WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
ISLAND WEDDINGS VANCOUVER ISLAND & THE GULF ISLANDS
BR I DE
Say
I Do
Spoil your guests with a destination wedding in British Columbia. Experience the breathtaking beauty of our luxurious properties, where you and your guests will be treated to incredible views, exquisite dining options, and impressive accommodations. Prestige Oceanfront Resort Sooke Enjoy the secluded luxury of a seaside resort just 45 minutes from Victoria Oceanside ceremony space in a pavilion Licensed garden terrace available for cocktail receptions or post-ceremony gatherings On-site spa Reception space for up to 200 seated guests Delicious buffet, plated dinners or cocktail receptions available Elopement, mid-week, and off-season packages available 250-642-0805
sookeweddings@prestigehotels.ca
Prestige Harbourfront Resort Salmon Arm Waterfront gazebos for an outdoor ceremony for up to 150 seated guests Gorgeous views of the lake and mountains from the ceremony and reception venues Incredible catering with the only plated dinner service offered in Salmon Arm Reception space for up to 300 seated guests On-site spa and hair salon Luxurious accommodations with private balconies overlooking the lake 250-833-5800
salmonarmevents@prestigehotels.ca
With Prestige Prestige Lakeside Resort Nelson Waterfront resort with incredible mountain and lake views Indoor or outdoor ceremony spaces available Fresh culinary creations available for buffets, plated dinners or cocktail receptions Reception space for up to 250 guests Designer suites and upscale accommodations with private balconies and lake views 250-352-7222
nelsonevents@prestigehotels.ca
Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge Smithers Largest wedding and event venue in the Smithers area Scenic outdoor or cozy indoor ceremony spaces available Delicious plated or buffet dinner options available for up to 250 seated guests Elopement, mid-week, off-season, & winter wedding packages available Upgraded guestrooms with lovely mountain views. Options available, including kitchenettes, for the whole family 250-847-4581
smithersevents@prestigehotels.ca
Prestige Vernon Lodge Largest wedding space in the North Okanagan with seating for up to 500 guests All event spaces have been extensively renovated Incredible catering options for dinner or cocktail receptions Beautiful tropical garden atrium ideal for events or photoshoots Guestrooms with private balconies overlooking the atrium 250-545-3755
vernonlodgeevents@prestigehotels.ca
For more information and photos, please visit our listings on rockymountainbride.com or prestigehotelsandresorts.com
Our approach to Tofino catering is playful + modern. Taste of Tofino offers customizable catering using locally sourced ingredients from Vancouver Island and the great West Coast.
BR I DE ISLAND WEDDINGS canadian editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper
copywriter Lauren Weller
u. s. editorial COLORADO & NEW MEXICO EDITOR Brit Tucker-Kline EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens UTAH & DIGITAL EDITOR Laura Osborn IDAHO EDITOR & DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Bailey Richy
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operations CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER - Amy Wainess SALES & ACCOUNTING - Kelsey Comstock PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC An Employee-Owned & Operated Company
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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.
For a customized Victoria wedding venue that reflects your uniqueness and ingenuity of style, Inn at Laurel Point is a perfect blend of modern and classic. Situated on the Harbour in Downtown Victoria, our venue provides couples and their guests with a stunning setting and exceptional service. Our three thoughtfully curated wedding packages can be tailored to suit each couple’s style, making Inn at Laurel Point the perfect setting for a unique destination wedding.
Supplying high-end products, superior service, and tremendous local knowledge.
Tofino | Ucluelet @smashingglassesrentals smashingglasses.ca
laurelpoint.com 680 Montreal Street, Victoria B.C. 1-800-663-7667 salesandevents@laurelpoint.com @innatlaurelpointweddings
Table of Contents
40.
78.
LOVE STORIES weddings
18.
emily + owen
24.
jess + saxton
32.
colette + dana
40.
sara + nelson
54.
tahreen + shakil
70.
rachelle + dylan
78.
brittany + graeme
18.
A R E A I N F O R M AT I O N 10.
inside scoop - Seasonal weather and activities
13.
make it official - Where to get your license
86.
rehearsal dinner & brunch locations
88.
venue guide - Best local spots to tie the knot
photography: (top to bottom, left to right) shari and mike, tessa shannon, keely rae photography, kvd photography, georgia johnston
70.
