The AVK Wedding was a celebration years in the making—an extraordinary fusion of heartfelt creativity, passionate intention, and enduring love. Aleem Kassam, the visionary behind Kalu Interiors, and Victor Kazakov, an innovator in the ever-evolving software and AI industries, celebrated their deep connection with a wedding that transcended traditional expectations. Their love story began twelve years ago when Aleem, after studying and working abroad in vibrant cities like London, Milan, and Chicago, returned home to Vancouver. Within the first week of joining a dating app, he met Victor.
Their engagement day was filled with unforgettable moments that began with a surprise Harbour Air flight to Victoria, a tranquil spa day at the Fairmont Empress, and a chic photoshoot. Back in Vancouver, a private shopping experience at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Gucci, and a memorable dinner at Hawksworth, followed by a celebratory toast at The Diamond in Gastown. Every detail of their engagement reflected the unique love they shared.
A DREAM COME TRUE
On June 1, 2024, at 1:45pm, Aleem and Victor said “I do” in front of officiant Natalie Maxon (Younge Hip & Married) in a ceremony set against the magnificent, sun-drenched backdrop of Phantom Creek Estates in Oliver, BC. The wedding unfolded as an immersive, guest-focused experience, lovingly designed. From the outset, the couple envisioned a celebration that went beyond their own joy, focusing on creating magical moments for their 300 cherished guests. The entire weekend was thoughtfully crafted to ensure everyone felt like the star of their own personal fairytale. The event kicked off with a grand red carpet entrance, cheerful interviews by beloved Vancouver personalities Fred Lee and Rachel Beau, and a cinematic atmosphere enhanced by soulful live musical performances, talented photographers stationed throughout the estate, and a jumbo LED screen broadcasting the action.
CURATED EXPERIENCE
The aesthetic was an exquisite mix of high fashion and modern sophistication, inspired by the couple’s bold and polished personal style. The design featured a striking palette of white, black, warm neutrals, and shimmering metallics, enhanced with towering candles, glittering chandeliers, and sculptural florals. The couple’s custom AVK monogram was thoughtfully displayed throughout, and a commissioned gold sculpture by Mark Ollinger, titled ‘Devotion,’ beautifully paid tribute to their lifelong commitment.
AN IMMERSIVE CEREMONY
With nearly 300 guests and an additional 100 staff and performers, the ceremony was an extraordinary orchestration of intention and beauty. Before the ceremony, Aleem and Victor prepared together in a private room, exchanging handwritten vows—raw, emotional, and unfiltered—captured in real time. The ceremony opened with a powerful and soulful performance of ‘Songbird,’ led by dear friend and Juno-nominated artist Warren Dean Flandez, accompanied by a moving 14-person choir. As the couple entered the amphitheatre from opposite sides, the choir shed maroon robes to reveal elegant all-white ensembles, marking the moment with visual and vocal splendour.
Opting for equal footing rather than tradition, Aleem and Victor walked in simultaneously and met at the altar, departing hand-in-hand to begin their married life with a literal and symbolic lift—ascending together, into the sky. After the ceremony, they were whisked away by helicopter to a peaceful mountaintop, where they took in the magnitude of their vows and the heartwarming vista of their loved ones below. A custom puzzle was lovingly created in memory of Victor’s late father, with each guest contributing a piece to honour his legacy.
A SPECTACULAR RECEPTION
The evening was a multi-sensory celebration, where every thoughtful detail was designed to captivate. Signature cocktails, Theos and Helios, named after the grooms’ beloved cats, set the playful tone. Guests were treated to a curated selection of entertainment including acoustic sets by Adrienne & Hendrix and Max & NaRai, roving music with Sax with Eric, and an operatic performance by Jane Perett. The outdoor long-table dinner for 300, prepared by the brilliant Chef Valdez of Phantom Creek Estates, was complemented by immersive visuals projected across the limestone courtyard walls. The highlight was a romantic first dance by the couple to JVKE’s ‘This is What Slow Dancing Feels Like’—a moment of pure joy, not only for Aleem and Victor but the guests.
