Ski enthusiasts Alden Mitchell and Steve Budill knew they wanted to have their destination wedding in a winter setting. As long-time lovers of Whistler, where they vacation every year, choosing Four Seasons Resort Whistler was an easy decision. The playfulness and warmth of the resort town allowed them to infuse their special day with cosy, fun details.
Snow-capped Mountains . . . Bonfire . . . Hot Toddies
The scene: The wedding décor was inspired by the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Moss-covered trees with gardenias sat on each of the long reception tables between centrepieces made from pine cones, white tulips, ranunculus and pine. After dinner, guests lounged on white leather couches that bordered the dance floor.
That magical moment: After the chilly walk from the ceremony to the reception, guests were invited to warm up at a do-it-yourself Hot Toddy station. The bridal party was treated to a bonfire where they made s’mores and sipped champagne.
The bride wore: Alden chose a Vera Wang strapless drop waist A-line wedding gown with feathered flower embroidery and a horsehair sash at the waist.
The bride and groom: Alden wanted to include a sense of family in the day, so in addition to wearing the engagement ring Steve proposed with (his great-grandmother’s), she also chose to wear her grandmother’s engagement ring on her right hand.
A personal touch: A welcome bag greeted each guest, including a winter-themed travel kit, spiked hot-cocoa mix, local snacks, a drink cosy and a personalized aluminium water bottle, plus a welcome note from the couple with suggested activities.
Inspired by their shared love of travel, the couples included elements in their wedding of Costa Rica and other places they have visited. They decided to use Ernest Hemingway, one of Kisha’s favourite authors, as inspiration. Special details included vintage postcards, suitcases and compasses.
Rather than a specific theme, the bride simply chose her favourite colours, turquoise and red, and incorporated them everywhere she could. She carried a bouquet of scarlet ranunculus and wore turquoise Louboutin heels.
When they chose Four Seasons Resort Whistler for their wedding venue, Alden and Steve fulfilled their desire to share a place special to them with their friends and family. “We all had a wonderful time,” says the bride.
Starting with such an elegant setting, including a staff that “exceeded expectations at every turn,” it was a breeze for Meredith and Dale to create the day of their dreams abroad. They combined Italian opulence with their own personal touches for a wedding that “just felt like us,” says the bride.
“Four Seasons became everyone’s home away from home.”
