On Saturday July 23rd I boarded a ferry at Horseshoe Bay to travel out to Nanaimo B.C for my friends fiesta themed wedding. Carla and Carl are an amazing fun couple. I met Carla when we both worked in the Lush gift wrapping department. She has a great outgoing personality and I knew I wanted to be her friend right away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first 3 photos were taken by Jennifer Echols, a Vancouver photographer. Check out the website, her photos are simply stunning, so classic and candid. http://jenniferecholsphotography.com

Carl donned his dapper mariachi outfit after the ceremony, a gift from the band.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Married!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listening to speeches

Which were so heartfelt and touching I teared up a little. Ok, so I teared up a lot. like 3 times! And i`m not a crier! But everything was just so beautiful and special. Starting with……

 

 

Carla`s dress! Which was perfect for the occasion. Elegant and romantic while still being appropriate for the venue. No long train to trip on in the grass! I loved how there was touches of south western flair incorporated into the outfit. From the lace trimmed bolero jacket to the teal earrings and flower in her hair.

 

 

The bride`s sister also had a gorgeous dress. It was very striking and I wondered where she got it as I haven’t seen many Mexican shops around. I asked Corine where she found that perfect maid of honour dress. Turns out it had been purchased at a thrift store and it was previously white! Seeing the potential in it she bought it and dyed the dress at home!

 

 

There were so many crafty, personal touches that fit the theme well without going overboard. Carla told me she got a lot of ideas off the internet, from others sharing how they pulled off their own special days. The wedding was held in Carla`s parents backyard under a big white tent. The tables were beautiful and full of surprises like chilli pepper necklaces, sombreros, and fans. Proof that the bride and groom wanted everyone to have fun!

 

 

During the cocktail hour we had some yummy appetizers and drinks and were entertained by a fabulous 6 piece mariachi band!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mariachi Del Sol is a band based out of Vancouver who blend the traditional styling with the classical panache. I knew I was going to see a mariachi band but I didn’t expect to be blown away! they were outstanding, playing two sets with a wide range of songs. They even took requests! http://www.mariachispirit.com

 

 

The supper was Mexican, of course, and like everything else, was fantastico!

 

              

The desserts in the lower left corner are homemade Mexican Wedding cookies. Super tasty and they were also in the thank you boxes placed at each table setting.

 

 

What a great idea and so cute!

 

 

I had so much fun and it was an amazing wedding. Congrats Carla and Carl! Thank you for letting me be apart of your day!

Conclusion:  As a girl i dreamed of having a big wedding, but after seeing this one i`m not so sure. Bigger is not always better…….in this case anyway. Lol