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EVENT RENTALS | STYLING | PLANNING | FLORAL DESIGN | RETAIL PARTY SUPPLIES partymood.com • 250.701.3151 For events as unique as you
Join us at westcoastweddings.com Love Stories • Inspiration • Elopements • Style & Trends Instagram @WestCoastWeddings @BCWeddings @TofinoWeddings @VancouverIslandWeddings Photography: Erin Wallis Photography • Florals: Petal & Kettle • Gown: Pnina Tornai • Shoot Design: Laura Kalcsa • Venue: Long Beach Lodge Resort you are invited
This issue is all about change. Engaged couples and wedding vendors are delighted to return to a new normal and celebrate postponed nuptials.
The BC wedding industry suffered during the pandemic, but 2022 is already on track to be a record-breaking year. What is the new normal? Everything has changed, and nothing has changed, as they say. Couples exchange 'i do's', drink champagne, and dance the night away. But now it's trendy to have intimate ceremonies, smaller guest lists, and choose unusual venues.
PUBLISHED BY: Published by West Coast Weddings WCW Media ~ Victoria BC westcoastweddings.com hello@westcoastweddings.com tel:1 519 835 3001
Thank you to all the couples, photographers and wedding professionals who have helped make this issue beautiful! West Coast Weddings does not guarantee nor endorse the quality of the services or products of our advertisers or featured suppliers. No part of this publication may be reproduced online or in print without the expressed permission of the publisher. Copyright 2022 Printed in British Columbia, Canada
Creative Design: Rhia Davies-Willson Guest Editors: Laura Kalynchuk, Lisa Francis and Karen Bezaire
- Laura Kalcsa, Editor of West Coast Weddings Magazine
Editor: Laura Kalcsa
Eloping has left behind its sketchy reputation and has become the most romantic thing ever. Prices for flowers and, well, everything, have gone up.
COVER Photography:IMAGE:Amrit
From the Editors
Wedding planners are now old hands at arranging weddings at the drop of a hat (though everyone would love to get back to a longer plan time!). So, this issue celebrates all the amazing weddings and elopements in the last year. We also raise a glass to everyone who is tying the knot in the 2022 wedding season! And a shout out to all you lovebirds who are planning for West2023.Coast Weddings Magazine celebrates this fifth issue with some huge news. We are excited to announce an upcoming change in ownership as local partners take over the magazine (though I’ll still stay on as editor!). Here’s to a bright future for everyone!
Photography • Gown: BHLDN • Suit: Suit Supply
Choose the right suit and you can use it for “I do” or for “all the best to you” and more. Great selection by Canadian and International designers to suit your size and style in store now. Peter VictoriaHunt,Spirits 534 Yates St. in Victoria • 53 Station St. in Duncan 250-384-2848 • outlooksformen.com
ww w.bluelilyevents.com | hello@bluelilyevents.com Vanessa Lust Photography
MyrtlePHOTOGRAPHY&MossPhotography
StarlingVENUELaneVineyard DESIGN + STYLING Brittany Segal Event Design
Greenhouse Romance
MakeupMAKEUPBespokeFLORALBlossomsRINGSBarclayJewellersARTISTRYbyEricaHarris PAPER SUITE Petite Paperie Design Co. CAKE + GOODIES July’s Girl Cake Co. HAIR Adorn Hair by Amanda Johnson GOWN Daalarna Couture at The White Peony TheOutlooksMENSWEARforMenBARCARTBubbleBusCo. DÉCOR RENTALS Table Top Curated Rentals | Trend Décor Event Design | Ivy Rae Creative 2022•7
All eyes are on you as you take the floor… spinning and swaying in perfect harmony. Let the professionals at Arthur Murray help you create the wedding dance you envision. 7 Arthur Murray Dance Studio 3567 Ravine Way, www.VictoriaArthurMurray250-940-6050Victoria.com
AshleyMODELS+Braeden
Vows in valleythe PLANNING + PHOTOS Amber James Photography TENT Island Glamping Adventures