24.
m i nd f u l de sig n , inte ntio n al j ewelr y
VANCOUVER & GULF ISLANDS Sun, relaxation and creative island communities await in the bustling cultural hub of this Pacific Coast group of islands.
tessa shannon leah dawson photo
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inside scoop AREA INFO Enjoy the slower pace of life and embrace the bohemian lifestyle of the locals at the Vancouver and Gulf Islands for your Rocky Mountain wedding. Islands rooted in rich cultural heritage, the islands offer fine art museums, spectacular eats and world-class outdoor activities while honoring their native beginnings. Venues range from luxe oceanfront resorts to quaint country wineries to fit any dream wedding day vision.
Fast Facts Elevation: 2,195m Population: 864,864 Vancouver Island is home to over 37 licensed wineries. Located on the Pacific Coast, the Vancouver and Gulf Islands are home to some of the best whale watching in the world. Peak season is from May to October.
HOW TO GET THERE Access to the islands is only available by air or sea. Many of the larger Gulf Islands are accessible via ferry while the smaller islands are reached by private boat or chartered seaplane service. Victoria International Airport is the largest airport among the islands and offers direct connections to larger hubs such as Seattle, Toronto, Las Vegas and Calgary.
by rail
by plane
by ferry
via rail
air canada
bc ferries
rocky mountaineer
westjet
viarail.com rockymountaineer.com
amtrak
amtrak.com
aircanada.com westjet.com
pacific coastal airlines pacificcoastal.com
central mountain air flycma.com
air north
flyairnorth.com
harbour air seaplanes harbourair.com
seair seaplanes seairseaplanes.com
helijet
helijet.com
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bcferries.com
AV E R A G E T E M P E R AT U R E S
spring
summer
autumn
winter
12°C | 4°C
19°C | 12°C
13°C | 7°C
8°C | 3°C
Most of the weather in British Columbia is influenced directly by the Pacific Ocean, which tends to bring on cooler evenings and beautiful sunny days in the summer. Prepare your guests for unpredictable weather the closer you get to the coast where afternoon rain showers are more prevalent no matter the time of year. Snow doesn’t stay long in the winter thanks to the temperate climate while spring and fall are generally the most pleasant times of year to visit the Vancouver and Gulf Islands.
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shari + mike
W H AT T O D O ideas and recommendations for you and your guests to enjoy during your wedding weekend
ADVENTURE
SHOP
adrena line zipline adventures
artful: the gallery
adrenalinezip.com
beacon hill park victoria.ca
galiano sailing charters galianosailingcharters.com
horne lake caves hornelake.com
kitty coleman woodland gardens woodlandgardens.ca
maple leaf adventures mapleleafadventures.com
mount washington mountwashington.ca
ocean ecoventures oceanecoventures.com
outer shores expeditions outershores.ca
salt spring adventure co saltspringadventures.com
step outside adventures soadventures.com
tofino botanical gardens buchartgardens.com
vancouver island expeditions vancouverislandexpeditions.com
vancouver island whale watch vancouverislandwhalewatch.com
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RELAX ancient cedars spa
artfulthegallery.com
wickinn.com/ancient-cedars-spa
crowfoot collective
ciderworks
crowfootcollective.com
ladysmith waterfront gallery ladysmitharts.ca
island clayworks islandclayworks.com
salt spring gallery of fine art saltspringgallery.com
the glass foundry
ciderworks.ca
clayoquot wilderness resort clayoquotwildernesslodge.com/spa
galiano oceanfront inn and spa galianoinn.com
garry oaks estate winery garryoakswinery.com
nimmo bay resort
theglassfoundry.com
nimmobay.com/wellness
treewind studio
ritual nordic spa
davidstevens.ca
west end gallery
westendgalleryltd.com
ritualnordicspa.com
serenity by the sea retreat serenitybythesea.com
tea at the empress teattheempress.com
the salt spring centre of yoga saltspringcentre.com
wetherly inn wetherlyinn.com
tessa shannon
MAKE IT OFFICIAL In the three months prior to your wedding date, you must obtain a marriage licence in Victoria, British Columbia. Only one member of the couple is required to apply for a licence, but they must apply in person and be able to show primary identification for both parties. The marriage licence is $100 and is non-refundable. You can search for the nearest marriage licence issuer in the British Columbia area at connect.health.gov.bc.ca/marriage-offices.
