The Refinery Magazine - ISSUE V

issue five SPRING 2014 canadian westcoast

the refinery T H E W E D D I N G L I F EST Y L E M AGA Z I N E

table of contents

issue five SPRING 2014

8

sweet & salty a valentine's DIY

jamie & chris

real engagements 24

olivia & joel

32

carly & bobbi

40

don & julia jenn & tyler

48 56

64 a creative love

owl always love you

a stylized BRIDESMAID GUIDE

74

real weddings 88 101 112

chanel & sam jesse & mala hart & allan

a bout

122

to suit

secluded seaside

146

BLOOM & BLUSH

156

ainsley

madison

a letter from the EDITORS...

Hello Friends!

Happy Valentine's Day! Exactly one year ago today we were biting our nails, pulling our hair, and just slightly freaking out over the launch of our first issue, and here we are, one year later doing just that!

As always, we've got some inspiring, creative and fun content to help you create your big day! We can't thank you enough for coming back time and time again to The Refinery, and if you are just finding out about us, we're so glad you stopped by!

In this issue, we've got an abundance of pretty - from a seaside rehearsal dinner with the new to Vancouver, Lani Elias Photography, to our cover shoot with Ophelia & Romeo Photographers. There is beauty to be had on every page! This issue packs a punch with a bevy of engagement sessions!

We are challenging you to find the unique for your upcoming session we know it's the season of love, and we're looking forward to seeing all of your engagement photos in the next few months! If you think you have something we might like - send it in!

2014 is going to bring a lot of great new things for The Refinery Magazine, and we're happy to have you with us! We would love for you to keep up to date on what is happening by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and of course, Pinterest! Cheers to another year older and another year with the ones you love. xo Ainsley & Madison

OUR regular contributors,

TAHNEE SANDERS for CELSIA FLORIST

ce lsia flora l. com

CAILYN BAYS

from DELOVELY CREATIVE

del ovelycreative . com

CHELSEY & DENE

from BEST DAY EVER CREATIVE EVENTS

be stdayeve rva n. com

photo g raphy: c ai lyn - b e l l aphoto . c a

thank you to all of our amazing

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHY b lair m ar ie ph o t ography c h r is t ie grah am ph o t ograp hy l an i elias ph o t ography o p h el ia an d ro m eo ph o t ography s h er r i ko op ph o t ography

F L ORAL DESIG N celsia flor ist delovely creat ive t h e flower fact o r y HAI R AND M AKEUP

CLO THING & ACCESSORIES f roc ks mode rn vanc ouve r the lip lounge show of f a dorn ate lie r love rs te mpo

PLANNING & DECOR ainsley's af f airs be st day eve r c re ative eve nts de love ly c re ative

d en ise elliot m akeu p ar t istry emily ch en g m akeu p an d ha ir k a t ie elwood m akeu p an d hair

E ATS & SW EETS

STATIONARY

arc hima llows c ake by nic ole railtown c ate ring c afe & c ate ring whe n pig s f ly pastrie s

h o pe & co

SWEET & SALTY CAPTURED BY BLAIR MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

photography BLAIR MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY stationary KATE KLASSEN of UHOHMYDEER floral design REBECCA DAWN FLORAL DESIGN concept & styling AJ of PINK AND HONEY

SALTED CARAMELS from shutterbean.com

find the recipe here!

SWEET & SALTY STEP 1 Bring home something pretty from your local florist.

There are some great ones around town, and a few are even featured in this issue! If florals aren’t their speed, try something more their style - maybe a classic record from your local vinyl shop, like Red Cat Records.

STEP 2 Smother each other with hugs and kisses - come on you know you wanna!

STEP 3 Write your love notes together. Write down what you love about them in that moment in time. Then share it aloud, or don’t - just make it special. Grab a card from a local gift shop, here are 3 to check out: Brick & Mortar Living, Lofty Living, Meadow Gifts & Apparel STEP 4 Whip out the baking ingredients, it's time to get those hands dirty, in a sweet kind of way! Make some Sweet & Salty Caramels to enjoy in the weeks (who are we kidding - days, or hours) to come!

