A Rainy Winter Elopement in Langley, BC: Sendall Gardens
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
A rainy day in BC may not sound like the ideal setting for an outdoor wedding, but, for M + D, it was nothing short of enchanting. Their intimate elopement at Sendall Gardens in Langley proved that even the gloomiest weather can create a beautiful backdrop for a magical wedding day.
The Setting: A Hidden Gem in Langley
M + D were married on a rainy January day at the Sendall Gardens in Langley, BC. And it truly was magic! The Sendall Gardens is a small hidden gem featuring a Tropical Greenhouse open to the public from April to October. The greenhouse can be reserved for private elopements which is perfect for the tail end of the rainy months in April and May, or September and October. Because it was January, we couldn’t use it, but it is just gorgeous and a hidden gem you need to know about.
The Legacy Gazebo at Sendall Gardens is a beautiful space for intimate wedding ceremonies and is available year-round. During the off-season, you don’t even need a permit! For their ceremony, we transformed the gazebo into a romantic haven. I put a tarp up on the underside of the gazebo roof to keep the area dry, and we added a stunning arch adorned with ivory and pink chiffon drapery (Drapery is very IN right now!).
Gold mirror tables, lanterns with candles, twinkle lights powered by a silent battery generator (I highly recommend), and a gorgeous rug completed the setup. Cocktail tables with floral arrangements held the sparkling juice for their toast, unity items, a signing station for their marriage license, and the photos and boutonniere of their son who wasn’t present (they’d lost touch with him).
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
A Blended Family Celebration
M + D’s elopement was a celebration of their family. Between them, they have six children: M’s two daughters, D’s two sons, and their shared toddler, Roman. The day was full of heartfelt moments that honoured the beautiful blending of their families.
The morning started with M getting ready at home with her daughters. They were styled by Simone and Hanna, who worked their magic on hair and makeup. I popped in to check on them and then grabbed the decor so I could set up for the day. D and his son followed me to the garden to help unload decor before heading back home to get ready.
When they all arrived for the ceremony, D looked dashing in a green suit that matched his sons, while M’s daughters wore elegant pink dresses. M’s bouquet, delivered with the other flowers by Floralista, was as stunning as the bride herself. No surprise there!
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
The Ceremony
M made her grand entrance, tucked behind a bush for privacy before walking down the aisle. Their pastor from CenterPoint Church, officiated the ceremony. Even their adorable dog, Cooper, an Aussie sporting a pink bow, joined the festivities. We just love it when your furry friends are invited!
The ceremony featured private vows, a deeply personal exchange that allowed M + D to share their feelings away from the spotlight. D’s son brought everyone to tears when he shared a heartfelt message to M, thanking her for being an incredible stepmom and confidante… even I was welling up!
As part of the ceremony, the couple and their children created a unity capsule. Each family member wrote a private letter, sealed it in an envelope, and placed it in a wooden box to be opened in the future. It was so special!
M + D also honoured D’s older son, who wasn’t able to attend. They displayed photos of him on the signing table and laid out his boutonniere. I loved how this thoughtful gesture showed their desire to include every family member in the special day. Shayla from Roar Me Wild Films and Chelsea Abram Photography were there to document every magical moment.
As we were finishing up, I spied someone dressed in a formal suit showing up. I thought, wow that's weird. What are the chances that somebody else decided to get married on this exact same day, same time, and same place in the off-season? Apparently, a rainy day in January really is the right time for an outdoor wedding!
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
Dancing in the Rain
Despite the rain, the couple embraced the weather with clear umbrellas and big smiles for their portraits. M, originally from the East Coast, seemed unfazed by the cold, though their 2-year-old needed a few Starbursts to keep his spirits up during the family photos.
Their elopement photography, captured by Chelsea, turned out stunning, with moody, romantic shots that made the most of the rainy backdrop. Truly, the woodsy natural backdrop paired with their beautiful wedding decor and outfits made for the most exquisite photos. To make it even better, their photos that day were free as they were our Winter Giveaway winners!
The Party’s Just Beginning
M + D are planning a larger reception in Langley at the end of January to celebrate with friends and extended family. Shayla is doing a rush edit on their elopement video so they can share it at the reception, and Chelsea will return to capture the festivities.
Their two-part celebration is a great reminder that weddings don’t have to follow traditional formats. An intimate elopement followed by a larger gathering can provide the best of both worlds, giving you time to savour the quiet moments and an opportunity to party with loved ones. Your elopement can be whatever you want it to be!
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
A Wedding Planner’s Touch
With M balancing full-time school and a busy family life, having a wedding planner made all the difference. And I was so honoured to help them create such a magical day. From finding the perfect setting to managing the day’s logistics, my team and I ensured M + D could focus on what mattered most: each other and their family.
Are you dreaming of a unique elopement that reflects your journey? I'd love to help you create something as memorable as you are. Whether it’s a rainy day in a city park or an adventure to a mountaintop, I can help you plan something magical! Contact me today.
Also, I am excited to be doing Pop-Up Elopements at BlueVault Weddings in Pemberton over the May Long Weekend. The booking link goes live on Friday, January 17th. Couples receive massive savings on exclusive venue access. If you want in on early booking access - you can email me at hello@jocelynbaconevents.ca and I’ll send you the booking link early!