British Columbia Marriage Licence Vital Statistics Agency P.O. Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, British Columbia connect.health.gov.bc.ca/marriage-offices
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Photo by I tk asanImages
A FARM ESCAPE BETWEEN FOREST & SEA
VANCOUVER ISLAND www.bilston.ca
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simone martin Luxury Bridal Accessories, for lovers everywhere.
www.simone-martin.com 402 W Pender, Vancouver Select Retailers Worldwide photography by meghan hemstra the islands 2024 / rockymountainbride.com
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REAL WEDDINGS 16
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EMILY + OWEN Emily and Owen were introduced by mutual friends and remained friends for eight months prior to dating. Their friendship was built on game nights and days filled with adventure, which translated seamlessly into a budding romance over the next year. Owen proposed to Emily in the early hours of August 16, 2022 on Gabriola Island at Drumbeg Park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park was completely empty, barring Emily, Owen and a few of their friends hiding in the bushes to capture their proposal.
Emily and Owen’s proposal was completely surreal and magical. Emily remembers every detail and felt as though it happened so fast, yet at the same time it felt like time was standing still. As Owen got down on one knee and told Emily she was the most precious thing to him, a seal popped his head out of the water! They spent the next hours celebrating with their friends and soaking in the moment of their special engagement.
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alicia lucia photogrpahy
They both knew they wanted an intimate wedding and planned their day surrounding the idea of creating meaningful and important moments. Emily and Owen planned a late June wedding at Enrico Winery with less than 100 of their closest friends and family in attendance. Their wedding day was filled with special moments of friends and family coming together to celebrate Emily and Owen, spectacular views of Vancouver Island and the ultimate celebration of love.
VENDORS Venue Enrico Winery | enricowinery.com Photographer Keely Rae Photography | keelyraephotography.com Rentals Special Occasions | specialoccasionsparty.ca Catering Island Culinary Service Inc. | islandculinaryservice.ca Bridal Boutique The Bridal Gallery | thebridalgallery.com Gown Designer Mikaella Bridal | palomablanca.com/mikaella Bride’s Shoes Steve Madden | stevemadden.com Bride’s Jewelry Monica Vinader | monicavinader.com Bride’s Ring Designer Brilliant Earth | brilliantearth.com Bridesmaids’ Dresses Azazie | azazie.com Park and Fifth Co. | parkandfifthco.com Hair Taylor Bartel Hair | @hairbytaylorbartel Makeup Tamara Martin Makeup | @tamaramartinmakeup
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JESS + SAXTON Jess and Saxton met by chance. She had applied to work at different restaurants in Victoria and happened to get hired at the Irish Times Pub. After Jess met Saxton at work, they started randomly bumping into each other everywhere! It felt like a sign and that’s where their crush really grew. They began spending more intentional time together and soon fell head over heels for each other. Saxton proposed at the site of their first date and they spent the next year and half planning a dreamy wedding at Dolphins Resort. the islands 2024 / rockymountainbride.com
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They tied the knot in a colourful oceanfront ceremony on a beautifully sunny August day in Campbell River. Jess and Saxton both knew they wanted their wedding day to be about one thing: celebration. Both raised on the west coast, Jess and Saxton envisioned a modern, west coast wedding that was tasteful and didn’t feel overly fussy. Jess’ favorite moment from the day was walking back up the aisle after the ceremony where their friends and family were cheering, laughing, crying and throwing flowers in the air. It made her feel as though she had just made the best decision of her entire life.
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“Because Saxton and I live abroad, our time on the west coast is precious and we want to spend it with family. After our wedding, we headed to our cabin on Galiano Island with my sister and her husband. When they got married, we had done the same thing so it felt like tradition! We hung out, swam in the ocean, popped some champagne and went for boat rides. It was a very relaxing and restful couple of days which was perfect after the busy wedding weekend.”
-VENDORSVenue Dolphins Resort | dolphinsresort.com Photographer Georgia Johnston | georgiajohnston.com Florist Keep Floral Studio | keepfloral.com Music & Entertainment Airwaves Music DJs | airwavesmusic.ca Bridal Boutique Blush Bridal Boutique | blushvictoria.com Gown Designer Theia Couture | theiacouture.com Maggie Sottero | maggiesottero.com Bride’s Jewelry Maison Sabben | maisonsabben.com Bridesmaids’ Dresses Reformation | thereformation.com Hair Salty Dolls Hair Salon | saltydollshairsalon.com
COLETTE + DANA Colette and Dana originally met in grade 11 French class where they dated for three years, broke up for six years with no contact and rekindled their love for each other. Their tumultuous relationship has stood the test of time and they’ve since been together for over ten years. Dana popped the question on a trip to Hornby Island under the stars. They spent the day at the beach before heading home to grab supplies for an epic beach bonfire where Dana played “Dancing in the Moonlight” before proposing to Colette. It was intimate, special and perfect for the two of them.
