A couple is eloping at VanDusen Botanical Garden, celebrating their Vancouver elopement — *Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

From a garden centre meet-cute to Manolos in the moss, J + M’s Vancouver elopement was a storybook day rooted in romance, intention, and unreal floral vibes.

Some weddings stick with you in the sweetest, most poetic way, and J + M’s day was exactly that. It felt like watching a real-life romance movie unfold, complete with a setting straight out of a storybook, a wildly in-love couple, and so many tiny details that told their love story perfectly.

The bride’s bouquet is beautifully arranged for her elopement — *Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

How They Met: A Garden Centre Love Story

It all started at a garden centre. A place full of blooming flowers, fresh air, and, apparently, fate. J was just about ready to move on from the job, and M? He was doing his best to not get hired. Still, as love would have it, both of them ended up there anyway. And from the very first handshake, M knew he wanted to know J more.

Their story grew like something organic and rooted: slow, intentional, and full of life. It began with a simple question about the Wi-Fi password on a shared lunch break (yep, that was M’s big move). It turned into conversations, dog walks on the beach, and eventually, a moment where J realized she was falling for him before they even started officially dating.

Fast forward to the proposal: one seemingly ordinary night, M brought J a special gift. It was a pair of Manolo Blahniks. The shoes she always dreamed of wearing for her Vancouver elopement. Tucked inside the toe of one shoe was a tiny box. M proposed, and after revealed a surprise gathering with their families. It was thoughtful, romantic, and so very focused on J… perfection!

Naturally, she wore those exact shoes on their wedding day.

Getting Ready at L’Hermitage Hotel

The day of their elopement started in downtown Vancouver at the beautiful L’Hermitage Hotel, where J stayed the night before with her mom and best friend. It was, already warm outside (a high of 31°C!), but everything inside was calm, cool, and on track. Hanna arrived at 9:00 a.m. to do hair and makeup, and when I say J looked like she stepped out of Vogue, I’m not exaggerating. She was pure elegance: classic, poised, and glowing.

At 11:00 a.m., I picked up the florals from Floralista in Langley. With J’s background in gardening, I knew the floral vision had to be perfect for her garden elopement in Vancouver… and I have to say, we nailed it! The arrangements were soft, romantic, and airy, just like she envisioned. We used them at both the ceremony and reception.

Pro tip: dual-purpose florals are the way to go!

A bride and groom share a kiss while eloping at VanDusen Botanical Garden — *Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

A Garden Ceremony at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Their ceremony was held at Meadow Pond in VanDusen Botanical Garden, a 55-acre botanical garden in Vancouver. Because J and M both have backgrounds in gardening, choosing a lush, floral-rich setting felt like a love letter to their roots. If you're dreaming of a Vancouver garden elopement, this hidden gem is a must-see.

We booked Meadow Pond for two hours and used a private gated entrance, which allowed the couple and their guests a peaceful, intimate space tucked away from the bustle of the public garden.

As I was unloading florals (shout out to Jude’s wagon), M arrived with his best man. He was taller than I expected (Zoom hides that!) and just so full of raw emotion. I’ve never seen a groom so genuinely excited and nervous-happy. It was the best! I kept reminding him to breathe as I pinned his boutonnière.

Once everyone was in place, I texted J to make her way to the gate. Her mom and best friend walked ahead, and I stayed behind with her and her dad to give her a quiet moment before the walk.

J and M chose to do their first look during the ceremony itself. M stood with his back turned, and when he turned around to see J walking down the aisle… oh my heart. He was completely overcome; tears, full-body emotion, the whole thing. J walked with so much grace. It was like watching two people fall in love all over again.

Their officiant, Jude, began the ceremony by thanking their community. J and M wanted their guests to feel appreciated and seen, because as much as this day was about their love, it was also about the people who had helped them grow.

“We’re here today to celebrate their love, but also to recognize that their relationship has grown in the midst of an amazing community… thank you, for being here, for the role that you’ve each played in their lives.”

And I couldn’t agree more.

Personal Touches + Picture-Perfect Moments

After the ceremony, we moved everyone into the shade for family photos, and then we whisked J + M away for their portrait session.

One of my favourite moments? J and M’s mom showed up wearing matching Manolo Blahniks in different colours! M’s mom wore green to complement J’s bridal white. It was such a sweet nod to the proposal.

Later, when the couple shared their private vows, I mic’d up M and recorded it for them on my phone so that they could relive that moment together. (By the way, I now offer this for all my couples. Just ask!)

J’s dress, from Bridal Gallery, had delicate buttons down the back and paired perfectly with a long, flowing veil. The wind decided to get involved (unpaid actor status!) and gave us those dreamy veil shots that feel like pure magic. Combined with golden sunbeams sneaking through the trees? It felt like someone upstairs was smiling down and blessing the day.

A bride and groom are eloping with a kiss at VanDusen Botanical Garden — *Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

The Reception at Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Their reception was held at the iconic Rosewood Hotel Georgia. It was a perfect contrast to the lush garden setting: elegant, historic, and right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. We repurposed the florals from the ceremony for their fireplace mantle and reception tables, and the whole space came alive.

It was intimate, joyful, and heartfelt. Every detail had meaning, and every person there had a place in the couple’s story.

J + M may have started as coworkers in a garden centre, but they’ve grown into something truly extraordinary together. Their wedding wasn’t just timeless in style, it was timeless in feeling. It was the kind of Vancouver elopement you’ll want to revisit over and over again.

And I feel so lucky to have witnessed it.

Thinking about eloping in BC?

Whether you're envisioning a small celebration with a handful of guests or a just-us-two moment in nature, we help couples create unforgettable elopements across Vancouver and beyond. From mountaintops to botanical gardens to boat decks…we’ve planned it all.

Reach out today! Let’s make your dream day feel easy, magical and 100% you!