Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/430877
realweddings.ca 31 R Renée Gerschman and Adam Janzen met on a summer night in Vancouver four years ago at a mutual friend's housewarming party — and soon bonded over their mutual oenophilia. "I was drinking wine from Naramata, and Adam's super into wine," says Renée, a digital marketing manager, whose first date with Adam, an electrician, blos- somed into adventures near and far. Over the course of three years, the two would spend nights indulging in Vancouver's restaurant scene, going on weekend jaunts to Okanagan wine country, and finally, taking a month-long trip to Europe. After checking into the spectacular W Hotel in Barcelona, "I couldn't wait any longer; I had to do it," says Adam, who'd been carrying the engagement ring in his shoe for a week. As the sun set, he popped a bottle of bubbly and produced the ring. Of course, Renée said yes. Once home, the couple began planning their nuptials. "We love weekends away, stunning scenery, good food and good wine, and knew that the Okanagan would best deliver on sharing these passions with our guests," says Renée. "However, finding the right venue was the hardest part for us, and it took months and many road trips until we discovered Bench 1775 Winery." e couple, who married in the Naramata Bench winery's vineyard, wanted a private, peaceful ceremony, followed by a night of wining and dining under the stars at Okanagan Lake. at wining and dining actually spanned three days, with Adam's parents hosting a rehearsal dinner on Friday, and Renée's parents hosting a wine-and-cheese mingler for every- one on Saturday. "When it actually came time to get married, we didn't feel overwhelmed at all," says Renée of having the chance to spend time with every guest over the weekend. For their Jewish-style Sunday wedding (the bride is Jewish, the groom is not), the couple followed select traditions that resonated with them, such as having both parents walk them down the aisle and stand up with them, and exchanging vows under a chuppah that Adam's dad had custom-built from birch saplings. e ceremony concluded with the traditional glass- breaking. en the party got started when guests made their way from the vineyard to Bench 1775's tiered terrace, where the Horah preceded the reception. "It got everyone excited and set the tone right away, from serene to celebration," says Renée of the joyful Jewish dance. "We wanted our guests to feel spoiled and wowed and have an amazing experience," she adds. at experience included Joy Road Catering and their renowned Cuisine du Terroir for the dinner menu. "All of the food was organic and locally grown in the Okanagan," says Adam, who loved how the family-style dinner "brought together our families and friends, sparking conversation over a shared meal that was beautifully presented." Vintage Origami and Edgy Petals, along with Renée's elegant handmade touches, provided the romantic pink, green and gold décor that subtly elevated the stunning lake and vineyard views. "e true romance of the night came when the sun set and the twinkling lights came on," says Renée of the canopy of lights that Adam designed and built to span the multi-level outdoor dining area and the dance floor — which soon came to life after dinner. "DJ Dante managed to transcend every musical genre in the book," says Renée. "It was epic," agrees Adam. Which is also a fitting description for their entire wedding. rw R Renée Gerschman and Adam R Janzen met on a summer night R in Vancouver four years ago at a R mutual friend's housewarming party — and soon bonded over "I was drinking wine from Naramata, and Adam's super into wine," says Renée, a digital marketing manager, whose first date with Adam, an electrician, blos