The West Coast played a huge recurring role in Breanne and Luke’s relationship, so it’s no wonder their DIY wedding had a laid-back vibe. They met during a hiking trip on the West Coast Trail, and Luke proposed in Sloquet near Whistler.

The Proposal

When he dropped Breanne off at the airport for a girls’ winter camping trip, he was the last person she expected to see in the mountains. After they arrived at their campsite, Breanne’s friend convinced her to hike to the river for a photo. Breanne got the surprise of her life when Luke managed to appear in the middle of nowhere and propose with his grandmother’s vintage ring. It turned out he hid in the backseat of her friend’s car for three hours!

The Big Day

They held their intimate wedding at Breanne’s family cabin to share the special place with close friends and family. The bride and groom shared a quiet moment during their first look, which put Breanne at ease and reminded her what the day was really about. She then walked past her childhood playhouse to the deck where she and Luke enjoy their morning coffee, then said “I do” over the glimmering lake. They wrote their vows separately, but they mirrored each other beautifully. “It was a symbolic reminder of how much we truly complement one another,” says Luke.

Engagement Ring Cut

Three Stone

First Dance

“Sea of Love”—Phil Phillips

Newlywed Advice

“We’d recommend hiring a week of or day or wedding planner. Taking on too much can cause unneeded stress on your wedding day.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Honeymoon

Vancouver Island

Jade and Jeremy grew up in the same town, but didn’t start dating until they moved to the city to study at the University of Alberta. From there it took ten years and a trip across the globe for Jeremy to propose.

The Proposal

The couple were on a private sunset safari in Kenya and stopped at a picturesque spot to stretch and enjoy a glass of wine. Jeremy asked the guides to take a picture of them, grabbed Jade’s hand and got down on one knee. “The entire world stopped,” says Jade. They were greeted back at camp with champagne and a private dinner.

The Big Day

Finding their reception venue was easy; Jade and Jeremy loved the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s elegant Empire Ballroom at first sight. Finding the dress, however, wasn’t; Jade tried on nearly 50 understated gowns that she thought fit her vision, then unexpectedly found “the one” when she tried on an elaborate Allure gown.

Favourite Moments

Jade took Jeremy’s breath away during their first look, then they read letters containing their vows to each other. “It was very emotional and really special because it was the only moment that day that was shared between just the two of us. We will never forget it,” says Jade.

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

First Dance

“Home”—Cover by Luca Fogale

Newlywed Advice

“Try to get everything done by the weekend prior to your wedding. We had everything done by the Sunday before the wedding. It was nice to have the week to relax and just be excited to get married!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds look forward to filling the pages of their passports together, starting with their honeymoon in Maui and Japan.

Honeymoon

Japan + Maui

Modern minimalism at it’s finest. This styled shoot starts with a blank white canvas and ends with the slightest pop of gold metallic in hexagon shapes for a more dynamic look. The Vancouver based vendors behind this wedding shoot wanted to create a simple and obtainable – yet still beautiful – look to inspire brides-to-be.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but there’s something undeniably attractive about a man who can cook. Jessica met Steven at one of his famous dinner parties and soon discovered they shared interests in food, wine and travel. They ended up cooking together and trading recipes, which eventually led to a tropical engagement.

The Proposal

The couple booked an overnight catamaran expedition during their trip to St. Maarten, and Steven used the opportunity to propose on the deck under the twinkling stars. They celebrated with champagne and were serenaded by the gentle lapping of waves and the sound of terrible karaoke drifting over the bay.

The Big Day

Jessica and Steven chose to host their wedding at Emerald Lake not just for the spectacular setting, but also for sentimental reasons; when they first started dating they stayed at Emerald Lake Lodge on the recommendation of a friend who worked as an apprentice chef there, and Jessica had fond memories of camping at Yoho National Park as a child. After a beautiful day full of laughter and tears and an evening full of food and dancing, the groomsmen swapped their tuxes for their birthday suits and jumped into the frigid lake.

Favourite Moments

Jessica:“My favourite moment was walking down the isle hand in hand with my soon to be husband.”

Steven:“The first look. It was nice to see each other and bring some calmness to the day before the big moment.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Pear

First Dance

‘Higher Love’ Steve Winwood

Newlywed Advice

“Do what is right for the both of you, don’t worry so much about what everyone else thinks you should do and hire the right vendors! It was wonderful to have Julianne Young Weddings help us with all the planning and the staff at Emerald Lake Lodge were so accommodating. We worked with them to create three wonderful hors d’oeuvres for cocktail hour and they were a big hit with the guests – along with the east coast oyster bar, and the late night poutine take-out containers.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds now look forward to exploring new destinations around the globe together.

Honeymoon

Osoyoos, B.C | Resort: Watermark Beach Resort

Despite sharing many mutual friends while living in Calgary, Maxine and Theron didn’t meet until seven years after moving to the city. When their stars finally aligned, their relationship quickly progressed; they packed up their lives and moved across the planet together the following year.

The Proposal

During their two years living in Australia it became obvious they were meant for each other. Theron proposed during a weekend of hiking, picnicking and riding in a hot air balloon in the Gold Coast Hinterlands. “It was beautiful, simple and private,” says Maxine.

The Big Day

The couple wanted a naturally beautiful outdoor wedding and Bottega Farm Inn & Studio in Kelowna provided the perfect inspiration. The forest served as the backdrop for their ceremony and the spacious great hall was decorated with crisp white linens, lush greenery and subtle hints of gold for the reception. Blush bridesmaid dresses and navy suits complemented their wedding palette.

Favourite Moments

Theron was awestruck when he first saw Maxine; her headpiece and jewelry shimmered in the sunlight as she walked down the aisle. The highlight for Maxine was having friends and family from all over the world join them to celebrate their marriage. “It was very special for us and we felt very loved and supported,” she says.

First Dance

“Crazy Love”—Van Morrison

Newlywed Advice

‘Don’t forget to have fun during the process. Planning your wedding is not a checklist or tedious tasks to complete. Also, make your guests feel comfortable and welcomed — they are there to celebrate with you!’

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Maxine and Theron are looking forward to the next big chapter in their lives together—becoming parents in summer of 2017!

Honeymoon

New York City, NY