English Garden on Grouse Mountain

It’s official…we love mountain weddings! We love the anticipate of that spectacular view as we climb our way to top to get to the ceremony. We love the fresh air and breathtaking views – especially of the city. Visiting Coola and Grinder is one of our favourite parts at the Grouse Mountain – The Peak of Vancouver.

Grouse Mountain is the perfect spot to experience wilderness in the city and one of the best locations for a stunning Vancouver backdrop. Your guests from out of town will love it. Although they now live in the UK, Canadians Jessica + Patrick wanted to host their wedding here in Vancouver. While the theme was “English Garden” with Celtic elements, the West Coast landscape surely did not disappoint!!

TIP: If you have a lot of guest from out of town, find a venue that showcases the local landscape. We have some of the best ocean views with mountain backdrops.

The ladies began their morning at Denise Elliot Beauty Co where they got their hair done by the talented team. Then, made their way back to a private residence to continue getting ready. Jessica’s own bridesmaid (a professional Makeup artist) was able to do all of the ladies make-up. The finishing touch – a regal floral crown provided by Postmark Flowers, Jessica looked like a queen. When it was time, City Wide Limo brought the bridal party to the base of the mountain, and the signature red gondola took them the rest of the way.

The venue at Grouse Mountain is designed to offer beautiful views from each of its various spaces. Jessica + Patrick decided to have their intimate ceremony on the private patio, overlooking the North Shore and the Downtown skyline. Derek G Davidson of Bagpiping Vancouver serenaded the bridal party as they walked down the aisle. If you ever get a chance to have a bagpiper participate in your event, do it!! Chills down your spine! We have to give a shout out to the tiniest, ca-yutest flower girls – Jessica’s twin nieces!! Just learning to walk, these showstoppers made their way down the aisle with Grandma in tow. This ceremony was extra special, as their officiant – Pamela O’Sullivan – also performed a hand-fasting (an ancient Celtic custom – at its core, it’s part of the commitment ceremony).

David Tam of Matdivad Photography was able to capture Patrick + Jessica in some seriously stunning landscape shots. At the same time, we helped to design and set up their romantic long table, catered by the team at Grouse Mountain. Centrepieces (used previously at the ceremony) were set up down the length of the table, provided by Postmark Flowers, and we accented the built-in fireplace with draping, fabric and candles.

Their delicious cake was provided by the talented Cadeaux Bakery. The music was provided by not one but TWO talented vendors. The Irish Wakers provided some seriously lively tunes for dinner and for early dancing. Our friend Joe of Vancouver DJ Company provided assistance with the ceremony and late night dancing. Why is Joe the best? The mic of the venue’s battery died all of the sudden, and he literally jumped up to the rescue with a second mic on hand hooked up to his speaker. That is service!

TIP: We always highly encourage having assistance with your music on the day – regardless of guest count size. A professional DJ can assist with equipment challenges and can read a crowd to make sure they keep the music pumping!! They are truly a good investment for any event.

What goes up, must come down. The gondola ride at the end truly caps the evening. Clear skies mean seeing the Vancouver landscape at night with all the lights, spanning all the way into Burnaby. It’s our favourite part.