Set across three character-filled rooms at The Vancouver Club, Alexandra and Brett’s spring wedding unfolded in glowing candlelight, vintage textures, and personal touches that honored their ten-year story. Captured by Meghan Hemstra, every image feels warm, nostalgic, and deeply intimate—just like the celebration itself.
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Style: Romantic, vintage, elegant
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 150
Setting: Ballroom
Season: Spring
Brett and Alexandra met by chance at the Pemberton Music Festival, when they were just 21 and 19. That day turned out to be more than just a fun memory—many of the friends who were with them then later stood beside them at the altar. After eight years together, Alexandra sent Brett a photo of a vintage emerald ring she had fallen in love with, simply saying, “This is the one.”
Two months later, Brett proposed in the backyard of his family home, surrounded by roses and their closest loved ones, with a custom ring inspired by that photo. They celebrated with food, wine, and dancing until sunset—exactly how they wanted to begin their next chapter.
Bridal Morning
Alexandra’s wedding look was a carefully curated expression of grace, nostalgia, and personal significance. She wore a custom-made high-neck, long-sleeved lace dress designed by a local seamstress, inspired by elements she had admired in other gowns. Button detailing trailed down the back, and a tiny bow cinched her waist with delicate charm.
Her bouquet featured white roses, wrapped in a clean satin ribbon, matching the understated elegance of her dress. A sheer veil flowed behind her, with a subtle embroidered tribute to loved ones who had passed — a personal, emotional touch that made walking down the aisle even more meaningful. On her wrist and hand, the bold green of her emerald engagement ring stood out, a reminder of the intimate proposal that started it all.
Her bridal look was accessorized with teardrop pearl earrings, borrowed from a bridesmaid at the last minute, and statement heels by Mach & Mach, featuring oversized crystal heart embellishments that added a playful twist. She wore By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela as her scent, a cozy favorite that grounded her throughout the day. For the morning prep, Alexandra slipped into a sheer robe trimmed with feathers, found years ago at a vintage store, layered over a vintage nightgown gifted by a friend.
Despite the emotional weight of the day, she felt calm and full of joy — “over the moon and strangely at peace,” she said, smiling through the entire ceremony.
Groom's Fashion
Brett wore a custom-tailored black double-breasted suit paired with a black bow tie and Gucci loafers detailed with gold clasps, capturing his love for timeless luxury. His accessories reflected personal meaning, from a green-faced Rolex that echoed their emerald rings to a gold family crest signet ring and sleek cufflinks. Confident and composed, he looked forward to the moment Alexandra walked down the aisle and felt proud to see their shared vision come to life, surrounded by the people they love most.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the University Room at The Vancouver Club, where historic charm met understated romance. Against the stately fireplace, a lush floral installation of white roses and clouds of baby’s breath by Justyna Floral climbed toward glowing candlelight. Dozens of floating and pillar candles lined the mantle and floor, casting a soft glow across the classic cream walls and gilded chairs. The floral design echoed the couple’s vision—romantic, timeless, and in harmony with the building’s heritage architecture.
The mood was intimate and full of meaning. Alexandra walked down the aisle to a string quartet version of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You,” following bridesmaids who entered to “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” In a touching departure from tradition, Alexandra was escorted by both of her parents, and the ceremony honored loved ones who had passed. A suit with a white boutonnière was placed in memory of Brett’s father, and the bride’s veil bore embroidered names of their late grandparents and parents, adding a deeply emotional layer to the moment.
After the vows, the newlyweds kissed beneath the mantel framed in florals and candlelight before heading straight into celebration. Thanks to Meghan Hemstra and planner Alicia Keats, portraits were captured quickly and naturally, allowing Alexandra and Brett to join cocktail hour without missing a beat. There, surrounded by friends and family, they toasted their ten-year anniversary—a perfect bridge between the past they shared and the future they were stepping into.
