After meeting in junior high—and dating for a week (as you do)—Selena and Ben began dating again in high school and have been together ever since. Years after high school, in the midst of a road trip to Halcyon Hot Springs and in the middle of a blizzard, they stopped to stay a couple nights in Nakusp, BC. While admiring all the new-fallen snow, Ben got down on one knee!
When searching for her dress, Selena originally envisioned herself in a sleek, boho-style wedding dress, but that plan took a detour, too, once she’d tried on a fuller style. Then, when she slipped on our Abigail top and Star skirt at Bridal Avenue, it was love!
More about that snowy proposal, Selena’s dress search, and their modern, fairy tale wedding at the Sugar Swing Ballroom:
How did your sweetie propose?
“After Christmas, we took a road trip to B.C to spend New Year’s Eve with one of our friends. Along the way to visit Halcyon Hot Springs, we took a detour to Nakusp, B.C, where we ended up in the middle of a huge blizzard but we made it and stayed two nights. On our last night, we were getting ready to go out for dinner, we decided to take some pictures on the balcony with all the snow. He asked me to look out at the view and he will take a picture from behind, then when I turned around he was on one knee!”
bride’s finery: Lea-Ann Belter Abigail top and Star skirt via Bridal Avenue | photographer: Madison Jaimie Photography | scroll down for full vendor list
How did you choose your gown?
“When I first started looking for wedding dresses, I had my exact dress in my mind—boho, low back, form-fitting and definitely NOT poofy—and only tried those types of dresses on. Even though I thought they looked good, I didn’t feel that “wow” moment, and was feeling frustrated. The last dress at the third store, just to see what it was like, I tried on a poofy dress, and immediately felt like I needed to try on more! So I went home and started to look for ballgown dresses, but with boho style. I came across Bridal Avenue in Spruce Grove, and saw that they had two-piece dresses, which I’d never seen before! I booked an appointment, and the first dress I tried on, I fell in love. I think the first thing I said was “yup this is the one.” I tried on some other dresses, but nothing could top it! I loved it and felt so comfortable the whole day of my wedding. The endless compliments from my guests just reassured I picked the right one!”
Tell us about your day!
“We wanted it to be one theme and that was “Simple.” Our venue was all in one, with the ceremony upstairs and reception downstairs, and, to keep our guests enjoying themselves, made sure our day flowed right from ceremony, cocktail hour to reception. We spent a lot of time on little details, and DIY’d almost everything ourselves. Elements included greenery, white/ivory flowers, candles and a touch of dusty blue. I wanted something simple yet fairytale-like. Our day itself went amazing, absolutely nothing went wrong, and if anything did, I didn’t know about it! It was everything I dreamed of and more.”
What was your first dance song?
“ “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley, however, it was sung by our amazing wedding singer Clinton Richardson.”
Describe your wedding day in 5 words or fewer:
“A dream come true.”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“Totally forgot to do the bouquet toss, I was having too much fun dancing!”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?
“Something New: Earring
Something Borrowed: My Veil
Something Blue: My shoes & signature drink”
Three words that best describe your partner:
“Ben is selfless, hilarious, and perfect.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We went on a 3-week honeymoon to Indonesia!”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
“Don’t sweat the small things or try to impress anyone—the atmosphere is what you and guests will remember the most!”
Selena + Ben’s Sugar Swing Ballroom Wedding Vendors
bride’s finery: Lea-Ann Belter Abigail top and Star skirt via Bridal Avenue | photographer: Madison Jaimie Photography | day-of coordinator: TR Event Management | ceremony + reception venue: Sugar Swing Ballroom | hair + makeup: Bliss & Glow Artistry | florals: Tickled Floral | officiant: MDK Ceremonies | caterer: Naks Catering | cake and cupcakes: Crave Cakes | bartender: Olivia Fata Events & Assisting | wedding singer and music: Clinton Richardson Music
