WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
okanagan, bc
wedding tips & inspiration
BR I DE
EDITOR’S LETTER
BR I DE Okanagan 2021
digital publication editor Savannah Reynolds
graphic designer Jessica Goldy
u.s. editorial
& sales staff
COLORADO & NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker-Kline
canadian editorial
grace gatto photography
IDAHO, MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens
& sales staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper
COPYWRITER Lily Harris
digital team
DIGITAL EDITOR - Laura Osborn SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER - Bailey Jameson STYLE EDITOR - Tasha Tagliani CONTENT CURATOR - Lauren Phillips CONTENT CURATOR - Heidi Zeh
operations ACCOUNTING Lynn Kieffer PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC
PUBLISHER Erika Oltmann
DISTRIBUTION Disticor Magazine Distribution Services Storefronts in the U.S. & Canada or online at shop.rockymountainbride.com
contact
The warm sandy beaches and spectacular views in Okanagan are jaw-dropping, which makes it a dreamy destination for any Rocky Mountain wedding. The diverse landscape of the Canadian Rockies always manages to catch my eye and immediately start looking at flights to visit, and Okanagan is no exception. Talented vendors, exquisite venues and an all-around stunning backdrop makes Okanagan the perfect place to plan your “I do’s.” This Guide is filled to the brim with 100% local British Columbia wedding inspiration. A surprise proposal at Sanctuary Gardens, sweet beach-centered styled shoot and romantic God’s Mountain Estate wedding day bring to life the magic of Okanagan. My hope is that this Guide serves as a solid resource while you plan your wedding day and dream of a life with your spouse-to-be! Happy planning!
INQUIRIES - hello@rockymountainbride.com ADVERTISING - rockymountainbride.com/advertise SUBMISSIONS - rockymountainbride.com/submissions proudly printed in the rockies Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine is published by RMB Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publisher. We greatly appreciate those who have contributed to this publication. Contributors’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Rocky Mountain Bride. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Rocky Mountain Bride cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.
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xo
Savannah @savannah_rockymtnbride
RMB’s favorite shops, products, and services! ROCKYMOUNTAINBRIDE.COM/MARKET
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Table of Contents
LOVE STORIES engagements
&
12.
sofia + sunny
14.
mandy + andrew
18.
jordyn + dre
22.
liane + clayton
weddings
18.
I N S P I R AT I O N 26.
beachside romance
INFO 6.
okanagan - Seasonal weather and activities
11.
make it official - Where to get your license
32.
local vendors - Local places to stay & getting around
34.
restaurants for rehearsal dinners and brunch
36.
venue guide - Top spots to tie the knot
clockwise from the top: stephanie lucile photography, blush wedding photography, peter dibussolo, minted photography and park photo co.
22.
26.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Wedding planning guides
photo by kaylee chelsea photography
wedding tips & inspiration
50+ dedicated guides to our favorite cities & towns ACROSS THE ROCKIES LOCATED ONLINE AT ROCKYMOUNTAINBRIDE.COM/LIBRARY
peter dibussolo
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OKANAGAN Cities in the Okanagan Valley: Kelowna West Kelowna Penticton Summerland Vernon Osoyoos Oliver Naramata Peachland Lake Country Okanagan Falls
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inside scoop what to do, weather to expect & what to pack
BREAKD OWN OF TH E CITY
FA S T FAC T S
Home to sprawling hillside valleys and luxurious wineries, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia sits amongst some of the most picturesque parts of the Canadian Rockies. Plan your Rocky Mountain wedding weekend in one of Okanagan Valley’s major cities, like: Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon or Summerland. We’ve compiled our favorite local vendors, rehearsal dinner spots and weekend activities for your “I do’s” in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.
• • • • •
Population: 362,258 Okanagan elevation: 564 metres Kelowna is snow-free every year from June to September. Hottest month of the year is July. Coldest month of the year is December.
