2026 ISSUE
In this issue
07
Glam, fun and a fabulous playlist
How a couple checked off those boxes at their romantic Whistler wedding.
14
Sea to Sky officiants weigh in
Expert advice to help with your wedding ceremony.
28
Golden hour
For one couple, a sea-to-sky venue made the ideal summer wedding possible.
34
Sea to Sky Style
5 top wedding trends to consider, from gowns to cakes and more. Just right for your special day.
18 Blending culture, tradition and natural beauty
Why an American couple chose Whistler for their destination wedding.
Published by Pique Newsmagazine #202-1390
Alpha Lake Road, Whistler, B.C., V8E 0H9
Publisher Sarah Strother
Editor Catherine Dunwoody
Creative & Production Amir Shahrestani
Writer Catherine Dunwoody
Sales Cathie Greenlees, Tessa Sweeney, Andrew Budreski, Kim Boatman
Cover photo Logan Swayze Location Furry Creek
Photo on this page Darby
Magill
Kate & Reed
GLAM, FUN AND A FABULOUS PLAYLIST
How a couple checked off those boxes at their romantic Whistler wedding
WRITTEN BY CATHERINE DUNWOODY
You can’t get much more Sea to Sky than having an outdoor wedding on the summer solstice in Whistler,” laughs Reed, referring to when he and his bride Kate married last June 21st on Woodlands Terrace, at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Considered their favourite place on the planet, Whistler itself acted as inspiration when planning their wedding, especially after Kate’s sister Lauren put together a colour palette based off photos she had taken of the surrounding mountains, forest and wildflowers. “We wanted to evoke a natureinspired feel, mixed with a touch of modern
glam and timeless elegance,” says Kate. If the wedding photos taken by Logan Swayze on their big day are any indication, we’d say this stylish couple achieved that goal.
The couple met years ago when Kate danced her way over to Reed at a music event and introduced herself. But that didn’t mean they started dating immediately. Instead, it took years of running into each other at other music and art gatherings before Reed’s “wingman Ryan” played cupid and reintroduced Kate to his buddy. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. The couple had been crushing on each other for a while, then started dating and the
beginning of their love story was written. “Kate has a vivacity that has held my attention and brought me joy since the first time I met her,” says Reed. “Even in those early moments I had never felt more myself, while also motivated to become a better version of the person that I am.”
A few months after their first date, the couple went to Whistler for a weekend stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Foreshadowing for their future? We’d like to think so.
Once engaged, steps toward planning their wedding started to happen. Since Reed is a talented graphic designer, the couple worked together to design Save The Dates, invitations, cocktail napkins, a welcome sign, and the wedding website. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was the obvious venue to choose,
with dear friend and former roommate Mahea officiating.
The evening before their wedding day, some rain did fall. This is the Sea to Sky corridor after all. Perhaps a little nervous, the couple crossed their fingers while that rain continued right up until their ceremony, but mercifully it stopped and the sun shone right onto their outdoor ceremony. “We were at once reminded that the love our friends and family have for us can handle a little rain, and the sun will come out to shine upon us when we need it most,” says Reed.
Kate and Reed opted to do a ‘first look’, which in wedding-planning-speak is a moment planned for the couple to see each other for the first time privately, before they meet to share their vows in front of the guests.
“I was honestly shaking as I was walking up to him, and then he turned around and we both immediately cried and laughed and hugged, relishing in that moment together.”
– Kate
“I was honestly shaking as I was walking up to him, and then he turned around and we both immediately cried and laughed and hugged, relishing in that moment together. It was one of the most memorable parts of the day just having that time together before seeing anyone else, and I am so grateful we made the decision to do a first look,” says Kate.
A colour scheme of playful pinks and citrusy oranges in the florals established a bold, glamorous theme including a petal bar for guests to toss instead of confetti. Table arrangements at the reception were show stopping, plus small disco balls tucked into décor throughout hinted at after-dinner fun still to come.
Guest tables were numbered with cards that each contained a photo of Kate and Reed at the age of the table number (for instance table 5 had a photo of Kate and Reed at age 5). A big hit with guests, and a clever conversation starter.
