Date

Guests

24

July 21, 2013

Since getting engaged on a rainy Saturday afternoon in October 2012, Lori and Rob decided they wanted a wedding that would be beautiful, intimate, and all about them. After all, they both were getting married for the first time in their mid 40s, so they decided they didn't need the bachelor parties, huge wedding party, or a large guest list with people they barely knew. "It was also really important to me to plan my own wedding with my Mom," Lori explained. "It was the biggest day of my life and all the pre-planning moments with my Mom were truly extra special memories."

Lori's wedding colours were champagne, blush pink, soft peach and ivory with a Tiffany blue accent. She was inspired by the beautiful flowers that her florist, Vanessa, had initially shown her. Lori wanted her wedding to feel sophisticated, romantic, and summery with the gorgeous ocean and historic Empress Hotel as the backdrop for the wedding festivities.

Lori found the perfect cake at Patisserie Daniel, a four-layer buttercream cake with lemon curd and pastry cream. There were fresh blueberries and raspberries between each layer, and it was decorated in rolled fondant and delicate white scrolls. She finished decorating the cake herself, using fresh flowers and matching Dupoini silk ribbon from her bouquet to make it her very own masterpiece.

Lori was speechless when she entered the reception room at The Empress decorated by Verbena with the flowers and candles. "Walking into the reception as husband and wife with all our family waiting for us and cheering - the room looked so beautiful," she shares. "We immediately had our first dance to "At Last" by Etta James with the evening sun pouring in through the lead glass windows. It was perfect."

Photography courtesy of Ameris Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony location: Private residence
Reception location: The Library at The Fairmont Empress
Bridal gown: The Bridal Gallery
Groom's tux: Vintage (it was the groom's father's tuxedo)
Cake: Patisserie Daniel
Caterer: The London Chef
Favours: Rogers' Chocolates
Music: Johannes Grames
Hair: Jessica Salema from Cabello Salon
Makeup: Melanie Baird
Flowers: Verbena Floral Design
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas
Officiant: Liz Graham

See all the photos from this sophisticated, summer wedding in Victoria, B.C.