Jamie & Chris CAPTURED BY SARAH VAUGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Olivia & Joel CAPTURED BY DANAEA LI PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW WE MET Olivia transferred to my high school in grade 10.

Early that morning, one of my groomsmen and I

Although we didn’t hang out in the same group,

woke up at 4am to bring the canoe to the lake and

we started to notice each other in the halls. At our

to set the scene. We got to the base of the trail, and

school’s Christmas Banquet of that year, I sang and

started the trek with the canoe on our shoulders.

played guitar as entertainment. Olivia remembers

I originally thought that the hike would take

that as one of the first big moments for her; I swept

about 30 minutes, but it was a lot steeper than I

her off her feet.

expected. We navigated around boulders and trees, and stopped frequently for breaks. My groomsman

Later that year, a group of mutual friends got

suggested on numerous occasions that we turn

together to watch some scary movies, and I made

back and think of something else, but I was too

sure to sit by Olivia, who was the cutest girl there.

excited and determined to propose.

Seizing the opportunity, Olivia grabbed my arm and snuggled up to me. That may not be exactly

We finally made it up and I had to run back down

how she remembers it, but it certainly made an

to meet Olivia in time. I picked her up and we then

impression on me. Throughout that summer we

began the hike ourselves. When we got to the top,

started hanging out alone, taking frequent walks

I led Olivia to the canoe, which was set up with

around the lake near my house.

rose petals and my guitar. As I paddled us out onto the lake, it began pouring rain, setting the perfect

On one of those walks, I finally got up the courage

mood. I got out my guitar, and played her I song

to tell Olivia that I “liked” her, and she replied, “ I

that I had written for her, and she began to cry.

like you to...I guess”. Having just turned sixteen, we

Getting on one knee out in the canoe in the middle

decided to put off dating for a while. Unfortunately,

of the lake, I asked Olivia to marry me. I could not

I didn’t have the patience, so I kept asking her to

have imagined a more perfect moment.

be my girlfriend. After being shut down numerous times, we finally decided that we didn’t care how

THE BIG DAY

young we were and that we couldn’t drive and we

Our big day will be held at the Harrison Resort and

decided to make it official. Through some ups and

Spa on June 1, 2014. The outdoor ceremony site is

downs in high school, we stuck together, and our

surrounded by flowers and is absolutely beautiful,

love blossomed.

which made picking a venue very easy. We’re planning for a bigger wedding to accommodate

THE PROPOSAL

all of our family members and friends. We want it

Olivia and I had been together for nearly five years,

to feel classic and elegant, but the most important

and had been talking about marriage for some

thing for us is that our guests have a lot of fun. We

time. A friend of mine recommended a nearby

are so excited to celebrate with everyone and can

lake, where he thought I could carry a canoe, and

not wait to be married!

set something up, and I thought that was a great idea. Having never been there, myself, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Carly & Bobbi CAPTURED BY ERIN WALLIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Don & Julia CAPTURED BY DALLAS KOLOTYLO PHOTOGRAPHY

Jenn & Tyler CAPTURED BY SWEET HEIRLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WEDDING DATE

Tyler was on one knee. To say I was shocked is

September 13th 2014

an understatement, all I could say was "Oh my god" over and over and over again. It was the

HOW WE MET

best, most unforgettable day of my life (to date).

