Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/127001
Top: Sharon and Kevin capped off their day by enjoying dinner with family at Vancouver's Les Faux Bourgeois bistro. Middle: The bride designed all the wedding stationery herself, including this two-sided program/fan. Bottom: Sharon recalls that it was impossible to stay dryeyed during the ceremony. creative talents. Sharon, who runs her own graphic design agency, Hoot Creative, cites another reason as well: "It's a place we'll bring our children to one day, so it has that nice little connection." After setting the date, the pair began brainstorming ways to create a memorable wedding on a modest budget. With an event planner out of the question, they spent weeks scouring Pinterest for inspiration. They needed only a few fun touches as the studio's tiny dimensions ruled out a sit-down dinner, dancing or even a bridal party. For ambience, the pair set the space aglow with strings of decorative bulbs; bunched random wildflowers in vases fashioned out of spraypainted mason jars; and displayed finger foods — including tea sandwiches, mini cupcakes and a wedding cake — on vintage serving plates sourced from local thrift shops. When it came time to say "I do," the bride, wearing a tea-length vintage-style dress and clutching a bouquet of summer blooms, made her way to a makeshift altar, accompanied by an ethereal tune by Icelandic post-rockers Sigur Rós. There, a minister presided as the lovebirds exchanged vows they had written themselves, which included verses from one of their favourite poets, e.e. cummings. While Sharon recalls the nuptials "felt more like a party than a wedding," she nevertheless found it impossible to remain dry-eyed during the ceremony. "I cry very easily. I even cry when I watch wedding shows!" she exclaims, adding: "I knew it wasn't smart for me to wear mascara that day." Happily, her tears were soon replaced by smiles when friends toasted the happy couple in a flurry of flashbulbs and clinking glasses. There was just enough time to light a symbolic "unity candle" and enjoy slices of wedding cake and tea sandwiches before bride and groom, who had rented the venue for two hours, bid their guests an early goodbye. Hand in hand, they stepped out into the warm July evening for the short walk over to Vancouver's acclaimed French bistro Les Faux Bourgeois, where they enjoyed a dinner reception with their immediate families — and their first meal together as husband and wife. rw 58 real weddings SPRing / SUMMER 2013 p56-59_Sharon+Kevin.indd 58 13-04-22 11:12 AM