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Forest Camp Party at Cheakamus Centre

We met with Sarah at the Earls in Yaletown. We had an instant connection. She told us she wanted fun people on her wedding, and boy was she right! Sarah & Blaise tied the knot at Cheakamus centre in Squamish with family and friends. The couple truly knew what they wanted. They decided to keep the atmosphere much more relaxed and decided against some traditional wedding events you would typically see. They knew their guests, they knew their wedding party and mostly, they knew how to celebrate with one another to have the wedding day they both wanted.

Tarina and Kelly were amazing throughout the entire wedding planning and on the day of. I initially booked them for only day of services but they were so great at letting me know what they could help with and I never felt pressured. They truly went above and beyond and we would not have had such a care-free and fun wedding day without them. Tarina and Kelly are professional and fun and they really know how to bring your vision to life. – Sarah Blackmoore 

CEREMONY

The couple chose to do a first look with the wedding party. This was because Sarah & Blaise wanted to spend their cocktail hour with family and friends. This was very important to them, and they made it clear from the start in the planning process.

Pro tip! Let your planner know what you really want from the moment you hire a planner. It’s easier for the planner to navigate the planning process when he or she knows the important items on the list!

Cheakamus centre is an education centre in Squamish. The state of the art building has a modern inside, with an beautiful outdoor setting. If you time the season right, you can see a ton of eagles right outside the back window catching salmon in the stream below. The couple took portraits and bridal party photos all over the property with the adventurous couple The Godards!

The ceremony took place at the built in ceremony space just beside the venue. With the help of florist Erin from A fox in the flowers, and some of the brides items, we created a boho setting to match the forest backdrop. The venue already has a built in arch and built in benches, so we simply elevated the space. The arch was draped with macrame, and a floral installation with pampas and a boho rug to ground the space. The pew markers were unique and located down the length of the benches, which were re-purposed for the ceremony. Make up and hair services were provided by Natacha Trottier.

The couple opted for their very good friend Alex to officiate the wedding. We worked with Susan Brant who did the legal component of the wedding day.

Alex read the vows using a children’s book to compliment his custom ceremony. We worked with Alex to ensure he had all the tools he needed.

Sarah had a traditional bridal bouquet, but her ladies had floral hoops! And how cute are these custom t-shirts?!

COCKTAIL HOUR FUN

Normally, we say cocktail hour could be about 1-1.5 hours max. However, the couple made it very clear they wanted a longer cocktial hour, with games, outside with snacks and beverages, and the ability to enjoy their guests company. They wanted to keep the vibe very fun, very relaxed but also have fun with their guests! Working with the venue’s natural outdoor space, we set up games, catering had snacks and the bar flowing, and the couple really enjoyed themselves with loved ones.

Have cocktail hour questions? Listen to our podcast The Wedding session, episode 3:

RECEPTION & DETAILS 

The couple opted for no head table, so they sat in the middle of their guests among three long rows of tables.

Pro tip: For photos, make sure there is a space right in front of the bride & groom so photographers can capture shots.

The emcees & real couple Lisa & Matt were simply the BEST! They had games planned, items for guests to do out of a hat and a SHOT-SKI! The emcees did not disappoint and truly surprised the couple with everything they had.

Instead of dessert, the couple opted for a station from Cartems Donuts!

The custom decor installation with the greens, drape and light, we had pink lights ready to go so the dance floor was literally “lit”. The install was provided by SAY with the help of our in house florist Jorbelina Flowers. 

The evening was spent dancing the night away with Vancouver’s own Side One band. Having live music really brings in an ambiance of fun and “get up off of that thang!”

Bonus – the couple’s entrance song was I wanna dance with somebody by Whitney Houston and if you follow our instagram stories, you know this is also Kelly and my (Tarina’s) theme song on every wedding we do! 

VENDORS 

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