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“We love the Gulf Islands so much that we wanted to be married in one of our favourite places!”
Colette and Dana planned a unique summer wedding on Salt Spring Island at Bullock Lake Farm. They were married under a blow up cathedral, recreated by Colette’s dad, based on the same one her parents were married under 35 years earlier. Their wedding day was saturated with creativity and fun created by their closest friends and family. There were too many favourite moments of the day to count, but Colette loved their first look and taking bridal party photos. Colette and Dana ended their dream wedding day dancing the night away after celebrating the beginning of the next chapter of their love story.
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VENDORS Venue & Florals Bullock Lake Farm | bullocklakefarm.com Photographer Nomad by NK | nomadbynk.com Videographer Lee Wedding Films | leeweddingfilms.ca Invitations Minted | minted.com Catering The Woodshed | woodshedprovisions.com Sweets The Salty Whisk | thesaltywhisk.com Accommodations The Cottages on Salt Spring Island cottagesonsaltspring.com Transportation Tour Salt Spring | toursaltspring.com Bridal Boutique Everly Bridal | everlyfinebridal.com Gown Designer Alena Leena | alenaleena.com Bride’s Veil Davie and Chiyo | etsy.com/shop/tempetebrand Bride’s Shoes Stuart Weitzman | stuartweitzman.com Bride’s Jewelry Grainne Morton | grainnemorton.co.uk Bride’s Ring Designer Digby & Iona | digbyandiona.com Hair Andrea Turley | @hairbyandrea.t Makeup Makeup by Laurel | facebook.com/makeupbylaurel Groom’s Attire Roberto Cavalli | robertocavalli.com
SARA + NELSON Sara and Nelson knew each other long before their official love story began. They went to high school together on the Sunshine Coast, but never talked despite being in the same grade and attending the same school. They met again at the age of 25 on Tinder in Victoria, British Columbia and the rest is history. Sara and Nelson dated for five years before getting engaged. Nelson planned a special engagement on Sara’s 30th birthday weekend at Villa Eyrie, a luxury resort in Victoria. They planned an early fall wedding at Keating Farm in Duncan, British Columbia with moody fall colors and touches of rustic farm charm. Sara credits Caitlin, VOW & Co. owner and lead planner, with making the wedding planning process fun and seamless. Both from the Sunshine Coast, Sara and Nelson knew they wanted their wedding day to reflect every inch of beauty the coast has to offer.
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From the greenery flecked mobile bar to the stunning bohemian barn reception, Sara and Nelson’s vision of a day marked with romantic bohemian elements came to life at Keating Farm. Every inch of their day was filled with quaint moments in a ring warming ceremony, locally sourced farm to table dinner from Mensch Kitchen Catering, and cocktail hour with music provided by Cascadia Strings.
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VENDORS Venue Keating Farm | keatingfarm.ca Wedding Planner VOW & Co. | vowandco.com Photographer Shari and Mike | shariandmike.ca Videographer Lily Ventures Creative | lily-ventures.com Florist Apothecary Floral | apothecaryfloral.com Invitations Minted | minted.com Paper & Calligraphy Petite Paperie Design Co. | petitepaperiedesignco. com Catering Mensch Kitchen and Catering | menschkitchen.ca Beverage The Cabinet Mobile Bar | thecabinetmobilebar.ca Sweets Cobble Hill Cake Co. | @cobblehillcakeco Music & Entertainment About Town Entertainment | abouttownentertainment.com Officiant Bride’s Aunt! Accommodations Villa Eyrie Resort | villaeyrie.com Transportation LA Limo | lalimo.ca Bridal Boutique Blush Bridal Boutique | blushvictoria.com Gown Designer Martina Liana | essensedesigns.com Bride’s Shoes Jimmy Choo | jimmychoo.com Hair Monica Manes | @manesmonica Groom’s Attire Tom James | tomjames.com Groomsmen’s Attire Moores | mooresclothing.ca
TAHREEN + SHAKIL Tahreen and Shakil don’t exactly agree with the facts of the events that lead to their relationship. Six years ago, on his 23rd birthday, Shakil met Tahreen on a ferry headed to Vancouver Island, where they would get to know each other over the next three weeks as counsellors for a youth summer camp. He was instantly smitten with Tahreen and enjoyed getting to know her more throughout the three weeks of camp, but thought she lost interest in him by the end. Soon after the camp, Tahreen caught wind that Shakil liked someone else, and in desperation of losing her shot with him, decided to slide into his DM’s.
