From the beginning, Fiona and Abraham were a nice match on paper. Both young, both committed in their faith, both ambitious enough to lead a Christian Fellowship study for peers at the same university (Simon Fraser aka SFU). Sometimes, however, it takes a shot of spice to coax the spark between two halves of a match into the full-on fire of love. For Fiona and Abraham, that little bit of spice came in the form of dance. “Fiona mentioned that she wanted to take a dance class, and I mentioned that I had taken a Salsa class at SFU,” Abraham recalled. “So, I volunteered to go with her.”
Before too long, an innocent education in Salsa melted into hours of drawn out talks stretching far beyond simple getting-to-know-you chitchat. “We both joined a Salsa dance class at school,” Fiona corroborated Abraham’s story, and added a little more. “From then on we both started getting home later than before, we would be busy having conversations long after class was over.” With quality conversation, not to mention a few quality dance moves, as a base, Abraham and Fiona’s relationship has grown to exhilarating heights. Though, perhaps, it is the stability and not the height of a relationship that counts the most. “Our relationship is marked by steady commitment, love, and joy – we laugh a lot together,” Abraham said. “We love being with people and we try to make our lives as welcoming to others as we are to each other.”
Surrounded by a choice selection of loved ones, who have been so warmly welcomed into their life together, Fiona and Abraham recently took their mutual commitment to a more official level. The day began in the sunny home of Fiona’s parents where soft seafoam bridesmaids, delicate pearl details, and beaming family members helped polish the bride to maximum wedding day shine. Though, if you ask the groom, it doesn’t take special dresses, or jewels, or major milestone events, or even any polishing at all to make Fiona stand out in a crowd. “I really admired, and still admire, Fiona’s openness and hospitality towards others,” Abraham said, explaining what drew him to the blushing bride way back when. “Her love for God and others, her kindness, her determination, and her exuberant joy make her shine brighter than anyone else.”
This joy was felt by many as the party moved from the ceremony to the reception, which took place back at the couple’s old stomping ground; SFU. The Diamond Alumni Centre is a beautiful room overlooking some of British Columbia’s most beautiful forests. It’s located on the top of Burnaby mountain and never ceases to disappoint. The fact that the venue is only available to SFU alumni gave the place that little touch of something extra. Smiles, speeches, star performances, one stunning red dress, a mouthwatering spread, and a wonderfully active dancefloor all made for a successful reception and an unforgettable night.
“I really admired his character, he always made me feel valued and respected,” Fiona said, reflecting on what attracted her to Abraham in their early days together. “His thoughtfulness and kindness really set him apart.” Now all of that gets to become a treasured memory while Fiona and Abraham move forward, allowing the glow of shared love and faith to color the more mundane pace of day-to-day life. Meaning everything from unpacking moving boxes to binging on The Office.
Vendor List
Ceremony Venue: Killarney Park Mennonite Brethren Church
Reception Venue: SFU Diamond Alumni Centre
Hair & Makeup Artist: Organic Makeup Artistry
Florist: Unique Boutique
Dress Design: Mori Lee from Tiffany’s Bridal
Officiant: Craig Pagens
Photography Assistant: Jared Bargen
Thank you for visiting my blog! I am a Vancouver wedding photographer who specializes in capturing people and real, joyful moments. I also love me a good destination wedding and am currently dreaming about shooting a wedding in Santorini, Greece. Absolutely LOVE that island. I mostly shoot weddings in the Greater Vancouver area, but I am quite willing to travel. Originally from Saskatchewan, I got my start photographing those bright blue skies and wide open spaces. My images have been published in numerous blogs such as Popsugar, Rocky Mountain Bride and The Huffington Post. My focus has always been capturing the true joy and intimacy that my couples experience. As a West Vancouver Wedding Photographer, I get to capture so much beauty and feel blessed to live and work here! I’m currently booking for 2017 and 2018 weddings, so message me SOON with any inquiries you may have about wedding, family or portrait photography. Click here to get in touch or email me directly at clint at clintbargen.com and say hello!