Tie The Knot by Times Colonist

SEPTEMBER 2021

Vancouver Island's Wedding Guide to venues and more!

2 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

TIMES COLONIST | TIE THE KNOT

From start to finish, the wedding planner at the Royal Canadian Legion in Langford will help make your wedding day perfect and complete.

A perfect wedding day, from start to finish Need a Hall for Your Event? WHY NOT THE

(MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED) 200-300 PEOPLE CAPACITY FULL IN-HOUSE CATERING Services: • Linen • Reasonably Priced Bar • Plenty of Parking • Wi-Fi • Large Stage/Sound System • Professional Decorator Referral Available

FOR EVENT INFORMATION OR CONSULTATION PLEASE CALL 250-478-1828 761 Station Ave. manager@rcl91.ca Victoria

By Bea LeBlanc Ways & Means Chair, Langford Legion

he other day, I was approached by a woman who wanted information about renting our hall for her son’s upcoming wedding. I provided her with our catering menu and costs for renting the auditorium. The next day she emailed me and asked if I could meet with the bride, as she was interested in seeing the hall and finding out more about our venue. Two days later, I met with not only the bride but her mother, the mother-in-law and two bridesmaids! They were very pleased with the size of the hall and started talking about how the decorations could be placed. It was like they saw it as a large, blank canvas to decorate at will. I told them that we also had

a decorator and DJ that we could recommend if they needed either of these services. Once the availability of the hall for the date they wanted was confirmed, we started to discuss the menu, bar service and room set-up, colour theme, etc. We were able to make changes to the menu that suited her needs and also fell within her budget. During the course of this discussion, I discovered that they still hadn’t decided where they were going to have the ceremony. As this was a small wedding, I suggested that they have the ceremony here, as the hall could be divided in such a way that the ceremony could take place at the back of the hall and the reception at the front. The arbour could be decorated with her colours, covered chairs with matching sashes could be set up in two rows with a carpet down the centre.

Once the “I do’s” were completed and the bridal party left for pictures, the guests who needed somewhere to go before dinner could utilize the lounge or games room while waiting until it was time for the reception. A Designated Driver was also made available to ensure guests made it home safely. When the family returned to the branch the day after the wedding to pick up the decorations, etc., they couldn’t say enough as to how appreciative they were about the quality of service they had received, right from the planning stages, and all the way through to the clean-up the day after their event, and how it had made their special day one to remember. Prince Edward Branch 91, Royal Canadian Legion, Langford, rcl91.ca

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estled between the pristine temperate Rainforest and breathtaking Pacific Ocean, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is a wonderful wedding destination for couples looking for a West Coast wedding adventure. Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is a 133-suite full-service resort featuring Currents Restaurant, Big Beach Lounge, and Drift Spa. They offer sweeping ocean views which provides the perfect backdrop for your special day! Black Rock Oceanfront Resort offers many options for ceremonies from a small intimate beach wedding nestled among the rocks, to a more

formal ceremony on the patio. Then move your celebration to the Wine Cellar which can accommodate up to 45 people for dinner or for a larger gathering the Rainforest Ballroom can accommodate up to 75 people. The Chef and culinary team will delight your senses as they offer the very best that Vancouver Island has to offer. Their Events team will help you with all the details. You will not have to lift a finger on your day! Located in Ucluelet, BC, we live life on the edge! • Largest venue on the west coast: can accommodate up to 120 people for ceremony & reception • 133 suites • Ocean views • Indoor & outdoor ceremony options • On-site catering • Event Manager to assist you with your details included blackrockresort.com

discover black rock DREAM WEDDINGS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND Plan your dream wedding at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort and experience a lifetime of amazing memories

Vancouver Island's Professional Choice For all your transportation needs

Introducing All-Electric, Audi e-tron SUVs!

UCLUELET • BC

100%

AMAZING 250-391-9000 www.lalimo.ca info@lalimo.ca

1-877-762-5011 www.blackrockresort.com

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TIMES COLONIST | TIE THE KNOT

Please allow us to introduce our secret garden and famous view…

pon arrival, guests will experience our hidden, Japanese Garden ceremony site in full bloom with a tranquil waterfall. As guests are seated, the wedding party will meander down a short path, cross over a beautiful bridge and finally make a grand entrance. The backdrop will be our famous view of the Satellite

Channel, Salt Spring Island and Manley Farm. This view is enhanced even further for the reception, with Mt. Baker appearing in the East over the Saanich Peninsula through floor to ceiling windows. Our private banquet room with wrap around patio allows for socializing while the wedding party takes some pictures from our many viewpoints, followed

ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO

All eyes are on you as you take the floor

by an unforgettable meal. A waterfront resort with stunning views is conveniently located just 8 minutes away for out-oftown guests. The scenic Arbutus Ridge Golf Club is located just 25 minutes from the outskirts of Victoria, 15 minutes from Duncan and is directly surrounded by nine wineries. Wedding services include a ceremony site, reception room, photo options, on-site coordination, bridal room, audio-visual access, and many food and beverage selections and services to make a lasting memory. The culinary team uses fresh ingredients including items from their herb garden to dazzle the taste buds. Our Event Coordinator will ensure every detail is perfect for the special day. Contact us for a site tour at 250.743.5100 x27

ll eyes are on you as you take the floor… spinning and swaying in perfect harmony. This is a once in a lifetime moment. Your first dance as husband and wife. Let the professionals at Arthur Murray help you create the dance you envision. Most couples say that taking dance lessons together was the most fun they had in preparation for their wedding! With over 100 years of experience, we’ve taught everything from a romantic Rumba to a traditional Waltz to a spicy Salsa. The possibilities are truly endless. What are you waiting for? 3567 Ravine Way, Phone: 250-940-6050 victoriaarthurmurray.com

Ceremonies | Receptions Wedding Coordination

The Perfect First Dance

Arthur Murray Dance Studio Victoria 250.743.5100 | 3515 Telegraph Rd., Cobble Hill, BC | arbutusridge.com

www.VictoriaArthurMurray.com

3567 Ravine Way, Victoria

250-940-6050

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Wilson’s Transportation be the perfect solution to all your wedding transportation needs. Wilson’s Transportation is locally owned and operated and is Vancouver Island’s largest motor coach company with over 150 vehicles in the fleet. Popular choices

for weddings include 15 passenger sprinter vans, 24 or 56 passenger coaches and school buses have been super popular in the past few years. Another option that Wilson’s has to offer in their fleet is the VIP 38 passenger luxury coach. This beautiful coach offers leather seats, LCD screens, a great sound system, and the always important USB chargers to keep those phones charged and ready to grab those special wedding moments. Call the expert team at Wilson’s to discuss your wedding needs 250.475.3235 or visit gowilsonsgroup.com

lanning a wedding can be an exciting and stressful time in one’s life. There are so many things to order and arrange. One thing many people don’t think about is a wedding bus rental. This can be used as an alternative to a limousine or car service. It can also be a great way to transport guests to and from the wedding venue. This is perfect if the venue is a long distance away or to make it so that your guests are safe getting to and from not only the wedding but also to and more importantly from the reception. A wedding bus rental can

Going the Extra Mile... So you and your Guests don’t have to! Our experienced staff are here to help plan your wedding day transportation! Call 250-475-3235 or Email sales@gowilsonsgroup.com

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TIMES COLONIST | TIE THE KNOT

An unequalled air of fantasy and romance

PHOTO: NICHOLE TAYLOR

PHOTO: D. LOWES

t. Ann’s Academy, a National Historic Site, has a rich history in Victoria. This stunning location has elegant indoor, outdoor and combination settings available to suit your unique love story. Outside, the Academy grounds feature a variety of garden settings – two in particular that are ideally suited to outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The Novitiate Garden is very secluded, which makes it the ideal location for an outdoor ceremony and smaller reception. The verdant green manicured lawn, perimeter flowerbeds and gazebo create a pleasing, cozy atmosphere.

Photo by D. Lowes

are few, if any, locations in Victoria Twithherewedding facilities that match those of

• Private Garden • Historical Chapel

• Large Outdoor Green Space • Theatre-style Auditorium

St. Ann’s Academy, 835 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC

250-953-8829

stannsacademy.com

For larger scale affairs, the Academy Green offers a sunny field as well as shade under the canopy of grand trees. Inside, the Academy offers a chapel, parlours and a spacious foyer. The chapel is the true jewel of the Academy. Built in 1858, the chapel’s gently flattened arches and hand carved and gilded ornamentation is reminiscent of the

baroque inspired chapels common in Quebec. With golden sunlight cascading through its original art-glass windows, the chapel lends an unequalled air of fantasy and romance to every wedding held within. Though historically Roman Catholic, the chapel has been rededicated as an interfaith chapel, welcoming everyone’s beliefs.

