Today I was unexpectedly at Fairmont Pacific Rim’s event space and ballroom for this year’s Luxe Wedding Soirée VI – The Art of “I Do”.
In its 6th year this remains Vancouver’s most anticipated luxury wedding show that promises an “unparalleled evening of couture, cuisine, and creativity, featuring an extraordinary lineup of over 40 elite wedding vendors and immersive experiences that redefine what a wedding show can be.” (As taken from the event website).
Not just for brides and grooms to be, there is plenty to witness and experience for wedding professional and those who adore the world of luxury weddings and event design.
The Luxe Wedding Soiree is curated by Fleur de Lis Events “to inspire, entertain, and immerse guests in a world where fashion, beauty, gastronomy, and design come together in perfect harmony. The evening had interactive lounges, couture fashion, live music and performances, plus indulgent culinary artistry.”
The following are a few of the activations and the accompanying photos I was able to capture of them.
Opulent florals & lavish wedding décor installations meant to inspire.
Champagne & Caviar Receptions where you chase caviar bumps with bubbles.
Designer Shoe Pop-Up by Holt Renfrew, featuring Jimmy Choos and couture gowns.
On-Site Beauty Lounges with Charlotte Tilbury, Wish Dry Bar, and Beauty by Azadeh, offering complimentary touch-ups.
Customized Skincare, Dental, and Beauty Enhancements by Theory + Essence Dental.
Consultations and advanced treatments tailored for wedding-ready confidence by Medi Spa with giveaways.
Bridal and Sartorial Shop, featuring bridal couture and bespoke menswear.
Luxury Jewelry Showcase by Gandy Jewellers, unveiling diamond masterpieces and fine jewelry. With a $4,000 Tennis Diamond Bracelet Giveaway exclusively for Luxe guests.
Luxury Destination Venues & Private Charter
Planes showcase.
There were even lawyers on location advertising their premarital services like marriage contract drafting, as apposed to divorce settlements.
Guests could get their photos professionally taken by Lucky Booth with print outs to take home and electronic copies sent to your email.
Dang Good Booth also took photos, but then turned them into magnets on the spot. I really liked their answering machine guest book idea.
If you didn’t want your photo taken you could have your picture drawn by local, in the moment artist, Sequel Design. She drew you in a high fashion style without faces and with lengthy silhouettes.
Impressions Live Art had the task of summarizing the event via a single painting. An impressive feat that guests were able to witness its progression throughout the night.
My friend Vivi Lettering was also participating in the artist show case by offering complimentary on the spot engraving. I brought delicate necklace to challenge her skill and she easily rose to the occasion.
The first half of the evening was spent engaging in the above, then the second half began when the ballroom doors opened to unveil a dreamy wedding landscape. This was a venue any one would be happy with, equipped with giant crystal chandeliers, carved arch ways, and curtained gazebos.
As guests settled into their seats a pianist set the tone.
The show began with a stunning performances by GOH Ballet.
This was followed by music from a 3-piece jazz trio and a 7-piece brass band, turning modern melodies into memorable classics.
However, it was the luxury wedding dress fashion walk that stole the show. A Couture Fashion Runway presented by Bisou.
For food and drink, majority of it was prepared by Silk Road Catering, spanning across two tables, divided by sweet and savoury. Here, they easily showed their ability to provide for large parties.
The available canapés included hummus, shrimp salad, and vegetable tarts for savoury. Macarons, lemon tarts, and cream puffs for sweet.
Timbertrain coffee roasters were brewing cups of coffee for those who needed a pick me up.
I preferred the pre-shaken espresso martinis from the bar, but they were quick to go. Like much of everything else, it was first come first serve with no refills or restock. This was a lesson I would learn and keep for the following year, when I return.
Outside of a magenta cocktail I missed, all other beverages are from the cash bar. You purchase a ticket from the cashier and exchange it for a ticket.
We had to try the “Girl With a Pearl Earring” for the spectacle. A mix of Empress Gin, lime, and Prosecco. Shimmerimg with silver glitter, served in a champagne flute with its stem wrapped in a blue ribbon with a pear pendant keepsake dangling from it.
And when you think it could not get anymore indulgent, it was finished off with a squeezed puff of perfume in your choice of scent. We went for lavender to match the colour.
For dessert, Uno Gelato were scooping cups of Akbar Mashti (rose water, soffron, pistachio), Salted Caramel, Mint Chocolate Chip, Roasted Pistachio, or Midnight Chocolate and Passion Fruit sorbetto from their travel cart.
After the Ballroom showcase, Fairmont Pacific Rim’s acclaimed culinary team served up a West Coast culinary experience buffet style.
The Carrara Wagyu with a Burgundy truffle pomme puree, pickled forest mushroom, watercress, and natural jus was a tease; leaving you wanting a lot more.
Seared Big Eye Tuna with Asian pear, shaved radish, and shiso & soy vinaigrette.
Charred Coastal Prawns with bean ragu, chimichurri, and fine herbs was a nice refreshing dish.
There was also a fragile and easily to crumble tomato tart canapés.
For dessert Ladurée was serving petite versions of their signature Parisian confections from one of their trademark carts.
And Castle Cake & Sweet had cookies, cakes, and everything in between for tasting.
In short, this was an amazing event. More to see and do than expected and more entertaining than what I thought it could be. Tickets were only $85 per person and so worth it for all the complimentary small bites and drinks to start. I will definitely be looking to attend next year’s affair.
fleurdelisevents.ca/luxe-wedding-soiree/
