Planning a wedding in 2020 was no small feat. It induced new levels of stress, disappointment, frustration, hopelessness, patience, appreciation, and resilience for couples. Lisa and Mark were one of those many couples, waiting nervously to see what would unfold in the coming months of wedding season, after the COVID-19 pandemic first shutdown businesses, travel, schools and events. Lisa remembers the day everything changed back in March when the world went on lockdown. Like many couples, it was a touch and go situation, with a roller coaster of emotions. “We decided we needed something good to come out of 2020 and we were going to still get married”, recalls Lisa. Which meant a whole new plan for the wedding to abide by health authority restrictions. Canceling their original Whistler, British Columbia venue was heartbreaking for the couple, as it held their original vision for their wedding weekend celebrating with family and friends. But there came a point when it was no longer possible to move forward with their ‘Plan A’. It was a leap of faith to change venues, and risky to potentially jeopardize other vendors as well, but it also presented an opportunity for a completely fresh start to planning their special day. It was a chance to really focus in on what was important to them, and those ‘must haves’. Things started to turn around for the couple when a family-member offered the use of their waterfront beach home property in stunning Madeira Park, BC on the Sunshine Coast. With a private yard surrounded by old growth trees, an expansive sundeck overlooking the bay for cocktail hour, and a firepit for late night smores, it was ideal for their intimate outdoor wedding.
On October 3rd, the fog settled low in Bargain Bay, creating a gorgeous misty backdrop for their outdoor ceremony on the lawn. It was a crisp fall day, that ideal transition time between summer and the changing into fall. And importantly, the last window of time when private events of 50 or less were still allowed in British Columbia. Lisa and Mark said their “I Do’s” overlooking the water, as guests gathered in household groupings in airy rattan chairs. Pampas grass lined the aisle, and made a statement in the stunning ceremony florals arrangements by A Fox in the Flowers creating a simple yet impactful alter. A tasteful white guest favour box with nametag and dainty piece of Bleached Italian Ruscus were attached with chiffon ribbon and placed on each pairing of seats, complete with masks, hand sanitizer, and most importantly mini prosecco bottles for all the guests. Family and close friends joined Lisa and Mark to a toast to the couple immediately after the official ceremony, and as newly husband and wife they made their way down the aisle, champagne in hand. And what a cause for celebration it was, now all the challenges of past six months were behind them and they could finally start this new chapter together. By cocktail hour the fog had burned off, revealing a gorgeous view of the bay from the large deck. Guests were also encouraged to utilize the vast property, with lawn games and high-top tables defining a few areas for guests to socially distance themselves and enjoy the passed canapés and signature drinks. The dinner reception and dancing were held beneath the bistro lights in the clear tent on the lawn, providing an open-air experience. Guests were again grouped at tables with their households with subtle oatmeal-coloured linens and napkins. The sophisticated neutral colour pallet was used throughout, with clear drinking goblets, white ceramic chargers and black salad plates and flatware. A pop of rust orange was brought in with a sugar cookie name card at each place setting. A mix of delicate bud vases and stunning centerpieces in the same cream, blush, and burnt orange tones adorned the tables and bar. Modern and refined signage by The Ephemerie was present throughout the décor elements, in the welcome sign, seating chart, table numbers, bar signs, favour box tags and guestbook signs. There was also ‘Spread Love Not Germs’ frosted signs placed with matte white hand sanitizer stations around the property for guests, a small reminder of the current pandemic situation. Guest danced the night away, to a healthy representation of country songs, as per the bride’s much-loved genre. A donut bar with Vancouver-favourite, Cartem’s donuts, was a substitute for a traditional cake, and was a COVID-friendly choice. Guests finished their evening with a sparkler send off down by the dock, where a smores station and cozy blankets were available at the fire pit. Looking back on the experience of getting married in 2020, Lisa recounts, “planning a wedding in the middle of a pandemic was not something I ever envisioned but it brought me back to the importance of a wedding. It’s about getting to marry the love of your life and getting to live happily ever after. I’m happy to say through all the struggle 2020 brought us, I got to marry the love of my life”.
