking Osoyoos Lake and the Okanagan Range. The couple celebrated their cross-cultural wedding over two days during the weekend with a Hindu wedding ceremony on Friday and a civil wedding ceremony on Saturday.
The Hindu wedding ceremony was held on the resorts roof-top terrace and took place under a Mandap of white and pink fabric. Rekha wore a traditional red sari embellished with gold detailing symbolizing the rising sun and prosperity. The colour red was used throughout the ceremonial space along with vibrant pinks and oranges traditionally used during Hindu weddings.
During the ceremony, a fire burned under the Mandap as a witness to the sacrament of marriage. Offerings of rice were given to the fire and floral garlands were exchanged symbolizing the couple’s desire to marry one another. Proceeding the ceremony, a reception followed with traditional East Indian Cuisine and a Mehendi Station by The Henna Hut.
The following day, Rekha enjoyed a relaxing morning with her bridal party with a private yoga class in the courtyard while Aaron worked out with his groomsmen. One of my favourite things about this wedding day morning was that the wedding party and guests alike were given time to enjoy the resort amenities and were able to explore Osoyoos before the next celebrations began. Letting everyone unwind in the sun in the morning set the stage for the peaceful ceremony and reception that was to come.
Saturday’s ceremony also took place on the terrace. Two floral arrangements sat on top of wine barrels at the end of the aisle while white chairs were set looking towards the arch and Osoyoos Lake. Celsia Florist designed a stunning arch arrangement that covered a dark stained arbour with a plethora of dusty pink roses, white hydrangea, and burgundy smokebush.
Following the ceremony and cocktail hour, guest were invited to the Vineyard Patio for dinner. Dark-stained harvest tables were lined with wooden grace chairs with linen cushions. By incorporating the traditional place cards onto the menus, the place settings were kept simple with just a napkin and glassware calling attention to the garden-inspired flowers, the space itself, and the stunning views of Osoyoos. The centerpieces with dusty pink roses, white ranunculus and greenery felt organic in the space that had a ceiling covered in trailing vines. Crystal chandeliers were hung on the ceiling amongst the vines creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Each guest had a personalized luggage tag at their place setting as a keepsake from the wedding.
The head table was lined with a stunning garland of greenery and flowers and was shaded with market umbrellas. A tiered wedding cake by Sweet on You was set on a wine barrel next to the head table celebrating the space the wedding was taking place in – wine country.
During dinner, guests enjoyed a seasonal plated meal and the venues own Nkmip Wine. After the couple cut the cake, they stepped away for some sunset photos in the vineyard while the servers at Spirit Ridge plated and served dessert to their guests. Speeches then continued after Rehka and Aaron returned and then they enjoyed their first dance to ‘It’s Your Love’ by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
Love Alicia xo
