An Elegant English Garden Wedding in Vancouver

Alex remembers Chris's Christmas Eve proposal as an extra special moment, since it also happened to be 30 years to the day of her own parents' engagement. The proposal took place after snowshoeing through the forest while listening to old Christmas carols at Lost Lake in Whistler, B.C. "We were the only people there and suddenly Chris was on one knee," recalls Alex. "We celebrated with champagne by the lake—it will go down as one of the best days of our lives."

Chris’s British roots helped the couple decide on an English garden theme for their wedding. Working with florists at Myrtle et Olive, the couple helped design florals in soft shades of cream and blush that provided a timeless, undone elegance to their day. A hanging botanical installation in the room’s centre made a huge impact, and brought that outdoor garden feel into the beautiful white ballroom, with accents of pale blue and grey throughout.

Alex raved about the team at Smitten Events, who helped make wedding planning fun and enjoyable. "The peace of mind we had on the day, knowing everything was taken care of, was priceless," she says. The team helped bring her vision for an English garden to life, including sourcing the extra special details that Alex had her heart set on, like pale blue linens, tapered candles, and King Louis dining chairs.

Opting out of a first look, Alex and Chris decided to wait until their ceremony to see each other for the first time. "We’re both traditional and knew we wanted the first time we set eyes on each other to be when I walked down the aisle," Alex says.

Alexandra Bain and Chris Burrows, August 12, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Photography courtesy of Christie Graham.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Stanley Park Pavillion
Bridal gown: Monique Lhuillier from Bisou Bridal
Bridesmaid gowns: Amsale and Dessy from Frocks Modern Brides & Bridesmaids
Groom’s tux: Ted Baker
Groomsmen attire: Hudson's Bay
Wedding planner: Smitten Events
Flowers and event design: Myrtle et Olive
Lounge furniture: The Collection Rentals
Reception linens, chargers and chairs: Art of the Party
Hair and makeup: Denise Elliott
Music: Musical Occasions and Man About Town Entertainment