HOW TO GET TH ERE
BY PLANE
BY TRAIN
BY FERRY
Vancouver International Airport is the main gateway to British Columbia.
VIA Rail www.viarail.ca
BC Ferries www.bcferries.com
Rocky Mountaineer www.rockymountaineer.com
Inland Ferries www2.gov.bc.ca
• • • • • • • •
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Air Canada www.aircanada.com WestJet www.westjet.com Pacific Coastal Airlines www.pacificcoastal.com Central Mountain Air www.flycma.com Air North www.flyairnorth.com Harbour Air Seaplanes www.harbourair.com Seair Seaplanes www.seairseaplanes.com Helijet www.helijet.com
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AV E R A G E T E M P E R A T U R E S
SPRING
SUMMER
AU T U M N
WINTER
16° | 1°
27° | 10°
14° | 4°
2° | -6°
RMB Tip: The Rockies are known for their unpredictable weather. Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket for your visit - even if it’s summer!
blush wedding photography okanagan wedding guide 2021 / rockymountainbride.com
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park photo co.
W H AT T O D O TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OKANAGAN, VISIT WWW.H ELLOBC.COM/PLACES-TO-GO/OKANAGAN-VALLEY.
WINERIES & WINE TOURS APRÈS TOURS www.aprestours.com LITTLE STRAW VINEYARDS www.littlestraw.bc.ca MOXIE TOURS www.moxietours.com UNCORKED OKANAGAN WINE TOURS www.uncorkedokanagan.com NOBLE ADVENTURES www.nobleadventures.net CAREFREE WINE TOURS www.carefreewinetours.com INDIGENOUS WORLD WINERY www.indigenousworldwinery.com PAINTED ROCK WINERY www.paintedrock.ca
R E L A X AT I O N
ADVENTURE
THE HARVEST GOLF CLUB www.harvestgolf.com
DESERT SALMON CHARTERS www.desertsalmon.com
TOWER RANCH GOLF CLUB www.golftowerranch.com
JET BOAT TOURS www.kjet.ca
OSOYOOS GOLF CLUB www.golfosoyoos.com
IKON ADVENTURES www.ikonadventures.com
NAMASTE SPA www.namastespakelowna.com
FULLY ALIVE ADVENTURES www.fullyaliveadventures.ca
FAIRVIEW MOUNTAIN www.fairviewmountain.com
AURORA HELICOPTERS www.auroraheli.com
THE WELLNESS SPA www.wellnessspa.ca
MOCCASIN TRAILS www.moccasintrails.com SKAHA ROCK ADVENTURES www.skaharockclimbing.com SOUTH OKANAGAN E-BIKE SAFARIS INC. www.okebikesafaris.ca WESTERN CANYON ADVENTURE www.westcanyon.ca HYDROFLY KELOWNA www.hydroflybc.ca BIG WHITE SKI RESORT www.bigwhite.com
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Make it official HEADS UP! • • •
• • •
In British Columbia, you can get your marriage license within three months of your wedding date, at any marriage license issuer or Service BC location only. Only one member of the couple is required to be present when applying for the marriage license, but they must apply in person and show proper identification for both parties. Examples of proper identification include: a birth certificate, IMM/immigration form, permanent resident or citizenship card. A passport or driver’s license is only acceptable in some cases. Your license will cost $100, and is nonrefundable. You must have at least two witnesses at your ceremony, in addition to the commissioner or religious official. U.S. citizen? No problem! Canada, like the United States, has no legal residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license.
To find your closest Service BC location, visit www2.ca.bc.gov park photo co.
