Here at GWS, we think first looks can be one of the sweetest things, ever! We’ve seen some major tear-jerkers, and those that pull at the heart strings. But we’ve never seen one where the couple was whisked away in a helicopter to share the special moment atop a mountain…until now! That’s right, folks! Kate + Sayed shared their first look on top of Mount Currie in the mountains of Canada and it was as EPIC as it sounds.
The two were engaged in Canada (Banff, to be exact), so they wanted to have their big day there, too—in Pemberton at Riverlands Red Barn. They tell us: Kate is from South Africa and Sayed is half-Egyptian. To reflect our African roots, we had African drumming as Kate walked down the aisle. On top of that, they wanted everything to feel very natural + earthy, almost like the feeling of a farmers’ market. This led to the ultimate farm-to-table décor, designed by Flock – Ola Smazynski.
This video from Hello Tomorrow Films filled us with so much JOY! We dare you to watch it and try not to shed a tear… ;)
Now, let’s take a peek at all the details Shari + Mike captured!
The Epic First Look
And the journey begins!
THAT GOWN!! Aren’t the floral embellishments on the Lian Carlo Design dress a dream?
Oh my goodness!!
Our first look at the top of the mountain. Seeing each other among the snowcapped mountains was breathtaking and incredibly magical.
Second most memorable—the beautiful officiation by our dear friend, Annabel, and all the deeply touching speeches from our family and friends.
We would definitely take a helicopter for that view…
The Ceremony with a View of the Mountains
To kick off the farmers’ market-inspired feeling, the wedding signage was framed with heaps of veggies + wooden crates.
How we adore a good greenery hoop! One of the main reasons we love this? It frames the couple, yet it still allows for the beauty of the scenery to shine.
Processional: There Will Be Time by Mumford & Sons + Baaba Maal
Recessional: Makin’ It Work by The Riverside
First Dance: I Want to Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
What a location.
Flowers And Jules nailed that floral hoop, don’t you think?
Sayed is from New Orleans, so they made sure to incorporate a Second Line to brass band music!
The Newlyweds
Talk about a dapper duo!
The Outdoor Reception
K+S believe food is best when served fresh and family-style. We thought it would be cool to bring the natural, grounding and beautiful nature of a farmers’ market to the wedding. This led to farm-to-table decor of fresh vegetables and rustic furniture from Woodpecker Tables.
The Collective Kitchen catered and we’re drooooooling over those loaves of bread!

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Invest in self-care, therapy, exercise…things to take care of yourself! Take regular date nights where you and your partner are not allowed to talk about the wedding. Lastly, take time weekly to focus on all the things you’re grateful for.
Wasn’t that absolutely spectacular?! Congratulations to the two of you + thank you for letting us in on all the special moments.

photography: Shari + Mike // venue name: Riverlands Red Barn, Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada // event design: Flock - Ola Smazynski // planning: Flock - Ola Smazynski // florals: Flowers And Jules // wedding dress: Lian Carlo Design // videography: Hello Tomorrow Films // catering: The Collective Kitchen // cake: The Collective Kitchen // desserts: The Collective Kitchen // tabletop rentals: Woodpecker Tables // furniture rentals: Woodpecker Tables
Love the adventurous style wedding.i would love to see more images of the heli ride and view.
Fabulous venue, stunning images
Oh dear, I have chills! What a view! What a beautiful wreath … Wonderful :)
Oh my gosh what an amazing location for a wedding! Simply stunning
Jaw droppingly cool wedding and the imagery is just perfect!
Hard to beat this as a location. Damn :)