There’s something really special about working with a couple that’s genuinely excited about the vision they have for their big day. The moment I first connected with Claire and Ashton, I knew we were in for a treat. Despite the challenges of long-distance planning, their enthusiasm and attention to detail came through on every Zoom call.
I would be remiss not to mention Claire and Ashton’s puppy, London, when talking about the planning process. The couple brought London into their home while we were planning the wedding, and she became the unofficial meeting mascot during our calls. London also made an appearance at the wedding, with her face printed on Ashton’s socks!
So, what was the vision, you ask? Claire and Ashton wanted to create a celebration that perfectly blended their love for the Pacific Northwest with the charm of an English garden party. And what better place to bring this vision to life than Vancouver’s historic Stanley Park Pavilion? The garden at the venue was the perfect spot to bring these design themes together in a cohesive design.
In practice, we brought this concept together by celebrating the colours of the Pacific Northwest — deep greens and blues, and copper and wood accents — and infusing the design with garden florals that would not be out of place in the English countryside. We also brought some of these touches into the reception design, with pressed flowers in the menu and a gift of dried lavender flowers for each guest.
As we dove into the planning process, something I noticed was Claire’s deep commitment to honouring Ashton’s family and their traditions during the big day. With that in mind, the ceremony was held at his church — Corpus Christi Catholic Church — and the couple also hosted a tea ceremony for Ashton’s family at Stanley Park Pavilion. It was beautiful to see the families come together for both of these meaningful moments.
For cocktail hour, guests were greeted on the lawn with Pimm’s — a traditional English cocktail — and delicious canapes. We had also set up a game of croquet, which guests enjoyed while the band, Supersonic Hearts Band, played jazz in the background.
After an enjoyable time outdoors, we directed guests into the ballroom for dinner. Claire and Ashton had chosen wine from a favourite winery — Burrowing Owl — and servers offered a choice of red or white as guests took their seats.
Once the bride and groom had been introduced for the first time as a couple (hurray!), it was time for dinner. For the first course, we served a poached lobster, which guests enjoyed as Claire and Ashton snuck out for a golden hour portrait session with their photographer, Justine Boulin.
The main course was a delicious selection of tenderloin, sable fish, or gnocchi. This was followed not by a cake-cutting ceremony, but by a cheese tower cutting. Yes, you read that right. The couple had a tower of cheese decorated with flowers, that basically looked like a wedding cake. It was delightful.
Another fun element that this couple added to the wedding timeline was a photo game. The concept was that the DJ would play a song, and the couple had to rush to every single table and take a selfie with them before the song was over. I’ll never quite get over seeing the bride and groom running around the reception space.
We love when our couples have a unique vision that’s true to them, and this wedding was no exception. At every moment, there was no doubt that we were celebrating Claire and Ashton, and their unique love story. Claire and Ashton’s wedding was more than just a beautiful event – it was a heartfelt celebration of their love, their families, and the community they’ve built together.
Are you dreaming of a wedding that draws inspiration from a specific location? I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Get in touch, and let’s start planning your perfect day.