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Whistler Wedding Photography | Nita Lake Lodge | Real Wedding | Janice & Pat | Part 2
The sun is shining, it’s warm, I think back of this wedding and how it was grand. Time share with you Part 2 of Janice & Patrick’s Wedding Celebration. As you saw last week in Part 1, the day was filled with joy,emotion and laughter…the recipe for a stunning celebration full of perfect moments. A gorgeous venue and staff at Nita Lake Lodge lead by the sweetest girl, Kathleen and grandiose decor from the amazing work of Marcie and her team at Bliss Event + Decor.
Enjoy!
Pascale oxo
How did Whistler become your number one choice of where to tie the knot?
- We have lived out East since university, so many of our guests were from Ontario and Quebec. As a child, the sea to sky highway was a special drive that I used to do with my dad. When I grew up and was able to drive, I would always drive the highway for stress-relief because it is so beautiful. Pat is a big skier and has many fond memories of Whistler specifically. Our favorite weddings that we have attended had all of the guests staying in one place- that is why we chose Whistler and the Nita Lake Lodge. Luxury, but with a un-pretentious atmosphere.
What was your criteria when looking for your dress and how did you know once you found it?
- I actually chose a dress that was completely different from everything I said I wanted and everything my family and friends expected. For a girl that prides herself on being a tomboy, I didn’t think I wanted to feel like a princess. When I put that dress on however, that is how I felt and I loved the feeling. It was the type of dress that I knew I would never wear again and that was exciting for me. My taste has always been classic “with a twist” and this dress certainly fit the bill.
Describe your design elements and the inspiration behind them.
- The intention was to be classy but with a touch of fun (ie the candy bar). We wanted to add personal elements to our day that many people wouldn’t know the significance of (the purple pansy in my bouquet, old family wedding photos to remember where we came from, the candy gift was from the first company I worked for, we flew in Macaroons from Quebec as homage to our Quebec years, mom’s candlesticks from her wedding), etc
What was the number one piece of advice given to you while planning your wedding and what would you pass on to newly engaged brides to help them in the coming months?
- Make it your day- It is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the details and options that are out there. Know what matters to you and what you can let go of. The day will go by quickly and in the end, all that matters is that your friends and family are around you to marry the person that you love.
Vendors and suppliers;
- Photography; Gadbois Photography
- Flowers, Décor, Planning; Bliss Event & Design
- Venue; Nita Lake Lodge
- Wedding Invitations: Lovely Velo
- Wedding Cake; Cupcakes
Posted in Wedding
Also tagged Bliss Event, real love, real wedding, train tracks, wedding, whistler
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Whistler Wedding Photography | Nita Lake Lodge | Real Wedding | Janice & Pat | Part 1
A gorgeous wedding at Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler.
Janice & Pat met in their final year of University at Queen’s in Ontario. Pat and Janice became friends and then following university, they moved to Toronto where they became roommates. Having been close friends for 7 years, they finally clued in that they were meant to be together. They were apparently the last two on Earth to realize this connection! And the rest as they say is history.
Having been living in separate city’s for two years (Toronto and Montreal), Janice came home one night expecting her Montreal condo to be empty…When she opened the door the entire condo was lit up with candles, there were beautiful flowers, with her favourite bottle of wine, Pat was waiting at the end of the hallway for her with the ring in his hands. He got down on one knee, told her “why” she was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and asked her to marry him. She of course said yes! He then proceeded to make her a beautiful dinner. “It was an amazing, chill evening. Just like we like” said Janice.
What was your criteria when looking for your dress and how did you know once you found it?
- I actually chose a dress that was completely different from everything I said I wanted and everything my family and friends expected. For a girl that prides herself on being a tomboy, I didn’t think I wanted to feel like a princess. When I put that dress on however, that is how I felt and I loved the feeling. It was the type of dress that I knew I would never wear again and that was exciting for me. My taste has always been classic “with a twist” and this dress certainly fit the bill.
Is there a part of your wedding that at first you didn’t think much of it but in retrospect was a very pleasant surprise?
- The “first look” with Pat. I loved that we were on the railway- it was so us. In a big white dress on the filthy railway and loving all of it. I absolutely LOVED the anticipation of walking up to Pat. It was such a beautiful (and private) moment of the day.