11 • WEST COAST WEDDINGS SUMMER 2020 • 11 DÉCOR + STYLING Sarah Gies Wedding Decor ARCH From the West Decor PAPER SUITE Petite Paperie Design Co. SugarCAKEFixCakesHAIRWillowSalon HAIR JEWELERY Pretty Things Co. MAKEUPCanada House of Beauty by Karley Reynolds FlorenceFLORALSOak OutlooksSUITfor Men VENUEAirBnB 2022•11 #BCWeddings
Wild & Beautiful Flowers On Vancouver www.bezairefloral.caIsland
Shantina Rae Photography
PrettyElopementPicnic DECOR + PLANNING Sea Tree Weddings & Events Brown'sFLORALtheFloristVENUE The Horticultural Centre of The Pacific CobbleCAKEHillCake Co. GOWN Blush Bridal KelseyGretellOutlooksSUITBoutiqueforMenPAPERSUITEPennedCreationsMAKEUPArjonaMakeupHAIRHairbyKendraEppJEWELERYEbb+FlowMODELSSamiksha+AkashdeepPHOTOGRAPHYLageriPhotography2022• 13
#westcoastweddings
ElysePHOTOGRAPHYAnnaPhotography
Farm Elegance
15 • WEST COAST VancouverPLANNINGWEDDINGSIslandElopementsFLORALSWildflowersFarmCAKEOldTownBakeryGOWNWild&CozyClosetVENUEYellowPointFarms WillowWestcoastJEWELRYDesignsHAIR&ArrowHairLoftMAKEUPARTISTJessicaPoolMakeupCALLIGRAPHYOLIVE+ELLAARBORFromTheWestDecor 2022•15
PhotographyKindredWildcoast thebridescloset.com250.753.4975 Best Bridal Boutique Experience
You are invited Champagne + Cake Show@ Hatley Castle Showcasing Wedding Planners, Florists, Décor, Gowns, DJ's and more... Date will be announced on IG Hatleypark.ca@champagneandcakeshow Presented by Royal Roads University, Truffles Catering and West Coast Weddings Magazine Myrtle and Moss Photography
Fly away with me ThriftyErinPHOTOGRAPHYWallisPhotographyFLORALSFoods–Campbell River MooresGROOMClothing for Men BRIDAL GOWN Essence of Australia from Ladybelle Bridal 49TRAVELNorth Helicopters Elyse + #westcoastweddingstoryJosh
2022 •19
Kristine Cofsky Photography # LO VE I S P O ET SCO V E. CO M PEND E R I S L AN D , B C SALES @ POE T SCOV E . CO M 1.888. 5 12. 7 63 8 IN S PIRE D WEDDINGS
2022 •21 PAPER SUITE Mango Ink KendraHAIR Epp MeganPHOTOGRAPHYHairMaundrellPhotography Ocean + Ink Trey + Greg #VictoriaWeddings
Vanessa + Evan
RadiantRedwoodsinthe
#westcoastlovestory
IslandPHOTOGRAPHYMomentsPhotographyVENUE+CATERINGWickaninnishInnHAIR+MAKEUPSaltyDollsHairSalon LuxxGOWNBezaireFLORALSFloral+VEILNovaBridalALTERATIONSAnni’sCreations 2022 •23
AislingMODELS+Kain VanessaPHOTOGRAPHYLustPhotography
Somewhere over the rainbow
25 • WEST COAST WEDDINGS SUMMER 2020 • 25 CAKE Cobble Hill Cake Co. HAIR Country Hair Couture by Emily PLANNING Blue Lily Event Planning PAPER SUITE Melanie Anne GOWNSDesigns The Bride’s Closet SUITS Outlooks Menswear Duncan DESIGN + CONCEPT + FLORAL Karen of Bezaire Floral ADDITIONAL FLORAL FoxglovesVENUEFlowers Bird’s Eye Cove Farm MAKEUP ARTITRY Makeup Artistry by Trish DÉCOR Decorate Victoria | Party Mood | Special Occasions Cowichan
Q: A: FLORALS
Choose a venue that doesn’t require a lot of decor. Find one that already has a lot of natural beauty inside and out. Adding florals & candles as personal touches keeps expenses down. Also, check to ensure that the venue fee includes tables and chairs. Most reception venues provide essential flatware items but bringing specialty items can make your table even more personalized.
Answered by Karen Bezaire, Owner + Lead Designer of Bezaire Floral • bezairefloral.ca
As a celebrant, what is one piece of advice you would give couples on how to select the style of their ceremony and what is important to them? Your story creates your ceremony. Just as the materials create every great artistic masterpiece, as a certified Lifecycle Celebrant®, I always start with a couple's story to create the perfect ceremony for them -How did they meet? When did they know it was love? What do they love about their partner? Their answers reveal what kind of ceremony would best fit them - creative, classic, full of humour, sacred, or spiritual. I also remind my couples that there is no single 'right' way to do a wedding ceremony. So make it your own and have fun with it.
