There were two rules for this wedding, ” look good and have fun.” I can easily say that Stacey and Max’s bridal party, friends and family accomplished that. Now, before I start writing this blog post, I know my words will not do this wedding any justice. As a matter of fact, Stacey is an executive editor for a local magazine, so my words are going to pale in comparison. However, I’ll do my best to describe what an incredible weekend I just had!
A couple months ago, Max reached out to me about their August wedding. Max is Alex’s brother, whom I shot one of my very first weddings for at the UBC Boathouse. During my consultations, I often ask my couples what they’re most excited for. More on this later on, but their answers were enough to convince me that this wedding was going to be fun, and assured myself that I wanted to be a part of their day. Fast forward 8 months later, and here we are with one of the funniest couples I’ve had a chance to work with. Check out their Queen Elizabeth Park engagement session!
I have a morning wedding ritual of sorts, which consists of a double shot mocha to get my caffeine fix for the day and my energy going. I should’ve known that my caffeine fix wasn’t going to be needed as Stacey and Max’s contagious energy, smiles and personality were enough to get me through the whole day.
To top it off, Stacey and Max’s bridal party was equally as energetic and outgoing which made it extremely easy. Our day began with the first look over at Crab Park, a hidden gem of Vancouver. Overlooking the downtown core, this was a perfect place to start the day. Crab Park in quick portrays what Vancouver has to offer, with the city skylines, scenic mountainous backdrops, beaches, and greenery!
Leading up to the wedding Stacey and Max really took the time to find some unique places for their wedding portraits. Following Crab Park, our next stop was Postmark Brewing. Their building offered some unique architecture, as well as an excuse to have a quick pint of beer. Only a short few minutes away, Stacey and Max had selected an awesome mural wall. The vibrant coloured mural wall was perfect. The wall in a sense embodied who Stacey and Max were: colourful, vibrant, outgoing, fun.
The day was just only starting though, as the ceremony and reception took place at the Russian Hall. The small personalized touches as you walked into the venue had Stacey and Max’s fingerprints all over it. Before the ceremony began, it was already an emotional start, with Max holding back tears. As soon as Stacey walked down the aisle, the tears started to trickle down. The personalized vows didn’t help that cause. After a beautiful ceremony, it was time to get the party started! The cocktail hour was catered by the Dirty Apron, with dinner being served by Tacofino and Vij’s food trucks. Needless to say, these two have great taste in food!
As mentioned above, the entertaining parts were still to come! Adam, one of the MC’s and groomsmen of the day, did a phenomenal job with entertaining the guests. Following his act, the rest of friends and family had some great stories to share! The last part of the evening was the dance.
Aforementioned, during our consultation, when I asked Stacey and Max what they had planned for the wedding, they had mentioned T-Rex attending the party, and a mariachi band. It took me a few seconds to realize how serious they were. Long and behold, 8 months later, not one but three guys in a T-Rex outfit came storming on to the dance floor! It was definitely a memorable sight. Just when you thought, the random acts were over, the mariachi band came in and surprised the guests! Stacey and Max threw one of the greatest and most memorable wedding parties of the year! Thank you two for having me! It was truly a special day, that I won’t soon forget!
This wedding was also featured here on VanMag!
Portrait Location: Crab Park
Venue: Russian Hall
Food Vendors: Dirty Apron, Tacofino, Vijs
Officiant: Debra Carmont
Suits: Simons