arOka Vintage is situated in Port Moody and with a shop filled with true antique finds, the store is a mecca for anyone wishing to host a vintage themed wedding.

Working together with arOka, sweet earth photographics took the photos for our guests using the ‘old school’ props.  The photo booth was well received and everyone received their photos shortly after the show.

On the main floor Pure Magnolia along with Spark Jewelry had dresses, accessories and jewelry to try on. 

I learned a lot from bcdj and their great packages are custom made for the style of each couple and they run their business sustainably.    The Shark Truth let couples know of their fantastic honeymoon prize of a trip to the Galapagos Islands for those wishing to forgo shark fin soup.  EP!C gave away tickets for the upcoming show on Mother’s Day weekend and Arbonne International offered earth friendly make-up.

Jim Walton offered  handmade and repurposed jewelry and table number holders from sterling silver cutlery.  His jewelry is exquisite and what better way to reuse family antiques then have Jim mold them into new items.  arOka Vintage now carries Jim’s jewelry and can be found in the Port Moody store.

Fairy Cakes offer vegan cupcakes made from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.   Their shop on Fraser Street allows them to be very accessible to discerning couples.  One of the very yummy cupcakes pictured above sits on the beautiful ceramic wares of eikcam Designs.  Often found at Fairy Cakes is Zimt Artisan Chocolates who offer a very healthy and yummy alternative to wedding favours.

Our donation recipient for this year is The Vancouver Food Bank and we are very grateful to make a financial contribution to their cause.

I again want to thank the very dedicated team of vollunteers who help set up and manage the fair every year.

Let me introduce to you Emma of Zimt Artisan Chocolates.  A Vancouverite with a commitment to veganism ( coming up on 6 years), the raw food movement,  and of course, chocolate.  Emma drew on her passions to bring Zimt into being with a purpose of providing a local, accessible, healthy alternative unlike any other chocolate option.

Zimt Artisan Chocolates are the perfect wedding favour.  Made without dairy, with fair trade ingredients, diabetic friendly and produced locally, the petite chocolates are the best wedding favour; one that is consumable.  Zimt also has 9 different varieties of bars and any of these can be made into a mini for weddings.

When Emma began Zimt last year she had always dreamed of running her own business.  After learning about raw food and committing to healthier lifestyle she decided to begin her own chocolate line in late 2010.  She spent the following summer working in the kitchen to perfect her chocolate, her brand and her packaging.  She chose the name Zimt, meaning “Cinnamon” in German to honour her first language and her heritage.  With support from her family, especially her grandmother, Emma works hard to produce a line of chocolate that is eco-friendly and ethically made.

Zimt Artisan Chocolate is an exhibitor at The Grassroots Wedding  Mini Spring ‘Pop-Up’ Fair this weekend.  Come by and taste it for yourself.

Karen opened Bird on a Wire in October of 2010 with 42 artists.  Now the store boasts 150 artists and acts also as a community meeting place for knitters and crafters alike.   Karen’s mandate is to change starving artists into thriving artists and she is doing a very fine job indeed.

When Karen was first inspired to open her business it was to answer a calling to build community through creativity; to create a space where “dreams can flower, where one can stir the imagination and feed the soul”.  What I also love about her vision is that she wishes to keep alive traditions and techniques from the past.  The store contains upcycled, recycled and handcrafted wares from a wide range of artists and artisans.

For couples, Karen will set up a wedding registry and that beautiful piece of art that you have spied on Bird’s wall can be yours.  Art can move quickly though so keep abreast of the “spotlight on artists” series through the store’s blog and website.  Karen keeps on top of local artists and is always visiting local galleries and artist’s own studios so the store’s walls will have something to match anyone’s tastes.  I currently am impressed with Lori Bagneres’ crow paintings such as the large one pictured above. 

It is not just art that should entice you to visit.  The store supports many diverse artisans from fabric artists, jewellers, soap makers, ceramic artists ( Grace Lee of eikcam is also shown above), wood workers and so much more.  I personally always search for locally produced goods when purchasing gifts.  Ask your family and friends to do the same.  Why register at Home Sense or The Bay when you can choose to support your local community and receive one of a kind creations.

Karen’s suggestion for your art choice, “buy it because it moves you” and not simply as an investment. With the criteria for the art work present being produced within a 100m radius of Vancouver and of good quality, you are sure to be investing instead in your local community.  With all the cutbacks to the local art scene it is up to the community around to support our local artists and artisans. 

The store is constantly growing and in the long term we may see more Bird on a Wire creations popping up in the city.  That can only be a good thing. 