- I also loved the whole aspect of all of our friends and family together in one place for a full weekend. We have never felt so loved. It took us a while to get used to being the centre of the attention but it was an amazing weekend.
Stay tuned….Part 2 of this gorgeous wedding will be featured in our next post.
Pascale oxo
Posted in Wedding
Also tagged Bliss Event, champagne, dock, first look, getting ready, real wedding, train tracks, wedding, wedding dress
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Whistler Wedding Photography | Real Wedding Nita Lake Lodge | Yuka & Eunho
Meet Yuka & Eunho.
I was introduce to Eunho and Yuka by Kathleen the wonderful Event Coordonator at Nita Lake Lodge. Not only did we connect right away but the trust and faith they provided me was unbelievable. I remember the only request Eunho had was that his gorgeous bride to be have the best day of her life, “It’s should be all about her”, he said gushing.
They meet while Yuka was visiting Vancouver from Japan. It was a small get-together on a friend boat and he thought Yuka said no the first time Eunho ask her out, she very quickly changed her mind…the following year was spent as a long distance relationship as Yuka finished her studies in Japan and Eunho travelled back to see her every chance he had. Since then, they have started their life together in Vancouver and felt like Whistler would be the most beautiful place to treat their guest ( all 15 of them) to a beautiful day filled with love and emotions.
It’s no secret that I get attached to each of my couples and often shedding a tear of joy as they say their “I do’s” but this one my assistant had to tell me to pull it together after Yuka’s emotional speech to her parents at dinner in Japanese. The joy, the gentleness and the respect, I saw between Yuka & Eunho was so palpable it truly felt like a privilege to witness and capture.
Thank you for your trust,
Pascale oxo
Whistler Wedding Photography | Nita Lake Lodge | Aimee & Michael
Within 5 minutes of our first conversation Aimee had decided I was going to be the 5th guest at her wedding. It was going to be a very intimate celebration at the gorgeous Nita Lake Lodge, simply Aimee and Michael and two of Michael’s children. Regardless of the fact that this was going to be a very small intimate celebration, Aimee had decided that no corners were going to be cut on what they both cherish so for the next few months after her enquiry, I slowly started to get to know a little more about the two of them and their love story. After having just coming back from living overseas for 12 years, Aimee decided try eHarmony for 6 months. After a whirl wind of “interesting dates” and 2 weeks left on her subscription, and convince that this was “bogus” she received a message from Mike.
He claims that he “found” her – and after two weeks of writing emails back and forth (his voice in the emails made her smile and laugh aloud) he suggested that they meet. More concern about the way one looks while rock climbing and the view that Mike may get while spotting her, she agreed being such an addict of anything outdoor related.
They met at Great Falls – beautiful rapids, hiking and climbing – and they had an 8 hour date of climbing followed by drinks at the local Irish pub. They talked for hours and later on said it was the most relaxed they had ever felt with someone. Stealed the evening with a kiss and the rest as they say is history!
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- The simple details were gorgeous, from the beautiful engraved bracelet she gave to her step daughter, the initialed bags and the boots!
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- This was such an emotional moment charged with anticipation. They had decided to not see each other before the ceremony. It was all I could do to hold my own emotions while they just held hands and fr a few moments before the ceremony started.
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- I love that Aimee was so relaxed that she even took a few pics herself.
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- What can I say siblings will be siblings, glad to see they didn’t change in front of the camera.
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- A sweet intimate dinner in the gorgeous private dinning room at Nita Lake Lodge.
How did he propose and what made you say yes?
After a full day at my parents home, Mike and I were driving home. He leaned over, said to me, “I had a great talk with your dad…” Oh, I said, what did you all talk about? He said, “I asked for your hand in marriage” – Ha!Ha! I said – really? seriously..what did you all discuss?? “No, I am serious…”
By this time, I was in full shock! He had mentioned marriage a few months before, but I had said that I wanted him to ask formal permission from my dad… No way! he exclaimed – I have been married twice before! I am not 25 anymore and feel silly asking your dad.
Hmmm, I smiled. I do not care if you are 25 or 52 – it is important to me. And that was the end of our conversation! And honestly, I did not think any more about it. But when Mike brought it up in the car and then pulled me to him (very much in the same fashion as when he kissed me for the first time) – and asked, “will you marry me?” Tears welled up in my eyes and I looked at him and said, “the better question is…will you marry ME??!!” He laughed and then I said, “yes, yes, I will marry you!”