Since music is so important to this couple, they booked DJ Thomas Maxey who inherently understood the couple’s musical tastes. A mix of unconventional love songs and classics, R&B and disco and “then everyone on the dancefloor to a more modern explosion of electric energy!” says Kate. Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish was chosen for their first dance, and “we actually took dance lessons with the
intention of performing choreography to the song, but didn’t progress much,” laughs Kate. “So, we settled on winging it, with a rehearsed spin ‘n dip at the end.”
Was there one special moment for Reed?
“There really isn’t a simple answer to this simple question,” he says. “The feeling is overwhelming and indescribable. What a privilege and joy it is to see your partner in
this incredible light, to see them in their fullest beauty, in a way that reflects and amplifies the love you have for one another.”
And of that after-party at Portobello? “Reed actually taught me how to DJ and we put together a special set,” smiles Kate. “As my very first experience behind the decks, I still can’t believe we pulled that off!”
Photographer:
Logan Swayze loganswayze.com
Vendors:
Officiant Mahealani Puha (friend)
Wedding planner Erin Kincaid (Bliss Event + Floral Design)
Hair & Makeup Natacha Trottier
Bridal gown Oksana Mukha
Groom’s suit Suit Supply
Rings Custom design by Erich Moffitt at Green Lake Jewelry Works (Bellevue, WA)
Catering Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Flowers Bliss Event + Floral Design
Cake Fairmont Chateau Whistler
SEA TO SKY OFFICIANTS WEIGH IN
WRITTEN BY CATHERINE DUNWOODY
To say planning your wedding ceremony can be overwhelming is an understatement, so we thought a little expert advice could come in handy. We sat down with officiants Tracy Kerr, Natacha Trottier and Nicole Weiss to discuss what they can do for you.
How does a couple know if you are the right fit for them?
Tracy: Couples contact me through email, Instagram, website or via wedding planners. We set up a call, followed by a meeting, virtual, or in person. I think it is important that couples meet their officiant to make sure they are comfortable with their decision.
Natacha: I think if we can laugh together within the first 5 minutes of meeting, we are a good fit. I do love to meet in person when people are local, meeting up at a coffee shop or local pub.
Nicole: I always make sure we’re a great fit for each other. I start with a video chat so we can actually connect face-to-face, talk about their story, and see how it all feels. I’ll walk them through my process and how I create a ceremony that’s completely personalized and never just “words on a page.”
Do most couples choose a personalized ceremony where they write their own vows? Or look to you to do that for them?
Tracy: All my wedding ceremonies are personalized for the couple, their story, a reading of their choice, and vows can either be repeating after me, or doing personal vows.
Natacha: People sometimes think of a wedding as just a party, but I like to remind them that without the ceremony, it’s not actually a wedding. The ceremony is the heart of it.
Nicole: Vows are one of my favourite parts, so they’re always included. Some couples write their own, some share them privately, and others choose the “We Do” style during the ceremony.
Are you seeing any trends in wedding ceremonies that are interesting?
Tracy: All ceremonies vary, from very large, extravagant ceremonies, to elopements, helicopter weddings, or lakeside weddings.
Natacha: Couples are becoming much more intentional. There’s less focus on tradition for tradition’s sake, and more focus on experience.
Outdoor locations. Weekday elopements. I’m also seeing more bilingual ceremonies, especially in the Sea to Sky corridor.
Nicole: I’m seeing couples moving away from cookie-cutter ceremonies. They want a ceremony that actually sets the tone for the whole celebration, something their guests will talk about after, which is exactly what I do.
What services do you offer beyond ‘marrying’ the couple?
Tracy: I’m happy to meet with each couple as
many times as they like, also include rehearsal, personalized ceremony, temporary certificate and registration of the marriage license.
Natacha: Beyond officiating, I also offer professional hair and makeup services and can coordinate a seamless experience for couples that are eloping who want everything handled by one trusted person.
Nicole: I’m their ceremony professional, but what I offer is so much more than that. I create completely custom ceremonies that tell their story in a way that feels fun, meaningful, and personal, and I love setting the tone for the rest of the day.
PHOTO LEAH KATHRYN
Divya & Ajay
BLENDING CULTURE, TRADITION AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Why an American couple chose Whistler for their destination wedding
WRITTEN BY CATHERINE DUNWOODY
Anyone who has experienced online dating will tell you, the truth is, every new meetup is technically a blind date. Sure, you’ve shared your profiles, maybe texted a little on the app. But really, it’s that first in-person date that determines whether you both want to get to know each other a little more. Or not.
