A Scandinavian-Inspired Wedding in British Columbia

Kaela and Jeppe met in Las Vegas while she was on a girls trip and he was having a night out with a close friend of his. "They say 'what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,' but we're glad to say it isn't always the case," Kaela says. After bumping into each other at the Pure Nightclub in Caesar's Palace, the pair chatted and danced the night away and the next day Jeppe was already making plans to see Kaela again. "He asked me if I would like to spend more time together," Kaela recalls. "That's when I agreed to go with this strange man into the Nevada desert for a hike." Her willingness to take a risk paid off and their hike became a date, then dinners and many more outings throughout the trip. By the time Kaela returned back to her home in Vancouver, Jeppe was messaging her ideas of when they could see each other again.

The couple got engaged during the holiday season between Christmas and New Year's Eve, while exploring parts of Vancouver Island that they hadn't seen yet. "Despite Tolfino being notoriously stormy in the winter, we lucked out with three glorious days of sunshine," Kaela explains. One afternoon, while the two lovebirds wandered the Chesterman Beach they reached a secluded part of the coastline. "Jeppe turned and looked at me and I immediately felt a shift as he started to say beautiful things," Kaela shares. "He proposed, followed by us exchanging words of how excited we were for our future together."

The theme for the wedding was Pacific Northwest meets modern Scandinavian design. "Much of the design was inspired by what you see on the coast of British Columbia: the ocean and coastline, the evergreens, and the mountains," Kaela explains. The colour palette reflects these B.C. roots featuring shades of blue, green, grey and white. "Everything we included was intended to enhance our beautiful surroundings and invite our guests to fall in love with B.C.," Kaela says. The day was full of greenery that was used in a variety of ways including garlands for the tablescapes and hanging above the dance floor. "Tina of Platinum Floral Designs intertwined eucalyptus with salal, that was collected locally around Vancouver Island," Kaela mentions.

One of Kaela's favourite wedding details were the tents used for the reception. "These canvas tents gave us an element of safari in the PNW wilderness," Kaela says.  The couple had string lights hung between the tent peaks, wrapped around the wooden beams inside the tent. Another favourite of hers was the Danish Kransekage or Crown cake, a marzipan ring cake that looks like a tower. "Danish tradition dictates that every guest must have at least one bite or the couple will have bad luck," Kaela explains. Danish Kraneskage is typically covered in Danish flags, but the couple also made sure to include Canadian flags in a nod to Kaela's heritage.

With Jeppe being from Denmark, it was important to the couple to include Danish traditions throughout their wedding.  One tradition that guests enjoyed was a game where they clinked their glasses and stomped their feet, causing the couple to either stand up on the chairs and kiss or crawl under the table. "A few rounds of this will make you really in need for your next sip of wine," Kaela laughs. The bride and groom's fathers gave heartfelt speeches, which included funny moments to keep the tone light. "Jeppe's father spoke directly to me about how important it is to continue to forge my own path and pursue my dreams," Kaela recalls. "He said they are all there to support me, which I though was such a lovely way to welcome me to their family."

Photography courtesy of Shari + Mike.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Bodega Ridge Resort
Wedding planner: Emma McCormick, Creative Planning & Production
Bridal gown: Jenny Packham Bridal
Flowers: Platinum Floral Designs
Stationery: Studio 745
Caterer: Bodega Ridge Resort
Hair: Haley Stuart
Makeup: Emaleth Artistry
Music: Hiway Productions
Tenting and furniture rentals: The Wise Co.
Designer: Trend Decor Event Design