Keeping it Real, Beautiful by Candlelight at Hotel Georgia
Some weddings are beautiful. Others are meaningful in a way that can be felt in the room. Keeping it Real, Beautiful by Candlelight at Rosewood Hotel Georgia was both—because it took place on the bride and groom’s actual 10th anniversary. Ten years of partnership, friendship, and “we’ve already built a life together” energy… and now, the perfect moment to officially tie the knot. As planned with love by DreamGroup Planner Sandy Hoong and authentically documented by Nomad by NK.
Planner Sandy’s Perspective: “From the start, my goal was to bring Kiyomi’s vision to life even more beautifully than she imagined it and to deliver on Nathan’s top priority to include a 7-piece band in the night’s line up—because this celebration wasn’t just to be romantic, it was meant to move people.”
Stationery by Making Memories
Beauty Support by…
- Makeup: Julia @jcbeautyxo + Samantha @samphoraa
- Hair: Melissa @hairbymelissaterry + Alessia @av2hair
The Look & Feel: Timeless Whites, Nude Accents, and Candlelight EVERYWHERE!
The design story was effortless and elegant: primarily white with soft nude accents, layered with so much candlelight it felt like the room was glowing from the inside out.
But the detail everyone loved most? The personal touch hidden in plain sight.
We sprinkled “Brooklyn” and “Georgia” throughout the décor—two names that weren’t random at all. They belong to the couple’s bulldogs. Yes, actual bulldogs. And yes, it was as adorable as it sounds.
Keywords for this aesthetic:
Candle-heavy • romantic • modern classic • warm whites • nude neutrals • soft glow • luxury Vancouver wedding
“Easily the best money we spent! If it wasn’t for you Sandy, I don’t know if we would’ve made it through. I highly recommend Sandy (and DreamGroup) to anybody that is engaged to be married.” ~ Nathan Punzo
Exquisite florals by Flowerz and Draperies & Decor by Koncept Event Design.
The Unique Highlight: A 10th Anniversary Wedding (with the Best Kind of Balance)
What made this wedding truly unique wasn’t just the venue or the styling—it was the way the day reflected both partners so clearly.
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The bride’s dream: a refined, candlelit, white-and-nude celebration done beautifully
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The groom’s must-have: a full 7-piece band to keep the energy high all night
When both people feel fully represented, the entire wedding feels more emotional, more “them,” and honestly—more fun.
Ceremony & Cocktail Live Music by songbird Nikita Afonso
Behind the Scenes: The Speakeasy Whiskey Lounge Challenge (and the Quick Pivot)
Every wedding has a moment where something doesn’t go as planned. This one happened in our speakeasy-style Whiskey Lounge, where we planned to build a “library” look under the minstrel balcony.
We brought in a bar back—but it turned out to be just the tinest bit too tall to fit beneath the balcony.
So we pivoted—fast.
I scouted the hotel for alternative pieces that would suit the vibe, measured everything carefully, then repurposed Rosewood’s elegant tabletops, layering them to create depth and structure. We styled it with props and details to land that perfect “whiskey library” aesthetic—without anyone ever knowing Plan A had changed. Until now! Haha!
This is exactly why couples hire planners: to troubleshoot seamlessly so they can stay present, relaxed, and fully in the moment.
DreamGroup planner Sandy Hoong putting the last minute finishing touches on the tables before the guests enter the Spanish Ballroom at Rosewood Hotel Georgia.
The Most Successful Part of the Day: Making Everyone Happy (Beautifully)
If I could sum up the heart of this wedding in one sentence, it’s this: making everyone happy was the priority—and we achieved it.
There were so many meaningful, high-impact wins:
- A personalized passage shared by the groom’s mother to bless the marriage (after their priest couldn’t fly in)
- A cherished reading passed down from the groom’s grandmother, read by his mom
- The groom’s brother being able to attend (touch-and-go timing with his newborn’s delivery)
- The bride’s aesthetic vision executed with precision
- The groom’s band-led celebration carrying the evening into pure joy
- A seamless room flip executed by an incredible vendor team
It was emotional, elegant, and full of those “we’ll remember this forever” moments.
The Portrait Guestbook always provides a fun and interactive moment that hits just a little bit different…
What I Learned as a Planner
Weddings are never just about design—they’re about people.
This day was a reminder that the best planning happens when we:
- truly listen to our couples
- offer expert guidance with clarity and calm
- balance family dynamics with intention
- protect the emotional core of the day
Because at the heart of it all, a wedding is a celebration of love—and a chance to create meaningful moments with family.
A First Dance moment followed by a little dance floor shenanigans with Groove & Tonic before Kiyomi and Nathan change it up into something playful & flirty!
The Team that brought Keeping it Real, Beautiful by Candlelight at Hotel Georgia to life:
- Venue: Rosewood Hotel Georgia
- Photography: Nomad by NK
- Videography: SoWedding Photo & Cinema
- Décor: Koncept Event Design
- Florals: Flowerz
- Makeup: Julia @jcbeautyxo + Samantha @samphoraa
- Hair: Melissa @hairbymelissaterry + Alessia @av2hair
- Dress: Luxx Nova Bridal Boutique
- Groom’s Custom Suit and Rentals: The Tux Store
- Cake: Bite Bakery (heart-shaped perfection)
- Band: Groove & Tonic via VanHattan Entertainment
- Live Music: Nikita Afonso
- Stationery: Making Memories with Stationery
- Photobooth: Portrait Guestbook
As planned with…
Dreaming Up Your Rosewood Hotel Georgia Wedding?
If you’re planning a luxury wedding at Rosewood Hotel Georgia (or another Vancouver venue) and want a team that can deliver a flawless vision with calm, cool, and connected problem-solving energy—we’re the one!
DreamGroup Weddings + Events — Producers of Ridiculously Amazing Planning Experiences.
Please take some time to Meet the Planners to get to know us a little bit better. When you’re ready to chat give us a call or drop us a note and we’ll help you take the next steps. And because we know how important that initial and genuine planner-client connection is, as soon as we establish the best way to support your goals, we will connect you directly with your planner for a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you! If you prefer some guidance please complete our Inquiry Form here.