Private Moment
Just after the ceremony, Alexandra and Brett slipped away for a quiet moment together—a pause to take in the weight and beauty of what had just happened. Meghan Hemstra captured these minutes with her signature instinct for emotion and movement, letting their joy unfold without direction. Her lens caught not only the elegance of the setting but the way they looked at each other, completely in sync, wrapped in the glow of a newlywed energy. The result was a series of images that felt cinematic yet entirely real—timeless memories sealed in natural light and honest connection.
"I wanted to give her the wedding of her dreams, and I think we accomplished that!"
Decor & Setting
The reception took place in the Ballroom at The Vancouver Club, where the couple continued their vision of candlelit romance. Debut Event Design kept the decor simple and refined, with white roses in bud vases and an abundance of glowing candles stretching across the long tables. The historic architecture of the room stood out on its own, so the styling focused on enhancing rather than competing with its character. Soft lighting, elegant gold chairs, and neutral tones created a warm, welcoming space for dinner and speeches.
Each table felt intimate and intentional, mirroring the design choices of the ceremony. The florals by Justyna Floral kept the mood cohesive—romantic and minimal, with a vintage touch. A mix of glass votives and tall vessels held flickering candles that reflected off crystal glasses and champagne flutes, setting the tone for a relaxed yet elegant evening. Every detail reflected Alexandra and Brett’s shared love for timeless beauty and meaningful simplicity.
"We fell in love with beautiful historic architecture of the Vancouver Club, it has so much character. We knew we wanted to keep the décor simple and timeless, and not fight the era of the building."
Reception
As guests settled into the Ballroom for dinner, they waited for Alexandra and Brett to enter hand-in-hand to a full room of cheers before taking their seats for a night filled with laughter, stories, and heartfelt toasts. One of the couple’s favorite parts of the night was listening to speeches from loved ones. “Each speech was so special and heartfelt, and we were both overwhelmed with emotions,” Alexandra said. Every word shared added another layer of meaning to their celebration.
"Something that I always wanted at my wedding was a lot of speeches, we made it a point to have our close family and friends take the microphone."
The wedding cake by Pink Sugar Cake Room stood on a round table surrounded by baby’s breath and soft candlelight, perfectly in tune with the romantic decor. The vintage-style buttercream texture added a nostalgic feel, and the couple beamed as they cut into the cake together. The images from this moment captured pure joy and ease, with Alexandra and Brett smiling at one another, framed by delicate florals and the glow of flickering lights.
Their first dance was unrehearsed, and Alexandra admitted to feeling nervous before stepping onto the floor. They had chosen “Sweet Symphony” only shortly beforehand, and the dance ended in a moment they’ll never forget—“Brett leaned in to kiss me, and I thought he was dipping me,” she shared. “He almost lost his footing, but I had no idea!” Guests laughed, clapped, and cheered, and the newlyweds kept dancing.
Night Celebration
For the evening celebration, Alexandra changed into a pearl-and-rhinestone mini dress by Watters paired with sheer gloves and her Mach & Mach heels, transforming her bridal look into something playful and party-ready. She kept her veil on and carried a bouquet of white roses as she laughed with guests and posed for portraits, glowing under the candlelight.
Later, she gathered her friends for the bouquet toss, which turned into one of the night’s loudest, happiest moments. Afterward, the dance floor filled up fast—Alexandra led the way, surrounded by her bridesmaids, twirling, laughing, and singing along. The night ended just as they hoped it would: with everyone on their feet, joy spilling over from every corner of the ballroom.
"For us, it was the perfect way to begin this next chapter of our lives together."
Advice from the couple:
• Be Present, Be Selfish: while you want your guests to have fun–this day is about you, and enjoy every moment!
• And if you’re in doubt about whether you should get a videographer, do it—you will want to relive this day, and having it to look back on is the best possible gift to yourself.
PHOTOGRAPHER Meghan Hemstra | VENUE The Vancouver Club | PLANNER Alicia Keats | OFFICIANT Vancouver Officiant | FLORALS Justyna Florals | CAKE Pink Sugar Cake Room | MUSIC DJ Seko | PHOTOBOOTH Signature Booth | DECOR Debut Event Design