I would like to thank Karen for sharing her story and the inspiration behind Bird on a Wire.

article by Shona Dion, sweet earth photographics

Cutting fabric rounds of 3-4 inches and sewing them in mixed colours of 10 circles each we are creating beautiful and easy fabric garlands.  Each bundle is knotted along the string to ensure they all stay neatly in place.  All fabric used was collected from thrift shops and given new life.  The wonderful thing about this type of garland is that it can reused to decorate almost any event post-wedding.

The paper pinwheels are cut from pages in an old German book that was marked for recycling.  The text and font are quite exquisite.  The pages are folded accordian style and then 2 sheets are glued together to create the circle.  When cut in different dimensions and used together in a display they create a lovely backdrop. 

All handmade elements and many more will be on display at The Grassroots Wedding Fair Mini Spring Show. 

Article and photos by Shona Dion, sweet earth photographics.

Starting today on our handmade burlap gift bags for all of our guests.  Saltspring Island Coffee graciously gave us their extra burlap coffee sacks.  We shall make good use of them.   We visited their Richmond store and picked up a nice bundle to start with.

We are not like other wedding fair where you receive swag bags full of advertising material.  As we are a homegrown event we try to give all of our guests their own wedding favour as they leave.  In the past we have given away flower seeds and macaroons.  This year we will have a handmade 3D paper heart in our little handsewn bags to give out. 

I will give a shout out now to all my little crafty helpers who really go above and beyond the call in helping me pull all the DIY elements together.

Owner Craig Pearce bided his time until the perfect space became available in his neighbourhood to open Union Wood Co.; a business that combines a viable wood shop with four full time employees and a store front to sell both hand-crafted furniture and collected vintage and repurposed items.  All the wood used to create the store’s one of a kind pieces comes from locally sourced lumber which would otherwise be lost in the demolition of Vancouver’s older buildings.

Craig knows the value of rescuing this wood not only for its quality, but for the history that each piece brings with it.  Everything has a story.   Wood rescued from the R.C.M.P. Stables from 110 East Cordova waits in the wood shop.  Metal parts are also upcycled when found which include repurposed old sprinkler pipes to metal tables bases and antique hardware.  Craig collected, salvaged and ‘treasure’ hunted for years to bring true vintage, non-reproduction objects to the store.  The only items the store sells that are not antique are the light bulbs, but the cages to go around them are all originals.  Hand-sewn aprons from old army tents and pillows created from old sails are also found at Union Wood Co.  and all of this creating/treasure hunting can be followed via Union Wood Co.’s blog.  By the way, did I mention that he is also a full-time fireman? 

What struck me the most while visiting Union Wood Co. is that this enterprise stems from Craig’s passion for  history ( or obsession as he states it ) and his desire to breath life back into discarded items.   The store itself is fully furnished by the past with old barn boards fitted on the back wall, a large marine spotlight hangs over the service area, old racks, rebuilt tables display the collected treasures and all are for sale ( except the barn boards).  Craig calls himself a bit of a hoarder and can’t seem to throw away any wood scraps which is great for the store as he created beautiful solid butcher blocks, door stoppers, other items as the wood inspires him.  Waste is kept to a minimum.  Currently in the shop is a rescued block of wood from an old airplane hangar with bolted metal screws that is just waiting to be made into a coffee or side table perhaps?  I asked Craig how he knows what each scrap of wood will become and he can see almost immediately how the wood will evolve.

What interests us the most at this time is the new addition of a wedding registry.  To the couples who have everything Union Wood Co. offers a non-traditional registry that will enable guests to contribute to a custom designed piece or a credit towards an item found in the store, but beware, all items are one of a kind and stock rotates rather quickly.  If a custom designed piece is what you are interested in Craig and his team will set up a consultation, set up an account for guests to contribute to in amounts that you are agreeable with and you will be that much closer to your goal of owning a stunning hand-crafted, locally sourced, one of a kind furniture piece.

Thanks to Craig and Otis for my tour and for chatting with me.  Union Wood Co. is a very cool shop and I love that being green is just a part of who they are.

 Article by Shona Dion, photos by sweet earth photographics

For those couples wishing to add vintage elements to their wedding need look no further than Aroka Vintage.  Dawna Graham researched and collected for 2 years before opening the first Aroka Vintage in New Westminster.  Aroka Vintage is now located at 2231 Clarke Street in Port Moody in a beautiful old house that is a storefront for not only the incredibly tableware and vintage decor collection, but also a treasure trove of true vintage finds and local artisan creations.  This collection includes themes for 1930′s inspired weddings, place settings of fine bone china for up 150 guests, furniture, a harvest table, quirky novelty items such as antique bingo cages, chalkboards, table settings and more.

Aroka’s new website will be up in April 2012 with photos of this extensive collection.