Q: A: OFFICIANT Answered by Katie Brennan, Celebrant • katiebrennanceremonies.ca
VENUES Answered by Sarah Skoretz, Manager of Bird's Eye Cove Farm • birdseyecovefarm.com
How do you help couples determine their need for a planner?
Advice
2022• 27
Q: A:
How do you help couples prepare a catering budget? Truffles works hard to help couples identify the realistic side of catering. Consider what they would spend on dinner in a favourite restaurant. Multiply that by how many guests are in attendance. It’s not always an option for a couple to spend more than $50 per person, but considering their guests may be coming from all over the country to attend; treating them to a lovely full-service event is a huge thank you! If you don’t have the budget, consider a more casual style of event like food trucks or a bbq.
I send all inquiring couples a questionnaire which helps them figure out what they are actually looking for in a wedding planner. Someone who holds their hands from beginning to end, day of or sourcing vendors for the wedding? I meet with the couple & listen to the vision they have and then I let them know what we can do and how we make their dream day come true. If budget concerns are a big issue, I ask ‘what keeps you up at night or makes your heart pitter patter?’. Make sure you hire a planner for those things.
CATERING Answered by Heidi Jones, Truffles Catering Director of Sales & Marketing • trufflescatering.net
PHOTOGRAPHY Erin Wallis Photography
Q: A:
PLANNER Answered by Tammy Hann, Owner + Lead Planner of Blue Lily Event Planning • bluelilyevents.com
Q: A: Prosfrom the
As a venue, what is one piece of advice you would give to couples to help them decide on a reception location?
How do you help couples choose from all the many florals out there?
Helping to identify a feeling they would like to evoke rather than focusing on a specific flower is an excellent way for me to determine which blooms would best create that feeling. Whether whimsical & natural, exciting & fresh, or classic & romantic, there are flowers for each category. Encouraging couples to add unexpected touches, whether a punch of color, or an incredible piece at the bar, wowing guests is a fun way to give a new experience at a wedding. I always ask couples their favorite flowers & their mothers’ & future mothers’. It’s so special to include those unique blooms in a wedding bouquet.
Dasha Armstrong
Photography
Elope on the Edge Nestled 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 adventure! Ucluelet, British Columbia 1 877 266 2559 www.blackrockresort.com
31 • WEST COAST WEDDINGS WINTER 2019 • 31 Playful&Pink DetailsCOORDINATIONBespokeFLORALBlossomsPlanning&EventDesign DECOR Your Dream Theme Event Design PAPER SUITE West Coast Country Creative CAKE July’s Girl Cake Co. HAIR Every Strand Matters MAKEUP Amy Broere w/Artistry by Alexa BearVENUE&Joey RENTALS Trend Décor and Event Design | Tabletop Curated Rentals | Structuur Custom Design and Rentals SecretPHOTOGRAPHYWatersPhotoMODELSAisling+Justin
Chelsea Warren Photography
Bridal Consignment House A collection of specially curated bridal & elopement gowns for brides who are wanting to beneficially impact the earth by recycling & reusing. Sustainable Bridal bridalconsignmenthouse.comWear Naturally Beautiful Wedding + Event Decor westcoastfloraldesign.com @westcoastfloraldesign Rivkah Photography Three Sisters Photography
JohnHAIRPollenFLORALSFitzroyGOWNLongVENUESecretPHOTOGRAPHYWatersPhotoBeachLodgeResortRentals&Co.+MAKEUPandMarielleofTheKnot Artistry Ethereal Elopement 34 • WEST COAST WEDDINGS #westcoastweddings
2022• 35
36 • WEST COAST WEDDINGS
Elyse Anna Photography
Vanvouver Island withexperience.toandphotographers,meansOurauthenticityElopementsElopementswith&intention.elopementpackagesareall-inclusive,whichwetakecareofallthedetails-includingvenue,food,florals,styling,hairandmake-up,decor.WehavecuratedthehighestqualityvendorscreatethemostintimateanduniqueelopementAllyouhavetodoisshowupandbepresenteachotheronyourweddingday. View our packages and book your dream elopement today!Followvancouverislandelopement.comus@vancouver_island_elopements
Us & Ewe 38 • WEST COAST AislingMODELSParryVENUEYourDESIGNRivkahPHOTOGRAPHYWEDDINGSPhotography+COORDINATIONDreamThemeEventDesignBaySheepFarm+Justin