For New Yorkers Divya and Ajay, it was not exactly love at first sight. “Divya did not like me!” laughs Ajay. “She did not like my sense of humor and thought I was too loud! And I thought it was a red flag that she did not like potatoes (in any form). But in all honesty, I thought she was beautiful and it struck me how kind she was through our conversation.”
Clearly, Divya saw something promising in Ajay, likely when he walked her to the subway after their first tapas dinner date under his umbrella, and she agreed to a few more dates.
Fast forward to the proposal, which Ajay arranged to happen on the beach in Ambergris Caye, Belize. “I told Divya we had an excursion booked, so I was only able to surprise her with a sunrise beach proposal. I proposed on 13/5/24 (contains each digit 1 through 5, which I thought was fun) and luckily it did not rain. Though it was extremely windy, there was a beautiful haziness to the sunrise that morning which accentuated our photos.”
Now happily engaged, this American couple started thinking about ‘where’ to have their wedding. Looking for inspiration, they noticed an online magazine article about Whistler. “We both really love traveling and being outdoors, so we wanted to find a venue that would help highlight our interests and provide a beautiful natural backdrop for all of our events,” says Divya. “When we came across pictures of
“Ajay had been jokingly calling me his wife for years, but this was the moment I would truly become that. It was the happiest moment of my life so far!”
– Divya
THE PEMBERTON + DISTRICT MUSEUM
Whistler, we knew it would be a perfect fit.”
The couple aimed to make their September 2025 wedding very sea to sky by blending their own cultural traditions with nature where possible. “While it was important for us to ensure we honoured and highlighted our traditions, we also wanted each event to celebrate the outdoors,” says Divya. Once the couple connected with the Fairmont Chateau Whistler team plus wedding planner, Liz Tiedman of Brilliant Events, that sealed the deal. Everyone was on board to bring that vision to life.
Most of the couple’s guests were first time visitors to Whistler, mainly from the US and India, and were dazzled by the location and events in store for them. Divya and Ajay kicked off their wedding weekend with a family dinner at the Nicklaus North Golf Course, then a Friday welcome party at the Woodlands Terrace on the Fairmont rooftop, and Saturday wedding at Rebagliati Park. “We wanted our guests to always be able to see the stunning mountain backdrops, feel surrounded by the forests, and breathe in the alpine air.”
As travel-bugs themselves, the couple put together fun welcome bags for guests with snacks from around the world, and a wedding “passport” plus “boarding pass” that
included the itinerary for the weekend and directions to the wedding venue. Cocktail hour was travel themed, with dishes representing different parts of the globe the couple had visited.
Indian traditions were honoured with wedding events like the Haldi, where guests applied a turmeric paste to their clothes, faces, and bodies. The wedding ceremony was in
the traditional Indian Hindu manner, and the reception tied in sangeet singing and dancing.
Any couple will tell you, a wedding day is never without some jitters. Divya describes walking down the aisle toward her soon-tobe groom Ajay, saying “I didn’t know what to expect before, I was just asking my brother not to let me fall,” she laughs. “But the anxiety all melted away when I saw everyone we loved
cheering us on. Ajay had been jokingly calling me his wife for years, but this was the moment I would truly become that. It was the happiest moment of my life so far!”
Ajay says, “I don’t like drawing attention to myself, so while I didn’t enjoy my own introduction, I loved watching Divya make her way down the aisle. She wore an ivory lehenga (which is a heavily embroidered dress with thousands of intricate little beaded adornments), so as she made her way out of the woods where she was hidden, she seemed semi-ethereal. The moment was truly a culmination of a year’s worth of planning, so it also just felt incredibly gratifying that it had all come together so well.”
One event that meant a lot to the couple was gathering with guests the night before the wedding. “It was a blessing to have so many loved ones able to take time off to travel and be there for our wedding, and we really appreciated the chance to converse with them and express our gratitude in a more relaxed setting,” says Divya.
