One of the things that I love about being a Wedding Coordinator is that every wedding is unique. Each couple brings their own style and their own personal touches to their big day. Last year’s wedding season was constantly exciting and inspiring to me, as every wedding had its own distinct atmosphere, each one full of character and creativity that made the day special!
One of my favorite weddings was that of Cindy and Victor on August 31, 2014. A kind, smart, and fun-loving couple, Cindy and Victor had a beautiful wedding full of lovely details and thoughtful touches.
The morning started off with a Chinese tea ceremony with Cindy’s side of the family, and then a second one with Victor’s. I love how they incorporated their Chinese backgrounds into their big day – a sweet show of respect and love to their families. Cindy also wore a beautiful red Chinese dress for part of the reception.
The civil ceremony took place at The Edmonton Petroleum Club in the newly renovated Pembina Room. It has a very modern tone to it, which went well with the wedding’s fresh colour palette of pastel blue, purple, and pink.
Before Cindy’s entrance, the adorable flower girls and ring bearers walked down the aisle carrying two stuffed ‘Despicable Me’ minions dressed in bride and groom outfits – so cute!
Cindy and Victor’s personal vows were very touching, especially since they were both similarly written. You could tell they are meant to be together! Following the ceremony, photos were taken with each specific group of guests, such as school friends, sports team friends, etc. What a great way to remember the loved ones who you shared your big day with!
The reception was held in Hall D at the Shaw Conference Centre. Hall D is a large banquet hall, and has an entire wall with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving an amazing view of Edmonton’s river valley. As guests arrived, they had a choice of signing either a blank puzzle piece that was a part of a whole puzzle for Cindy and Victor to put together, or a personalized book with wonderfully captured photos of the couple displayed on every page – both great alternatives to the traditional guest book. Waiting at the guest tables were golf ball favors with the couple’s custom cartoon logo and wedding date stamped on them. To continue with the bride and groom’s love of golf, there was also a mini-golf game for the guests to enjoy, which actually served as the evening’s method of getting the newlyweds to kiss! Additionally, a bouncy castle was set up to ensure that the little ones had a fun time.
To make the wedding an interactive experience for their guests, Cindy and Victor had a live stream created to display Twitter and Instagram posts containing their wedding day hashtag. Guests were asked to capture photos of different things at their table, or asked to answer trivia questions about the couple. Whichever table posted the correct photo or answer first, got to go to the dinner buffet. Speaking of the buffet, the Shaw has an amazing selection of food and dessert. I loved the pumpkin cheesecake! The couple also had a beautiful wedding cake made by Once Upon a Cake, and cupcakes decorated as those yellow Despicable Me minions, of course!
The reception décor for this large wedding of 450+ guests was classic. White chair covers with alternating blue and purple sashes, white tablecloths with purple napkins, and a variety of breath-taking floral arrangements created by Wonderful Weddings. These included hydrangeas and roses, which is a lovely combination that was quite popular in 2014. Lastly, the head table had gorgeous white rosette tablecloths, and a white draped fabric backdrop with purple uplighting. So pretty and elegant!
Congratulations once again to Cindy and Victor!
Samantha Stevens & the SW&E Team
Wedding Planning: Story Weddings & Events | Photographer: Elaine Green Photographer | Flowers: Wonderful Weddings | Cake: Once Upon A Cake
Rentals: A Chair To Remember / All West Weddings | Makeup: Senstudios | DJ: Revolution DJ | Venues: Edmonton Petroleum Club / Shaw Conference Centre