Ashley + Graeme - November 7, 2020

We guarantee you can smell the gingerbread in this blog. This is the story of a holiday covid wedding that almost didn’t happen.

Love is not cancelled and let us tell you why!

Even during a pandemic, when you’re on your fourth venue, re-planning the layout of the evening for the third time, and juggling everything that 2020 is throwing at you, these two lovebirds reminded us that the only thing that matters is the person at the end of the aisle.

I first met Ashley at a restaurant to go over her day, and I have to say, she was so ORGANIZED. Which figures since her day job consists of operations and logistics. It felt so natural chatting with her about her day, her groom Graeme, and all the details she already worked through.

Venue mishaps

Ashley knew she needed help, when her first venue in Squamish was forced to close due to some structural issues. She connected with us after she sourced out venue number #2, once she realized that she couldn’t do everything on the day, herself. We settled on our service The 2 Month Takeover.. During this time, COVID-19 was still in the beginning stages in BC.

Little did we know how the constant updates would affect their day!

As we got closer to their wedding date, we became increasingly aware that her original guest count of 130 guests was not going to happen. So, Ashley + Graeme opted to host their ceremony and reception on his parent’s beautiful property in Langley, with a newly reduced guest count of 40 guests, following the guidelines of the gathering order. It was at that moment that Ashley realized she was going to need more help, and we upgraded her to a Full service planning package to provide them peace of mind. Which meant changes the food service, changing the decor to reflect the new format, and revising the roles some of the vendors took on. We want this (in) covid wedding to happen!

Pro Tip. It’s 100% ok to ask for more help as you realize you need it. We’re here to help you and if you find that life is getting in the way, reach out to your Planner so that those arrangements can be made.

Challenges continued to arise

As we quickly approached their wedding date – 10 business days to be exact – the protocols changed here in Vancouver yet again, preventing them from hosting their wedding at a private home with their size of guest count. So, WITH DAYS LEFT, we sourced out their fourth and final venue. A beautiful winery down the street from their third Langley location. As we officially booked the venue less than a week out, we made arrangements with all the vendors – again – to reflect the new venue layout and format.

Just as we thought everything was going to work out, and our team finished setting up the evening before, we were told that some important members of the family were no longer able to attend. So, our amazing team of vendors helped ensure we would include them – a zoom link for the members unable to attend or travel.

The wedding day was f&%*ing beautiful!

As we overcame challenge after challenge, the wedding day was perfect.

With only a slight drizzle in the morning, we all shed a small tear as we watched Ashley walk down the aisle towards Graeme. Because, frankly, we were ALL on this journey of love, just as much as they were!

The evening was filled with lots of laughter, and the family who were included virtually even provided us with a small concert! Our amazing team of vendors took over, with Justine Russo Photography and Capture by Mark documenting the evening, Frolic & Forage Catering took over the amazing food buffet and Cakes by Peddie created THE MOST amazing gingerbread village for their Cookie Buffet, our Bartenders – Kristi + Miles helped to ensure everyone was hydrated with some amazingly delicious cocktails, Floralista created beautiful bouquets and table arrangements, Beaumont Beauty beautified the whole group of ladies in the bridal party, rentals were provided by Bespoke Decor, Past Pieces, Confetti Rentals, Event Tents and Evergrow Trees, Almost Famous provided all the music, Stationary provided by the super talented Inkydot Design, and transportation provided by Luxury Life limousine. All this under one amazing roof at Sinocan Winery!