Photographer:
Logan Swayze loganswayze.com
Vendors:
Wedding planner Brilliant Events (Liz Tiedman)
Hair & Makeup Kerry Waring and Raman Manj
Bridal gown Wedding gown by Seem Gujral / Reception gown by Mishru
Groom’s suit Wedding suit from ReChannel Fashions / Reception suit from Suit Supply
Rings Custom designs from New York Diamond District
Catering Chef Gurjyote Sethi & the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Flowers Folk and Faerie
Cake Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Maria & David
GOLDEN HOUR
For one couple, a sea-to-sky venue made the ideal summer wedding possible
WRITTEN BY CATHERINE DUNWOODY
Maria and David, a couple who tied the knot last August at Furry Creek Golf & Country Club best describe their wedding vision as “quintessential BC summer.”
Outdoorsy, both avid hikers and cyclists, the pair consider the Sea-to-Sky corridor as “one of our favourite places. We wanted our friends and family, who came from Chile to Wisconsin, to experience the beauty of British Columbia in August: ocean views, mountain backdrops, warm sunshine, and that relaxed West Coast energy.”
As first year UBC students Maria and David lived in the same dorm and hit it off from day one. Maria had a photo in her room where she’s pictured scuba diving with sharks. David was intrigued by her adventurous spirit, and Maria was taken by his curiosity, and first date
plans were made. After a lovely dinner at The Sandbar on Granville Island, David told Maria he was falling for her. “It felt fast, but it also felt right,” says Maria. As the saying goes, when you know, you know.
David popped the question in September of 2024 while hiking Kauai’s dramatic Na Pali Coast. Crashing waves, steep cliffs and a turquoise ocean below, “it felt wild and intimate all at once — perfectly us,” says Maria.
Back from Hawaii, wedding plans needed to start happening. Ask any couple with full-time careers, making time for that is a challenge, especially because there are many decisions and choices to be made. The most important element Maria and David wanted to achieve? “That our guests genuinely enjoyed themselves — the setting, the food, the energy,
and most importantly, each other. We were incredibly lucky with perfect August weather, which made the ocean and mountain views even more spectacular.”
Small personal touches in the planning meant a lot to the couple. “Maria’s mom brought us a box of Timbits in honour of her grandfather, who loved them, a small but meaningful nod to family,” says David. And for
a little unconventional fun on the dance floor, David’s aunt “continued a long-standing family tradition by bringing out funny hats for the bride and groom to wear which instantly set the tone for a carefree, joy-filled party,” laughs Maria.
All the floral arrangements, with the exception of the bouquets the bride and bridesmaids carried, were DIY. The women
on Maria’s side spent an entire day prepping delicate white florals for the tables while sharing “laughter, stories, and excitement. We felt incredibly grateful to have so much love and support,” says Maria.
The wedding ceremony itself, ensuring it was meaningful and grounding was very important to this soon to be married couple. Exchanging vows seemed almost surreal for them. “It felt like time slowed down,” says Maria. “Everything else faded, and it was just us. We felt deeply grateful to be standing there choosing each other again.”
A champagne toast immediately after the “I do’s” were exchanged cast a sense of calm and joy over Maria and David “where we could finally exhale and just soak it all in.” After dinner, the newlyweds took their first dance as husband and wife, choosing “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. “It felt timeless and romantic, and it captured the simplicity of what we wanted the day to be about — just the two of us, in that moment,” says Maria.
What advice would they give to couples currently planning their own wedding? “Don’t lose sight of why you’re doing it. The details
matter, but the marriage matters more. Protect time to enjoy the process and be present with each other — it goes by faster than you think.”
Looking back on their wedding day, Maria and David are still rather in awe of how it all played out, and how their choice of setting exceeded expectations. “The way the light hit the mountains and ocean during golden hour,” is beautifully captured in their photos taken by Logan Swayze. “We didn’t expect it to be so stunning, but it created the most magical backdrop for photos and for our guests lingering outside. It felt like British Columbia was showing off for us.
Photographer:
Logan Swayze loganswayze.com
Vendors:
Wedding planner Tyler Perka, The Wedding Concierge
Officiant Mary (the groom’s sister)
Catering Furry Creek Golf & Country Club
Flowers Bouquets from Billie’s House
Cake Purebread
Hair & Makeup Natacha Trottier
Bridal gown Watters Designs – The Lalima Gown
Groom’s suit Vera Wang
Bridesmaids Park & Fifth
Groomsmen Vera Wang
Rings Custom
DJ Zapped Productions DJs
Content Creator Evergreen Socials (Navi)
SEA TO SKY
S tyle
5 top wedding trends to consider, from gowns to cakes and more. Just right for your special day.
