Sandra and Lucas Wedding
A Dior-Inspired Garden Destination Wedding
Rose Garden and Sage, UBC, Vancouver
Although not quite your typical "enemies-to-lovers" story, Sandra and Lucas indeed found each other a bit annoying when they first met whilst playing in the same ultimate league together in Vancouver.
But over the years, that annoyance turned into friendly banter, friendship, long-distance friendship, then - surprise! - a spark of attraction on Lucas's part. His sudden seemingly obvious gentlemanly gestures were left unnoticed by Sandra, until, exasperated, Lucas had to very plainly tell her that he liked her and wanted to be in a serious relationship with her.
This bold step would be the start of their forever, bringing them closer together despite moving to Seattle, away from family and friends. So it was not a surprise that they chose to host their wedding in the City where they both grew up and met: Vancouver, BC.
Friends from Seattle and around the world travelled to celebrate their union at the UBC Rose Garden, an italianate-style garden. A location so beautifully framed by the pacific coast mountains and ocean, and embraced by lush roses and greenery.
The forecast promised a downpour of rain, but to our relief, the clouds paused long enough for the couple and their wedding party to take outdoor photos, for guest to settle in and enjoy the views, the vows, and make their way under cover at Sandra and Lucas's reception venue.
Hidden behind all the foliage of the UBC Rose Garden was their reception venue, Sage.
Designed in brutalist architecture, it was a challenge to create a cohesive design that would blend the brutalist architecture with the Rose Garden's natural beauty, in addition to incorporating Sandra and Lucas's own personal style & vision to their wedding day.
Whilst trying to reconcile the very different aesthetics of each component, I came across a blue toile de jouy pattern - one that reminded me of Christian Dior's Toile de Jouy collection. I was drawn to the pattern. It had just enough playfulness to keep it light and fun, but was very classically French - a lovely touch to add to their European-inspired style. I eventually used it as my main inspiration to layer the design elements into their decor.
As if by fate, Sandra actually used to work for Dior, loved the pattern (and colour), as well as the aesthetic direction proposed. We incorporated elements of drapey and flowy fabric to help soften the venue's more rigid lines.
From the start, Sandra and Lucas wanted an al fresco wedding: elevated, while still embodying the laid back vibe of a wedding set in a Tuscan villa. However, with the forecasted rain, we ended up hastily securing a tent, just 2 days before wedding day.
While the rain prevented the al fresco vibe, the tent still had an outdoor feel, and everyone was warm, dry, and comfortable.
Over the course of the evening, bellies were fed, heartfelt speeches made, and many (happy) tears shed. In keeping with the Italian/European theme, they had a mille feuille wedding cake. Cake cutting was interactive - they got to add the final touches: fresh berries and generous dustings of powdered sugar, before slicing it together and sharing it with all their guests.
And the final act: A spectacular dance number by the couple for their first dance. A medley dance routine: Rumba to Michael Buble's "Sway", then transitioning to a hiphop number to NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye". It was the perfect way to end the formal program, and begin the dance party!
