Beautiful Vows in British Columbia

Words by Taylor Wilson
Photos courtesy of This Modern Romance

While assisting with a photo shoot for a friend’s clothing line, Royale fell in love with the man behind the camera. “After the shoot I asked him to email me the proofs, but I really just wanted his email address so I could ‘friend’ him on MySpace,” recalls Royale. Years later, the dynamic duo was ready to say “I do” in beautiful British Columbia.

A destination wedding was obvious for the couple, considering they have traveled to roughly 40 countries. Originally, the plan was to wed in Croatia, but after finding out that Royale’s pregnant sister was due around the same time, they decided to keep the event closer to home.

With 40 of their dearest friends and family, Royale and Sean embarked on an unforgettable wedding week. Upon arrival in Victoria, the boys teed off for a round of golf at Bear Mountain, while the girls attended a high tea bridal shower at Butchart Gardens.

The couple was fortunate enough to incorporate their loved ones into their special day. “My best friend sang Édith Piaf’s ‘La vie en rose’ for our first dance and my sister sang Elton John’s ‘Your Song’ as her toast. Our dear friend designed our photo booth and another friend shot our beautiful wedding video. Lastly, my oldest friend of 23 years, and the person who introduced us at the photo shoot, married us,” explains Royale.

The wedding ceremony was to be held in the Italian Garden of Hatley Castle, but with an unexpected change in weather, the couple relocated to the castle’s foyer. The regal room was lit with hundreds of candles, enhancing the ceremony’s intimacy.

“We wanted the ambience of the reception to be classic, elegant and romantic with the castle setting…soft candlelight and clean, crisp whites,” says the bride. The couple achieved just this by hosting a sophisticated black-tie affair. Each guest wore black and white and the only hint of color was the bride’s blush dress. Royale and Sean’s destination wedding was everything they had dreamed of.

VENDORS: Photographer: This Modern Romance, Day-of Coordination & Partial Planning: Spread Love Event Planning & Design, Venue: Hatley Castle, Florals: Rook & Rose, Cake: Tiers of Joy, Catering: Truffles, Photobooth Design: John Lord Booth, DJ: Zach Soltes, Videography: Fiction Pictures, Stationery: Mr. Boddington’s Studio, Calligraphy: Queen Quills, Guest Book: Velvet Raptor, Dress/Veil Designer: Monique Lhuillier, Hair Accessories: Jennifer Behr for BHLDN, Shoes: Valentino, Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BHLDN, Groom’s Tuxedo: Burberry & Tom Ford, Groom’s shoes: Christian Dior, Groomsmens’ Tuxedos: Hugo Boss, Hair: Amber Nichols, Make-up: Lauren Stanley