Simply Rose

What an absolutely fabulous way to begin the 2012 wedding season. The weather was glorious, the trees were in full cherry bloom, the couple was smiling and the party was happening. I was really looking forward to this wedding for a number of different reasons ~ I got to work with Leo Damian again of Wish Events, the ceremony and reception were held at two premiere Vancouver venues and this was also my first same-sex wedding.

The day opened up for me at the Penthouse suite at the OPUS Hotel, which is an incredibly fun space with crazy cool decor, while my lovely co-shooter for the day, Alanna Clempson, hung out in the West End at a private condo for the getting ready shots. It was wonderful how laid back and relaxed everything was, while Steven got ready and his friends dressed in the lounge area of the suite.

The First Look happened at the Roundhouse in Yaletown ~ what a marvelous location to take some vintage urban shots! And Steven and Vinay shared a few moments of quietness before we jumped right into the pictures all around Yaletown ~ the Roundhouse, David Lam Park and the seawall. I think it was a perfect mix of urban and West Coast style to shoot in this area, especially since Steven and Vinay both love all the things that Vancouver has to offer in the way of things to do and places to go. And the blossoms were an important aspect of the wedding shots and hold a lot of significance to Steven, so it was absolutely perfect timing that we got the magnolias and cherry blooms all at the same time.

The ceremony was held at the Celebration Pavilion in Queen Elizabeth Park and it was such a lovely day that we were fortunate enough to have those swing doors wide open. The ceremony itself was beautiful and it was so wonderful to see the smiling faces of family and friends as Steven and Vinay made a lifelong commitment to each other in their presence.

Since the ceremony was in early evening, we made it to the University Golf Club shortly afterwards for the dinner and party. My jaw dropped when I saw what Leo and his team had created ~ what a beautiful, beautiful job! The palette was clean, the flowers were all hand arranged by Leo in these fabulous tall glass vases, the cake was perfect right down to the monograms and everything just looked like it sparkled. The guests were treated to a buffet on the terrace and a dessert table later in the evening. There was dancing and a photobooth by Alanna that was really the highlight of the evening and kept people laughing and made for some really super memories.

I just want to thank Steven, Vinay and all their families for making us feel so welcome and also for having us there on this really special day. I felt so privileged to be able to be a part of a same-sex wedding, especially coming from a very traditional background. I have come to the biggest realization of my life that I have no place to judge who people love. Steven and Vinay, you have shown me through your love for one another and the testament from others that what you have is very special and very true. And that you have some very incredible people surrounding you both. You are very blessed.

Congratulations, you two!