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- ENGAGEMENT -
Sofia + Sunny Sunny and Sofia met coaching basketball. Sofia was in need of a job and found Sunny’s basketball club in Edmonton. She reached out anyway she could, through social media, texting and calling! They eventually met for an interview at Starbucks, and started working together for about a year before they started hanging out outside of basketball. Three years later, they still coach together, but now Sophia has a ring on her finger! Sunny proposed on a vacation in Kelowna to end off a busy year and enjoy the sun. He planned a special winery date for their last Friday of the trip. Sofia loves dressing up, so he told her to save her best outfit for the end of their trip. When the day came, Sofia could tell that something was up but wasn’t sure what to expect. They drove to a gorgeous private plot of land that looked over the lake with beautiful mountain scenery in the background. They walked down to where the wine tasting was happening and began chatting with the sommelier until she told them she had to get a chilled bottle from inside. Sunny and Sofia had one last “cheers” before he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. It was the most perfect day and the best surprise. Photographer: Stephanie Lucile Photography | www.stephanielucilephotography.com Ring: Spence Diamonds | www.spencediamonds.com Venue: Sanctuary Gardens | www.sanctuarygardens.ca
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LO C A L W E D D I N G I N S P I R AT I O N 14
Mandy + Andrew Andrew and Mandy met on Tinder. Mandy made the first move and was bummed when she didn’t get a response right away because it wasn’t typical of her to reach out and make the first move. It turned out that Andrew had deleted the app out of exhaustion from bad dates, but a few weeks later, he re-downloaded the app, wrote her back and the rest is history. Andrew planned a sweet proposal based on the love of Christmas that they both share. During the holiday season, they gifted advent calendars to each other and about halfway through the month of December, Andrew placed a special note in Mandy’s calendar. When she read the note, she immediately knew Andrew was proposing and turned to find him on one knee. It was truly the best day of Mandy’s life because she knew that Andrew was the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. They planned a timeless, romantic wedding day at the Painted Rock Estate Winery with whimsical elements and a colour palette of soft, dusty pastel pinks, blues, lilacs, greens and ivories. The private first look they shared on the day of their wedding was the highlight of their wedding day. There were lots of tears, and it was such a surreal moment that they were finally able to celebrate the start of their forever.
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WHY THE ROCKIES?
We decided on the Okanagan for a few reasons, one being that it’s obviously beautiful, but Andrew also spent most of his summers there as a child and it’s become kind of a special place for us as a couple now. It also happens to be the perfect halfway point for both of our families.
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-VENDORSCeremony Venue Private Residence Reception Venue Painted Rock Estate Winery | www.paintedrock.ca Planner Alicia Keats | www.aliciakeats.com Photographer Blush Wedding Photography | www.blushweddingphotography.org Florals Lavender and Lace | www.lavenderandlace.ca Caterer Joy Road Catering | www.joyroadcatering.com Cake Made by the Bride! | @bowmankitchen Bridal Boutique Bisou Bridal | www.bisoubridal.com Gown Designer Monique Lhuillier | www.moniquelhuillier.com Bride’s Shoes Nine West | www.ninewestcanada.com Bride’s Ring Designer Cavalier Gastown | www.cavaliergastown.com Bridesmaids’ Attire Lulus | www.lulus.com Hair Pomme Salon | www.pommesalon.ca Makeup Bri Stein Artistry | www.bristeinartistry.com Groom’s Suit LGFG Fashion House | www.lgfgfashionhouse.com Groom’s Accessories Mickey Mouse Cufflinks | www.shopdisney.com Groom’s Shoes Steve Madden | www.stevemadden.com Groomsmen Accessories Cufflinks and Tie Bars | www.cufflinks.com Music/Entertainment John Bryne Music | www.johnbyrnemusic.com Invitations Violet Grey Creative | www.violetgreycreative.com Rentals Perspective Events | www.perspectiveeventdesign.com All Occasions Party Rentals | www.alloccasionspartyrent.com Westminster Party and Tent Rentals | www.westminsterparty.com Lodging Penticton Lakeside Resort | www.pentictonlakesideresort.com
Jordyn + Dre Jordyn and Dre met through a dating app while Dre was visiting a friend in Vancouver. He was scheduled to leave the following day, so they spent less than 24 hours together before he went home to Ontario. Once he arrived home, he told Jordyn his plans to move to Vancouver. Three months later, Dre quit his job and booked a flight to Vancouver to be with Jordyn. The pair got engaged two years later at Jordyn’s favourite waterfront spot. They planned a classically themed wedding with touches of disco. Cassandra of White Haven Events was with Jordyn through every step of the wedding planning process and helped her bring to life Jordyn’s vision of a disco party reception. They celebrated the start of their forever surrounded by closest friends and family at La Casa Cottage Resort.
