I’ve always wanted to plan a wedding at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria. It carries such a special place in my heart.
In the beginning of my career, my mom and I would take a trip there at the end of every wedding season to recharge, relax, and indulge. While we were there, we would sleep in, eat lots of amazing food, and reflect back on the wedding season that had just gone by. I would use this time to think about what was coming next and how I could better prepare for the next season.
So when the chance arose to work with Brian, Natasha, and Natasha’s mom to plan a beautiful wedding at this iconic hotel that meant so much to me, I was ecstatic.
Living in New York and juggling busy lives, Natasha and Brian needed someone on the ground in Victoria to handle the details. They had many ideas for the wedding design, but one thing was crystal clear: they wanted the design to complement and enhance the venue they chose. When they settled on The Empress, the historic venue became the perfect canvas for all of our design choices.
The Fairmont Empress isn’t just a hotel; it’s a piece of history with charm oozing from every corner. In fact, Georgia from Georgia Johnston Photography had a field day exploring all the nooks and crannies for candid portraits with the couple. The first looks, both inside and outside the property, beautifully captured the couple’s excitement and the venue’s grandeur.
For the ceremony, we chose the Palm Court as the ideal location to feature the couple and the love they have for each other. The room has this stunning stained glass dome ceiling that the hotel staff only recently discovered during a renovation project. Talk about a happy accident! They restored it to its former glory, and it provided the most magical setting for Natasha and Brian’s vows.
The ceremony itself was a beautiful fusion of Natasha’s Muslim background and Brian’s Jewish heritage. Watching these cultures come together, accompanied by the delicate sounds of a harpist, was truly special. We worked with Koncept Events to ensure every detail was perfect, including custom matchbooks and a beautiful guest book that reflected the venue’s rich history.
After the “I dos,” it was time to celebrate! The cocktail hour gave us a chance to introduce a pop of colour – specifically, the iconic purple of Empress Gin. We set up a deluxe bar featuring Empress Gin and an array of delicious canapés. The couple’s signature cocktails were a hit: “His” was an Empress Gin and Tonic, while “Hers” was an Elderflower Gin Spritz. Yum!
Before the reception, we arranged a private room reveal for Natasha and Brian. Seeing their faces light up when they first saw the ballroom was a moment I’ll always cherish. We’d transformed the Crystal Ballroom into a perfect blend of their modern, bold vision and the Empress’s timeless elegance.
As guests took their seats, greeted by the gentle clink of wine glasses, Natasha’s mother kicked off the evening with a heartfelt speech. The menu was a culinary journey, starting with a comforting potato and leek soup, moving to a refreshing golden beet salad, and then onto the main course, where guests had their choice of beef, chicken, steelhead, or Jumbalia. Each dish was a testament to the Fairmont’s exceptional culinary team.
The night was punctuated by more touching speeches from friends and family, plenty of laughter from the photo booth, and so much dancing! The father-daughter dance kicked off the party, and when the bouquet toss came around, “It’s Raining Men” felt like a more than appropriate (and hilarious) choice!
As I watched Natasha and Brian twirl on the dance floor, surrounded by their loved ones, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful to this amazing couple for trusting me with their special day, and grateful to the Fairmont Empress for being the magical backdrop to it all.
Are you dreaming of a wedding that honours your heritage while creating new traditions? Or perhaps you have an iconic venue in mind that you’d love to transform? I’d be thrilled to help bring your vision to life. Let’s chat and start planning your perfect day!