Our Wedding Blog

Welcome!

Wow! We did it! We're still getting used to our new status, and to referring to each other as "husband" and "wife." We are still riding the high of our wedding day - which was so much more than we hoped for! It was so moving to see all of you gathered there for us, so we thank you!! When we get back from our honeymoon, we'll be posting some pictures of the wedding. In the meantime, we are having an amazing time in the Yoho and Banff National Parks!

All our love
Hilary & Julian

Engagement Photos

We love our photos, done by Then Comes Marriage.

Thanks!

Thank you! We received your RSVP!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the wedding?

The wedding and reception is being held at Cecil Green Park House on the University of British Columbia campus. It is located off Chancellor Boulevard on 6251 Cecil Green Park Road. The university is approximately 25 minutes from downtown.

We will be in touch about transportation options. If you wish to drive, there is paid parking at Cecil Green outside the home, and also off Chancellor Boulevard in Rose Garden Parkade.

To print this map, click on it for a bigger version.

Are children invited?
Children are welcome at the wedding! Please note however that we will be eating late (at 8:00 pm), so children may wish to grab a snack beforehand if they are used to eating earlier. We will have children's meals available as well. If you are bringing children, please be sure to let us know.

Lune de miel

The honeymoon is now officially booked.
Dig * these * links. We all know what Julian will be excited about... but personally I can't wait for a little of this and that.

A Movie

We had to cross-post this here, so that all our guests can see two of our most important friends!

Click here to watch a movie. Requires Quicktime.

bookswellread.com (beta) launched!

I've been hard at work over the past year building a free online book journal, www.bookswellread.com, the first of its kind on the internet, as far as I can find. A beta version is finally done, and I'd love you to come visit, join, and let me know what you think! Hilary has been unbelievably supportive and helpful as I've birthed this from idea formualation, to learning to code, to finally putting something online.

The Dress is In!

I got the call a few days ago that the dress is in! Can't wait to go try it on, but unfortunately I think I have to put off that fun task until my examination schedule is finished. I'm still debating veil vs. veil-less.

We've Registered At

Given that this will be a "destination" wedding for most, we certainly do not expect gifts. However, if you insist, we have registered because we understand that this makes things easier for guests.

We've registered at two places. We first registered at Canada's oldest department store, the Hudson's Bay Company. To find our registry, you can search by our names here.

We have also registered at Linens'n'Things, and our registry can be found here by searching for one of our names.

Vancouver Attractions

Granville Island
Granville Island Market is a wonderful place to browse food and artisan stalls. Seeing the floating houses is also a treat. www.granvilleisland.com

Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of Vancouver�s most famous attractions. In the heart of downtown, it is 1000 acres of rainforest. There are several beaches, a heated pool, a rose garden, a lagoon and an aquarium. Park Website

Robson Street
Robson is Vancouver�s main drag and the place to spot fashionistas and latt�-drinkers. The Vancouver Art Gallery is right nearby. Robson Street Website

Commercial Drive
Commercial Drive is where Vancouver�s hippest residents hang out. Think counter-culture plus style. thedrive.ca

Kits and Jericho Beaches
The real reason we love Vancouver! These gorgeous beaches are perfect for sunning, running or just taking a breather. All Vancouver's Beaches

Vancouver Tourism Website

Our Favourite Restaurants

Shao Lin Noodle House ($)
Handmade noodles at 548 West Broadway

East is East ($$)
Fanstasic Afghan fare at 3243 West Broadway

The Eatery ($$)
Sushi Vancouver-style at 3431 West Broadway

Rain City Grill ($$$)
Pacific Northwest cuisine at 1193 Denman www.raincitygrill.com

Vij�s ($$$)
Indian fusion at 1480 W. 11th www.vijs.com

Around B.C.

The Gulf Islands
There are several islands within an hour or two from Vancouver, each with a unique island culture and all of them beautiful. www.gulfislands.net

The Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan is B.C.�s wine producing region. We had a wonderful trip camping there sampling some of B.C.�s best. www.winesnw.com

Victoria and Vancouver Island
Victoria, a fun two-hour ferry ride away, is B.C.�s picturesque capital Some of our favourite sites are Emily Carr House, Craigdorrach Castle, the famous Empress Hotel and Butchart Gardens. We also loved our stay at Andersen House. For more info, see www.tourismvictoria.com

Tofino
On the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is one of the most spectacular spots on Earth - white sandy beaches and lush rain forest! May is prime whale-watching season! www.tofinotime.com

Whistler
Whistler is known for its skiing, but summer is when it really takes off! Spend your day in nature and your evening clubbing! www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Skagit Valley
The Skagit Valley is a gorgeous hideaway on the edge of Manning Provincial Park. There are lots of secluded campsites along glacier-fed streams, perfect for outdoorsy folks. www.manningpark.com

And they are...

Best Man
Andy Harrison - Andy is Julian's friend from high school and Toronto days.

Groomsmen
Chris Whike - Chris is Julian's trailbreaking oldest brother.
Trevor Whike - Trevor is Julian's brother and buddy down the street.

Bridesmaids
Sarah Addleman - Sarah is Hilary's university roommate, now a med student.
Sara Domina - Sara has been friends with Hilary for over 17 years!!
Amy Salomon - Amy and Hilary met at summer camp and recently saw each other in France.

(Groomers and Bridesers!!)
Isabel Tremblay - Isabel is Julian's friend from T.C.S., Princeton and Toronto.
Ryan Rodrigues - Ryan is Julian's oldest best friend.
Matthew Thomson - Matt is Hilary's peripatetic younger brother.
Tony Thomson - Tony is Hilary's oldest brother, and music maestro.

Mother of the Bride
Ann Thomson

Groom's Parents
Alan and Jennifer Whike

And last but definitely not least...
Flower Girl
Sydney Whike! (Though she doesn't know it yet...) - Sydney is the daughter of Chris and Erin Whike.

Itinerary

Closer to our wedding date we will be sending more detailed information. But below is a rough schedule of events.

Friday, May 26th, 2006
For those that arrive in town in the evening, we would love to meet for drinks at a location in Vancouver.

Saturday May 27th, 2006
We will be having an evening wedding, beginning at around 6:30 p.m. Activities during the day will be arranged. We're planning not to see each other on the actual day, so there will likely be separate bride and groom activities in the morning.

Sunday May 28th, 2006
The groom�s parents are pleased to invite the guests to a Sunday brunch.

Hotels in Vancouver

Vancouver Accommodation

We have three recommendations for hotels in Vancouver. They are all close together in the West End near the beach, close to the planned brunch venue. Given that May 27th is an American holiday weekend, we highly recommend that you book by February.

The Sylvia Hotel
This 1912 Vancouver landmark faces right onto English Bay. Rooms start at $95 for a �small� or $125 for a standard, representing some the best value in Vancouver. Rooms are small, but clean and charming. Ask for a room with a view!
www.sylviahotel.com 604.681.9321

The Coast Hotel
This hotel features spacious rooms and has both a pool and a hot tub. Rates start at $179.
www.coasthotels.com 1.800.716.6199

The Westin Bayshore
One of Vancouver�s finest hotels, the Westin Bayshore underwent extensive renovations a few years ago. Perched right on the waterfront, it also has one of Vancouver�s best locations. Rooms start at $350.
www.westinbayshore.com 604.682.3377