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-VENDORSVenue La Casa Mirador | www.lacasamirador.com Planner, Florals, Stationery and Rentals White Haven Weddings & Events | www.whitehavenweddings.ca Photographer and Videographer Peter DiBussolo | www.peter-dibussolo.com Catering Uprooted Kitchen & Catering Co. | www.uprootedkitchen.ca Bridal Boutique BHLDN | www.bhldn.com Bride’s Shoes Manolo Blahnik | www.manoloblahnik.com Hair Elissa Wolfe | @elissawolfe Makeup Sidney Macdonald | @sidneymacdonald_ Groom’s Suit Indochino | www.indochino.com Groom’s Shoes Prada | www.prada.com Bartending Golden Girls Elite Bar Service | www.goldengirlselitebarservice.ca Décor and Rentals Wolfette Events | www.facebook.com/wolfette.events All Occasions Party and Event Rentals | www.alloccasionspartyrent.com Avalon Event Rentals | www.avalonrents.com Officiant Marjolein Lloyd | @marjolein_c_lloyd
Liane + Clayton Clayton and Liane were introduced by a mutual friend, and four years later, Clayton proposed! They went to the Philippines for a month-long trip, and Clayton planned a proposal early in their trip, but some unforeseen events caused him to push back the special moment. He finally proposed 14 days into their trip on a private island on the coast of the Philippine sea. They walked down the beach, just the two of them, when he popped the question! Their classic and intimate wedding day at God’s Mountain Estate was inspired by the Mediterranean setting. With only 10 guests in attendance, their day was about them and the celebration of their love. Clayton’s favourite moment of their wedding day was standing at the end of the aisle and seeing his bride-to-be for the first time as she walked towards him. Liane’s favourite moment was their first dance because it felt like it was only the two of them with no one around, and they could just enjoy being with each other and celebrating their marriage.
-VENDORSVenue God’s Mountain Estate | www.godsmountain.com Planner Laura Chapman Events | www.laurachapmanevents.com Photographer Park Photo Co. | www.parkphotoco.com Videographer Uncorked Films | www.uncorkedfilms.com Caterer Crudite & Co. | www.cruditeandco.com Sweets Baked by Cindy | www.bakedbycindy.com Florals Polka Dot Door | www.polkadotdoor.net Bridal Boutique Park & Fifth Co. | www.parkandfifthco.com Bride’s Shoes Shein | www.ca.shein.com Bride’s Ring Designer Blue Nile | www.bluenile.com Hair Natasha Ann Stylist | www.natashaannstylist.com Makeup Talia Joyce Artistry | www.taliajoycemakeup.com Groom’s Jacket RW & Co. | www.rw-co.com Groom’s Pants and Accessories Moore’s Clothing for Men | www.mooresclothing.ca Rentals Wylder Events | www.wylderevents.com All Occasions Party and Event Rentals | www.alloccasionspartyrent.com Perspective Events | www.perspectiveeventdesign.com Officiant Alison Moore | www.celebrantalisonmoore.com Lodging Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Center www.pentictonlakesideresort.com
Beachside Romance The dazzling sandy Okanagan beaches set the scene for this flirtatious engagement styled shoot. Lyndsay of Minted Photography wanted to create a styled engagement in the Okanagan that showcased different elements of the gorgeous local scenery other than the numerous winery venues. A unique backdrop in the Rocky Mountains, the beaches in the Okanagan bring a fun element to any engagement session. Add in a beachside picnic and playful swim in the ocean for two sweet and natural moments to incorporate into your engagement photos. Dip your toes in the water and splash about with the love of your life to celebrate your engagement before the real wedding planning begins!
