If you’re one of the couples planning micro weddings in the year 2021 (and we know there are many of them!), we’d guess that you’re looking through wedding blogs to discover actual examples of how stunning these tiny weddings could be.
Diana & Chris held their intimate Vancouver mini-ceremony with small guests at Wedgewood Hotel & Spa. Photographing around the most beautiful areas of this stunning Canadian city before heading to their private hotel reception to celebrate the night. The secret affair featured huge romance due to lovely wedding decor, gorgeous flowers, a dazzling romantic setting, and a stylish dress code.
In addition, a part of the celebration was an old-fashioned Chinese ceremonial tea (one of our most beloved wedding traditions to share on Bridal Thoughts!) We adore how the planner and the designer Honour and Blessing put together the venue for this particular moment, giving the couple a stunning backdrop for stunning tea ceremony photos. This often goes unnoticed as an excellent occasion for wedding photography.
Photo taken by Nadia Hung; the stunning images of this elegant wedding will reinforce the idea that your small wedding could be as lovely as well!
“We gave all the design and selection of vendors to the planners of our company. We wanted them to create something minimal and focus on us less since we didn’t want to draw excessive attention to ourselves.
Our planner suggested the photographer, who thought it was a great match. We also love her style of photography and believe in our planner’s recommendation. “
The Florals & Styling
To celebrate Diana and Chris for their wedding, we designed an ethereal palette of lighter tones and creams for an elegant and romantic touch and some darker and bold shades to create an elegant autumnal feel. In setting the mood with the invitations, we chose a personalized monogram that incorporated the couple’s initials in an earthy purple, using calligraphy for a timeless and classic look. To add a unique touch to the wedding day, we created a miniature version of the painting in the reception space to complement our invitation.
The Dress & Local Vendors
Sharing their love and joy with their families, friends, and guests, our couple also helped small-scale businesses in the area through their wedding. The dress we chose for our wedding bride hired a local designer to design and decorate the blush wedding dress with delicate lacing. It was completed with a long row of buttons in the back and a flowing veil; it was our bridal gown’s perfect, elegant, and timeless design.
For gifts for the guests of their party, we suggested homemade soap and chocolates. A small local business, the soap was made with a unique dome shape with gold swirls in shades of purple and pink. A renowned local chocolatier also made the chocolates.
“My favorite time was when my elevator door opened, and my husband spotted me wearing my dress for the first time. I didn’t think he would be there as the doors opened, and the expression of joy on his face was priceless.
My favorite part of the wedding was the overall style of my wedding planners. Although it was challenging during Covid, they helped make my modest wedding look stunning. The wedding was gorgeous and original. I was awed by the colors they used and the bouquets which complemented the table. The decor was warm and inviting. I didn’t realize the tiny aspects like the color of candles could impact the appearance.”
The Tea Ceremony
A vital element of the event is the tradition of the Chinese tea ceremony. The ceremony was held in a traditional Chinese style. Placed the conventional symbol of happiness, the double, and a flower arrangement on the chairs’ backs for the guests to whom the couple would be serving tea. Two floral arrangements were hung on the chairs to tie the theme to the other elements of the reception and add a dash of modernity to the ceremony.
Designer Tip: We changed the arrangements of flowers later in the tea ceremony so it was easier to serve tea between the two couples.
The Vow Ceremony
The ceremony was planned by they would like to keep the tradition as low-key as they could. They also wanted to concentrate on the wedding reception. They weren’t at ease with too much focus on them. Therefore, instead of an arch or a hanging arrangement around their couple, we created overgrown flowers towards the end of the tables to make the main focal area.
The Reception
We used long tapered candles of varying sizes and shades accented by a low natural floral centerpiece for a cozy and warm ambiance. The final touch is the handwritten calligraphy incorporated into the escort cards, personalized menus, and gift tags. Our guests wanted that guests enjoy a memorable moment, from stunning décor to the specifics that they’ll see as they arrive at their table.
We wanted something unique and special for the wedding cake that didn’t interfere with the other decor elements. We decided to make the cake on two levels and decorate it with delicate, translucent flowers that give it a feminine and distinctive look.
