Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/127001
Erin McGee and Andrew Hudec August 25, 2012 Kirkland House, Ladner Garden ofLove An old-fashioned English tea party was the inspiration for this sunny country wedding full of fresh vintage style Written by Noa Glouberman Photographed by Erin Gilmore A run-of-the-mill night out with friends took an extraordinary turn for Erin McGee, a fashion consultant from Vancouver. Locking eyes with investment adviser Andrew Hudec, she wondered if he was "the one." Soon after, she had her answer, and three years later, the two were engaged. t "We worked really hard to integrate our families while we were dating," says Erin, who has two sons from a previous relationship. "The second my kids started calling him 'Dad,' I knew it was for real." t Despite suspecting that Andrew was up to something (he had been asking friends for the name of Erin's favourite jewellery designer), Erin says she was still surprised when her beau popped the question during a weekend getaway to San Francisco. t "It was his grandmother's birthday and the whole family was there — I didn't think he would choose that time to propose," she says. "When he got down on one knee in our hotel room, I wasn't expecting it at all." t "I can't remember ever being more nervous, except maybe when I asked her dad for his blessing," says Andrew. "When I heard her say yes, it was the best moment of my life." t He presented Erin with a stunning princess-cut diamond engagement ring from Tacori, a piece she'd been privately eyeing for years. Several days later, the couple began making plans for their dream wedding. t "We started calling venues right away. We knew we wanted a country setting for a daytime ceremony, so it would be easy to involve the kids," says Erin. "It was very important that my children be a part of the celebration." t She and Andrew found their ideal location at Kirkland House, a century-old Edwardian farmhouse in rural Ladner. With help from wedding planners Delovely Creative, Erin began pulling together details to create an event reminiscent of a traditional British wedding. t "I wanted to get married first thing in the morning and then serve brunch, but my wedding party nixed that idea when they found out how early they'd have to be up," she laughs, adding that she was happy to settle on a noon ceremony followed by a lunchtime reception. 28 real weddings SPRing / SUMMER 2013 p28-33_Erin+Andrew.indd 28 13-04-22 10:32 AM