A Dreamy Wedding at a Romantic Mansion in Vancouver, British Columbia

Gloria and Zee, from Vancouver, British Columbia, met while studying at dental school. Though they began as classmates, their relationship quickly blossomed. After dating for three years, Zee popped the question while the couple was snowshoeing at Canada's Grouse Mountain. "I was so happy," Gloria admits, "that I completely forgot about my numb, cold feet."

The dentists' engagement lasted over a year, but when it came to planning, they wasted no time. "Popular vendors are very busy and get booked out fast," Gloria notes. In turn, they started their search right after the proposal. According to her, thinking ahead made it easier to prep for their big day. "The extra time allows everyone to coordinate and have enough communication," she advises future spouses, "not to mention reduces frustration close to the wedding."

Gloria's from Korea and Zee's from China, so it was important to both that their roots were honored. That's why, on the mild morning of July 9, 2017, they began their nuptials with a Chinese tea ceremony. At cocktail hour after their main ceremony, they also served traditional Korean rice cakes. Then, after the reception, Gloria changed into a Korean dress.

In addition to the cultural touches, the couple's wedding at Hycroft was romantically-styled, showcasing soft shades of pink and blue, metallics, and more. Gloria describes their celebration as "truly beautiful," thanks to both "love from friends and family" (120 guests to be exact) and its "elegant, dreamy, rustic, and fine-art setting." Does anything sound lovelier than that?

Watch Gloria and Zee's wedding video by VanWeddings Inc.

The Invitations

The couple's stationery, by Written Word (in a color palette of light blue, gold, and white), were prettied up further with marble details, illustrations, calligraphy, and a wax seal.

The Location

Gloria and Zee married at Hycroft in Vancouver, an old mansion located just minutes from their home. They chose it for a number of reasons, including Zee's penchant for history, and the fact that the venue could accommodate both their ceremony and their reception.

Symbolic Style

The bride chose her lace Galia Lahav wedding dress in part for its low and crystal-embellished back. For even more drama, she added extra tulle to her train. Meanwhile, her groom dressed in formal Tom Ford.

The couple's shoes weren't just chic—they were symbolic, too. To nod to their unity, they chose coordinating Christian Louboutin pairs. Not only did their red soles match, but the color also represents good luck in Chinese culture.

The Headpieces

For her hair, Gloria donned a Galia Lahav veil and a Maria Elena crown. She wore them either together or individually for different portions of the event.

The Bouquet and Bridal Party

Gloria's bouquet, by Myrtle et Olive, was arranged using cream garden roses, lavender anemones, and peach ranunculus among other blooms. It was tied together using long ribbon made of raw silk.

The bridesmaids wore convertible Jenny Yoo dresses, in soft shades of gray-blue and taupe. These colors—and the rest of the wedding's hues—were picked to reflect the flowers in Hycroft's garden. As for the groomsmen, they sported classic black suits from J. Crew.

A Stunning Setup

For the main ceremony, guests assembled on the mansion's balcony. The décor (by Myrtle et Olive) included a lush flower arch filled with roses, as well as blush chiffon draped over the chairs. The effect was just as Gloria had hoped—simply "ethereal."

Favorite Moments

Zee's favorite moment was when Gloria descended down the aisle with her father to the sounds of "Arioso" by Johann Sebastian Bach. There, her breathtaking train was put on full display. He also enjoyed walking the aisle himself, when all eyes were on him—it was his big day too, after all!

Happily Wed

The newlyweds were all smiles after becoming husband and wife.

The Reception

The reception on the terrace was a seamless extension of the ceremony's design, spotlighting the same shades and airy feel. It featured just two seating areas—a long head table and a longer banquet table.

Charming Details

"It was Gloria's dream to include chandeliers," says Heather Siu from Myrtle et Olive of the décor. "To soften the space without taking away from the natural beauty of the structure, we draped nude chiffon over the columns with chandeliers hung in between, plus overgrown vines 'growing' up them." Dreamy centerpieces and metallic vessels were some of the other fairytale-worthy elements.

Songs of Love

Gloria and Zee entered the reception to a string version of "Beauty and the Beast," and later took their first dance (a tango!) to "Por Una Cabeza" by Carlos Gardel.

Another big music moment for the couple? When Zee's groomsman, James, performed "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra. "His singing made me finally realize that I was having a perfect wedding day," Gloria says. After all of the stress of planning, it helped her sit back, relax, and fully appreciate her new marriage.

The Cakes

The celebration's dessert display looked straight out of a fantasy. The Cake & The Giraffe baked three different confections—the biggest with an aqua ombré design, and all three with wreaths of gold leaves. Different tiers came in different flavors: chocolate, vanilla custard, and latte.

Golden Accents

Even this little cake had a big impact, thanks to the gilded details.

More Desserts

The sweets didn't stop there. Guests could pick from cupcakes, macarons, and other treats, too, which all fit into the wedding's color palette perfectly.

The Favors

Olive oil was placed in glass bottles of different shapes, tagged with guests' calligraphed names, and wax sealed with the couple's monogram. The pretty takeaways were practical, too—a kitchen isn't complete without the stuff. Plus, it was just one more nod to the Amalfi coast and French gardens that informed the day's style. The newlyweds jetted off to Paris for their honeymoon—another dreamy European destination sure to inspire the couple for years to come.

Sources

Photography, Blush Wedding Photography

Location, The University Women's Club at Hycroft

Event planning, Myrtle et Olive

Catering, Savoury Chef

Flowers, Myrtle et Olive

Videography, VanWeddings Inc.

Officiant, Lea Huusko

Stationery, Written Word

Calligraphy, Written Word

Cake, The Cake & The Giraffe

Music, Musos Entertainment

Rentals, Art of the Party

Bride's gown, Galia Lahav

Bride's accessories, Galia Lahav veil; Maria Elena headpiece; Christian Louboutin shoes

Hair and makeup, Carol Hung Makeup Artistry

Bridesmaids' dresses, Jenny Yoo

Flower girl's dress, Etsy

Groom's attire, Tom Ford

Groom's accessories, Tom Ford bow tie; Christian Louboutin shoes

Groomsmens' attire, J. Crew

Favors, Myrtle et Olive