BY CATHERINE DUNWOODY
PHOTO DARBY MAGILL
A non-traditional wedding cake, this from Mountain Made Cakes is like a delicious work of art. Rather than classic tiers, this sheet cake is scattered with figs, berries, flowers and delicate meringues. Tiny edible pearls add a delightful wedding day touch.
Vancouver wedding gown designer Truvelle has a collection of graceful, sophisticated silhouettes, including the Iris gown, shown. A scoop neck bodice that dips in the front and back, a dramatic train and a flowy botanical organza all add up to a lovely bridal look. In sizes 00-40.
Miriam de Langley is a Pemberton jewellery designer who created this hand-carved and cast sculptural ring in 12K gold and diamonds.
“The design draws inspiration from the fluid, ever-changing nature of the materials themselves, resulting in a tactile form with intentional curves that sit effortlessly and comfortably on the hand,” she says.
“Scattered diamonds catch the light like a dappled constellation.”
Brides who prefer a natural makeup look will surely adore Clarins Lip Oil Balm - Embrace Love Collection
Not lipstick-y, but instead in a soft melting texture, this balm feels comfy and fresh, perfect for newlywed smooches. Shown in Rosy Kiss, this shade is pretty on all skin tones.
Birkenstock has collaborated with designer Danielle Frankel who’s created a capsule collection of ‘Bridal-Birks’ sandals. Seems like the ideal shoe solution for outdoorsymeets-glam weddings and comes with Vogue Magazine’s recent stamp of approval. In satin with pearl finish.
BRIDAL/ BRIDESMAID WEAR
The Perfect Fit Tailored for You
604.815.3677 theperfectfit-tailoredforyou.ca
CATERERS
Lucia Gelato
604.967.3886 luciagelato.com
CELEBRANTS/
OFFICIANTS
Natacha Trottier
604.353.0497 squamishofficiant.ca
Nicole Weiss, Lovely Day Events
604.907.0993 lovelydayevents.ca
Tracy Ann Kerr
604.966.8855 tracyannkerr.com
EVENT RENTALS
Blacksheep Event Rentals
604.213.8500 blacksheeprentals.ca
Flashback Whistler Photo Booth
604.966.8057 info@flashbackwhistler.ca
DIRECTORY
The Whistler Boom Box whistlerboombox.ca
HAIR/ESTHETICS
Naked Beauty Co.
604.390.5555 nakedbeautyco.ca
Natacha Trottier
604.353.0497 natachatrottier.com
Nina Farrauto
647.622.2977 ninafarrauto.com
HOTELS
Pemberton Valley Lodge
1.877.894.2800 pembertonvalleylodge.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gabriela Le Photography
778.317.4386 gabrielalephotography.com
VENUES
Audain Art Museum
604.962.0413 audainartmuseum.com
Canadian Wilderness Adventures
604.938.1616 canadianwilderness.com
To advertise in our next issue get in touch with our sales team sales@piquenewsmagazine.com 604.938.0202
Nicklaus North Golf Course
604.938.9898 nicklausnorth.com
Pemberton & District Museum & Archives Society
604.894.5504 pembertonmuseum.org
Sea to Sky Gondola
604.892.2550 seatoskygondola.com
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
604.964.0990 slcc.ca
Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing 1.877.918.8929 tyax.com
WEDDING PLANNERS
Lovely Day Events
604.907.0993 lovelydayevents.ca
Whistler Wedding Planners
604.938.2564 whistlerweddingplanners.com
WELLNESS
The Essence Wellness Centre
604.653.6777 theessenceclinic.com
Guided by:
AN IDYLLIC LAKESIDE WEDDING VENUE
Just two hours north of Whistler, guests are invited to experience the incredible beauty of true Canadian wilderness, at one of the most scenic wedding venues in British Columbia.
Options include full lodge and venue rental for weddings of up to 100 people, or exclusive use of our private chalets for smaller gatherings and elopements.
Scan the QR code to customize your wedding weekend and let our full-service events team take care of the rest.
Photo: Whistler Wedding Collective.