Somehow we ran in the same circle of friends but never met! When we did finally meet, it was

Things about each other that made us

at a party (Beerster Egg Hunt, so great right?).

fall in love:

Tyler swears it was love at first sight, maybe it

Jenn: So many things, where to start... his

was the hair!? The first words he ever said to me

sense of humour and his passion for life, he is

was "Look at your hair! It's beautiful, and you

the type of person who always lives life to the

have lots of it!". He was a real keener! He asked

fullest. He is so caring and compassionate and is

for my number at the end of the night, and then

always doing little things to make me smile. He

called me the next morning at 6am for coffee.

tells me on a regular basis how much he loves

We have literally been insperable ever since.

and appreciates me. Daily he says to me "have I told you how much I love you today?" His eyes

THE ENGAGEMENT STORY

made me fall in love instantly, they are full of

Last February we went to Tofino for a few days to

kindness. I could go on and on and on. Oh and

enjoy some hiking and surfing. I had no idea that

he has great abs!

he was going to ask me. NO CLUE! Like a true gentlemen Tyler asked my Dads permission. On

Tyler: Her personality is award winning, full of

our last day in Tofino, we went surfing followed

light, passion and just pure joy. Her love for her

by a nice long walk on the beach. While walking

family and friends is like no other, and she puts

we spotted a big rock bluff that we just had to

me and them first always. Jenn's zest for life, her

hike up to. It was the most spectacular view I

smile, her eyes, her big red hair are all things

had ever seen. It was very stormy waves crashing

that made me fall in love. Loving each other is

in and nothing but us and the Pacific Ocean. I

easy and I fall in love more and more each day.

was standing on the edge and realized it was very quiet, too quiet. I turned around and there

Jenn: I truly feel like we are soul mates and fate brought us together.

OWL ALWAYS LOVE YOU captured by wonderlust photography

KARLI & PETER HOW WE MET We first met in July 2007 at my cousin's

THE ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

wedding, who happens to be Peter's long time

The owl theme started as a joke-text. The

friend. A little background: Peter grew up

summer before the engagement, while

with my cousins in church. Incidentally, and

shopping in Vancouver's Gastown, I came

forgotten by both of us, we had actually met as

across some alley graffiti. It was of an owl

children. We went to the same birthday and

with a big red heart. I took a photo and

summer parties held by my cousin's family.

texted it to Peter with the caption "Owl

After searching through old photo albums,

Always Love You". It stuck. It became the

we realized there were actually photos of us

wedding and engagement inspiration.

together from parties in the 80s and 90s! We feel we were meant to find one another as we

The idea to shoot with Birds of Prey came

had crossed paths many times in the past.

to me in a dream. I surprised both the photographers and Peter with the idea

THE PROPOSAL

at our first meeting. It was an amazing

It was the first gloomy day of September

experience to work the rescued birds, with

2012 and summer was officially over. We had

Hagrid, the owl, the falcons, the hawks,

planned to visit the Matisse exhibit at the

and an eagle as well. Why birds of prey?

Vancouver Art Gallery, but were too early to

The juxtaposition of the beauty of the bride

head there right away. After grabbing coffee,

and groom and the raw nature of the birds

we walked to our favorite spot, Charleston

of prey really harnessed the essence of a

Park. After a walk, we ended up sitting and

wedding's emotions. The wedding day will

chatting on a bench at the top of the waterfall

be one of the happiest days of a bride and

over-looking the dog park. I was blown away

grooms lives, but it is also a vulnerable one.

when Peter pulled the ring box from his pocket

Brides and grooms exclaim their love for

and presented the ring and the proposal. No

one another so publicly on their wedding

frills, no special effects: a pure and intimate

day. This is beautiful. And vulnerable.

moment. Elated, we visited the Matisse

And raw. Just like birds of prey are

exhibit and kept our secret to ourselves until

beautiful, vulnerable, and raw. Wonderlust

later that evening. It was a romantic day

Photography

knowing we had a huge secret and it was just

expertly through the engagement photos.

between the two of us.

showcased

this

contrast

OUR WEDDING DAY It was a whirlwind. The ceremony was full

Meanwhile Harriet, a young owl, joined the

of tradition. It meant so much to be married

guests back at the hall for cocktail hour.

in the church Peter grew up in. The photos

Guests could take turns holding Harriet

were taken in an abandoned barn full of

and take their photo with her, while waiting

bricks near Vancouver's Olympic Village.

