Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/162483
pullquote to go here Wanting to save the big day until after Joel's graduation, the couple had almost two years to plan the perfect wedding. Although they're originally from West Vancouver and Coquitlam, they had both fallen in love with Manhattan on past holidays, so they wanted "a New York urban feel, but still a little romantic, a little bit soft, not too dark and modern," says Jillian. To get the chic metropolitan look they adored, they opted for a black-and-white colour scheme, with sparkling chandeliers, classic pearls and cascades of fluffy hydrangeas. Jillian took a DIY approach wherever she could to give the event her own signature style. She made most of the stationery herself, while a friend crafted her stunning pearl bracelet and matching earrings. A helpful aunt stepped in to design her headband and a custom black satin belt to add a splash of sass to her sleek Alfred Sung gown. She also gave her bridesmaids free reign to choose their own little black dresses for the ceremony. "I just loved that mismatched look, and they were all their own style," she says, adding that they also dodged countless headaches by not having to worry about alterations. Finally, the September Saturday they had so long awaited arrived. Ninety guests streamed into the sunlit courtyard at Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar in Vancouver's trendy Yaletown neighbourhood, where red brick walls and twisting vines set the stage for a West Coast wedding with Big Apple charm. As she walked down the aisle, catching sight of the chandelier draped in white blooms, and her husband-to-be waiting for her Top: caption to come Middle: caption to come Bottom left: caption to come Top: Surrounded by bubbles, rose petals — and friends and family — the couple tied the knot in Brix's sunlit courtyard. Left: In keeping with her urban chic theme, Jillian chose a fitted Alfred Sung gown. Right: Party time! The couple lead the way inside for the reception, which immediately followed the ceremony. p50-55_Study in Romance.indd 52 4/24/12 3:59:24 PM