A Fairytale Vancouver Elopement: Kiara and Mike’s Journey from California to a Japanese Garden, an Enchanted Forest, and the Sea
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
Once in a while, a love story comes along that feels like it was written in the stars. Kiara and Mike’s is one of those. They found each other across a border, over a shared love of music, and they chose to begin their marriage here in Vancouver, surrounded by a serene Japanese garden, an enchanted forest, and the wild open sea. Kiara dreamed of a fairytale, and we are so honored we got to help bring it to life. Pour yourself something cozy, because this is a good one.
A love story that started with a song
Kiara and Mike’s story began with music. They met online in a little corner of the internet where fans of their favorite band, Twenty One Pilots, gather to talk about songs. The band had just dropped a new album, Kiara left a comment, and Mike replied. They had a sweet back and forth, disagreed about one song, and then went back to their lives, one in California and one in Canada.
Three weeks later, Kiara realized she had changed her mind about that song. So she went back, found the conversation, and told him. That one small, brave message opened a door. They became music friends, then best friends, and then, slowly and surely, they fell in love. Two souls from two different countries, finding their way to one another. If that is not a fairytale, I do not know what is.
When Mike finally proposed, in a flower filled courtyard in Napa Valley, Kiara said "I do, I do, I do" before he could barely finish asking. They even shared a little dance on the stage where he got down on one knee. From the very start, these two have made magic out of ordinary moments.
Why they chose to elope in Vancouver
Kiara and Mike are both introverts and old souls. A big traditional wedding, with all the pressure to entertain a crowd, was never the dream for them. What they wanted was simple and true. Vows to the love of their life, their closest people around them, a beautiful dress, cake, and photos that felt playful and told the story of them. So they traveled up from California and let Vancouver be their storybook backdrop.
Three magical settings, one unforgettable day
We designed the day around three settings, each chosen for a different feeling. Nitobe Memorial Garden, a peaceful Japanese garden, for their first look. Pacific Spirit Regional Park, a lush and mossy forest, for their ceremony. And Wreck Beach, wild and free, for their sunset portraits by the ocean. Kiara is an artist, and color is her whole world, so we wove in autumnal jewel tones, gold, and pearls throughout the day.
A slow, magical morning
The day began softly, exactly how Kiara wanted it. Breakfast and tea at their Airbnb, family close by, and her hair done for the very first time in her life. She had some sensitivities, so her stylist worked without any product at all, and her hair held beautifully all the way until 2am when she took it all out! We built rest and gentle pacing into the whole day on purpose, so Kiara never felt rushed and always had room to breathe. We can ABSOLUTELY plan for calm, everything feels more magical when you build it in.
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
A first look in the Japanese garden
When it was time for the first look, we brought Mike into the garden and set him on a little bridge near the back, facing away. Then I helped Kiara get ready for her big moment. Her veil was long and covered in pearls, which shimmered in the light and gently held it in place. When I handed her the bouquet, she teared up right away. "Oh my god, they are so beautiful, thank you!" she said. That reaction was so genuine, it even had me tearing up.
Kiara carried a little purse with a white satin bow she made herself, using leftover fabric from her dress after it was altered. She tied it with something blue, and just like that, she had her something blue. I love when couples bring in these personal, handmade touches.
When Kiara walked out to Mike, she told him a little joke before he turned around. He had lost some hearing on the flight up, so she actually had to tell him to turn around twice, which made everyone laugh. Then he saw her, and the whole garden felt like it was holding its breath. Pure magic.
Honoring the ones they love
Not everyone Kiara loves was able to be there. Just a couple days before, her best friend of twenty years, her maid of honor, had to cancel because she and her daughter had come down sick. Kiara was heartbroken. So we found a way to keep her close. We saved a chair for her at the ceremony and placed her bouquet on the seat, so she was honored and present in spirit.
They also honored someone else very special, their beloved cat Ghost, who had passed away. We set a framed photo of him on a reserved seat too. This is what makes an intimate elopement so powerful. There is room for all the love, and all the ones, who made you who you are.
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
An enchanted forest ceremony
Then came the forest. Our decor team set the scene ahead of time, with chairs tucked among the trees and tables ready for cake and toasts. Kiara’s dad walked her down the aisle while Paladin Strait, one of the couple’s most meaningful songs, played through the trees. It is a song about swimming across the sea to reach the person you love, no matter the odds, which is exactly how these two have always felt about each other.
Our officiant, Angela, led a beautiful ceremony, and they read the most tender personal vows. Kiara’s mom teared up the whole way through. In her vows, Kiara told Mike that in his presence her whole soul lays down its armor and finds rest. Mike told her that friendship became love, and love has now become forever. Kiara has called Mike her epic love story, and this day her ultimate fairytale. There was not a dry eye in the forest.
