I’ve known Vanessa for a very long time. We first “officially” met on set a photoshoot when I worked for a bridal magazine and Vanessa was modelling for us…except I found out she was only like 15 and somehow was modelling as a bride. Excuse me? But then we got to talking and it turned out we went to the same elementary school, and I think my mom was her teacher.

Fast-forward a few years, and Vanessa was interested in working with flowers. She interned for me one summer, learning some of the basics of wedding flowers and starting a cool friendship.

I was so honoured when she asked me to design for her elopement to Richard.

Photos by Kass Donaldson

“As a florist, flowers played a huge role in our wedding. And no could have pulled through on my vision better than Lauren. 

I’ve known Lauren since I was 16 and I told her she was going to do my wedding flowers when I was 19. Lauren is the reason I became a florist myself!

Our colour palette was very intentional. Touches of red to honour ‘Red’decopp. Touches of lilac to honour my childhood obsession with purple. Pinks and oranges to harmonize with our gingery complexions. Lauren was also able to include feverfew daisies to honour our daughter, Daisy. And of course, it all stood out so well against the dark green fluffy forest backdrop. 

They were perfect in every way.”

- Vanessa

I wanted to use a lot of locally grown flowers for Vanessa, which I often find is the best way to blend a vibrant colour palette.

Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: Locally grown lisianthus, dahlias, cosmos, scabiosa, feverfew, sweet pea, and zinnias, with a few imported ranunculus and I think 1 single rose.

I am so enticed by a true elopement, and I think it’s incredible when a couple truly honours what they dream of for their wedding. Vanessa and Richard really dreamed of just a few of their closest friends to be there with them — there were literally just 2 witnesses and 1 officiant/friend (my darling Erika, who’s getting married next year!!).

That didn’t stop them from going for it. Vanessa had a custom-made gown from Cathy Wiebe, they hired their favourite photographer (Kass Donaldson), and found the perfect spot in Assiniboine Park to tuck themselves away in. After they exchanged their vows, they all shared dinner at a favourite restaurant.

We decided to design 1 ground-based floral piece for their ceremony — we obviously didn’t have a need to go over the top in any way, but their elopement was in mid-September and you can never be sure what will still be growing in Assiniboine Park at that time! The jolt of colour the flowers brought in were just so perfect for Vanessa. She’s a colour-lover, just like me :)

Kassandra Donaldson ~ Cathy Wiebe Clothes ~ Jessica Kmiec Artistry ~ Tori Lynn Hair

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