GOWN Lily Kennedy Custom + Bridal Consignment WestPlatinumFLORALSHouseFloralDesignsPAPERSUITECoastCountryCreativeMAKEUPRachelPattersonMakeupHAIRWillowHairHAIRJEWELSPrettyThingsCo.SUITOutlooksforMenSOCKSEndurApparelCAKEJuly’sGirlCakeCo.2022• 39
WillowbyGOWNDallasPHOTOGRAPHY&SabrinaPhotographybyWattersatLadybelle Bridal FLORALSRaspberry Flowers WildDESSERTSaltCATERERPizzeriaCulture Bakery BlackRENTALSCrestRINGSJewellersandWhite Event Rentals West Coast Views Maya + Mike 40 • WEST COAST WEDDINGS #westcoastlovestory
2022• 41
Outlooks for Men
the wedding directory
MENSWEAR 43 • WEST COAST WEDDINGS
Our expert Cake Designers know that your wedding cake needs to be so much more than just delicious. It also needs be a feast for the eyes, an expression of your style and a memorable part of your special day. Our Designers are committed to making your cake gorgeous and unique.
Ashly Beggs of Beauty by Beggs is a certified John Casablanca Institute artist with 10 years experience in the field. A full-service expert who loves helping brides and their entourage glow with confidence. Ashly features luxury brands with an emphasis on skincare and believes in helping clients achieve their beauty dreams. Join her roster of brides that rave about their experience with Beauty by Beggs! beggsashly@gmail.com250.466.4099
AesthevaAestheticsMedical
CATERERSBEAUTY
Customer Care: 1.800.667.8280 customer.service@thriftyfoods.com
Truffles Catering
To make your wedding memorable, your guests need delicious food. Our in-store Catering Experts can create delectable, out-of-the-ordinary Party Platters using the finest quality meats, hand selected cheeses, exotic fruits and vegetables, and freshly baked treats.
• aesthevaclinic@gmail.com
Three locations in Victoria and Duncan, Outlooks carries an expertly curated selection of menswear including beautiful suits, a polished look in shoes, basic staples and quirky accessories. The expert staff are happy to offer advice on the best look for every occasion from work to weddings to a night out on the town. 250.384.2848/250.597.2848outlooksformen.com
Customer Care: 1.800.667.8280 customer.service@thriftyfoods.com
Truffles has been catering weddings for nearly 25 years, evolving with our clients as styles and desires change. We employ expert staff, including a dedicated event planner to walk you through all the steps of planning your special day. Events include a profession al on-site manager to keep things running smooth. 250.544.0200 trufflescatering.net
Thrifty Foods Catering
Thrifty Foods Cakes
Beauty by Beggs
Aestheva is a boutique medical aesthetics clinic in the heart of Victoria focused on positive ageing and embracing our natural beauty. To truly love and feel at home in the skin we are in. This is especially important on your wedding day. We want to help you feel your best and truly glow on the most special day of your life. Book a free consult today. Photo credit: Charis Atargatis aesthevaclinic.ca778.265.4652
CAKES
Bridal Consignment House
Sustainable Bridal Wear for the Eco-conscious Bride. A collection of specially curated bridal and elopement gowns for brides with a smaller budget, who are wanting to beneficially impact the earth by recycling and reusing.
www.bridalconsignmenthouse.com@bridal_consignment_house@lily_kennedy_custom
Pendray Inn & Tea House
Travel back in time at the Pendray Inn and Tea House (formerly Gatsby Mansion), a unique and beautiful heritage site for intimate weddings. The surrounding property features expertly landscaped gardens, ponds and cobble stone pathways, perfect for romantic photographs on your wedding day. Enjoy high tea or plated dinner in a classic Victorian setting. Featuring stained glass and fresco ceilings, this beautiful mansion is full of romance and character. 250.388.3892 pendrayinnandteahouse.com 2022•
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The Shop at Party Mood
Thrifty Foods Floral Design
Get ready to fall in love with your wedding flowers. Whether you lean towards the traditional or are inspired by the unconventional (the sky is the limit!) our incredible Floral Designers can create dazzling wedding flower bouquets and arrangements to suit any wedding day vision.
