Hycroft Manor Wedding: A Timeless and Elegant Venue in Vancouver
For couples seeking a wedding venue that blends historic elegance with contemporary sophistication, a Hycroft Manor wedding offers the perfect balance. This iconic Edwardian mansion in Vancouver is a dream setting for those who appreciate timeless architecture, intimate ambiance, and effortless luxury. Picture saying “I do” in a sun-drenched garden courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and stately columns, or celebrating on the covered terrace with breathtaking city views. The venue’s classic yet stylish aesthetic, with its sweeping staircases, intricate details, and romantic atmosphere, creates an unforgettable backdrop for wedding photos. Whether planning a refined black-tie affair or an elegant, intimate gathering, Hycroft Manor delivers a sophisticated experience for couples.
About the Couple: Shirley & Edison
Shirley and Edison first met after matching on Tinder. With her being an architect and he an urban planner, they quickly bonded over their shared love of design and the finer, but simple things in life.
From our very first conversation, we felt an instant connection with them—it just clicked. Now, almost three years since their wedding, we felt compelled to blog about it because of how much we resonate with their story. Since then, both our families have grown, and we’re thrilled to have reconnected with Shirley and Edison through playdates with our children!
Prepping for their Wedding at Hycroft Manor
Justina and I arrived early, giving us time to capture establishing and detail shots of the venue before the bride and groom arrived.
Edison was the first to show up, pulling up in his beautifully restored vintage brown Austin Mini—a perfect match for the wedding’s color palette.
Shirley arrived soon after, her face lit up with a big smile. The couple then headed to their respective rooms to get ready, while we documented each moment of the process.
Shirley’s hair was styled in a sleek, elegant bun adorned with delicate floral hairpieces and a flowing veil that cascades gracefully down her back. Her strapless wedding dress features intricate lace detailing on the fitted bodice, complementing the soft, voluminous skirt for a timeless and romantic look. Some details, like the groom’s handcrafted leather suspenders, were made by the bride, while others were carefully curated by the couple during their travels through Italy and beyond. The stunning florals were arranged by Eriko and her talented team at Celsia Florist, a close friend of the bride.
While I captured Shirley’s getting-ready moments, Justina handled everything on the groom’s side. Edison wore a brown linen suit paired with a patterned brown silk tie, which Shirley lovingly tied during their first look. The wedding party’s neutral color palette was beautifully complemented by accents of gold and earthy tones, creating a cohesive and elegant aesthetic.
With guests gathering below for the wedding ceremony and Shirley wanting to remain hidden, we chose one of Hycroft Manor’s many elegant upstairs rooms for their first look.
While we were there, we took the opportunity to capture a first look with Shirley’s father—a moment filled with raw emotion. The love and excitement in the air were undeniable, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Hycroft Manor Wedding Ceremony
With Hycroft’s natural beauty speaking for itself, minimal décor was needed to make the space shine. Instead, the couple chose to add thoughtful personal touches, infusing the venue with elements that reflected their personalities and story.
Since Shirley and Edison were already legally married, they had the special privilege of having their close friend from Spain officiate their ceremony, making the moment even more personal and meaningful.
After the ceremony, we gathered on the beautiful terrace for group photos, with stunning city views as the backdrop. Once guests had their turn posing with the newlyweds, they were invited to enjoy cocktails and light snacks while exploring the picturesque gardens and the elegant interiors of Hycroft Manor.
While guests enjoyed their refreshments, we took the opportunity to capture the wedding party alongside the bride and groom. The overcast sky provided soft, even lighting, but just as we began their portraits, the sun peeked through the clouds—perfectly illuminating Shirley and Edison in a warm glow.
Of course, no photo session with them would be complete without their beloved vintage Mini. If the coffee-inspired wedding details weren’t a giveaway, the couple are true coffee connoisseurs who run a pop-up café, Café 22, out of their Mini. It’s a special part of their lives, and we couldn’t resist paying tribute to it in their wedding portraits!
Hycroft Manor Wedding Reception
As the wedding reception approached, Shirley slipped away upstairs for a quick outfit change into a stunning traditional Chinese cheongsam, adding a beautiful cultural touch to the celebration.
Before dinner service began, the evening opened with heartfelt speeches from the wedding party and the couple’s family, filling the room with love and laughter. Shirley and Edison closed with their own touching words, leading seamlessly into a warm and joyful celebration.
Vintage Chinese Cinematic Portraits
We had planned for golden hour photos, but with the cloudy weather, there wasn’t much light to work with—not that it mattered. Shirley and Edison’s outfits exuded vintage charm, and paired with Hycroft’s historic architecture, the result was a beautifully styled shoot reminiscent of early 1900s Chinese cinema.
Finishing off the night with dancing and celebrations
With the portraits complete, Shirley and Edison rejoined their guests for table toasts and warm greetings.
After one final outfit change, the couple shared their first dance, surrounded by loved ones. Shirley then welcomed her father onto the dance floor for a heartfelt father-daughter waltz. As the music shifted, it signaled the rest of the guests to join in, kicking off a lively and joyous celebration.
Shirley and Edison, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us the honor of photographing your wedding. It was truly a privilege to be part of such a special day in your lives.