Dawna Graham has a unique love of vintage and has a passionate, undying love for the past.  She is captivated by the stories that objects leave behind.  The store is still evolving but trust that only true vintage items are found in Aroka.  No reproductions and no claims are made on items unless Dawna is 100% certain.  Aroka Vintage will always offer authentic finds and this will never be compromised.

The few local artisans that Dawna carries in her store have vintage elements in their creations whether the jewelry be reworked or repurposed or items found made into new.  “Inky & Boots“, “Secrets From the Cove“, ” Whatever Lola Wants…” are a few of  the artists Aroka Vintage carries.  ”There is no labour of love” without the upcycling and handmade element in the items she carries.

Dawna herself creates handmade treasures such as an updated 1970′s chandelier revamped with vintage piano sheets or vintage watchpocket faces sitting atop of pinwheels made from antique music sheets.  Everything she creates for the store must also include making something from something old.

By late spring and summer Aroka Vintage will be host to bridal shows, tea parties and small weddings.  With a working kitchen,bathroom and a large backyard along with Dawna’s vintage decor the space will welcome a myriad of visitors. 

Aroka Vintage only has wedding dresses that have passed inspection by Dawna.  All items in the boutique ‘bridal room’ have been scrutinized, are nearly flawless and are professionally cleaned.   Dawna specializes in her vintage finds and does not carry dresses that may compete with other bridal stores.  Her only compromise is carrying the vintage inspired handmade creations of Pure Magnolia.   

The lace gloves and stockings, purses, hats and feather fasteners are near mint. The bloomers, jewelry, handkerchiefs and pillows are all unique finds.  Aroka also has formal dresses which can be worn by the bridal party or simply because of a love of vintage.

For those couples who are truly inspired by history and a love of the past, vintage themed weddings are not merely ‘trendy’, but a true reflection of oneself.  For those who have a commitment to hosting a wedding that is eco-friendly and handmade, then take a visit out to Aroka Vintage in Port Moody or come and see the wonderful display Dawna will have on hand at the Mini Spring Grassroots Wedding Fair on April 21st, 2012!

article and photos by: Shona Dion, www.sweetearthphotographics.com

(photography by Simply Rose)

Onyx Harris of Amoda Flowers is on a mission.  Her mission is to create beautiful sustainable bridal bouquets for those couples looking to tread lightly on the earth.   Providing not only  bouquets, Amoda Flowers creates stunning and unique centrepieces and can help discerning couples with eco-friendly wedding favours such as herb plants, seedlings and seed packets.

(2 above photographs Simply Rose)

All floral arrangements shown here are creations of Amoda Flowers. 

“Picking flowers in season is always a good place to start. This way your flowers should be hold up well with the weather of your wedding day. Their travel has also been short therefore they are more sustainable and better quality. Here is just a sampling of the lovely seasonal flowers I’d suggest:

Spring : Peony, Iris, Anemone.
Summer: Allium, Calla Lily, Hydrangea, Delphinium, Scabiosa.
Fall: Kale, Dogwood, Solidago.
Winter: Tulips, Ranunculus, Cherry Blossom. Cymbidium Orchid.

Here are a few flowers that are available most of the year: Roses, Gerbera Daisies, Lily, Freesia, Chrysanthemum.”  Onyx Harris

(2 above photographs Snap Weddings)

Photos and article by Kiss My Flash Photography

We met Jenn and Dave at The Grassroots Wedding Fair in 2011 and Eugene and I were really impressed by their vision for their wedding celebration.  It was a real community affair and an incredible amount of love and energy went into every detail.

They were married at Dave’s family home in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island on August 6th, 2011.  The family spent the months leading up to the wedding landscaping the garden and growing all the flowers and some of the food for the big day.  Their friends and family carpooled in a day or two early and helped with making decorations, serving food, running errands, singing, making speeches, cleaning up etc.. It was inspirational.  Jenn’s mother-in-law, Judy, is a designer and has a large format printer, so she made all the signage and Jenn herself made the pinwheels for the bridesmaids and the “Just Married” sign for Dave’s dad’s gorgeous yellow 84′ Chevy Pickup Truck.  They also made table centre-pieces from photographs of Jenn and Dave growing up and potted plants and herbs from Dave’s aunt’s garden that people could take  later as gifts.  The day before the wedding the bride went tubing in the nearby river with her bridesmaids.  In the evening they had a lovely rehearsal in the garden and a hearty homemade family dinner.

The Big Day.

August 6th was a hot, sunny day with bees buzzing and flowers blooming all over the property.  The whole thing was laid back and beautiful.  The wedding party woke around 10 and after a leisurely breakfast the house was entirely a-bustle with activity.  Eugene and I split up so he could shoot the groomsmen getting ready and I could photograph the ladies.  The guys shaved down by the river and dressed in khaki suits bought at Zara on Robson Street.  They exchanged jokes and shared a cold beer before the ceremony. 

