I’m ALL for beautiful wedding details, but it’s the stories that really stay with me. Stories like this couple who held an impromptu ceremony months before the wedding so the bride’s ill mother could witness their marriage. And while she lost her battle before the Big Day, the couple wove in beautiful moments to honor her memory while celebrating their love. Petite Pearl Events gave this bride and groom the gorgeous “I do” they so deserve and you can see it through the lens of Vasia Photography right here.
From the Bride… Funny enough, we met in high school when Brandon was a senior, me (Ania) a sophomore. As Brandon was graduating that year, I snuck my first kiss from him on Prom night. Brandon spent the following two years away at the University of New Orleans on a golf scholarship and we kept in touch via phone calls, good old MSN Messenger and holiday visits. When it was my turn to graduate in 2003, I asked Brandon to be my grad date and the rest is history. Nine years later and after six years of living together, we were finally married!
Our birthdays are one day apart (April 9th + April 10th) and we usually celebrate together. On my (Ania’s) birthday on Saturday, April 9th, 2011, I woke up to Brandon making me breakfast and telling me that my gift was a spa day together at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. After our massages, we went down tot he lobby bar where we had some sushi, oysters and martinis (he claims he needed this to calm his nerves). He suggested a walk before we left for home, so we took to the seawall for a few minutes. On our way back to the hotel he started saying really sweet, kind words which I thought was a little funny which followed by “I want to thank you for being so patient” which sort of got me thinking…but before I knew it, he was already down on one knee asking me to marry him in front of the Olympic Cauldron.
Of course I said yes and there was cheering from onlookers! He then let me know that we were going home to pack-up and would be staying at the hotel that evening. He also told me that he had planned a surprise birthday party in the cellar at Salt in Gastown. This is where we got to share the big news with all of our closest friends and had an amazing night catered with lots of wine and charcuterie! Definitely my best birthday ever and a memory I will cherish forever.
Best Wedding Moment: I think our favorite moment was when we were able to honor my mother (Ania’s) at the end of our ceremony. She passed away after a battle with ALS in March 2012 and we informed our guests that we would not be signing any documents today as we had had a religious ceremony at Holy Rosary Cathedral in November 2011 with her present. It was a small, intimate gathering with 14 of our closest family members and friends. We had kept it a secret until the big day. My mom was a big part in the planning process for our Brock House wedding and I only wish she could have been there to see it all come together.
My favorite wedding details were the dress, photographer, the catering, our guests. That said, the table decor and flowers absolutely blew me away in addition to our “outdoor living room” with chandelier under the tree. Our wedding planner, Jessica Minnie of Petite Pearl Events, and the decorator/florist, Jeanette Kornelson of Delovely Creative, hit it out of the park and I am beyond happy that I had the opportunity to work with such talented ladies! I could have never put something so beautiful together myself.
Photography: Vasia Photography | Event Design: Delovely Creative | Event Planning: Petite Pearl Events | Wedding Cake: Anna Elizabeth Cakes | Invitations: Design Spectacle | Makeup Artist: Jasmine Hoffman | Hair Stylist: Style By Jade | Entertainment: Photobooth Vancouver | DJ: Beyond Sound DJ | Groomsmen Attire: Jack Victor | Officiant: JJ Weddings | Transportation: Time Limousine | Venue: Brock House | Accommodation: Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel | Bridal Gown: Sposa Wedding World | Bridal Party Attire: Blush Bridal & Special Occasions | Bride's Wedding Shoes: Louis Vuitton | Groom's Shoes: Gucci | Groom's Tux: Garrison Bespoke