How did Whistler become your number one choice of where to tie the knot?
Mike and I had gone on vacation to Whistler for his birthday, September 2010. We loved it so much – the people, food, scenery, that I told him one day as we were hiking around Whistler, that if we EVER got married, I wanted to come here and do it!
What was your criteria when looking for your dress and how did you know once you found it?
For my dress, I wanted something that would WOW me. I was orginally looking for a vibrant blue dress as Mike is color-disabled but he can see electric blues. Since we were planning on getting married, outside on the docks, I wanted something natural. flow-y and something that looked-like me. One of our anesthesiologists at work suggested I try this little, not-well-know boutique up in Maryland. So, I went one Saturday with my BFF, Tanya (the one who came as a surprise to Whistler) and we were trying dresses on when I put this goddess-like, flow-y, strapless (have never worn strapless ever!) dress and it took my breath away!! It was THE dress!! Tanya made a very astute observation that not only was the dress incredible – it did not take away from me – it was beautiful but understated at the same time.
Describe your design elements and the inspiration behind them.
We were going for an all casual, all comfortable outdoor wedding. We were banking on wonderful weather (which we did have) but knew that if it were less than ideal, we were just going to have to roll with it. I made sure that the Moore’s were well fed before, during and after the wedding, as they get a bit grumpy due to low blood sugar and I wanted everyone to be all smiles for our special day!
Is there a part of your wedding that at first you didn’t think much of it but in retrospect was a very pleasant surprise?
Everyone that I spoke with before getting married would tell me tales of stressful events… the dress had a stain on it, the groom was late, the weather was not so great… and our wedding went off beautifully!! Everyone from Farfella hair salon, to the staff at Nita Lake, to our amazing photographer (yes, Pascale – you!!) made it a glorious day and wedding event!! I had to put my faith in people that I did not know, trust in the human spirit – and all in all it worked out!
Any funny stories or moments?
From Tanya’s surprise visit for the wedding, to Mike’s color-blind episode in bringing his black blazer as opposed to his blue one for the ceremony.
What struck me as funny though was Mike’s reaction to the day…”what do I do??” he kept asking me…. I then gave him the itinerary we had planned out for the photos and looked him directly in the eye and said “follow this…it will not steer you wrong!” And it did not!!!
What was the number one piece of advice given to you while planning your wedding and what would you pass on to newly engaged brides to help them in the coming months?
Breathe, just breathe…
Photography: YOU!!
Venue & Food: Nita Lake Lodge
Flowers: Senka Florist
Shoes: Brides: Cowboy boots from DSW
Jewelry for bride and bridesmaid: The Loft (Ann Taylor)
Hair and make-up: Farfella Salon(Cassandra Horsman, hair and Emily Matthews, Make-up… AMAZING!!!!)
Rings: Brides – John Hardy jewelry: Kali design; Groom: simple Titanium band – both at Fink’s Jewelers
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Also tagged cowboy, dock, floral, intimate, real wedding, summer, train tracks, whistler
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Whistler Wedding Photographer | Summer Weddings 2012 | Sneak Peek
It’s been a truly exceptional summer and I can’t wait to share more amazing and unique stories with you soon. A few teasers to enjoy in the meantime.
To all my couples, I am so thankful for your trust, for sharing with me your amazing stories and inviting me into your lives. I am forever grateful
Pascale xox
Posted in Details, Wedding
Also tagged brides, couple, details, getting ready, nicklaus north, outdoor, real wedding, whistler
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Whistler Wedding Photographer | Nita Lake Lodge | Miwah & Jonathan
What was your criteria when looking for your dress and how did you know once you found it?
Something couture that had a wow factor, I wanted something a little different and unique however wasn’t too crazy. The moment I tried on my dress, turned around and looked in the mirror I knew it was the one. The gasps from my sister and best friend sealed the deal. It was the first dress I tried on and my partner coincidentally called me from overseas to see how things were just as I had turned around to look in the mirror. Still to this day, he laughs at the words that came out of my mouth “Oh my god I just saw a snow princess!”
Describe your design elements and the inspiration behind them.
