Hannah and Sam’s vision for their wedding day was clear—”dinner in a vineyard with all of their friends and family in the summer.” And, that’s exactly what they had but with the gorg-factor amped up quite a bit. Sea Cider orchard added a beautiful backdrop to a day filled with stunning late-summer florals by Verbena Floral Design. Dusty lavender-hued roses , blush dinner plate dahlias and deep eggplant foliage fill the bouquets, ceremony arrangements and vintage-inspired low-centerpieces that take centerstage in the family-style reception in the orchard. Photographer Kelly Brown, was on had to capture the lovely Canadian couple and all the moments of their sun-streaked big day.
What made the wedding special and unique?
We had a pretty clear vision of what we wanted for our wedding – dinner in a vineyard with all of our friends and family in the summer. We found the perfect venue not too far out from the city and so many people that meant a lot to us were able to make it out. Our favorite moment was sitting in the vineyard listening to Van Morrison with a cocktail laughing with our friends and family.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I was really lucky with my dress! I planned a shopping day in Victoria with my girlfriends, my mom, my birth mom who visited from out of town and my mother in law. At the second store, White Peony, on our day I found the dress of my dreams – it was pretty memorable because I tried it on once and decided I’d try it on again without telling anyone. Everyone (including myself!) was surprised that the “one with the feathers” was the one! I loved it though and hope to turn it into a cocktail dress one day!
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
We had pictures from our childhood and our families in frames all around the cider house that meant a lot to us. As well, we had every guest at the wedding sign a big parchment that had a commitment to our marriage and our community. My husband wore his late grandfather’s watch and our rings were in my late grandparents’ silver wedding box from their wedding.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Probably dancing – my husband and I love to dance and we had so much fun with our friends and family. I am adopted and one of our favorite moments was watching birth family, adoptive family and my husband’s family all out on the dance floor together!
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
We had been dating for two years or so, and on our anniversary we always go down to Willows Beach in Victoria for a picnic. Sam had a box with a rock in it and a little poem he had typed on our typewriter. It spoke about how penguins place a rock on their partners feet to promise their commitment. I definitely looked confused at the rock in the box! Then Sam pulled out a ring box and we both cried/laughed and celebrated on the beach. The beach is really close to our house now and we love to go back to walk our dog and remember that special moment.
// Photographer: Kelly Brown // Florals + Design: Verbena Floral Design // Stationery: Beebeebisous // Venue: Sea Cider // Dress: The White Peony // Food: The London Chef // Rentals: White Event Studio // Furniture Rentals: Bash Specialty // Hair + Makeup: Heartwood and Co. // Suit: J Crew // Officiant: Amanda Tarling