// Ashley + Bradley // Real Wedding by Richard Giordano Photography

As co-editors of The Refinery Magazine, we often realize the differences we share in taste, despite how similar they may seem to the naked eye. For example:

Ainsley LOVES a bit of elegance and also a little bit of rustic in a tarnished environment, such as a warehouse, barn, or shipyard. Something that could easily be featured in The Refinery Magazine, and we think no one would blink an eye.

Madison on the other hand LOVES strong typography, geometric patterns, black & white motifs, clean decor in an airy and open space - think a loft somewhere with exposed brick, light & bright with an understated modern feel but not missing those subtle details. Something that could also be featured in The Refinery Mag.

So, when we saw this submission from the talented Richard Giordano Photography we simply had to post it because it had things we both loved. Ainsley: Glam in a tarnished dockside environment, and of course love. Madison: Clean decor in an open, beautiful space, and also, love.

Congrats Ashley and Bradley! Your wedding is simply stunning!

Vendor List:


Photographer: Richard Giordano Photography  
Ceremony location: On the pier outside the Pinnacle Pier Hotel 
Reception location: Gusto di Quattro 
Bridal gown: Vera Wang from David’s Bridal          
Cake : Executive Chef Nicholas Lim of Gusto di Quattro      
Caterer: Gusto di Quattro        
Flowers: Brentwood Florists


This wedding was the closest thing to eloping that you can get without leaving your hometown.  Stay-loping?  Family and friends didn't know the wedding took place until they received text messages and phone calls following the ceremony!  

The girls got ready at the Pinnacle Pier Hotel and wedding took place on the pier at Lonsdale Quay.  This wedding took place mid-January.  The weather was incredible!  Sunny and 8 (ish) degrees.  Sure, we were all a little cold, but we really couldn't have asked for anything more from Mother Nature.  

After the ceremony and some photos at the pier we made our way to Deep Cove for donuts and warm coffee at Honey's Donuts.  Brad and Ashley spent many years in Deep Cove during the beginning of their relationship so it was obvious to have creative photos taken there.  

The wedding party made their way back to the Pinnacle Pier Hotel and shared the great news with friends and family via phone calls and text messages.  When it was time for dinner we moved down to the enclosed (and heated) patio at Gusto di Quattro for dinner the executive chef, Nicholas Lim, took a day off of his normal duties to prepare (and serve) an amazing meal and wedding cake.  An impromptu first dance and made for a great photo opportunity and once again shows the love that was apparent all day long.

There were only eight people who knew about the wedding.  They spent the entire day together, obviously loving each other’s company. The love and happiness was overflowing all day and I was extremely grateful to be a part of it.

- Richard

Ashley (the bride) has kindly shared the following:

How did you meet?
He was a cook and she was a waitress. The only way to her heart was through her stomach with yummy yummy food.    
  
Engagement story
A surprise visit to Tofino. We stayed at the gorgeous Wickaninnish Inn. The day of the engagement, we put on our galoshes and rain suits to head out for a rainy November beach walk. Half way out he knelt in the soppy sand and proposed. It was perfectly imperfect.    
   
Wedding date
January 12th, 2013 (Ashley's Grandmothers birthday)   
   
Wedding theme/motif
Simple & elegant. Bringing a family together.     
Number of wedding guests
Eight           
Your best moment
Saying “I do” to the man of my dreams and our children there to witness it.  
   
Wedding song
John Mayer “Home”. We didn’t plan a traditional wedding, so no speeches, bouquet throwing or first dance. But our guests thought differently. We had stepped out for a moment and when we came back they had cleared a spot for us to have our first dance. They played the song and it just felt right... I felt “Home”.     
 
Favourite wedding detail
The whole day was amazing. I would have to say the homemade biscotti and monograms my girlfriend Stephanie Jung had surprised us with. All hand made by her.

Honeymoon
TBA... I’m hoping for Italy!!!