If you prefer something less religiously-reminiscent, St. Ann’s also has a theatre-style auditorium with beautiful art-glass windows and a greater capacity for your special day. Experience the ultimate romantic wedding at St. Ann’s Academy. The historic buildings are the perfect location for your wedding photos. stannsacademy.com

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Service with a smile. Service you can count on…..PERFECT!

THE RUSSIAN TAILOR

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

Custom Tailoring & expert alterations

Knight Limousine K New to The Russian Tailor — The Russian Tailor Boutique — a sparkling, trendy boutique specializing in party, prom and cocktail dresses, including formal and evening gowns for special events. You are sure to be a hit at your special occasion in fashions from The Russian Tailor Boutique.

he new premises of The Russian Tailor, situated in the shadow of Victoria’s City Hall, is the culmination of Irina Sitonin’s lifetime of experience. Visit Irina’s spacious shop, where she specializes in alterations, customdesigned bridal and formal gowns, suits and shirts. Irina’s lifelong dream has been realized in her tailoring business, in which she is delighted to share her gift and passion for tailoring beautiful custom clothing with her clients. Growing up in St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina was taught to sew by her grandmother before she was five. By the fifth grade in Russian public school, Irina was taking sewing lessons twice a week. By grade 8, she had attended sewing college in St. Petersburg and finished her high school education over the same four-year period. She went on to apprentice under a master tailor at a clothing manufacturer in St. Petersburg. Irina’s business, The Russian Tailor, is the culmination of a lifetime of experience, a creative and discerning eye and a love of quality apparel. In realizing a lifelong dream,

Irina is delighted to share her gift and passion for tailoring. With a creative and discerning eye, she creates beautiful custom clothing for her clients. “This work is my love, my life,” said the vivacious red-headed Irina, “and I like people. Seeing all the customers, brides and bridesmaids so happy and excited is such a great thing.” Visit Irina and experience for yourself the artistry that an expert tailor can bring to your wardrobe. The Russian Tailor is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction, with a large variety of options to choose from. russiantailor.com

night Limousine has the ideal solution for all your wedding day transportation needs. We offer a worry free, full range service, including if required, wheelchair accessibility. Knight Limousine is family owned & operated since 1991. We are trustworthy and affordable, with professional, safe, friendly, helpful and courteous drivers. We understand exactly what is required to take care of your transportation needs… on this your very special day. We will discuss your requirements and concerns with you and together decide which vehicles will suit you best. KNIGHT LIMOUSINE’S FLEET INCLUDES 13 VEHICLES: • Sedans • Minivans • SUVs • Full size vans • Mini coaches knight-limousine.ca

www.knight-limousine.com Professional, Quality Transportation Service. Let us transport your family or group in comfort & safety.

Our Fleet:

• Clean/well maintained, 100% non-smoking • Sedans, minivans, SUVs & mini coaches, up to 24 passengers • Excellent Airport, Ferry & Charter Rates • Wheelchair accessible vehicles available

The

“RUSSIAN TAILOR” Expert Wedding Dress Alterations • Custom Wedding Dresses • Add a Custom Bolero Jackets or Sleeves to Your Wedding Dress • Crinolines

Custom Suits & Shirts Tel: 250-388-5543 - Irina 1312 Douglas St. BOOK APPOINTMENT www.russiantailor.com

Book Online – Prompt Confirmation info@knight-limousine.com · 250-598-5855

Expect the Best!

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TIMES COLONIST | TIE THE KNOT

A perfect setting for a perfect day

n a garden, on a beach, in front of a castle, and even set on a floating barge… you can dream again at last! And for the past 30 years, Black & White Event Rentals has been setting the stage for making wedding dreams a reality in Victoria and the rest of Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands. With so many years of experience, the B&W team knows what it takes to make your vision come to life. Our specialty is providing our clients with fabulous tents (along with chairs, tables, heaters, dance floors & more) and we will bring whatever you need to wherever you need it, no matter where that special day takes you! On Vancouver Island the weather can be unpredictable (aka rainy) at any time of year, but a tent will provide you with peace of mind… as well as a handy place to hang some twinkle lights and a chandelier or two!

Your guests can see the moon & stars from under the clear top panels of a Jumbo Track tent, gather in a dazzling white Marquee, or celebrate the day under the sculpted peaks of our Tidewater Sail Cloth tents. Come rain or come shine, Black & White Events Rentals has you and your wedding guests— and your dreams—covered! 2022 dates are filling up fast. To reserve the date for your dream wedding, contact Dave Willie (owner) today: 778.433.1282 dave@bwparty.com