What do you get when you have a Chinese bride, a Scottish/Greek groom, a bagpipe performance and lion dancers? The fun-filled and culturally-diverse wedding day of Larisa Chan and Jonathan Koumaris, surrounded by 265 guests.
What was your favourite part of the day? This bride and groom loved watching their guests enjoy throughout their reception. “It was great to just have fun and celebrate with our family – there were smiles all around,” says Larisa.
If you could have done anything different, what would you have changed? “There’s not a single thing we would change about our special day – to us, it was perfect.”
Unique details: Incorporating so many different ethnic traditions into their big day made Larisa and Jon’s wedding one of a kind. “Our guests were surprised that we included all of our background traditions,” says Larisa. “We had Greek floral crowns and Scottish bagpipers during the ceremony, a Chinese tea ceremony, lion dancers and Greek dancing during the reception. It was so much fun for our guests!”
Favourite things: “The floral crowns and the kilts, for sure!” says Larisa. “Those details really tied together our woodland/hippy wedding themes and showcased our different cultures.”
Most surprising part of the day: “Ha ha. How on time we were,” says the bride.
Honeymoon: The newlyweds explored Canada, venturing to Tofino and Victoria, BC, and Banff, AB.
Photographer: Ankur Pal, CEO, Element Fusion Studios
Ceremony and reception location: The Grand Luxe Event Boutique
Bridal gown: Bella’s Brides
Hair & Makeup: Salon Varado
Bridal/bridesmaids’ accessories: Bella’s Brides
Cake: Made by the bride
Flowers: Mary’s Flower Shoppe
Favours: Baby succulents in tea cups by the bride’s family
Invitations: Vistaprint
Lion Dancers: Hong Luck Kung Fu Club
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Spring/Summer 2018.
