Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/307716
realweddings.ca 45 On the day of the wedding, Maisie stood beside Shali at the Sikh ceremony in a traditional red Indian lengha, but one with a contemporary turquoise trim. "Shali looked like a prince!" she says beaming, describing the sleek, modern achkan he wore, with a turban on his head, a sword at his side and a full beard. e ceremony included prayers in Punjabi and explanations in English, to include all 210 guests. A day later the couple held a Chinese tea ceremony on the balcony of their reception venue, the Villa Amato Ballroom in False Creek, enjoying magnificent views of the North Shore Mountains. Maisie had put her creative skills to use designing a white lace gown with a removable skirt that served as a cheongsam when the skirt was off, and a traditional wedding gown when it was on. "I'd envisioned that outfit in my head for years," she admits. When it came time to create it, Deborah Whitley of Seamingly Perfect in Vancouver brought Maisie's ideas to reality. Later, guests drank signature mojitos and enjoyed a menu catered by the Lazy Gourmet that reflected the couple's cultural origins. ere were choices of fried wontons with prawns or crab cakes with curry aïoli for starters, and later, beef tenderloin with an Indian spice rub or orange duck confit with tea-infused risotto. Bhangra dancers and Chinese lion dancers entertained the party, and after dinner, Bro Productions had everyone on the floor until the early hours of the morning. "Everyone was so happy to be part of such a multicultural experience," says Maisie. "Our families kept talking about how easily the two sides got along. My only regret is that the two of us never got to eat. We just didn't have time!" rw " Everyone was so happy to be part of such a multicultural experience" The day after their Sikh ceremony, the couple opted for a Western-style reception at Villa Amato Ballroom, where the colour palette switched to bold purple and white. Maisie and Shali created several of the décor details themselves, including the centrepieces and stationery, while Maisie also designed her lacey white gown. Sewn with a removable full skirt, the dress converted into a sleek Chinese cheongsam for the couple's traditional tea ceremony. p42-45_Masie+Shali.indd 45 14-04-17 1:06 PM