Location: British Columbia, Canada
Setting: Winery
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,5 years
The number of guests: 138
Wedding theme/style: Outdoor winery wedding, timeless, classic, intimate, local.
Alexandra and Joshua met in high school. Despite a four-year age gap, Alex had always been aware of Josh, the popular and cool senior. Their paths crossed again at a party in 2017, sparking a romance that has flourished for nearly eight years. Josh proposed at a candlelit concert of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. After it finished, he pretended to lose the car keys, leading them back into the concert hall. As they were searching for the keys, the string quartet quietly returned to the stage to perform a private concert, during which Josh asked Alexandra a life-changing question.
The couple chose Phantom Creek Estates Winery in Oliver, British Columbia, for their wedding. This venue, reminiscent of an amphitheater, was adorned with local white and orange flowers, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Couple shared that the wedding theme was inspired by Tuscan vineyard weddings with a modern twist.
Alex’s dream of wearing a Galia Lahav dress came true on her wedding day. The couture dress was paired with a delicate, long veil that covered the bride’s face, in keeping with tradition.
The Jewish tradition bedeken is a heartfelt moment before the marriage ceremony, where the groom takes a moment to look at his bride-to-be and then gently veiling her face. This act symbolizes the groom’s deep appreciation for his bride’s inner beauty and the qualities of the woman he is marrying. This special moment was followed by a photo session, capturing the joy and love of the occasion.
Meghan Hemstra’s talent of photography shone through in capturing the day’s emotions. Her photos, especially of the radiant bride, were anything but ordinary. Each image, with its stylish composition and magical lighting, tells a story of the couple.We were particularly captivated by the non-trivial approach she took, effortlessly blending elegance with a touch of the mystery.
Held on a hill in front of the vineyard, the ceremony took place under a beautiful Jewish-inspired setup. The couple, standing before their guests and a rabbi, confirmed their commitment to each other, sealing their vows with a kiss amidst the cheers of their loved ones.
The reception echoed the ceremony’s minimalist and stylish theme, with greens, whites, and hints of orange and yellow floral that added a light, soft and cheerful tones and the venue’s palette. We like how the couple arranged the seating, ensuring that all guests felt included and close to the newlyweds. The setting created a warm atmosphere of togetherness, reminiscent of a large, united family.
The reception started with the lively traditional Jewish dance, the horah. Guests encircled the bride and groom, dancing joyfully together. In a spirited display, the couple was then seated on chairs and lifted high by stronger guests, creating an energetic and celebratory atmosphere. Although this uplifting tradition had a different purpose years ago, in modern world it aims to bring joy and happiness to the bride on her special day.
During the wine hour, guests were treated to a delightful surprise – ice cream! This sweet addition was enjoyed by everyone, adding a cheerful touch to the already happy mood of the day.
Amidst this cheerful festivities, the couple stole away to the winery’s grounds for a private photo session. This quiet moment allowed the husband to steal the sweet kiss of his wife and to savor their new union.
The dinner unfolded under the soft glow of warm fairy lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. It was a time filled with heartfelt words from guests, offering congratulations and sharing in the joy. Amidst this warmth, the couple expressed their gratitude to their family and friends and the evening continued with abundant hugs and kisses, deepening the sense of closeness and celebration.
As the day drew to a close, Alex and Josh shared their first dance as a married couple. This magical moment, under the stars and in front of their loved ones, was a fitting end to a day filled with love and celebration.
Advice from the couple:
• Wedding planning is stressful if you make it stressful – meaning that the planning process is what you make of it. Put your love and excitement at the centre of the process, this results in guests feeling that love and that excitement too.
• Take time to pause on the wedding day to ensure you enjoy every moment.
PHOTOGRAPHER Meghan Hemstra | VIDEOGRAPHER Limelight Studios | PLANNER & DESIGN Dream Big Weddings & Events | VENUE Phantom Creek Estates Winery | FLORAL Minim Designs | HAIR Shine Hair Co | MUAH Jenny Mckinney | DRESS Galia Lahav, Park & Fifth | HEELS Magda Butrym | TUX Canali | BOW TIE Hermes | CUFFLINKS Tiffany and Co | DJ Chloe Morgan | RENTALS & STATIONARY Ellie Wylde Design Co