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- INSPIRATION -
TOES IN THE WATER
“I hope it inspires couples to really think outside of the box when planning their engagement sessions and have some fun together. I want my couple’s engagement sessions to feel natural like they are on a date!” - Minted Photography
creative team Photographer: Minted Photography | www.minted-photography.com Models: Kurt and Amanda
FOLLO W AL O N G W I TH
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRIDE /rockymountainbride
@rockymtnbride
@rockymtnbride
rockymtnbride
IN ORDER FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT @carlybutlerphoto | @haileylarsonphoto | @crystalcousinphoto | @carrie_patterson @mathildebresson | @lesleeuribephotography | @annaclairebeasley | @jacdodgephoto | @forthewestandwildphoto
local vendors OUR VENDOR COLLECTIVE MEMBERS
EVENT PLANNERS
FLORALS
PERSPECTIVE EVENTS www.perspectiveventdesign.com
F L E U R I C H C R E AT I O N S www.fleurich.ca
OKANAGAN EVENTS GIRL www.okgneventsgirl.ca
PHOTOGRAPHERS RACHEL HUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY www.rachelhunterphotography.com
BEAUTY C A S S I D Y W AT T A R T I S T R Y COLLECTIVE www.cassidywattmakeup.com LIZZII BURNETT www.lizziiburnett.com
JORDANA DICKSON www.jordanadickson.com MINTED PHOTOGRAPHY www.minted-photography.com A L E X A N D R A K U R TA P H O T O G R A P H Y www.alexandrakurtaphotography.com PA L A M I K AY L A P H O T O G R A P H Y www.palasphotos.com
C AT E R I N G G U M T R E E C AT E R I N G www.gumtreecatering.com
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JEWELRY SCENIC ROUTE JEWELLERY www.scenicroutejewellery.com
G I F T S & FAV O R S WEDDING IN A BOX www.shopweddinginabox.com
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dining rehearsal dinner & day-after brunch
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T H E FI X X C A FE www.thefixxcafe.com
S A LT & B R I C K www.saltandbrick.ca
CENTRAL www.centralkelowna.com
K R A F T Y K I TCH EN + BA R www.kraftykitchen.ca
WAT ER FRO N T R E S TAU R A N T www.waterfrontrestaurant.ca
PERCH www.perch.cafe
T H E B O H EM I A N C A FE & C AT ER I N G CO M PA N Y www.bohemiancaterer.com
S U N N Y ’ S - A M O D ER N D I N ER www.sunnysmoderndiner.com
THE NEST www.thenestpenticton.com
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Q + A with
Sarah Wood Okanagan Events Girl Okanagan Events Coordinator + Stylist www.okgneventsgirl.ca @okgneventsgirl Photo by: Levi and Victoria Creative What is your favourite part of the job? Seeing guests and clients walk into the reception space for the first time because that’s when all of the anticipation and planning comes together. What is one thing you wish you could educate your clients on? The importance of understanding the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner/coordinator and the role they play in your big day. What is your dream creation? It already happened! Hint Hint: Rocky Mountain Bride Canada Spring/Summer 2021 Where do you come up with your ideas? The style and vibe of the location is where I start first! Touring a new venue is the first place I start when it comes to coordinating a wedding and coming with design styles. What is your biggest indulgence? A great bottle of wine!
