Selina + Luis - May 26, 2018

Stunning views at this vineyard and blend of cultures for an intimate wedding come together in beautiful Osoyoos, BC. How do you seamlessly blend two cultures, in four locations, at one destination, with 50 of your friends and family? Do it like Selina + Luis! Follow along as we show you how this super sweet couple hosted an awesome getaway weekend.

Kelly here! Ok. Ack. This post is looooong overdue. But you know how life kinda gets in the way? Welp….I present to you – Selina and Luis. Selina is so much more than a client or just a friend, she’s more like a little sister to me. Even though she *technically* started as my Sister’s friend, I think we can agree that as you get older, there are no boundaries to age and friendship anymore. Selina recently unearthed a photo from a few years ago, of us girls and her new ‘boyfriend’, Luis. It was the first time I had met him, and as honorary big Sister, it was my duty to give him a *lite* third degree interrogation! To top it all off, he’s a bloody sweetheart. So, Selina, you nailed it, sister!

Fast forward to their love story. Luis was trying to figure out how to propose to Selina, and figured he would do it during their trip to NYC for her birthday. Long story short – they were watching the sunset at the Empire State building, Luis went on one knee, Selina thought he fell, he proposed, she cried, the rooftop clapped. He gave her a rock, on the Rock…..Awww!

So when Selina + Luis began to plan for their big day, they realized that they wanted something a bit unique and began researching venues in the Okanagan. Also known as our “Wine Country” which extends as far north as Kelowna and as far south as Osoyoos, the Okanagan holds over 100 wineries as well as many venues where you can host an intimate vineyard wedding. After lots of searching, they chose the beautiful Spirit Ridge Resort + Winery in Osoyoos for their wedding location. To honour Selina’s South Asian heritage, we coordinated a morning ceremony at the Bhavsagar Sikh Temple in Oliver before they held their ceremony at Spirit Ridge.

Morning

The benefit of hosting your entire day on the resort, is that everything is onsite. Selina and her bridal party made their way over to the Solterra Day Spa to get their hair and makeup done, while Luis and his boys enjoyed a relaxing breakfast with his family. Afterwards, Selina was ushered back into her room where she was surrounded by her Mom and Aunts who helped her into her bridal Lehenga from Vivah Gallery. It was like a carefully orchestrated dance – watching layers upon layers of her gown as it was fastened up, and her gold Dupatta veil was placed over her head and pinned to the dress. Finishing touches included her red and gold bangles, or Chooda from Gehna Jewelry, Mendhi from Henna by Arneet, nails by Bling Nail Studio and shoes by Badgley Mischka.

LOCATION #1 – THE ANAND KARAJ AT THE TEMPLE

Top Cat Limo brought the intimate group of 50 guests to the Temple, for the Anand Karaj which means “Blissful Union” ceremony. It was so interesting to see the mix of cultures, with Selina’s family and Luis family and all of their friends. Once the ceremony was finished, guests were shuttled back to the Resort.

LOCATION #2 – CIVIL CEREMONY ON THE WINERY PATIO

Guests made their way up to the private patio where the second ceremony was held. Greenery was laid out on either side of the aisle provided by Polka Dot Door Floral Design who also provided the bridal bouquets, as Officiant Corine Durston was ready to perform the ceremony and DJ Josh from Absolute DJ provided the ceremony music.

Selina changed from her Lehenga into her second dress, a white Laudae gown from Truvelle, with the help of her Maid of Honour, Shannon. Once ready, Selina carried her beautiful bouquet down the aisle, where she met Luis, dressed in Ted Baker London from Nordstrom. Following their second ceremony, Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour provided by the Resort, while Joy from Sheer Joy Photography captured their families and so many candid moments.

Osoyoos is quite unique in it’s own way as it’s a dessert located in the middle of forestry. The scene and views are out of this world, and always blows my mind that’s it’s only a 4 hour drive outside of Vancouver.

LOCATION #3 – THE EVENING ON THE PATIO

Guests had a quick break from the sun and went back to their rooms to refresh, while we transformed the patio into the dinner reception. Round guest tables were set up with white table linens and topped with minimal centerpieces made of cylinder vases with floating candles, olive branches and lavender sprigs. The sweetheart table was set up with the vineyard in the distance, and provided a beautiful backdrop with the setting sun. Guests enjoyed their dinner, listened to speeches and as the sun set, made their way down to the last location for the evening – the Conference room for the late night dancing!!

LOCATION #4 – PARTY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM

Guests watched as Selina and Luis cut their 1-tier, coconut-flavoured cake, from Purebread (that we had decorated with edible flowers), while they danced the night away. This features Selina’s third and final dress for the evening.

THE NEXT MORNING

The next day, guests were able to enjoy the resort at their leisure and many went on wine tours of the surrounding area.

And don’t forget, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re on a vacation. Guests were able to travel by car to the venue and arrive within a few short hours, and the best part – the final bill was still in Canadian dollars!