for the bridal party to arrive. Our decor was

Wonderlust Photography found our dream

turquoise and white. The favor boxes, wine

location. The building had beautiful colours

labels, and the cake matched the colors and

and textures to enhance the photos. We

were Owl themed.

were adamant that our photos be pieces of fine art to frame in our home, not ordinary

SOMETHING SWEET

wedding photos. We also wanted to show

Peter: What I love about Karli is that she

the contrast between the pristine bride

may be high-energy, but she still enjoys

and groom on their wedding day and the

simple things such as beers and people

realism of the city. Weddings are a beautiful

watching on a promenade, and quiet mid-

spectacle; however, marriages are real life.

afternoon couch naps.

Through the photos they wanted to show that as a couple they are fully prepared

Karli: Peter is so patient. He reminds me to

to live in their fairytale whether it is a

measure before I cut and take time to do it

spectacle or it is realistic. We are there for

right. He makes me slow down in life to take

each other whether it is living in a brick

another perspective and see things another

barn, or walking the seawall. We'll take

way. He really is my balance.

what life gives us as a team.

A stylized bridesmaid's guide by BEST DAY EVER CREATIVE EVENTS CAPTURED BY CHRISTIE GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

A stylized bridesmaid's guide by BEST DAY EVER EVENTS We’re sure most of you can relate to having

Our line-up of ladies included the ‘girl next

to embrace a bridesmaid look that just isn’t

door’, ‘rocker’, ‘boho beauty’, ‘free spirit’ and

quite you. You don’t hate it (ok, maybe you

‘glam girl’. With a colour palette of cobalt and

do), but the dress just doesn’t quite flatter

navy blues, we visited local bridal shops and

your figure and definitely doesn’t fall in line

fashion boutiques on the hunt for dresses

with your personal style. No offense brides,

that complimented each girl and hinted at

we know it’s your day and you should have

their unique individual styles. And, we didn’t

the ultimate say, but wouldn’t you rather

stop at attire; what really brings these looks

know that your girls not only look, but also

full circle is tying in jewelry selection, floral

feel amazing standing up there next to you?

bouquets flawlessly designed by The Flower Factory and the perfect hair and unifying

Of course, there’s always the fear that if each

makeup (which in this case featured a bold

bridesmaid wears a different dress, different

oxblood lip). A matching oxblood nail polish

jewelry and carries a slightly different

from lacc, found at Shut Up I Love This, was

bouquet, the wedding party isn’t going to

a natural choice, not only because the colour

look like they are part of the same wedding.

matched the lip perfectly, but because this

That is simply not the case!

pretty polish is also vegan and paraben free.

It’s important to incorporate a few common

There’s no doubt that playing on each girl’s

elements so that the looks do come together

individual style and finding unique pieces

in a really beautiful and cohesive way. Unify

from local boutiques around the city can all

the bridesmaids with your colour palette

come together in a really amazing way. Here’s

of choice, a consistent makeup look and

to doing things a little differently!

bouquets that use similar blooms while still allowing your girls’ personal styles and personalities to shine through.

Anna; The Rocker THE DETAILS

One shoulder dress from Show Off! Gorjana Teagan gold ring and rhinestone spike gold ring from Shut Up I Love This and Alexandra Dodds double ring from Cavalier adds an edgy, hip vibe.

Bouquet of feathers and succulents brings a sense of ‘really freaking cool’ to this wedding party.

Jessica; The Girl Next Door THE DETAILS

Lela Rose chiffon dress with sweetheart neckline and feminine draping from Frocks.

Elsa Corsi pearl bracelet with crystal embellished clasp and drop earrings from Jeweliette.

Bouquet with pretty blue ribbon and pearls finishes off this classically sweet look.

Jenny; The Free Spirit THE DETAILS

Watters Iris lace dress from Frocks.

Olsen gold fill chain necklace with black onyx pendant by Lisbeth Jewelry, By Boe pyramid diamond gold earrings and ring and gold black Swarovski crystal bracelet from Shut Up I Love This and Matti Martin blue sapphire ring from Cavalier.

