Allan and Rochelle booked me from Vancouver for their Victoria (Saanich) wedding at the stunning Horticulture Centre of the Pacific. Obviously some long distance planning, but no big dealio.

They first met in 2003 at Allan’s Karate dojo where Rochelle ventured with her friend (and now Maid of Honour Jen) to watch Jen’s boyfriend (now husband). Did you follow that? This marked their first meeting, but things didn’t get going until they both were studying at UVIC.

All day I was enamoured by the class and care they showed towards all their family, friends and myself. They surrounded themselves with many amazing people and when Rochelle made a speech thanking her brother for showing her ‘what kind of man to look for’ I was moved along with everyone else.

This wedding offered a really unique experience for myself. Allan and Rochelle wanted to incorporate some of Allan’s Chinese heritage into the wedding. This started right away. Allan and Rochelle opted to do a first look, but instead Allan and Rochelle could not see each other until completing a few challenges put forth by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. This included Allan fishing a nectarine (I believe) out of a bag of styrofoam (he hates the sound it makes). He would later have to pass the nectarine down his line of groomsmen using no hands. Rochelle then had to write a poem in 90 seconds about Allan and it only took her 20. She seemed to have something floating around in her memory. She also had to listen to a pickup line in Mandarin on an iPod and try to relay the Mandarin to Allan clear enough that he could translate properly to English. The challenges were finally finished off with them drawing portraits of one another. And then finally, Allan’s blindfold was removed and they could embrace one another.

Following photos on the beach in Saanich and at the Horticulture of the Pacific they had a tea ceremony for family at the Takata Japanese Gardens that were onsite. Finally came their ceremony. After a foggy morning the sun poured out form the clouds and made for a gorgeous backdrop on the edge of the hill where they got married.

I feel really honoured to have been part of this day and I hope you enjoy viewing their photos.

VENDORS

Ceremony and Reception Venue – Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

Wedding Gown – Blush Bridal

Catering – Truffles Catering

Marriage Commissioner – Michael Denton

Ceremony Musician – Lee Hyldig

Floral – Groom’s parent’s Garden

Make-Up – Melanie Baird Makeup Artistry

Groom’s Clothing – Indochino

Assistant / 2nd Shooter – Courtney Julien

What do you think of first looks or the unique way Allan and Rochelle did theirs? I’d love to hear your comments.