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A Lovely, DIY, Ciderhouse Wedding

Updated Apr 11, 2016

| By Shauna Pigeon

lovely ciderhouse wedding whistler - bride and groom

Shannon and Eric still debate about who made the first move. They met when they were both on the swim team at the University of Lethbridge then spent the six years that followed dating long distance. "During our six years of long-distance dating Eric and I spent our summers together in Victoria, B.C, Eric’s hometown," Shannon explains. "After being apart for four or five months we would reunite in Victoria and spend our summer vacations exploring Vancouver Island." Victoria was also where Eric chose to pop the question. One night in January of 2013 he convinced Shannon to climb up to a lookout at Moss Rocks Park, which is where he got down on one knee under the stars.

When it came to selecting a wedding location, Victoria was the obvious choice. "Victoria holds a special place in both our hearts," Shannon explains.

The couple's celebration was an intimate affair held at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. "Our theme and colour scheme, which included Robin egg blue, a variety of natural greens, beige and light grey, were chosen to reflect the natural beauty of the Vancouver Island and our love of travel," Shannon recalls. The couple also included a variety of DIY details in their wedding. "I designed our travel-inspired wedding stationery and hand-lettered our ceremony signs, which were made by my father-in-law. I also hand-painted table runners, beanbag toss boards, cake toppers, and a card mailbox, put together our test tube tea wedding favours and made the one-inch buttons that we handed out to our guests. To me all of these small touches helped to create an event that truly represented us," says Shannon.

Both Shannon and Eric look back at their first look photos as one of the most memorable moments of the day. "Having a few moments to be alone before the wedding was something we will always cherish," says Shannon. "It was such a special moment seeing each other for the first time."

Shannon Emerson and Eric Carmichael, August 7, 2014, Saanichton, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of Lara Eichhorn Photography and Gwen Ewart.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
Bridal gown: Robert Bullock from The White Peony Veil: Jennifer Leigh Couture Veil Design Sash: Sara Gabriel Veiling and Accessories Shoes: Modcloth and BHLDN Pearl bracelet: Emma Glover Designs Earrings: Virginia Geiger Jewels
Florist: Verbena Floral Design Hair: Conscious Hair by Elena
Makeup: Melanie Baird
Bridesmaids' dresses: J. Crew
Groom's tux: Indochino
Cake: Ooh La La Cupcakes
Caterer: Food for Thought
Favours: Shannon from The Otter and the Owl
Music: Paul Smith Groom and groomsmens' ties: Cyberoptix Tie Lab
Wedding dress hanger: Just Beachy Décor
Cake plate: Jeanette Zeis Ceramics
Mr. and Mrs. dessert forks: For Such a Time Designs
Mr. and Mrs. teacups: Yvonne Ellen Unique Homewares
Stationery: DIY