Cascading floral bouquet adds wild whimsical flair to this pretty yet carefree look.

Alicia; The Boho Beauty THE DETAILS

Watters Pine chiffon maxi and Adorn Atelier braided headband from Frocks.

Assorted rings from Cavalier featuring local designers: Alexandra Dodds, Wolf Circus and Foe & Dear.

A thick wool wrapped bouquet with trailing ribbon plays up this bohemian styling.

Ashleigh; The Glam Girl THE DETAILS

Mod inspired dress from The Lip Lounge.

Elsa Corsi jeweled earrings and stacked black Swarovski crystal bracelets from Jeweliette.

A big blue bow adorns this ravishing bouquet to complete the quintessential glam girl’s style.

photography CHRISTIE GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY styling BEST DAY EVER EVENTS floral design THE FLOWER FACTORY make up DENISE ELLIOT MAKEUP ARTISTRY dresses THE LIP LOUNGE, FROCKS and SHOW OFF! hair SABRINA FETTERKIND for Denise Elliot Makeup Artistry jewelry CAVALIER, LISBETH, SHUT UP I LOVE THIS and JEWELIETTE

Chanel & Sam CAPTURED BY JAMIE DELAINE PHOTOGRAPHY

venue BRIX RESTAURANT photographer JAMIE DELAINE hair & makeup JAYNA MARIE MAKEUP ARTISTRY

OWL & FOX STUDIOS

...for weddings that are stupid good fun!

A I N S L E YSA FFA I R S .COM | FB.COM /A I N S L E YSA FFA I RS

Jesse & Mala CAPTURED BY GUCIO PHOTOGRAPHY

venue VANDUSEN GARDENS photographer GUCIO PHOTOGRAPHY

visit jarushabrown.com

Hart & Allan CAPTURED BY STEFANIE CEPEDA PHOTOGRAPHY

wedding planning ALL & SUNDRY COLLECTIVE cake MEGAN HIMMEL florist FLEURTATION FLOWERS venue SFU DIAMOND ALUMNI CENTRE

FROM THE PHOTOGRAPER, Stefanie Cepeda

Hart & Allen's wedding was cozily

to climb the stairs towards us for

nestled

Diamond

their team photo. I quickly called

Alumni Centre on a rainy day. The

Hart & Allen back to the top, and

westcoast decor designed by All

the football team swarmed around

and Sundry Collective was inspired

us and gave a huge cheer to

by the evergreen forest outside and

celebrate their wedding day. I've

used natural fabrics, neutral tones,

seen a lot of people congratulate

and lush greens.

a newly married couple, but I've

inside

SFU's

never seen them cheered by a One of my favourite moments of

whole football team. It set an

the day happened during the bridal

amazing energy for the rest of the

party photos. We had just finished

day which turned into an awesome

taking photos at the top of the stairs

dance party that lasted late in to

at the SFU Quad when suddenly

the night.

the entire SFU football team began

secluded seaside ELEMENTS FOR AN INTIMATE REHEARSAL DINNER CAPTURED BY LANI ELIAS PHOTOGRAPHY STYLING by DELOVELY CREATIVE

floral design & styling DELOVELY CREATIVE hair, makeup & wardrobe styling EMILY CHENG for BENEFIT models RICHARDS MODELS and FAMILY MANAGEMENT food RAILTOWN CATERING & CAFE cake CAKE BY NICOLE favours ARCHIMALLOWS produced by THE REFINERY MAGAZINE

A BOUT TO SUIT CAPTURED BY SHERRI KOOP PHOTOGRAPHY WRITTEN by TAHNEE SANDERS

A BOUT

TO SUIT WRITTEN by TAHNEE SANDERS

When it comes to weddings we tend to spend a lot of time focusing on the bride. From the dress to the shoes, veil and accessories, planning the attire of the bride-to-be is often far more involved than that of the groom.

