Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/508032
32 real weddings / "I met Isaac in my cousin's boyfriend's driveway," says Chelsea Lang (née Yamashiro). "I wasn't thinking I'd meet anyone that day, but there he was." Chelsea, originally from L.A., soon learned that Langley-born Isaac was in California studying physical therapy at the same university where she was taking nursing. Že two hit it o', and a four-year romance ensued. "We talked about marriage about two years in, but it was another couple of years before we got engaged," explains Isaac. "Že proposal didn't happen until seven months after I got her parents' blessing, and Chelsea's mom warned me I'd have to ask her and Chelsea's dad again if the "rst blessing expired!" When he "nally popped the question, it was high atop Cypress Mountain. "We were in Vancouver for back-to-back weddings," recalls Chelsea. "After the "rst event, Isaac and I decided to take a 'leisurely' morning hike up Eagle Blu's trail, which actually turned out to be a two-hour trek." At the summit, Isaac set up his camera and suggested they take a sel"e to capture the incredible view. As Chelsea turned to face the lens, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him, a custom- designed ring in hand. With the camera set to record, the proposal – and Chelsea's "yes" – was caught on tape. "With my family scattered around the U.S. and a majority of Isaac's in B.C., the decision to get married in the Lower Mainland was easy, since it meant only half our guests would have to travel," says Chelsea, adding that the hunt for the perfect venue was largely executed online. "Isaac found Hart House on a wedding blog – it seemed perfect, with an outdoor area for the ceremony." Many of the other arrangements were also made online and by phone from California, with Isaac's mother graciously acting as the couple's eyes and ears. "It was hard at times because I couldn't see things in person," admits Chelsea. "At some point, I told myself I needed to let go and trust everything would work out." On the big day, the bride, with her six bridesmaids, got ready in a gorgeous West Vancouver home, rented for the occasion. Že sparkling details on Chelsea's dress – a Badgley Mischka gown altered to feature a stunning open back – were complemented by a jewelled headpiece and crystal drop earrings; her "something blue" was a tan- zanite stone from her parents, set in a right-hand ring. Žough Isaac would not see Chelsea until later that day, he received a surprise in the form of a Gucci watch Chelsea and Isaac made their day their own with plenty of personal touches, including Chelsea's gown with its custom alterations, her "something blue" tanzanite ring, the Hawaiian flavour of the ceremonies in honour of her heritage, and of course, their Boston Terrier, Lloyd, serving as ring bearer.