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A Pastel Summer Wedding in Vancouver

Updated Dec 07, 2013

| By Erin Ryley

As soon as Mandy and Wilson set foot in Vancouver’s Hycroft Edwardian mansion they knew they had found the perfect venue for their summer wedding. The impressive grounds, including exquisite ornamental gardens, instantly captivated the duo, and the rest of their romantic wedding details quickly fell into place. “Hycroft definitely inspired our romantic and classic theme,” Mandy confirms. “To complement the venue I chose soft pastel shades like baby pink and pale purple—my favourite colour—for the invitations, the bridesmaid dresses, my bouquet and other decor elements.”

After choosing a location for their pastel summer wedding, Mandy turned her attention to finding the dress of her dreams. Funnily enough, it was far from love at first sight. “When we entered the boutique, my dress was on the mannequin, and I walked right past it. My friend urged me to try it on, but I wasn’t so sure.” After trying two other dresses, Mandy stepped into the third—the dress from the mannequin—and she knew it was the one. The tulle ballgown by Vera Wang was everything Mandy dreamed of for her pastel romantic wedding: “It was dreamy and airy—perfect for my outdoor wedding.”

The sun was shining brightly on the romantic wedding day and guests eagerly anticipated Mandy’s appearance. While she confesses to feeling nervous on her way down the aisle carrying her pastel bouquet, “I was just trying not to trip,” Mandy laughs, she’ll never forget the feeling of seeing Wilson for the first time: “I was walking with my dad, and everybody was standing, looking at me. I was looking at Wilson, and as I got closer I could see he had tears in his eyes. It was a magical moment,” she reminisces.

To kick off the summer wedding celebration guests enjoyed light refreshments before heading to the romantic wedding reception venue. Mandy switched up her look for the party and donned a tea-length Romona Keveža dress. She also had one more outfit change in store—a fuchsia evening gown adorned with crystals. “In Chinese tradition it’s customary for the bride to wear red, so I chose this deep pink colour,” she shares. During a 10-course traditional Chinese dinner, Mandy and Wilson made their rounds, taking the time to toast with every single one of their 220 guests. The happy couple also showed their appreciation with a practical (and meaningful!) gift for their guests to take home after the romantic wedding: personalized chopsticks. “In the Chinese culture, chopsticks are something you use every day,” Mandy explains, “but they’re also symbolic because you can’t have just one. You always need a pair.”

Looking back now, Mandy wouldn’t change a single thing about her summer wedding. “Everything went according to schedule thanks to the help of our wonderful friends,” Mandy reflects. “The whole day was just so perfect.”

Mandy So and Wilson Kwong, July 10, 2011, Vancouver, British Columbia. Photography courtesy of Ellen Ho from Hong Photography (www.hong-photography.com) Vendors Ceremony location: Hycroft Manor Reception location: Fisherman's Terrace Seafood Restaurant (604-303-9739) Dress: Vera Wang from Marcella's La Boutique Groom's tux: Custom-made by Mode Tuxedo in Hong Kong Bridal party attire: Custom-made by Mes Bridal in Hong Kong Hair: Sara Lin Makeup: Sara Lin Cake: Ganache Patisserie Caterer: Fisherman's Terrace Seafood Restaurant (604-303-9739) Favours: Custom-made in Hong Kong Flowers: Balconi Floral Design Stationery: DIY Others: Videography courtesy of Life Studios Inc.; Bridal Jewellery by Jeweliette and ARTE Madrid

See all of the photos from this gorgeous pastel summer wedding here.

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