Helen and Vincent’s storybook romance began when Helen returned to Vancouver after taking a break from her Master's degree to assist at a family friend’s accounting firm. Oddly enough, Vincent was an employee at this firm, and they were soon inseparable. Vincent refused to cut any corners in his proposal to Helen, preparing a bouquet of 99 roses, which in their Chinese culture represent long-lasting love. He hid them in his car while he drove Helen to the Horizons restaurant in Burnaby Mountain Park. Upon arriving at the park, he presented the roses to Helen, then lead her to a rose garden where he proposed. In lieu of an engagement ring, which his mother in China was having custom-designed, Vincent proposed with a gold charm bracelet watch.
The couple incorporated a number of DIY details into their sophisticated wedding celebrations. Everything from the favours and place cards to the floral arrangements were made by hand. They also selected their own music, including their first dance to the song, “Always With Me,” from Hayao Miyazaki’s anime film, Spirited Away. Their wedding ceremony took place at the stunning Celebration Pavilion at Queen Elizabeth Park, where 110 guests gathered for the festivities. Helen’s best moment was the private tea ceremony where she and Vincent received blessings from each other’s parents. Vincent fondly recalls the couple's first kiss as husband and wife as his favourite part of the day.
Helen Shen and Vincent Li, June 16, 2012, Vancouver, British Columbia
Photography courtesy of Raymond and Jessie Leung.
Vendors
Ceremony location: Celebration Pavilion at Queen Elizabeth Park
Reception location: Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Bridal gown: Enzoani
Groom’s tux: Moores
Cake: Saint Germain Bakery
Favours: DIY
Music: DIY
Hair and makeup: Jessica Hsia, Steven Kong
Flowers: Helen Shen and Joane Aiello
Stationery: DIY
Videographer: Capture the Moment
See all the photos from this elegant Vancouver wedding.
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