Real Wedding Feature – Kaiyi and Jason’s Romantic Deer Lake Wedding

“When we were initially researching venues, I knew almost right away that I wanted to get married at Deer Lake,” says Kaiyi of tying the knot with Jason in June at the Hart House in Burnaby. By incorporating some lighthearted door games and a tea ceremony, the couple found a number of ways to personalize their special day.

On the morning of the wedding, Jason and his groomsmen participated in door games at a friend’s apartment. In this Chinese tradition, the bride is hidden away from the groom on the morning of the wedding. The groom and groomsmen are then challenged with fun door games in order for the groom to receive his bride. Traditionally the men are not supposed to see the bride until they complete all the tasks but Kaiyi wanted to watch the festivities!

Next, the couple went to Kaiyi’s parents’ house for a tea ceremony with family and close friends. After having lunch, they performed a small cake cutting since they decided not to have a cake at the reception.

After the tea ceremony, the couple and their wedding party went to Deer Lake to take their photos. “Having spent many years in Burnaby, my family has gone for countless walks around the lake. Jason actually asked my dad for permission to marry me on a walk around Deer Lake so it holds a special place in our hearts,” says Kaiyi.

The ceremony and reception was held at the beautiful Hart House in Burnaby. “We got really lucky with weather. It was a sunny 22 degree day. Your hand lettered sign was a perfect complement to the atmosphere we wanted to create for our day. Just simple, natural, and with beautiful flowers,” says Kaiyi.

There were a few hiccups during the ceremony, including the officiant dropping the rings (although he recovered them without a hitch) and the flower girl needing some coaxing to make it down the aisle but otherwise, it all went smoothly!

A reception followed the ceremony under the beautiful white tent on the lawn of the Hart House restaurant. With pale blushes, whites and lush greenery, Kaiyi and Jason’s decor was simply elegant and romantic.