The same goes for flowers. It’s highly likely there are significantly more pictures of bridal bouquets on Pinterest boards than there are of boutonnieres.

In many ways, this makes sense. A floral designer will always make boutonnieres to complement the bridal style and colour scheme, so trusting their expertise to work their magic is always a safe option.

But just as a bridal bouquet is designed to suit the bride and her vision and personality, what if we gave a little more thought to constructing boutonnieres that were a reflection of the groom?

Here are a few bouts we created with this idea in mind.

For the graphic inspired: Being bold with shapes and colour through the use of craspedia, succulents and a mini cymbidium orchid.

For the foodie: Not entirely edible but close; made from ornamental kale, blackberrry, mint and rosemary, tied off loosely with brown velvet ribbon.

For the adventurer: Embracing the outdoors with fern, bog myrtle branches, eucalyptus pods and a twine stem wrap.

For the romantic: An ever-so-soft white ranunculus, meaning “you are radiant with charms”, complemented by snippets from flowering vine and privet berry.

For the nature lover: Taking a lead from what nature does best, a leaf cut from a potted begonia, along with acacia fern and a calla lily.

For the formal type: Adhering to tradition with a luxuious garden rose, paired with hanging amaranthus, a little seeded eucalyptus and a full-stem black ribbon wrap.

For the Winter enthusiast: Keeping to a cool colour palette with a succulent leaf, lavender, dusty miller and silver brunia, finished with a linen ribbon.

For the playful: A fun mixture of heather, stock, succulents, eucalyptus and a bold silver ribbon.

While here we have focused on berries, flowers

HISTORY AND ETIQUETTE

and foliage as our ingredients, there are many

The words boutonniere, itself, comes from the

different elements that give a boutonniere

French word for buttonhole which is how these

personality and they don’t all need to be floral

little floral accents were traditionally worn

related.

– through the lapel buttonhole on the left of a man’s suit. A corsage, is simply the female

We’ve created all manner of boutonnieres in

version of a boutonniere, either pinned to the

the past; an antique key, fishing fly and feathers

lady’s clothing or worn on the wrist.

being just some of the more unique elements.

One of the questions we most commonly get Even something as simple as the style of the

asked during wedding consultation is “who

ribbon wrap can completely change the look

should wear a boutonniere?”.

and feel of a bout, taking it from something more casual to formal, and everything in

At the end of the day, it is entirely up to you.

between.

A recommendation is that at minimum you would have the groom, groomsmen, and then

At the end of the day, while you might not

direct family members, such as parents, wear a

think much attention will be paid to the flower

boutonniere or corsage. You can opt to include

pinned to the groom’s chest, it’s sure nice to

siblings and grandparents, should you wish.

know it was designed with love, intention and the individual in mind.

As well as being decorative, boutonnieres and corsages also serve the purpose of identifying people of particular significance in your wedding. You may choose to have these personal

Tahnee is a writer and floral designer, Tahnee is the Wedding and Event Director at Vancouver’s Celsia Floral. www.celsiafloral.com @celsiafloral

flowers made for ring bearers, ushers, MCs and anyone else who has a special role to play in your nuptials. Some cultural traditions even involve offering a simple boutonniere to every guest in attendance!

The choice is all yours.

bloom and blush CAPTURED BY OPHELIA AND ROMEO PHOTOGRAPHY

hair & makeup KATIE ELWOOD MAKEUP & HAIR accessories ADORN ATELIER jewelry LOVERS TEMPO floral design CELSIA FLORIST dress FROCKS sweets & treats WHEN PIGS FLY PASTRIES stationary HOPE & CO. model CHRISTIE GRAHAM styling MADISON HOPE for THE REFINERY MAGAZINE

AN INTERACTIVE & FUN WAY TO SELECT YOUR WEDDING TEAM

VEILT V.COM

VANCOUVER

|

NEW YORK

see you in march for our first american issue!

THEREFINERYMAG.COM