Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/430877
42 real weddings planning guide 2015 Both students back in 2009, Ludovic one day found himself sitting in the library across from Newsha, who was studying for her MBA. As he had just completed his own degree, he was more than willing to offer advice and study tips to the attractive brunette. "Little did I know that she would take me through it all, only to marry me afterwards!" says Ludovic. For their big day, the pair envisioned an occasion that would be simple, elegant and intimate, yet exciting and fun. "We based our decisions on which vendors and venue to use from referrals," say the couple, "and wow, did they ever deliver. Everything was on time and we couldn't have been any happier." Newsha and Ludovic settled on the luxurious Shangri-La for its central downtown location and mix of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces: "A lot of people don't know about the reception space at Shangri-La, and neither did we before visiting the space with them. The year-round covered patio is what truly made us fall in love with the space. In addition, no other venue was as accommodating as they were leading up to our big day." In fact, the couple cites the hotel's "impeccable" service before, during and after their wedding. They were also sold on the fact that they were able to create a customized menu with the Shangri-La's chef. Fabulous reception aside, the highlight of the day for Newsha and Ludovic was their traditional Persian ceremony: "We were engaged for over two years and spent a lot of time planning our big day, so finally saying 'I do' was such an overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness for both of us." rw Newsha & Ludovic Congratulations to Newsha Kianizadeh and Ludovic Siouffi, the winners of our Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver Anniversary Getaway Contest! The couple married on June 21, 2014, at the opulent Shangri-La Vancouver, four-and-a-half years after they first met. Real W eddings C o n tes t W in n e r s ! Photographed by Ashley Ferreira & Verlon Mundall, Dragonflight Photography