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A Mystical Costume Wedding In The Woods

Feb 06, 2015

| By Jen O'Brien

Kira and Edward deemed their wedding day an "initiation into oneness". "This was not what one might consider a 'traditional wedding' service, but rather an ancient ceremony that united us with all who attended, and with all of the natural and elemental worlds," Edward explains. Guests were invited to embrace their inner children and dress as their "magical selves". "As a guide we asked people to think: A Midsummer’s Night Dream meets Lord of the Rings (without the Orcs!)" says Edward. "We knew not everyone would feel comfortable dressing in full costume, sporting fairy wings, wearing Indian saris or high elven robes for the day's events, so in lieu of that we asked attendees to consider dressing colourfully or in whatever way helped them feel magical."

The couple chose Eaglenest Sanctuary as the venue for their unique celebration. "The sound and movement of the Koksilah River running along the edge of our ceremony space and the old growth forest makes for the perfect wedding location," Edward explains.

Guests arrived dressed as unicorns, fairies, angels and elves and the day began with a ceremony led by shaman and spiritual teacher Bhuvaneswari Devi, which Edward says was one of the highlights of the day.

The ceremony was followed by a potluck dinner, after which guests shared their stories, songs, and memories before dancing until the wee hours of the next morning.

Kira Lee MacDuffee and Edward Glynn Colley, September 7, 2014, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia.

Photography courtesy of Darshan Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Eaglenest Sanctuary
Bridal gown: Armstreet
Groom's outfit: Armstreet
Officiant: Bhuvaneswari Devi
Cake: DIY Caterer: DIY potluck prepared by friends Favours: DIY bottles of water with crystals blessed by Bhuvaneswari Devi Music: DIY and Indian style chant music led by Brenda McMorrow
Hair and makeup: Sister-in-law of the bride, Amanda MacDuffee. Bride's bouquet: Close friend of the couple and gardener, Sandy Walker. Stationery: Self-designed invitations made from elephant dung.