One of our favourite couples had their wedding at the Vancouver Club and it was absolutely amazing for many reasons. First of all, Danielle and Reid are absolute sweethearts. Kind, generous, funny and crazy in love, our perfect couple! Danielle and Reid wanted to have a fun wedding to celebrate their day, they wanted good food, great music and an atmosphere that made everyone feel special. That’s where the Vancouver Club came in.
The Vancouver Club is extraordinary. Built in 1913 it’s one of the last heritage buildings in Vancouver that really defines that era in architecture. Post-modern chandeliers, deep wood panels, spacious and elegant ballrooms, it really is the epitome of the word classy. Now we don’t want you to think this place is stuffy or hoity-toity, it’s actually quite the opposite. The staff is super friendly and accommodating and instead of feeling like you’re in a luxury ballroom, it’s more like being transported to the twenties if that makes sense?
Reid and his groomsmen got ready in Bar 3, which basically feels like you’re on board the Titanic in some sort of whisky or scotch room. His mom was there too, which was perfect because none of the guys knew how to put on a bow-tie! Danielle and her bridesmaids on the other hand got ready in the Georgian Room of The Vancouver Club. It’s tall ceilings and large windows were perfect lighting for the girls and made everyone look incredible.
After everyone was set, we headed up to the roof top garden where Danielle and Reid had their first look. We made sure it was just the two of them and we even stayed a little hidden in the garden. One of the things we love about first looks is that our couples get a chance to share a moment alone. It’s definitely enough that every other part of the day you have a million eyes on you so take it from us and find time throughout the day to just check-in with each other and spend a quiet few moments alone.
We headed out afterwards to Pacific Spirit Park, which is our favourite spot to go if you’re looking for wedding photographs in the forest. The old growth trees and relatively clean forest floor makes for an incredible scene with the bride and groom and their wedding party.
We scouted the spot out ahead of time so when the limo pulled over it was just a short 5 minute walk to the spot we had in mind. We spent just over an hour there before we headed back to The Vancouver Club for the wedding ceremony.
The ceremony was in the UBC-SFU room, which runs the whole width of the club. It’s a great way to create a natural aisle. It was a Jewish ceremony so they incorporated a huppah, a canopy the bride and groom stand under that represents the home they are now creating. It’s one of our favourite traditions to see and witness.
After their I dos, Reid broke the glass and the two of them walked down the aisle as husband and wife! To keep things simple, Danielle and Reid walked out of the room and headed around the back to have a moment alone, which gave everyone time to head downstairs for cocktails leaving the family behind for photos. We’re often asked when the best time is for family portraits and it’s usually right after the ceremony since everyone is present and you aren’t running around searching for people.
Definitely the crown jewel of The Vancouver Club is their main ballroom. What we love about the space is that it isn’t just another hotel ballroom where you feel like you have to cover up all the walls and decorate it to hide the parts you don’t like. Instead the walls here speak of heritage and distinction. We’ve never seen anyone cover up the walls here and there’s a reason why! Dinner was amazing as you can imagine and the speeches were so heartfelt and meaningful. We honestly felt like long-term friends by the end of it because the speeches were so personable and relatable.
When it was time for their first dance, Danielle and Reid had the amazing Side One Band play for them. We don’t need to tell you there’s really no substitution for live music. It was seriously exceptional. After their first dance, Danielle danced with her dad and Reid with his mom.
Of course it wouldn’t be a Jewish wedding if there wasn’t a Hora dance!! Reid jumped into a chair where as Danielle was a little more hesitant, I mean who wouldn’t be if you knew you were going to be sitting in a chair while a bunch of “slightly” drunk guys were carrying you!! It was such a riot and even mom and dad took part. We stayed to capture the dance party and even dropped a few moves ourselves. That Side One Band really knows how to get you moving!
We really have to thank Danielle and Reid from the bottoms of our hearts for sharing their day with us, their smiles were literally infectious. Love you both. We also want to mention all our amazing industry friends who really put it all together. Starting with our all-star wedding planner, Shirley Glua of Filosophi Events. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Shirley on many weddings and we can tell you that what she brings beyond the regular kick ass wedding planning she does, is an amazing personality and energy that just permeates into the day and makes everything better for everyone!
A big shout out to our other friends, Emily from Denise Elliot Beauty Co., Chris Funk Hair, Melissa from Cahoots Creative, Our Little Flower Company and of course Katie Briscoe and all the amazing staff at The Vancouver Club. You guys rock our world!
If you’re interested in seeing a wedding in ballroom made entirely out of living trees you’re going to love Alix and Paul’s photographs!