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They spent the next four years doing long distance before finally moving in together in the same city as Tahreen started her pediatric residency in Ottawa. Shakil knew early on that he would propose to Tahreen, but was aware of her Sherlock-esque deductive capabilities. To prevent her from uncovering his intentions, Shakil started downplaying his intention on any possible future proposal a year in advance. His skills might have worked a little too well and started to upset Tahreen. Unbeknownst to her, Shakil was spending his days scouting proposal spots and picking out the perfect ring that reflected his love for Tahreen. Shakil proposed on a quaint bridge over a stream hidden inside Ottawa’s Fletcher Wildlife Gardens, and the rest is history.
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“We met each other on a small British Columbia island and loved spending many summers together in the outdoors and around nature. We also have a very strong relationship with our loved ones and don’t get to spend nearly enough time with all of them. We knew that for our wedding celebration what we wanted above all else was to spend time with our loved ones in a relaxed setting and be able to connect with each and every one of them in a very personal and intentional way. Combining these two ideas, we made the decision to host a majority of our celebration on Galiano Island. We were hoping for guests to join us, and maybe even unplug, on our west coast wedding getaway and take the opportunity to connect after so much time had been spent apart.”
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Tahreen and Shakil were incredibly fortunate to have Alicia of Alicia Keats Wedding and Events help them create the most memorable moment in their lives. She was their rock for two years when COVID uncertainties delayed their wedding and lost them their venue. She went absolutely above and beyond with every detail and always had their best interests at heart. They wanted to incorporate their personalities in every wedding activity, including their pre-wedding Pithi Puro celebration. As Jeopardy aficionados, Tahreen and Shakil made their own Jeopardy game with questions based on them. They shared laughs with family and friends, and were grateful for the special time together before the wedding day.
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Another important representation of their heritage was solidifying their marriage through a Nikah Ceremony. The officiant of the wedding ceremonies happened to be the pediatrician who delivered Tahreen as a baby and then who became her mentor during medical school and residency. It made the day that much more special to incorporate special elements from their culture and people who meant the most to them. Tahreen and Shakil knew Galiano Island was the perfect backdrop for their wedding day and were grateful to their photographers, Blush Wedding Photography, for scoping out a beautiful cliffside for surreal wedding photos and another way to reflect the beauty of the Island in their wedding day.
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“When planning your wedding, do what’s important and meaningful to you as a couple. You might face some naysayers, but stick to what feels right and represents you best. You don’t need to impress anyone, let your personalities shine through your wedding.”
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VENDORS Venue Bodega Ridge | bodegaridge.com Wallace Venue | wallacevenue.com Wedding Planner Alicia Keats Weddings & Events | aliciakeats.com Photographer Blush Wedding Photography | blushweddingphotography.org Videographer Third Eye Pro | thirdeyepro.ca Florist Raspberry Flowers | raspberryflowers.com Koncept Event Design | koncepteventdesign.com Rentals Trend Décor | trenddecorevents.com Catering Balram Bali Catering | @balram_bali Music & Entertainment Neky Mahmud Bridal Boutique Revelle Bridal | revellebridal.com Bridal Mendhi Munira Motani Bridesmaids’ Dresses Park & Fifth Co. | parkandfifthco.com Hair & Makeup Faye Smith Agency | fayesmith.ca Groom’s Attire Harry Rosen | harryrosen.com Groomsmen’s Attire Indochino | indochino.com
RACHELLE + DYLAN
Rachelle and Dylan were introduced by a mutual friend during a country concert. They spent the next two years doing long distance before Dylan proposed during a special weekend trip to Calgary revisiting all of the places that held so many memories during their relationship. Their wedding day at the Inn at Laurel Point was classic and minimal. Rachelle and David decided to exchange vows privately on the beach after their ceremony, and still remains the most special part of their wedding day. Having all of their friends and family together celebrating their love was something that either of them will never forget.