Cake, a toast, and a sweet little secret
After the ceremony, we celebrated with cake and a toast. Their cake was a showstopper. Two tiers in deep burgundy, with two little birds and music notes, a nod to the way the two of them sang their way to each other. It was passion fruit flavored, and here is the sweetest part. It was the very last wedding cake their baker made before retiring, which felt like its own kind of magic.
Kiara and Mike did not want alcohol (which isn’t permitted in the park anyways,), so I hunted down a gorgeous sparkling tea just for them and had it chilled and ready. I will admit, the bottles got a little shaken up on the drive, and one bubbled right over the moment I opened it. We all just laughed and told them I was glad it happened to me and not to them. We toasted, we celebrated, and I sent them home with the extra bottles.
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
Barefoot by the sea
For their final magical stop, we headed to Wreck Beach, a wild and free spirited stretch of coastline that Kiara had her heart set on. (It happens to be a clothing optional beach, so we came ready for anything, though the sunset stole the show.) We made our way down the long staircase, and as we walked onto the sand, something unexpected and beautiful happened. A group of young people spotted Kiara and Mike from across the beach, realized what was happening, and started singing Ed Sheeran’s "Perfect" to serenade them. It turned out to be one of the couple’s songs, and they had not played it yet that day. Kiara teared up. You truly cannot plan a moment like that. Check out our instagram reels for the behind-the-scenes of this moment!
Kiara is an ocean lover through and through, so she kicked off her boots, and when she realized she had no socks, Mike offered her his without a second thought. They ran barefoot along the shore, collected shells, and dashed straight into the waves. The sky put on a show. It was the most joyful, playful, storybook ending to their day.
A little secret from behind the curtain
The night before the wedding, Vancouver was in the middle of an absolute downpour, and every part of the day was planned for outside. I had a full rain plan ready just in case, and we kept a close eye on the forecast. By the afternoon before, it looked like the skies would clear for their day, so we made the call to go ahead with the outdoor plan. The weather held perfectly. Sometimes the magic or Mother Nature works in your favor.
Absolute bliss
By the time we climbed back up from the beach, my heart was overflowing. At one point Kiara turned to me and my team and said our personalities were awesome and she would totally hang out with us, which might be the best compliment a planner can get. And when her dad picked her up earlier that day and asked how it all went, she simply said, "It was absolute bliss." That is exactly what I hope every couple feels.
Kiara and Mike, thank you for trusting me with your fairytale. Watching the two of you begin your forever, in the garden, the forest, and the sea, is a day I will always treasure.
Dreaming of your own fairytale elopement in Vancouver?
If you are picturing a fairytale elopement in Vancouver, whether you are local or traveling from California like Kiara and Mike, I would love to help you bring it to life. I handle every detail, hold every moving piece, and build in the calm, so you can be fully present for your own bit of magic. Reach out and tell me the story you want to tell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping in Vancouver
Can Americans get married in Vancouver, BC?
Yes. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen or resident to get married in British Columbia. Couples travel from all over the United States to elope here. You will need a BC marriage license, which you can pick up once you arrive, and two witnesses at your ceremony. A planner can walk you through the whole process so it feels easy from the moment you land.
Can you get married at Nitobe Memorial Garden in Vancouver?
Nitobe Memorial Garden is a stunning Japanese garden at UBC and a dreamy spot for a first look or photos. It has its own rules about guests, decor, and flowers, so it is best to plan with someone who can coordinate those details with the garden ahead of time. Kiara and Mike had their first look there, and it was pure magic.
Can you have a wedding ceremony in Pacific Spirit Regional Park?
Yes, with the right planning. Pacific Spirit is a lush forest park near UBC, and ceremonies there usually require a permit and some coordination. It is one of the most enchanting forest settings near Vancouver, perfect for couples who want that mossy, storybook feeling. We take care of the permits and the setup for you.
What is the best time of year to elope in Vancouver?
Late spring through early fall is beautiful, and early September, when Kiara and Mike married, is one of my favorites. The light is soft and golden, the days are still warm, and the scenery is at its best. Vancouver weather can be unpredictable, so I always build a backup plan into your day.
Can you have a non-alcoholic wedding celebration?
Absolutely. Your day should feel like you. Kiara and Mike do not drink, so we toasted with a gorgeous sparkling tea instead of champagne. There are so many beautiful non-alcoholic options that feel just as festive and special.
How far in advance should you plan a destination elopement in Vancouver?
Nine to twelve months is a comfortable timeline for a multi location elopement, and it gives us plenty of room to design something special. I have also planned beautiful days in far less time. If you have a date in mind, reach out and we will figure out what is possible.
Can you elope with a small group of guests?
Yes, and it is one of the loveliest ways to do it. Kiara and Mike celebrated with around ten of their favorite people. A small guest list keeps the day intimate and relaxed while still letting your closest loved ones share the moment with you.
