Classic pickup lines exist for a reason: Sometimes they work! When Matthew Gibbons approached Kate Buitenhuis with the oft-heard, “You look familiar,” she didn’t think much of the exchange. But with a little more conversation, the pair found common ground. The two had once lived in the same building, and Matthew attended kindergarten in West Vancouver with one of Kate’s relatives. Romance blossomed, and 10 years later, on Christmas Eve 2015, Matthew surprised Kate at her parents’ house. “Matt showed up when he was supposed to be in Whistler, and proposed at the entrance,” says Kate. “He said he wanted to spend every Christmas with me.”
Suffice to say this duo knows a thing or two about party planning. Kate is a senior public relations manager with Michael Kors and Matthew is president of The MRG Group, an entertainment and hospitality organization. Inside of seven months, the two whipped up an August affair at the groom’s family home in Whistler B.C. Naturally, Gibbons’ contacts within the thriving Vancouver food and drink scene played a part. Guests dined “family style” on eats prepared by The Yale Saloon executive chef Mark Crofton and danced lakeside to tunes doled out by resident D.J. at The Biltmore Cabaret.
“Choosing the perfect dress was definitely a challenge therefore it only felt right to select two. I wanted an elevated classic look for the ceremony and then a fun party gown for the reception.” Kate chose an Oscar de la Renta from Kleinfelds in Toronto for the ceremony and a Theia gown for the reception Sash and Bustle.
“We were lucky enough to have Matthew’s aunt officiate our ceremony. Prior to our wedding she had officiated two weddings for my uncles, and two of Matthew’s siblings weddings. This history made the moment even more impactful and emotional.”
Kate and Matthew had 280 friends watch over their ceremony on a dock at Alpha Lake in Whistler, British Columbia.
“When we met our photographers Shari + Mike for the first time it felt like we were old friends. They captured the intimacy of every moment perfectly. This husband and wife duo know exactly how to shoot a wedding.”
“The back of this Oscar de la Renta gown is what I fell in love with. The juxtaposition of the forest with this dress is beyond my wildest dreams of glamour,” says Kate.
“We truly brought elegance to the mountains and we could not be more grateful to our bridal parties for all their love and support. For the bridesmaids, I wanted them to feel fashionable and on-trend so we went with this stunning off-the-shoulder black dress and one tux. For the groom he selected two bespoke tuxes from Holt Renfrew Men and for the groomsmen we went with a classic tux which worked perfectly with the bridesmaids.”
“In my opinion it’s time to bring the fashion back to bridal party dressing. It was important to me that each bridesmaid felt stunning so we went more red carpet and sleek with the dresses and beauty. Nadia Albano and her glam squad made my vision come to life and I’m obsessed with every look.”
“When changing from the ceremony to reception look–Shari was able to capture this stunning Theia gown with my engagement ring from Just In Gems Inc.”
“Our goal with the florals and decor was to compliment the gorgeous property so we stuck to a palette that reflected the landscape, lots of white and shades of green. We spent months talking florals, mosses and statement arches with the team at Billies Flower House and we were truly in awe of the results.”
“I have a terrible sweet tooth so it was important that we had an amazing selection of sweets from The Flour Pot that fit with the rustic elegant décor for the reception,” says Kate. “The team at Billies Flower House ensured that the florals and decor complimented the gorgeous property.”
“We wanted everyone to be surrounded by love (literally). To be in a space with all of the people you love was phenomenal and these letters from BU Letters were the perfect touch and a crowd favourite,” says Kate.
“We were honoured to follow a Gibbons’ family tradition and get married at Matt’s childhood home situated on Alpha Lake in Whistler, British Columbia. It was the most stunning backdrop for our wedding and we could not have dreamt of a more perfect day,” says Kate.
“When planning an outdoor wedding you must be prepared for whatever weather conditions arise. It’s truly a rain or shine experience which can leave you stalking weather forecasts up until your special day. In this case the temperature dropped so I quickly went to Zara and found this amazing pink bomber. Just because it’s your wedding doesn’t mean you can’t take chances so I paired this Theia gown from Sash & Bustle with a Fallon choker and newly gifted diamond earrings from my beloved husband,” says Kate.
“Envision everyone you love on a lakefront dance floor in Whistler and insert this picture. My husband has always known how to throw a great party and with the help of his amazing team at The MRG Group and additional support from Gibbons Whistler they were able to create the most unforgettable night!.”
The post Stylish Canadian Weddings: A Rustic, Elegant Affair in Scenic Whistler appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
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