The ladies toasted with sparkling wine and laughed as they did their makeup and hair in the great big mirror in the Bridal suite.  Jenn looked gorgeous in a floor-length ivory modified A-Line with a  trumpet-style skirt, sweetheart neckline and lace back.  She had looked for a 2nd had dress, but she searched and searched and couldn’t find the right one.  She was looking for an informal wedding dress that she could feel comfortable in and she fell in love with this one because it was simple with minimal embellishments and fit her body and hugged her curves just right.

As guests started to arrive they were  ushered to their places in the garden, which was ablaze with colour.  Jenn walked down the aisle on her father’s arm to “You and Me’ by Lifehouse performed acoustically by her cousin Erik.  Their parents were beaming as the couple held hands under the handmade bower at the top of the garden exchanging rings, vows and wishes for their future.

After the ceremony the bridal party took off right away and we spent an hour or two in golden grassland at the nearby Stoltz Pool area of the Cowichan River Provincial Park.  The photographs turned out beautifully.  The six friends were incredibly relaxed and fun.  The lighting was perfect. 

When we arrived back at the reception the tables and chairs had been set out all over the lawn and people were sipping drinks and laughing as the sun set.  The drink of choice was Red Racer beer from Central City Brewing in Surrey and Jenn’s dad prepared a 26oz bottle of margaritas as a special surprise for her.  The dinner itself was just incredible with wild salmon that was bbq’d by Dave’s dad while we were gone.  Much of the food preparations was done by Eatables Unlimited Catering based out of Mill Bay and it was delicious: there were rolls, chicken, salads, humus etc… and to finish a Dairy Queen Wedding cake, an old favourite of Dave’s. 

Eugene continued shooting candid photographs of the party and I ran the photobooth, which was a real hit.  We set up studio lights and arranged an easel, empty photograph frames and a wicker couch.  Jenn and the ladies had handmade cute props like mustaches, glasses and hats.  Guests wandered from the shoot to the dance floor and back as the evening turned to night and the garden started to glow with lights and sparkle with laughter.

One thing that stays with me about this wedding is how even during the busiest moments they still seemed to find the time to create amazing personal moments. To top it all off Jenn and Dave are currently on a year-long honeymoon trip bicycling to South America together.  What an incredible beginning to a fabulous life together.

Catherine McLaren, Kiss My Flash Photography

Pure Magnolia dresses are created locally by Patty and her use of sustainable materials makes her a trend setter in Canada. 

Trends for 2012 Wedding Dresses

By Patty from Pure Magnolia

 As a bride you are probably overwhelmed by all the options you have for your big day. In the end it is all about your personal style and wearing something that looks great on you! We are going to cover some of the popular trends for this year, and maybe you will see something that really works for you!

 Lace:

Lace is by far the most popular fabric of choice for brides this year. It is perfect for a vintage wedding, or a bride who is recycling her mom’s dress. Lace can be just a little addition to the dress, or be the main fabric, it can look rustic or regal: It really is a very versatile fabric!

 Diana’s Dress: Vintage Lace and Hemp Silk. Tea Length: $850

 Winter Lace Gown: Fitted English Cotton lace with Organic cotton $1800

A pop of colour:

Dresses are starting to stray from the traditional white to add a few other options. This doesn’t mean tacky coloured embroidery or giant sashes of 5 years ago. This trend is more about a pretty flower belt, shoes to match your bridesmaids, coloured buttons, or even a dress that is blush, sand, or champagne.

Diamond Back dress: Vintage lace, Dupioni Silk and Organic cotton $1600

Cotton Satin Mermaid: Cotton Silk satin, Organic cotton, Vintage lace $1700 shown in Champagne

Tea and Knee length dresses:

Short dresses are just great fun! Plus they can be a budget saver. But don’t go out and buy a bridesmaid dress in white, really no one likes bridesmaid dresses anyways! Buy a dress that is designed to be a short wedding dress. It can be vintage, or modern, it shows a bride who is ready run around and have fun on her big day!

Dotted Mini: Cotton Swiss Dot and Organic Cotton Lining $400 short $500 tea length

Tea length Tulle Party Dress: Dupioni Silk, Organic cotton, and tulle Tea length $900, Short $650

 Slim Silhouettes

While some brides still love the look of an amazing ball gown, we are seeing a definite increase in brides looking for a slim, sleek or body forming dress. These simple silhouettes are easy to wear and there is an option for almost any body type. 

Garden Dress: Dupioni Silk and Organic cotton: $1200

Twinkle A-line: Cotton Silk Batiste, Silk Twill and Vintage Lace bodice: $1300