LUXURY GUEST EXPERIENCE
From the moment guests arrived, the experience was nothing short of indulgent and inviting. Spirit Ridge Resort provided exclusive accommodations, with private coach transportation to and from the venue. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a glamorous red carpet and a real-life angel in a whimsical monogrammed Champagne Dress by Paintertainment, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of indulgence and delight. Interactive elements, such as a lively photo booth, a life-sized puzzle installation, a nostalgic phone guestbook, wine cellar tours, and tastings, kept guests entertained and engaged throughout the evening. Guests were invited to pose for personalized black-and-white portraits by Lucky Booth, which were framed, as cherished keepsakes, adding a heartfelt touch that further elevated the experience.
A FASHION SYMPHONY
Aleem and Victor’s wedding wardrobe was nothing short of a dazzling fashion symphony—bold, transformative, and meticulously designed to express individuality and unity. Each groom wore four couture looks, created in collaboration with celebrated Canadian couturier Denis Gagnon. Known for blending timeless tradition with avant-garde innovation, Denis crafted ensembles with fluid silhouettes, dramatic bows, opulent fabrics, and sculptural layering.
The ceremony looks featured crisp white and ivory tones, accented with oversized pearls, satin-matte contrasts, and sweeping trains. The designs mirrored one another as the couple walked from opposite sides of the amphitheatre to meet at the altar.
For the reception, dramatic black ensembles added contrast and flair, with Victor’s detachable cape and Aleem’s seven-foot removable skirt creating striking visual moments.
The speech and cake-cutting looks, designed by Eduardo Ramos, introduced delicate lace, silky textures, and hand-embellished details, echoing the romance of their cinematic love story that was screened during dinner.
Their dance looks returned to a classic black-and-white palette, adorned with dazzling diamante details and reimagined corsetry. These ensembles gracefully balanced high fashion with function, allowing freedom of movement for their joyous first dance. Every piece was created with loving intention—designed not just as one-time outfits, but as modular, transformative pieces with the possibility of being joyfully re-worn. These couture creations were more than garments—they were expressive statements of love, identity, and shared vision. Each design captured the essence of their relationship: beautifully unique, yet perfectly complementary.
Every piece was created with loving intention—designed not just as one-time outfits, but as modular, transformative pieces with the possibility of being joyfully re-worn. These couture creations were more than garments—they were expressive statements of love, identity, and shared vision. Each design captured the essence of their relationship: beautifully unique, yet perfectly complementary.
THE CREATIVE VISION
From the very beginning, professional event planner Pri was more than just a ‘planner’—she was a trusted confidante, a creative visionary, and a cherished part of Aleem and Victor’s journey. The couple often express their deep gratitude for her unwavering dedication and genuine care. Pri was the first to join their team, even before a date had been chosen, and had already played a meaningful role in their lives by producing their heartfelt engagement party, which raised nearly $15,000 for the Canadian Ukrainian Foundation. Her involvement continued with their casting in her short film, ‘Fake Wedding,’ showcasing the deep personal bond they shared.
For the wedding, Pri brought the couple’s dream to life with incredible finesse, orchestrating every emotional beat and musical element. Her tireless efforts and heartfelt commitment created a truly unforgettable experience, and Aleem and Victor remain profoundly thankful for the magic she helped them create. In conjunction with Pri at the helm of planning the experience, the couple also brought on the powerhouse team of Jenny & Soha of Countdown Events to help bring their vision to life. From the decor to food and florals, place settings, custom stationery and logistics of the countless vendors, this was no easy feat as a majority of suppliers travelling from Vancouver to the Okanagan for this magical event.
A WEDDING FOR THE AGES
As the day unfolded to the evening and into the wee hours, every element—from the thoughtful dining and moving entertainment to the immersive experiences and visionary design—reflected the couples desire to create a celebration that was as much for their guests as it was for them. This wedding was a masterclass in luxury, creativity, and heartfelt community. It was a fairytale that, quite literally, was written in the sky. The couple’s wedding was not only a celebration of love and unity but also a tribute to artistry, culture, and the joyful beauty of shared experiences.
All images in this CELEBRATE story by Hong Photography.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
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