With less than 2 months to plan two wedding celebrations, one in New Zealand and one in Whistler, we weren’t that fussed with all the little things. We decided to go with the flow and get creative as we went. I guess our number one design element really was to create the picturesque wedding image that we both had which was to be married at sunrise on-top of Whistler and to have dog sleds pull us away after the wedding since we both love dogs.
What was the number one piece of advice given to you while planning your wedding and what would you pass on to newly engaged brides to help them in the coming months?
Come up with the three must haves on your wedding day individually and make sure you get them; everything else just go with the flow. And always remember that a wedding is about coming together with your soulmate for the rest of your life. The day is simply a celebration of that don’t get caught up in the little things and if you get told no for something think outside the box.
Best photographer ever: Gadbois Photography – Especially for all those brides planning to do destination weddings. Her advice and knowledge of the local market is amazing and she’s an awesome person to work with which makes it a truly great experience.
Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals
Wedding Rings: Varoujan Jewellers
Reception Venue: Nita Lake Lodge
Wedding Jewellery: Pearls from “Volle jewellery”
Tuxedo: Jeff Banks
Wedding wax seals and stationary: Florentine Australia
Dog Sledding: Canadian Dog Sled Adventure (a very carefully and responsibly selected company.)
Posted in Wedding
Also tagged dog sledding, floral, real wedding, reception, whistler
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Whistler Wedding Photographer | Nita Lake Lodge | Camille & Greg
I love winter weddings in Whistler. The love and warmth flowing from the couple and guests is always so overwhelming that they somehow make you feel warm.
Camille and Greg, married at Nita Lake Lodge were just that couple. A very intimate gathering with a gorgeous sit down dinner. It was a fun-filled, relaxed evening with many shared memories and stories. Some of which can not be repeated here! After dinner, the guests were invited into the Library to test their hand at some gambling. As of the close of the evening with some poker chips skittering across the table, it was yet to be seen who had the true grit to come out on top. But I guess in the end, we all know who got the winning hand.
Looking for some advice straight from someone who’s been through it all from your shoes? Check out Camille’s story below.
Posted in Wedding
Also tagged cake, floral, real wedding, reception, snow, toddler, whistler, winter
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Whistler Wedding Photography | Nita Lake Lodge | Christie & Tim
It’s not often I get to work with the groom as much as the bride in the planning stages and it was such a treat to see Tim so involved in the planning and decision making for their Whistler wedding. Especially since he is so organized and detail oriented – he has set the bar high for all other grooms!
Christie works for Whistler Blackcomb and Tim is a pilot and I have to say there was love in the air. This was such a fun wedding, a mix of Brits and Aussies. The toasts were hilariously loving and there was an unspoken rule of no one being allowed to discuss Rugby.
Thank you so much Christie and Tim for sharing your big day with me. You are such a beautiful couple. Wishing you all the best in this next exciting chapter and your big move to England.
Girls will be girls ….
and boys will be boys.
Giggles anyone?
Venue: Nita Lake Lodge
Floral: Rembrandt Designs
Photography: Gadbois Photography
Entertainment: The Hairfarmers
Whistler Wedding Photography | Nita Lake Lodge | Carla & Pablo
Whistler is magical. We all know that. That’s why we’ve chosen it as our place of work and play. If you can believe it, Carla and Pablo chose Whistler as the spot for their nuptials over Ecuador where their families lived. Almost every guest had to fly in to be a part of their big day starting at Lost Lake and ending at the Nita Lake Lodge. Vibrant colors, elegance, Ecuadorian roses and Latin flair were the cornerstones of this wedding.
It was a really tight knit family and there were some tearful moments of happiness and overwhelming joy. And if that didn’t wet your eyes, the special relationship between Carla and her dad would.
Carla and Pablo were like two little kids on Christmas morning. Full of smiles and giggles all day.
Now on to the decor. Equador is famous for its roses. The culmination of perfect soil, weather, altitude and no doubt a green thumb. So, one of their best friends flew in 1500 of them! We all need a friend like that. The reception was held at Nita Lake Lodge and thankfully they were very patient while the guests danced far into the wee morning hours Latin style. The music and the moves were amazing.
Congratulations Carla and Pablo and thank you so much for letting me in to share this wonderful day with you. I wish you all the best.
Wedding Planning: Celebrate Events
Floral: Rembrandt
Photography: Gadbois Photography
Posted in Wedding
Also tagged cake, ceremony, decor, floral, lost lake, real wedding, reception, whistler
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