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“I had always dreamed of being married by the ocean and Victoria is one of my favourite cities. Dylan grew up vacationing on the island with his family, so it was a special place for him as well. We spent a few weekends visiting Victoria together and knew it was the perfect place for our wedding.”
VENDORS Venue Inn at Laurel Point | laurelpoint.com Photographer KVD Photography | kvdphotographs.com Videographer Paper Heart Films | paperheartfilms.ca Florist Poppies Floral Art | poppiesfloralart.com Music & Entertainment Cascadia Strings | facebook.com/cascadiastringscollective Do It All Entertainment | doitall.ca Bridal Boutique The Bridal Boutique - Calgary | thebridalboutique.ca Gown Designer Made With Love Bridal | madewithlovebridal.com Bride’s Shoes Aldo | aldoshoes.com Bride’s Ring Designer Blue Nile | bluenile.com Bridesmaids’ Dresses BHLDN | anthropologie.com/brands/bhldn Hair & Makeup Kreativ Beauty | kreativbeauty.com Groom’s Attire Harry Rosen | harryrosen.com Groom’s Shoes Luca Del Forte | brownsshoes.com Groomsmen’s Attire Capital City Tuxedo | citytux.com
BRITTANY + GRAEME
Both Brittany and Graeme grew up on Vancouver Island. They met by chance when Brittany returned back to Vancouver Island after tragedy struck with the death of her mom. Brittany considers Graeme her biggest blessing as they’ve supported each other through tough times and forged a love story they are both very proud of. They got engaged on a family trip in Spain and quickly began planning their coastal chic wedding at Poet’s Cove Resort and Spa. Brittany, who’s worked in the wedding industry for six years, knew she wanted a wedding that combined whimsical and pastel elements with a touch of French elegance.
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VENDORS Venue & Catering Poet’s Cove Resort & Spa | poetscove.com Photographer Tessa Shannon | tessashannon.com Florist Beyond the Bloom | beyondthebloom.ca Invitations Minted | minted.com Rentals Partymood | partymood.com Sweets Sidney Bakery | sidneybakery.ca Music & Entertainment Sound Choice Music | thesoundchoice.ca Officiant Young, Hip andMarried | younghipandmarried.com Bridal Boutique & Gown Designer KYHA Studios | kyhastudios.com Bride’s Shoes Badgley Mischka | badgleymischka.com Bride’s Ring Designer Peoples Jewellery | peoplesjewellers.com Bridesmaids’ Dresses Show Me Your Mumu | showmeyourmumu.com White Fox Hair & Makeup Kira Kreativ | kirakreativ.com Groom’s Attire Capital City Tuxedo | citytux.com Groom’s Accessories Moores | mooresclothing.ca Groom’s Shoes Steve Madden | stevemadden.ca Honeymoon Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres | majestic-resorts.com
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dining rehearsal dinner & day-after brunch
Step into luxury and enjoy delicious eats with those you love the most. Celebrate the start of your wedding weekend or the final farewell before your guests depart at one of these local rehearsal dinner and brunch restaurants. Elegant fine dining and carefully hand-crafted cocktails await your arrival!
