A Cloverdale couple took a decidedly Canadian approach to their recent nuptials, exchanging their wedding vows at centre ice at South Surrey Arena.
The ceremony took place Sunday (Sept. 27) in front of more than 100 guests, many of whom wore hockey jerseys at the couple’s request.
Groom Kevin Holbeche, 32, told Peace Arch News prior to the big day that he and fiancée Michelle Shimizu, 37, were big hockey fans, and that it was the bride’s idea for the hockey-themed wedding.
“Her wish was always to get married on hockey skates if she could, so we just thought, let’s do it,” Holbeche said.
It wasn’t just the ceremony that was hockey themed – nearly every detail of the wedding included some sort of hockey aspect. The couple’s invitations were hockey tickets – respondents had to rip the ticket stub off and mail back to RSVP – and their reception, which took place in Langley, included game-day programs, and keepsake playoff towels draped over on attendees’ chairs.
The couple – loyal Vancouver Canucks fans – also planned hockey-themed wedding photos for after the ceremony, including gloves and sticks as props, Holbeche said.