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The Couple: Gina & Saif
Gina first met Saif through mutual friends, and their relationship remained platonic for years. “We were always best friends, but if you’ve ever watched The Office, you’ll know that as soon as Pam figured out Jim was the one for her (and there at arm’s length all along), every next step was easy,” shares Gina. Two and a half years into dating, Saif and Gina visited Vancouver with friends. Saif surprised Gina with a proposal in Stanley Park under the guise of taking photos. He had hired photographers posing as “Instagrammers” to capture the moment. After he proposed, their friends emerged from hiding to join the celebration, and Gina’s family joined via FaceTime.
Gina and Saif’s whimsical “Tuscan Dream” wedding reception was spearheaded by Lemis Hassani of Royal Orchid Florist, who provided event planning, design, floral, and decor services.
“I have been in the wedding industry for over 30 years and knew that when it was time for my daughter to get married, it had to be the most special design Royal Orchid Florist has ever created,” shares Lemis. “…I remain unable to define what it meant to design my daughter’s wedding…”
The wedding design was not only spectacular, but it also told a story. “The story of a mother’s love for her daughter poured out through petals,” tells Gina.
THE CEREMONY
Gina and Saif were married at St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish in Brampton, Ontario. At the end of the ceremony, the couple walked out of the church accompanied by an instrumental rendition of Chris Brown’s “Forever” performed by Wellington Music à la Pam and Jim — both Gina and Saif are huge fans of the television show, The Office and wanted to recreate the sitcom couple’s wedding ceremony scene for their nuptials.
Gina wore a Galia Lahav wedding dress from White Toronto, while Saif wore a classic suit lined in a fabric printed with each variation of the Toronto Raptors logo.
Gina’s best friend of 26 years acted as her maid of honor. “I knew long ago she would be my maid of honor if I ever got married,” shares Gina. The bridal party wore sage green gowns, the maid of honor’s distinguished by silvery floral embellishments. Saif’s best friend and brother acted as his best man.
During the cocktail hour, Gina removed the sleeves of her Galia Lahav gown, adding pretty bow sashes to the shoulders for a second look.
THE RECEPTION
