Brianna & Paul
Tell us a bit about your love story:
We met during grad school while studying environmental sciences. One of us studied land and the other the sea. We spent a lot of time together adventuring around Vancouver Island and found out we had a lot of things in common – we both had connections to Japan and grew up in the same city. One quiet morning at sunrise, after a few years of dating, we were on our first big vacation with our new puppy when Paul suddenly proposed to me on a beautiful rocky beach along the Strait of Georgia.
What were your original plans for your wedding day?
We knew we wanted a wedding on Vancouver Island and had envisioned celebrating the day with extended family and close friends from all over Canada and abroad. We saw the wedding as sort of a family reunion. With so many members of the family dispersed across the world, it was a chance for them to meet in person for the first time.
How did you feel before and after your change of plans?
We had to change our plans several times leading up to the event. First it was the guest list, then the date. There was definitely some initial panic and disappointment when we first learned about the drastic changes that had to be made, but everyone, from family and friends to the vendors, were so kind and accommodating that it took a lot of the stress away. After it was all said and done, we can honestly say we loved everything about our wedding day, and in some ways believe it turned out better than what we had originally planned. The whole process made us really realize what was important to us.
Will you be having a larger celebration?
Nothing set in stone, but there is some talk of bringing everyone together for a celebration in the near future. There was another wedding and a few milestone birthdays that happened over the past few years that would be fun to celebrate them all together.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Bree: I was so happy to walk down the forested aisle with my mom and dad. It really meant a lot to share that time with them and have my close family nearby. Getting our photos taken by the ocean also turned out to be a highlight of the day because so many romantic moments were captured.
Paul: Seeing Bree in her dress for the first time while waiting under the canopy amongst the sounds of nature. I also enjoyed extending the family tradition of listening to Neil Young during dinner.
Favourite wedding detail?
Bree: Getting to see the natural beauty of the lavender farm meld so seamlessly with the wedding decor. It was so amazing to see the lavender fields in bloom – a perfect photo opportunity that we wouldn’t have had with the original wedding date.
Paul: The lush vegetation and rustic farm setting made for such a relaxing vibe. Getting married outside in the fresh ocean air was a dream come true.
What will guests remember most?
Just how beautifully everything came together, from the people to the vendors and even the weather. The whole day was just so magical and a perfect reflection of who we are as a couple.
What advice can you give to couples planning a wedding?
Try to be flexible with the things that are out of your control, and don’t be afraid to ask your families and friends for help. Everything happens for a reason so stay positive when things don’t go as planned. The day goes by so quickly, so do your best to take in every single moment!
Number of guests: 10
Ceremony/reception venue (including city): Bilston Creek Farm, Victoria, British Columbia
Photographer: ItkasanImages
Décor: Brianna and her mother
Flowers: Foxglove Flowers
Cake: Cake by Taryn
Wedding dress designer: Nicole Milano
Suit designer: Joseph Abboud Custom Clothing
Hair/makeup: Lashes and Makeup by Natalie
Catering: Bramble by Bilston
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