Christie is from Vancouver and Gavin is from Scotland. They met in Montreal while both attending McGill University. There they fell in love and after graduating, Christie moved to Glasgow, Scotland to be with Gavin. They lived there for some time and then moved to Tokyo to teach for some time and then moved back to Scotland. At one point they took a trip to Paris, where Gavin intended on proposing to his love. I think Christie explain it best so you can read her version of the story instead of mine!…
“Last year, we thought it might be nice to go away somewhere for the weekend – somewhere outside of Scotland. It’s one of the perks of living in the UK – mainland Europe is only a short flight away. So we looked on Ryanair to see what deals there were, and there were cheap flights to Oslo – so we though, YEAH, Norway! But (as we always do), we checked the weather and it was -10 in Oslo! So we looked around at where else we could go, and Gavin casually suggested Paris and I bounced off the walls in excitement for Paris (he always does this – he has a plan all along, but makes me think it’s my idea). Our flight there was relatively painless – we dropped out stuff off at our hotel, which was near the Arc de Triomphe, and went in search for a nice bistro to have lunch. We found this amazing place and gorged on cheese, deli meats, french bread, etc. We did notice at the time that it felt like the men sitting behind us were sitting awfully close, and then they just got up abruptly without ordering anything. When Gavin got out his wallet to pay (which has been in his inside jacket pocket, hanging on the chair), there was no money in it! And there should have been about 100 euros. He kept on feeling around the wallet, and I was like, “Give it to me – let me check!” but he wouldn’t – I thought he was being really weird and territorial about his wallet. So, I paid for lunch and we went back to the hotel for a swim before going out for dinner ) incidentally, the pool was closed for a couple of hours, so we had to wait – another damper for the day!) After we were all showered and ready to go, we decided to have a little champagne in the hotel room. We ‘cheers-ed’ and reminisced about all the good times. And then he got down on one knee and proposed! I was astounded that he got all the secrecy past me, and exclaimed, “Where have you been keeping the ring!?!?” – “In my wallet!” – “In your WALLET!?!” – and we had a good laugh about that. We went out to the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysee, and had dinner on Boulevard St Michel. It was all very memorbale.”
Crazy!! I remember first reading that and sitting on the edge of my seat!
Anyway, Christie and Gavin celebrated their wedding with family and friends at the Brock House Restaurant in Vancouver. I’ve never seen so many kilts in one place at one time! Even the children were draped in traditional plaid! The weather was gorgeous on that Thursday evening, and every guest from Scotland had to make mention of that (apparently it rains a lot in Scotland!) The ceremony was simple and elegant, the reception was decorated beautifully, complete with crystal chandeliers, tall vases and lots of personal touches. And a big thank you to Robyn for helping me out that day!
Congratulations again, Christie and Gavin, and thank you for asking me to be part of your day!
If you want to see more images from their wedding day check out their Slideshow. Enjoy!
I asked Christie and Gavin a few questions after the wedding…
1. What was your favourite/most memorable part of your wedding day?
Christie: Seeing Gavin as I walked down the aisle.
Gavin: Standing in the sunshine, watching Christie walk down the aisle.
2. What did you like most about planning your wedding?
Christie: Checking out wedding blogs, internet researching and foraging my iPod for music!
Gavin: …That Christie did most of it!
3. If you could give future brides and grooms one piece of advice, what would it be?
Christie: Remember what’s important – it’s about the marriage, not the wedding.
Gavin: Relax and take it all in because the day goes by so fast.
4. What songs did you use for:
Bride walking down the aisle: Pastorale Dance, Spring, Four Season – Vivaldi
Bride and Groom walking back up the aisle as husband and wife: Allegro Maestoso (Hornpipe), Water Music – Handel
First Dance: ‘Deed I Do by Ella Fitzgerald
Some Wedding Vendor Information:
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Brock House Restaurant
Hair: Mint Hair Salon, North Vancouer
Make-Up: Anita Ho
Wedding Dress: Purchased online from a dressmaker in Shanghai
Shoes: Dune, UK
Jewellery: Christie’s mom’s pearl necklace and diamond earrings
Hairpiece: Purchased online from Ebay
Groom’s Suit and Accessories: A kilt from St. Kilda in Glasgow, Scotland
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: All from Glasgow’s “Argyle Arcade” – A famous jewellery street!
Flowers: Hanamo Florist
Music: Brandenburg Strings (string quartet for ceremony)
Decoration Rental: Candles provided by Brock House, flowers from Hanamo, other decorations (table signs, guest book table, etc) done by Christie and Gavin
DJ: Christie and Gavin’s mp3 collection
Invitations: VistaPrint
Cake: Alysa Downs – Pastry Chef
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