This Deeply Meaningful Wedding Combined Native Vows And Easter Eggs
With a unique blend of elegance and adventure, the wedding celebration was made possible with the help of several key partners. Odette brought her expertise in fundraising and kids’ programming to the table, ensuring that every aspect of the event was a success. Meanwhile, Arron lent his skills in maintenance to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
The picturesque setting of Hollyhock Leadership Institute on Cortes Island, British Columbia, Canada provided the perfect backdrop for the special day, which took place on April 15, 2017.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
As we exchanged vows, our wedding celebration centered around the essence of connection – the core reason why we chose to marry and surround ourselves with loved ones. Our closest friends, family, and island community came together for a potluck reception dinner that embodied the spirit of sharing and community. As an Anishinabe, I’ve always been drawn to the simplicity and self-sufficiency of our island home.
When Arron left behind his resourced-based lifestyle to join me here, it was as if our paths were meant to converge in this tranquil setting. Our love story is deeply rooted in a connection with nature, earth, and what truly matters. Hollyhock, the venue where we exchanged our vows, has been fostering an atmosphere of positivity and strong intention for 35 years.
We chose to grow our own rhubarb for DIY champagne and raspberries for cider, embodying our commitment to simplicity and resourcefulness. For me, coming from a place of gratitude is the foundation upon which all else is built. It allows us to stay grounded in authenticity and avoid excess.
As it happened to be Easter weekend, our celebration naturally incorporated fertility symbols – rabbit ears, eggs, and even rabbit-print ties – serving as a poignant reminder of new beginnings and the cycles of life.
Tell us about the ceremony:
Tell us about your reception:
As we exchanged vows on the sun-kissed beach, the generosity of our loved ones truly shone. Arron’s manager kindly offered to host the salmon BBQ, while another friend volunteered to provide the famous Hollyhock appetizer: beach fire oysters. Yet another couple shared their honeymoon accommodation with us, and yet another dear friend offered to be our hands-on reception host. The collective effort was nothing short of remarkable, a testament to the power of community and love.
Our friends, family, and island community came together in perfect harmony, creating an atmosphere that was truly unforgettable. The heavy rain preceding and following our special day only added to the magic, as we celebrated with a rainbow-colored beach party. Children ran freely, laughing and playing games like Easter egg hunting.
I had a moment of pure joy watching my dear friends, who are also hardworking women I admire, dancing their hearts out alongside their kids – children they’ve grown up with, whom I’ve had the pleasure of reading stories to in my programs. Our special day was filled with personal touches, from bunny ears and Easter egg hunt dessert for the kids to a sweet rabbit print bow tie for our MC and son, the ring bearer.
Our DJ, who was actually our favorite local radio show host at the coop radio station, brought the house down using a YouTube playlist and an app that skips ads – what a rockstar!
What was your most important lesson learned?
Let go of the need to control every detail and trust your community to help create a celebration that’s authentic and meaningful. Your marriage is about celebrating your union, not trying to impress others with elaborate decorations or expensive favors. Instead, focus on what matters most to you as a couple – and let your guests’ unique personalities shine through. Don’t worry if the kids’ shoes don’t match; let them wear their favorite outfits and enjoy the celebration just as much.
By prioritizing what’s truly important to you, you’ll create a wedding that feels genuine and special. And when it comes to finding vendors, remember that there are talented people all around you who can help bring your vision to life. By supporting local businesses and artisans, you can find high-quality services at affordable prices.
For instance, instead of ordering a bakery cake that requires a five-hour delivery with two ferries, consider working with a local caterer or chef who can create a beautiful and delicious dessert for your special day.
Vendors
The picturesque setting of the Hollyhock Leadership Institute provided the perfect backdrop for a truly unique and memorable wedding celebration. Darshan Alexander Photography was on hand to capture every special moment, while Sondeflor Shop’s beautiful flower girl dresses added a touch of elegance to the proceedings. The tables were beautifully adorned with candles from Simply Lit Candle Co, which lent a warm and inviting ambiance to the space.
Guests’ attire was elevated by the stylish ties and bowties from Beau Tie UK, and thoughtful gifts from GirlwiththePearl1 served as a heartfelt gesture of appreciation. Meanwhile, the delicious salmon dishes were provided by St. Jean’s, and The White Ribbon offered an eco-friendly solution with their upcycled wedding shoes.
Magic Well brought their expertise in planning and positive energy to ensure every detail was taken care of, while Divaukas Design provided valuable design assistance throughout the entire process.