RE STAUR ANTS REHEARSAL DINNER cuckoo’s trattoria & pizzeria | cuckooincoombs.com four mile brewpub | fourmilehouse.com jack’s place | jacksplacebearmountain.ca lido bar & bistro | lidobistro.com mahle house restaurant | mahlehouse.ca riva | rivasidney.ca stonehouse restaurant & pub | stonehousepub.ca the old firehouse wine & cocktail bar | theoldfirehouse.ca woodstone restaurant & patio | woodstonegaliano.com zambri’s | zambris.ca BRUNCH blue fox cafe | thebluefoxcafe.com boom + batten | boomandbatten.com brunch on 3rd | brunchon3rd.com gabriel’s cafe | vifoodgroup.com heron rock bistro | heronrockbistro.ca jam cafe | jamcafes.com
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shari and mike
chua lee photography
VENUES Best local spots to tie the knot 40 knots winery | 40knotswinery.com
gowlland harbour resort | gowllandharbour.com
affinity guest house | affinityguesthouse.ca
goward house | gowardhouse.com haig brown heritage house | haig-brown.bc.ca harbour house hotel | saltspringharbourhouse.com hastings house country house hotel | hastingshouse.com hatley castle | hatleycastle.com hotel grand pacific | hotelgrandpacific.com horticultural centre of the pacific | hcp.ca huntingdon manor | huntingdonmanor.com inn at laurel point | laurelpoint.com keating farm | keatingfarm.ca kildara farms | kildarafarms.com langtry walk | langtrywalk.ca maple grove guest house | maplegroveguesthouse.ca milner gardens & woodland | milnergardens.viu.ca millstone estate winery | millstonewinery.ca nanaimo golf club | nanaimogolfclub.ca noisy acres | noisyacres.ca oak bay beach hotel | oakbaybeachhotel.com olympic view golf club | olympicviewgolf.com painter’s lodge | painterslodge.com pendray inn & tea house | pendrayinnandteahouse.com poet’s cove resort & spa | poetscove.com pointhouse suites on sargeant bay | pointhouse.ca prospect lake community hall | pldcahall.rentals rockwater secret cove resort | rockwatersecretcoveresort.com sea breeze lodge | seabreezelodge.com
anchor inn & suites | anchorinn.ca arbutus ridge golf club | arbutusridge.com bear mountain resort | bearmountain.ca bilston creek farm | bilston.ca bird’s eye cove farm | birdseyecovefarm.com black rock oceanfront resort | blackrockresort.com bodega ridge | bodegaridge.com bowen island lodge | bowenislandlodge.ca bullock lake farm | bullocklakefarm.com cedar haven | cedarhavenweddings.com church & state wines | churchandstatewines.com craidelonna oceanedge lodging | craidelonna.com crown isle resort & golf | crownisle.com cusheon lake resort | cusheonlake.com deep cove winery | deepcovewinery.ca dolphins resort | dolphinsresort.com duck creek farm | duckcreek.ca empress acres | empressacres.ca enrico winery | enricowinery.com fireside grill | firesidegrill.com fortune gallery | fortunegallery.ca galiano inn oceanfront inn & spa | galianoinn.com
the islands 2024 / rockymountainbride.com
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black rock oceanfront resort 596 MARINE DRIVE, UCLUELET | 250.726.4800 | BLACKROCKRESORT.COM The breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific shoreline from Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is both relaxing and stimulating; encouraging creative thinking and renewed energy. Perched on the rocky headlands above the Pacific Ocean, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort features exceptional space for meetings, special events, receptions, corporate retreats, conferences and weddings of eight to 75 people. With its spectacular, awe-inspiring natural setting, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is the perfect location.
Notes: Open year-round Indoor & outdoor spaces Inclement weather backup In-house catering & beverages 12 a.m. curfew Bridal suite on-site Guest accommodations on-site Wedding planner optional, venue coordinator provided Rentals included: tables, chairs, basic linens & place settings 75 person capacity Pet friendly
VISIT VENUE photography by: jen mcleod photography & michal hack hotel / resort - british columbia
bliston creek farm 4185 METCHOSIN RD, VICTORIA | 778.533.7550 | BILSTON.CA In 1851 Bilston Creek Farm became one of the first registered settlements of the Hudson’s Bay Company, under the leadership of James Douglas at Fort Victoria, several years before BC or Canada would be founded. For a century and a half it was farmed by the Witty family, and remnants of that time still remain, from heritage apple trees, to beautiful old barn board, to rusted tools and WW1 trench art found buried in the earth. When we discovered the farm, it had been left fallow for decades, but we could see the beauty beneath the brambles right away. Those years of wild growth left behind perfect soil for growing lavender, the inspiration for our flagship crop. Today our vision is to build a farm that will remain for centuries to come, where anyone can come to experience the magic of farming. We hope you’ll be a part of it!
