It's not always the couple that chooses the venue, sometimes it's just the opposite. After searching high and low for the perfect location to celebrate the beginning of their new lives together, this Mr. and Mrs. came back to the spot they loved from day one: the lake. Once that was decided, the real planning began! Not a detail was overlooked from the mason jars filled with wildflowers to the handmade photobooth. The gallery is full of gorgeous thanks to Michelle Lana Photography!
Silvermere Lake Backyard Wedding from Michelle Lana Photography
Click here for the FULL wedding!
From the Bride... It took Ben and me a really long time to choose our wedding venue. Ben's first choice was the lake, but I was hesitant because I knew how much work it would be. Not only would we be planning a wedding, but we would also basically be building the ceremony and reception site from scratch. We looked at different golf courses, the new community centre by our house, and even thought about a destination wedding, but in the end, nothing was really "us" except the lake. And looking back now, it was the perfect (and perfectly obvious) choice.
Once we decided on the venue, we knew we wanted to pursue the vintage-country theme (tin buckets, mason jars, lots of candles, twinkling lights everywhere, lanterns, cute stationery, chalkboards, raffia, burlap, etc) because we loved how chic, yet casual, it could come across. Plus the natural beauty of the property would just add another dimension to our vision. We wanted to have little seating areas and hang-out spots throughout the property so guests wouldn't be confined to their seats (a lounge on the dock, outdoor propane fireplace, sitting area by the horseshoes and bocce). The photo booth was just an idea that I came across in a magazine and knew the cute props would fit perfectly with our theme. We wanted to make a lasting impression for our guests through the experience and the intimacy of the wedding; we wanted to have details, details galore because we feel that is what makes weddings so unique. In the end, it was a ton of work and stress but the day was perfectly amazing and well-worth the effort!!
My grandma and Grandpa Kirk passed away when I was only 4 years old, and my grandma left me her wedding rings in her will. Ben had my engagement ring designed to use the three large diamonds from my grandma's own engagement ring. We decided to use her actual wedding band as my own and just had it dipped in white gold to match the engagement ring.
Wedding Photography: Michelle Lana Photography / Wedding Venue: The Home of the Bride's Grandparents at Silvermere Lake in Mission, British Columbia / Bouquets + Boutonnieres: Verde Flower and Plant Design / Flowers: Ferncliff Gardens + Buckets Fresh Flower Market / Greenery: From the Family Farm / Floral Arranging: Lorreen Chambers (The Bride's Aunt) / Catering: Kurt Palmer (The Groom's Brother), Jason Streefkerk, Anil Pamar + Steven DaCumxa / Appetizers: The Groom / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: Tracycakes Bakery Cafe / Cake Topper: DIY / Bartending: Maria Gigliotti / Wedding Stationery: Sheena Gross, A Cousin of the Bride / Ceremony Guitar: Ralph Donatelli (The Bride's Grandfather) / DJ: DJ Renstar / Jam Favors: DIY by the Bride, Her Mother + Ramona, a Family Friend / Vintage Cars: Borrowed from Family / Direction Sign, Photo Booth, Mason Jar Lanterns, Chalkboards: DIY by the Bride & Groom / Chalk Mason Jars: Painted by the Bride / Head Table Backdrop: DIY by the Bride's Father / Wooden Candle Holders + Table Discs: DIY by the Bride + Her Grandfather / Tissue Poms: DIY by Family + Friends / Hurricane Vases, Candle Holders + Tulle: Borrowed from a Friend / Linens: Fabric via Linen Tablecloth + Sewn by a Family Friend / Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani "Dillon" via Bryan's Bride / Bride's Veil: Blue by Enzoani via Bryan's Bride / Bride's Shoes: Nina via Zappos / Bride's Hair Flower: Wedding Factory Direct / Bride's Engagement Ring Design: Hammond Jewellers / Bride's Wedding Band Plating: The Gold Bin (604-826-733) / Hair: Toni Carlson, A Bridesmaid