Celian and Djordje’s summer wedding took place by the lake in Vancouver, Canada. Their day blended both of their heritages, featuring a Chinese tea ceremony and Orthodox church proceedings, creating a truly unique celebration. From morning preparations to evening festivities, every detail reflected their shared vision of a timeless and meaningful event.
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Style: Classic, romantic, timeless
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 145
Setting: Ceremony – church, reception – tent
Season: Summer
Celian and Djordje’s journey began at The Diamond, a cocktail bar in Vancouver. Their first date didn’t spark an immediate romance, but timing brought them back together six months later. Their “second first date” led to a deep connection, and three years later, they stood together as a married couple.
Their wedding, planned over a year, was a reflection of this connection, combining the traditions of their Serbian and Chinese heritages with a timeless aesthetic.
“Sometimes, the best stories take a little time to unfold.”
Bridal Morning
The day began with preparations for the Chinese tea ceremony. Celian’s attire for this event was a stunning display of tradition and elegance. She wore a richly embroidered Qun Kwa featuring an intricate gold phoenix pattern adorned with shimmering beads and sequins. Her hair was styled into a sleek bun, accented with delicate gold hairpins and floral motifs with cascading chains.
She carried a beautifully decorated fan that matched her outfit’s ornate details, adding a touch of grace to her look. Every detail of her attire honored her cultural heritage while reflecting her personal style.
“When I finally slipped into the Qun Kwa, it felt like a childhood dream come true.”
Groom's Attire
While Celian was preparing for the tea ceremony, Djordje dressed in a traditional Chinese groom’s outfit. The vibrant red attire, decorated with intricate gold dragon embroidery, symbolized luck and prosperity.
Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony was held in the penthouse suite of the Delta Hotels Burnaby Centre by Marriott. It was an emotional blend of tears, laughter, and heartfelt well-wishes from the closest family members. They offered their blessings and gifts, including exquisite dragon and phoenix bangles and a symbolic gold pig with piglets, signifying prosperity and a blessed future.
"As a cherished tradition in Chinese weddings, this moment fulfilled a dream I had nurtured since childhood."
Getting Ready
Following the tea ceremony, Celian and Djordje changed into their second outfits for the Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony.
Celian wore a fitted long-sleeve gown with a delicate lace train, designed to reflect the solemnity and tradition of the church setting.
Her bridesmaids wore matching satin dresses in a soft blush tone, carrying bouquets of pink and white roses accented with lush greenery. Their dresses mirrored the elegance of Celian’s bridal attire, adding to the cohesive aesthetic of the day.
“My hair was styled in Hollywood waves, and I completed the ensemble with a long veil, aiming for a classic look that perfectly suited our church ceremony.”
To complete yheir vision of a classic and timeless wedding, Djordje wore a white tuxedo jacket paired with black pants and a contrasting black bow tie. Adding a special touch to his ensemble, he wore a Rolex Datejust—a wedding gift from Celian and a long-time dream of his.
Ceremony
The Serbian Orthodox ceremony took place in the historic St. Archangel Michael Church. Adorned with rich iconography and intricate woodwork, the venue provided a sacred atmosphere for the couple’s vows. During the ceremony, Celian and Djordje wore traditional gold crowns, and the lyrical Serbian hymns filled the space, creating a moving experience that resonated with all in attendance.
"My most cherished moment was watching my husband’s eyes well up with tears as I walked down the aisle. For him, the most memorable moment was seeing my smiling face as I made my way toward him, ready to begin our journey together in marriage and in life."
Private Moment
After the ceremony, Celian and Djordje exchanged private vows by the lake, a serene moment that contrasted with the formality of the church. This quiet, intimate moment allowed them to express their love in a personal and meaningful way.
The stunning scenery and their deep connection were captured beautifully by Maricle Kang, whose photography emphasized the emotions and the tranquil environment surrounding them.
Maricle skillfully played with her lenses, often blurring the surroundings to draw attention to the couple’s intimate moments. At other times, she opted for wide shots, capturing the expansive beauty of the lake and the serene atmosphere, ensuring every element of the day was preserved in her photos. Her ability to balance these perspectives brought the day’s emotions and settings together in a truly artful way.
Decor & Setting
The reception was held in a grand lakefront tent on the lawn of the Hart House, beautifully draped with white fabric and decorated with golden chandeliers from Sitka Studios. The setting created a dreamy atmosphere, enhanced by string lights that twinkled like stars as the evening unfolded.
The decor featured a sophisticated black and white palette, with tables set with elegant gold cutlery. Centerpieces of white and blush roses, accented with soft greenery, were arranged in vintage gold vases, adding a touch of classic romance to the modern setting.
"The details of the wedding were incredibly important to us, so we carefully selected signature napkins, drink toppers, and an array of delicious desserts for our buffet, among other thoughtful touches."
Reception
The reception began with a stunning champagne tower, where Celian and Djordje shared a celebratory kiss, surrounded by cheers from their guests. The wedding party made a lively entrance, bringing energy and excitement to the celebration. Heartfelt toasts followed, each one adding warmth and connection to the evening. A special dance by the guests added a personal and joyful touch, perfectly capturing the vibrant spirit of the evening.
As the night continued, the celebration grew even more vibrant. Celian, now in her dazzling taupe reception dress. To complement it, she wore a pearl and crystal-studded choker, matching earrings, and glittery heels from Mach and Mach. “I wanted this final look to be fun and glamorous, and it sparkled beautifully under our string lights,” the bride explained.
The dessert table, featuring an array of treats, including macarons from Ladurée, was a highlight, offering guests a sweet taste of the couple’s love for Paris.
“For our first dance, we swayed to ‘I Love You Baby’ by Frank Sinatra, a song that holds a special place in our hearts because Djordje would think of me whenever he heard it.”
Advice from the couple:
• Don’t feel like you have to handle everything on your own—delegate tasks to your loved ones, who will be eager to help and support you on your special day.
• While DIY projects can seem fun and manageable, sometimes it’s worth investing in professional help to save yourself time and stress.
PHOTOGRAPHER Maricle Kang | VIDEOGRAPHER Cascata Films | PLANNER Day of Events | VENUE Hart House Weddings | FLORAL & DECOR MV Decor | MUAH The Love Team | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE The Bridal Gallery | DRESS Wtoo by Watters | SHOES Mach and Mach | SUIT Indochino | LIGHTS Sitka Studios | DANCE FLOOR AB Partytime Rentals | PORTRAIT STATION & PHOTO BOOTH Lucky Booth | DJ Girl on Wax
