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David and Eleanor’s wedding at L’abattoir in Gastown was unlike any I had photographed before. While their reception at the trendy Vancouver restaurant was a highlight, their day started much earlier in a home their shared with friends. David and Eleanor chose to get ready together in their home just across from Queen Elizabeth Park. Save the date beauty took care of Eleanor’s hair and makeup before she helped David decorate their cakes. Getting ready on the morning of your wedding isn’t anything new but I loved the moments they shared as they put the finishing touches on the wedding cake. While Eleanor got into her custom wedding gown David got ready with his groomsmen downstairs. Going the classic route and opting against a first look, their wedding ceremony in the backyard was intimate and emotional. They both love the home they live in with their close friends so it was extra special to get married in the backyard. Young hip and married officiated the ceremony and true to their style made it both lighthearted but personal. David and Eleanor exited to bubbles and then returned for a knot-tying ceremony, something I haven’t photographed at a wedding before. Each guest received a coloured piece of clothe which they tied to someone else’s’, forming a large circle. David and Eleanor were the last ones to tie a knot, closing the circle and symbolizing their unity. It was a very cool moment! Never ones to do this by the book, David and Eleanor (along with their guests) decided to eat their wedding cake immediately after the backyard ceremony. Another special place to them both was nearby Queen Elizabeth Park so after dessert everyone made their way over to the park for Frisbee, bocce and badminton. The site of everyone walking across the road into the park was something else. A large reason why David and Eleanor hired me to photograph their wedding was my emphasis on candid portraits. The relaxed atmosphere and lawn games made for plenty of creative photos. After a quick session in the nearby forest everyone headed into Gastown and the heart of Vancouver thanks to ?? transport. The private dining room in L’abattoir is perfect for intimate weddings and can seat up to 50 people. While guests made their way past the kitchen and inside the exposed brick room David and Eleanor waited outside and I took a few more candid photos in my favorite Gastown alley. Known for their brick and beam style, the private dining room at L’abattoir blends that perfectly with industrial steel and glass accents. The setting is extremely intimate and warm. Had the pleasure of working with Wade from Vincent and Theo Studios on this L’abattoir wedding and it was his lighting that helped create  fantastic photo opportunities. After an incredible meal, the ?? team moved some tables and David and Eleanor had their first dance lit by a single window at one end of the room. Can’t wait to photograph another wedding at this gem of a restaurant in Gastown!

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Thanks for stopping by! If you are planning your wedding at L’abattoir Restaurant in Gastown or any other restaurant wedding venue in Vancouver and still need a wedding photographer I would love to hear from you. Please use the contact form at the top of the page or email me directly at mf@mathiasfastphotography.com. I am currently booking Vancouver and Cape Town weddings for this year and next.

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Wedding vendors who helped make this L’abattoir Wedding in gastown happen:

Planner // Kelly – Say Events Co.

Videographer // Vincent and Theo Studios

Hair + Makeup // Save the Date Beauty

Ceremony Venue // Private home opposite Queen Elizabeth Park

Reception Venue // L’abattoir Restaurant