this or that EARLY BIRD
NIGHT OWL
AUDIBLE
REAL BOOKS
MOUNTAIN LOVER
BEACH BUM
BAND
DJ
SOUP
SALAD
DONUTS
CAKE
HAIR UP
HAIR DOWN
NATURAL MAKEUP
BRING ON THE GLAM
TULLE
LACE
DOG
CAT
O K A N AG A N
BARN
RES TAURANT
CHURCH
COUNTRY CLUB
M US EUM
PARK
ES TATE
W INERY
GLAMPING
URBAN
LODGE
HOTEL
RES ORT
GARDEN
SKI AREA
s Tran
High Country Tree Farm
Monte Creek Ranch Winery
Dolan Creek Farm
BC Hw y 97 Durali Villa
1609 Restaurant & Lounge
Predator Ridge Resort
BC H wy 6
Lake Okanagan Resort The Okanagan Golf Club: Bear and Quail Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club Delta Hotels by The Laurel Marriott Grand Packinghouse The Maples Waterfront Okanagan Resort Resort Sandhill Wines
B C H wy 97C
Quails' Gate Winery Sanctuary Gardens
Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel
Hotel Eldorado Summerhill The View Winery Pyramid Winery & Vineyard CedarCreek Estate Winery
Summerland Waterfront Resort Bench 1775 Winery Hotel Hillside Winery & Bistro Painted Rock Estate Winery God's Mountain Estate
See Ya Later Ranch
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-C
an
igh aH ad
y1 wa
okanagan V E N U E S
bench 1775 winery 1775 naramata road penticton, british columbia (250) 490-4965 www.bench1775.com cedarcreek estate winery
5445 lakeshore road kelowna, british columbia (778) 738 - 1020 www.cedarcreek.bc.ca
laurel packinghouse
sandhill winery
1304 ellis street kelowna, british columbia (778) 478-0325 www.kelownamuseums.ca
1125 richter street kelowna, british columbia (250) 979-4211 www.sandhillwines.ca
manteo resort waterfront hotel
&
see ya later ranch
2575 green lake road okanagan falls, british columbia (250) 497-8267 www.sylranch.com
villas
3762 lakeshore road kelowna, british columbia (250) 860-1031 www.manteo.com
& spa 13011 lakeshore drive south summerland, british columbia (877) 949-8111 www.summerlandresorthotel.com
delta hotels by marriott grand
summerland waterfront resort
okanagan resort
monte creek ranch winery
1310 water street kelowna, british columbia (250) 763-4500 www.marriott.com
2420 miner’s bluff road monte creek, british columbia (250) 573-5399 www.montecreekranch.com
summerhill pyramid winery god’s mountain estate
4898 eastside road penticton, british columbia (250) 490-4800 www.godsmountain.com
the okanagan golf club: the bear the quail
3200 via centrale kelowna, british columbia (250) 765-5955 www.okanagangolfclub.com
high country tree farm
2406 wll banks road sorrento, british columbia (250) 517-0752 www.rusticwedding.ca & bistro 1350b naramata road penticton, british columbia (250) 487-1350 www.hillsidewinery.ca
painted rock estate winery
400 smythe drive penticton, british columbia (250) 493-6809 www.paintedrock.ca
hillside winery
predator ridge resort
301 village centre place vernon, british columbia (250) 542-3436 www.preadtorridge.com
hotel eldorado
500 cook road kelowna, british columbia (250) 763-7500 www.hoteleldoradokelowna.com
sanctuary gardens
3792 carrall road west kelowna, british columbia (250) 878-2116 www.sanctuarygardens.ca
&
4870 chute lake road kelowna, british columbia (800) 667-3538 www.summerhill.bc.ca & country club 5101 upper booth road south kelowna, british columbia (250) 765-7700 www.sunsetranchbc.com
sunset ranch golf
the maples waterfront resort
1283 dieppe road sorrento, british columbia (250) 675-2433 & vineyard 2287 ward road kelowna, british columbia (250) 860-0742 www.theviewwinery.com
the view winery
lake okanagan resort
2751 westside road kelowna, british columbia (250) 769-3511 www.lakeokanagan.com okanagan wedding guide 2021 / rockymountainbride.com
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