Denise + Seungsoo

I leave some weddings with the hope that the newly weds have children, and soon, and that there is hope for the planet. I know it sounds grand and romantic, but this was such a wedding. I am grateful that I came out of academic hibernation to witness their two wonderful ceremonies of Western and Korean tradition—and of course, their skillful dancing. ( ;

I started the day with the girls getting ready at the Terminal City Club, which is handily only several meters away from the Vancouver Club, where the ceremonies and reception were held. I enjoy weddings at the Vancouver Club because it is close to a lot of great downtown shooting locations, but also because the club itself offers such a variety of rooms, décor and atmosphere. The first ceremony was held in an entirely glass dining area on the first floor of the club, while the Korean ceremony and reception were held in the stately ballroom upstairs.

When we came back from the cherry blossoms Denise and Seungsoo changed into traditional Korean attire and I was very happy to get some shots of them before they formally entered their reception. Once they entered the second ceremony began. Again, I was largely concerned with light and composition, but I can tell you a bit about what went on. There was deep bowing to both sets of parents. Denise had rather large sleeves which were meant to hang in front of her, over her crossed forearms, and so her maids were required to help her up and down. It was also her lot to catch walnuts thrown by her mother in law in a scoop-like basket—I don’t think I reach too far in assuming this was at some point a fertility ritual of sorts. Denise did very well with catching, considering her outfit.

I was also impressed by the first dance—I think I heard something about Seungsoo being a late convert to the swing dance movement which swept Vancouver about ten years ago, but that he quickly went on to dominate the sport. It seemed that they were not alone among their friends in this skill, and I regretted once again that I arrived on the swing dance scene just as it sank over the horizon. (I think there ought to be a revival.) In any case, I was inspired in more ways than one, and I wish Denise and Seungsoo all the best in Italy!

The ceremony was held in the atrium of the VC. It provided a lovely bright contrast to the rich, dark ballroom.

I loved the back of Denise’s dress!

For the record, I had to google the earliest blooming cherry trees, and they happen to be on Alberni Street across from Saltlik. NB

Possibly my favourite picture. A touch of public transit, Chanel, the Korean robes, the yellow line. So Po-mo.

These wedding ducks belonged to Seungsoo’s parents. In Korea they symbolize life long partnership.

Their first dance was brilliantly choreographed.

Seungsoo wanted some cool dancing shots of his friends. This is somewhat experimental, obviously, but captures the dynamism of the dance floor.