People often say you'll find that someone special when you least expect it. In Chris and Amanda's case, they have the bride's sister to thank. Amanda was celebrating her sister's birthday at a local bar when her sister decided to find her a dance partner from the crowd. Obviously, the stars were lined up because Chris was pulled from the crowd and he was immediately hooked once he saw Amanda. Who would have guessed that a fun evening out would become that special chance encounter that would unite two lovebirds? I just love stories like these because you can't deny that fate doesn't play a part in love.
It was a gorgeous Saturday morning with blue skies. Amanda happily rushed out to greet us in her unmistakable "bride" tank top. Then we followed her to the sounds of laughter in her backyard where her bridesmaids were on the patio getting dolled up and enjoying breakfast. Meanwhile, Amanda's adorable father was busily hammering down signs for the wedding on the front lawn. Just a few blocks away, things were shaping up at Chris and Amanda's condo where the boys were getting ready.
Later that afternoon, guests gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Vancouver. The handsome groom was all smiles at the end of the altar, but you could still detect that ounce of cute nervousness because he knew that his beautiful bride would emerge through those grand doors at any moment. On the other side of those doors, Amanda held onto the arms of both her parents as she quietly fought back those happy tears. Amanda was a stunning bride in a lace adorned mermaid silhouette gown. With her cathedral veil blowing in the wind as she entered the church, it was just like a wedding scene out of a movie.
The celebration continued at the elegant and rustic venue of La Perla Ballroom in New Westminster. Since Chris surprised Amanda with a proposal, it was only fitting that Amanda reciprocated and returned the favour! At the end of her speech, Amanda surprised Chris with a suspension kit for his car! It was something that Chris had been planning to get for a long time, but other priorities kept delaying the purchase. Imagine Chris' reaction to receive that awesome wedding present!
Some of my all time favourite speeches come from the parents of the couples. It is just so tremendously special to see parents glowing with joy as their happiness represents just how proud they are of their children. This wedding was no exception with Chris' mother's beautiful speech and Amanda's father's heartfelt and emotional recollection of when he first set eyes on his baby girl. When Amanda and Chris described what their wedding would look like to us, they both mentioned that there would be lots of hugs and kisses because family is extremely important to them. Sure enough, their special day was filled with hugs and kisses galore and genuine love and happiness felt all around.