Ending the day with their toes in the sand, laughing as the stress of the day waned away the more beautiful the sunset became, Nadia and Christian were in the afterglow of their Burnaby wedding day. It couldn’t already be over, could it?

THE ORIGIN OF THE STORY

We met Christian and Nadia first at another wedding. He happened to be the best man. And we were only lucky enough to photograph THAT VANCOUVER WEDDING because Emily happened to be the maid of honour in another wedding we were so blessed to capture. Amazingly enough, we were able to meet up with Emily and Mark and to be introduced to their little man, Joseph. We can only hope that we impacted someone, maybe a wedding party member or a guest (even though it was a very intimate wedding), so that we can continue this trend.

Christian and Nadia first met on an international trip east, and it didn’t take long before their romance blossomed and they couldn’t imagine their lives without the other. We’ve heard some incredible stories. We can’t even imagine what it would be like to fall in love in a world so rich in history. They’ve both done their share of travelling before they met and since, but from this moment on, they will have each other by their side for all the important trips.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN BURNABY

While all week on vacation it had been in the cooler temps, we were super excited that the weather was warmer on Saturday. Although, truthfully, nothing felt warmer than the welcome we received from both Christian and Nadia’s families. The Kontagiannis home was newly built with the help of Nadia’s father. All through the house, their Greek roots showed. We made sure to include that sense of family and warm hospitality as well as the Greek style into their blog post. After all, rosemary is the basis of many Greek recipes, right?

WAITING AT THE CHAPEL

Christian was waiting with all the built up anticipation. Facing away from the entrance to the church. Waiting till the moment when he’d know his father-in-law had brought his bride to him. And when that moment arrived, the smile did not leave his face until the after the official ceremony started. We’ve never photographed a Greek Orthodox wedding before, and what a treat. The rich heritage from the customs that are held to throughout the entire ceremony was evident. And the importance of them to the couple even more so. After the ceremonial walk and the benediction and the blessing, they were officially Mr. and Mrs. Vela!

One of Nadia’s biggest wishes was to have the biggest and craziest rice throwing after the ceremony. While impending rain moved their ceremony indoors, limiting the number of guests, her dream was fulfilled. It is not a suprise that we kept finding those white little nuggets in her hair, her bouquet, and their car. And every single time it reminded her of that very special moment.

TOURING VANCOUVER

After their lunch at Seasons in the Park and family photos in Queen Elizabeth Park, we said goodbye to the majority of the guests. For the rest of this gorgeous day we enjoyed traveling from place to place, capturing all the beauty that Vancouver had to offer. From the gorgeous tall trees lining Imperial Drive to the mountains in the background of the UBC Rose Garden… Especially the tranquil silence at Camosun Bog, an escape in the middle of the city was such a treat. There was no better choice than to end at Spanish Banks, with our toes in the sand. Twirling as the sun was setting behind them, we can’t imagine what was going on in the mind of these two at the end of such an incredible day. All we could think was how grateful we were that these two amazing and beautiful people, inside and out, chose us to capture this incredible wedding day.

Nadia and Christian, you’re back from your honeymoon by now. You’re officially husband and wife, has it started feeling real yet? We couldn’t be more excited to watch you pledge your love to one another. We wish you God’s blessing in your future together. And who knows, maybe your beautiful wedding day will lead to another wedding where we will see you again. We sure would be excited!!!

 

The Vendor Team

Bride’s Dress | Lisa’s Bridal
Men’s Suits | Debonair
Bridesmaid Dresses | Aritzia
Hair & Makeup | Mink
Shoes | Jimmy Choo
Rings | Anzi Gems
Florals | Budget Blooms & Flower Shop Burnaby