Arvin & Shane’s Modern “Gentle Men’s Club” Wedding at The Permanent

When we first sat down with Arvin & Shane, we knew right away their wedding day was going to be something special. They came to us with a vision for “The Gentle Men’s Club” — a design concept we created together that blended modern style with warm, soft masculine details. And let’s just say, it was all the vibes we love here at Sweetheart Events.

Getting Ready & A Very Special First Look

Instead of the traditional separate suites, Arvin & Shane got ready together alongside their wedding party — a relaxed, joyful start to the day. But the real showstopper came when they decided to do a first look with their moms. Cue the tears and the tissues: it was such a heartfelt, emotional moment that we’re still swooning over!

Indigenous Greenery & A Floral Installation That Brought Tears

Their venue, The Permanent in downtown Vancouver, welcomed them with an impressive hanging floral and greenery installation by Celsia Floral. One of the most meaningful details was Shane’s wish to include indigenous greenery to honor their cultures. Watching it all come together literally moved him to tears, and it reminded us why we love personal, intentional touches in a wedding.

Ceremony Under the Stained Glass

With the help of live strings from Musical Occasions, Arvin & Shane said their vows under The Permanent’s iconic stained glass ceiling — a moment that felt like it belonged in a classic romance movie. After the ceremony, guests headed upstairs for cocktails and light bites while the couple took family photos outside the stunning venue.

Then came the ultimate test of planning prowess: flipping the space in under an hour for the reception. Thanks to our team and friends at Edge Catering, it was a seamless transformation! (Pro tip: Always hire professionals to handle those time-sensitive flips!)

Reception Design & Sweet Moments

The reception design echoed the “Gentle Men’s Club” vibe: modern plateware, glassware, and greenery-heavy floral arrangements were set atop a mix of long and round tables. Arvin & Shane sat beneath their show-stopping installation at a sweetheart table with their own special chairs and dishware — because, why not treat yourselves like the VIPs you are?

One of our favorite details? Each table had envelopes and cards inviting guests to write sweet advice or messages that Arvin & Shane will open on future anniversaries— matching the table number to the anniversary year. It was intimate, minimal, and so them.

After dinner, guests enjoyed dancing the night away with cocktails flowing at the bar, plus a Nespresso coffee station, candy bar, and a Jollibee late-night snack as a nod to Arvin’s Filipino roots. It was the perfect blend of fun and comfort, and we loved seeing everyone indulge in those extra treats!

A Wedding We’ll Never Forget

Arvin & Shane’s wedding day was nothing short of magical. Seeing the room come to life with them at the center — surrounded by the people who love them most — was an honor for us. After a year of planning, it all came together in the most unforgettable way.

Ready to Plan Your Own Dream Day?

We love crafting weddings that reflect your story, your style, and the meaningful details that make you you.

If you’re dreaming of a celebration that’s personal, intentional, and so much fun, we’d love to chat. Contact us to start planning your own West Coast wedding adventure!