Notes: Open seasonally Indoor & outdoor spaces Inclement weather backup Catering & beverages provided by outside vendors Bridal suite on-site Guest accommodations on-site Wedding planner optional Rentals included: tables & chairs 150 person capacity
VISIT VENUE farm / garden - british columbia
inn at laurel point 680 MONTREAL STREET, VICTORIA | 250.414.6733 | LAURELPOINT.COM When it comes to choosing a wedding venue in Victoria that’s got a stunning setting, exceptional service-oriented staff, and lots of versatile options, the Inn at Laurel Point won’t disappoint. With unique wedding ideas that are perfect for small weddings and big ones, you’ll get to choose whether you want to say your “I dos” in the garden, by the water, or overlooking the city’s harbours. As an award-winning wedding venue, receiving a Vancouver Island Wedding Award in 2018 and being named a Professional BC Wedding Award a finalist, you’ll love getting married at the Inn (almost as much as you love your partner). Our wedding planners will work with you to have an indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony and reception that’s as memorable as it is fun-tastic. We also offer our wedding couples custom cake creations, including deconstructed cake tastings where you’ll have a chance to really dig into flavour profiles. We’ll work with you to make sure your wedding is absolutely perfect, down to the smallest piped buttercream swirl.
Notes: Open year-round Indoor & outdoor spaces Incliment weather backup In-house catering & beverages 1 a.m. Curfew Guest accommodations on-site Wedding planner optional, on-site event planner provided Rentals included: Tdance floor, tables, chairs, linens, place settings & glassware 200 person capacity
VISIT VENUE INN / HOTEL / RESORT - BRITISH COLUMBIA
keating farm 5250 MILLER ROAD, VANCOUVER ISLAND | 250.797.6179 | KEATINGFARM.CA Located in the heart of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Keating Farm provides a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We offer a private retreat to celebrate your most joyous occasions with your loved ones. You and your closest family and friends can settle into the on site accommodations so you can savour every moment. Relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of farm life while celebrating your wedding. We offer a variety of stunning indoor and outdoor spaces for your event and can comfortably accommodate small intimate gatherings and larger groups of up to 130 guests. With an award winning late-1800’s heritage farmhouse, gorgeous heritage big timber frame hay barn, and numerous outdoor spaces with extraordinary views, you are sure to find the perfect backdrop for every moment of your event. Create the wedding of your dreams at one of the most unique and versatile wedding venues in British Columbia. Keating Farm is guaranteed to provide you and your guests an experience of a lifetime.
Notes: Open year-round Indoor & outdoor spaces Inclement weather backup Outside catering Outside alcohol allowed 12 a.m. Curfew Bridal suite On-site Guest accommodations On-site Wedding planner required Rentals included: tables, chairs, bar, sound system & more 130 person capacity One event per day Pet friendly
VISIT VENUE photography by: paramount weddings
ESTATE / FARM - BRITISH COLUMBIA
oak bay beach hotel 1175 BEACH DRIVE, VICTORIA | 250.598.4556 | OAKBAYBEACHHOTEL.COM We want to recreate your vision, bringing your love story to life. Only minutes from downtown Victoria, yet tucked away on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a majestic location for your wedding with breathtaking ocean views and luxurious details. Voted the Best Hotel Wedding Venue by the Vancouver Island Wedding Industry, choose from a variety of reception spaces, each providing the perfect backdrop to indulge in our crafted culinary delights and dance the night away.
Notes: Open year-round Indoor & outdoor spaces Inclement weather backup On-site catering & beverages 12 a.m. Curfew Bridal suite on-site Guest accommodations on-site Wedding planner required 120 person capacity
VISIT VENUE photography by: (left & bottom) georgia johnston photography
RESORT - BRITISH COLUMBIA
prestige oceanfront resort 6929 W COAST RD, SOOKE | 250.642.0805 | PRESTIGEHOTELSANDRESORTS.COM Approximately 35 kilometers from downtown Victoria, tucked amid rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and mountains is charming Sooke, British Columbia; a small seaside community full of personality and culture. A hidden gem on Vancouver Island, Sooke provides access to experience nature at its finest. The activities and tours available to experience the Sooke lifestyle are endless. Embrace the adventure with whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and zip-lining or take a stroll on the waterfront walkway and encounter an abundance of marine life. From surfing the waves at Sombrio Beach to sport fishing at Otter Point, Sooke is nothing short of an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The arts and cultural side of this quaint community is exciting and colorful. Sooke Fine Arts Show is Vancouver Island’s most popular summer arts event. The show features artwork from some of BC coastal islands’ finest artists.
Notes: Open year-round In-house catering & beverages Bridal suite On-site Guest accommodations On-site Wedding planner optional Rentals included: tables, chairs, linens, china, and outside vendors welcomed Pet friendly
VISIT VENUE RESORT - BRITISH COLUMBIA
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