UBC Botanical Garden Wedding - Oliver Rabanes Photography

Married Couple poses goofy in the forest at UBC

Joel and Pantha’s wedding was filled with colour, joy, originality and no dull moments! Their personalities are so rich, and I love how they aren’t afraid to be themselves. The bold colours they wore at their engagement session carried forward into their big day at the UBC Botanical Garden. Joel wore an Indochino suit accompanied by a unique, custom-made batik cloth that his parents brought from Indonesia. Pantha wore a beautiful golden lehenga (traditional Indian dress) from Sabyasachi. She looked like a goddess! Their outfits complimented one another’s cultures, as well as their personalities - loud, bold and fun. Also, her bouquet and flower crown had cannabis in them! How cool is that?!

When it came down to exchanging their first looks, I could sense that they were both nervous to see each other. I tried to ease the nerves, telling them that it’s extremely natural to feel the way that they did. I emphasized that this moment was really between the two of them, and encouraged them to feel it without holding anything back. As Joel got the tap on his shoulder to turn around, he couldn’t contain himself and burst into tears. The emotions were heightened when Pantha did the same. It was purely an emotional moment between the two of them.

The UBC Botanical Garden served as a beautiful venue that overlooked the ocean and provided both an indoor and outdoor element for guests to enjoy. There were so many highlights from their day. The ceremony was officiated by their friend, who read from a uniquely sketched out outline in his book. Pantha’s bridesmaids wore different saris, which truly made them stand out. The intimate moments during speeches were deeply felt by Joel and Pantha. And finally, the spontaneous dances that happened throughout the day. Joel and Pantha’s wedding was a true reflection of themselves!

Vendor love! (listed below)