The Bride’s Closet
At Blue Lily, we are committed to reinventing ourselves for each event so we can provide you with a unique and memorable experience. You dream it, we plan it! 250.732.0222 bluelilyevents.com • hello@bluelilyevents.com
Brown's The Florist
Bezaire Floral
Karen Bezaire is one of Vancouver Island’s premiere florists always ready with a showstopper piece and gorgeous bouquets. Whether it’s a wedding, open house, shower or beautifying any venue; Karen believes that flowers elevate any space or occasion. Karen had formal training in floral design in California and her style is whimsical, organic, and bursting with color. Brides love her lush and romantic floral designs and her sense of adventure. Beaches and forests are some of Karen’s favorite backdrops so get in touch with her soon! 250.204.3003 • bezairedesigns@gmail.com
We’ve done all the hard work for you! The Shop at Party Mood is a growing, one-stop wedding shop filled with hand-picked selections of “all things wedding”, each item individually selected from a carefully curated group of our favorite vendors — plus a few of our own creations. 250.701.3151 www.partymood.com/shop
Blue Lily PlanningEvent
GOWNSPLANNING
The Bride’s Closet award winning bridal shop prides itself on its history of personal service and huge se lection of gowns. The Bride’s Closet team will help you find your dress and do any alterations required on site. Be sure to visit the largest selection of off the rack gowns available on the Island. 250.753.4975 nanaimobridescloset@gmail.com • thebridescloset.com
Brown's The Florist have three beautiful flower shops in Victoria, BC; Sidney, BC; and on the Westshore in Langford. We are a team of professional florists who specialize in quality flowers and are famous for our wedding floral design. For many years, we have been voted #1 Florist in the Victoria News “Best in the City” readers’ choice survey. We are proud of our rich history, and recently celebrated our 100th year as part of the Victoria community. brownstheflorist.com
Customer Care: 1.800.667.8280 customer.service@thriftyfoods.com
Party Mood Event planning is our passion and we look forward to sharing this passion with you – specializing in wedding planning, styling and amazing décor 250.701.3151rentals. hello@partymood.compartymood.com
FLORAL RENTALS
Shop beautiful things for your wedding day dreams!
VENUES
DANCEVENUES
Arthur Murray Dance Studio
West Coast River Lodge
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet, BC is a spectacular West Coast destination for weddings of all sizes- we specialize in intimate weddings, romantic elopements & proposals, to elegant receptions. Book your dream wedding with us! 250.726.4815 weddings@blackrockresort.comblackrockresort.com
The Parkside Hotel & Spa is a boutique wedding and inclusive events venue located across from historic St. Ann's Academy. Our team of experienced professionals will customize The Parkside's uniquely designed ceremony and reception spaces reflect the wedding of your dreams, an anniversary celebration, or any other momentous occasion that calls for a beautiful atmosphere and reliable service. 250.940.1200 • parkside.com
Surround yourselves with misty ferns, immaculate landscaping, towering ancient fir trees, the gentle sound of the cascading waterfall, and the muted rustle of the Somass River. Located in the picturesque Alberni Valley, the West Coast River Lodge is what West Coast dreams are made of. The Lodge offers endless outdoor hidden gems for that perfect riverside dinner under an early evening sunsets glow. This enchanted location is the perfect backdrop for your intimate elopement or grand affair and offers event space for up to 120 guests and overnight accommodations for up to 23 guests.
info@westcoastriverlodge.comwestcoastriverlodge.com
daniel@victoriaarthurmurray.comvictoriaarthurmurray.com250.940.6050
Gulf IslandCruiseWedding
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Bear & Joey
Located in downtown Victoria, Bear & Joey's spacious, vibrant and youthful space is the perfect backdrop for your rehearsal dinner, reception, or after-party. Choose from one of our event packages, or create something totally unique to you both. Bear & Joey can accommodate sit-down functions for up to 60 guests and stand-up roaming receptions for up to 90 guests. Connect with our events team today to turn your vision into reality. bearandjoey.ca • events@bearandjoey.ca
Cruise in luxury aboard Orca Sprit II, an elegant 100 ft catamaran from Mill Bay or Sidney to Pender Island. The professional and friendly crew from Orca Spirit Adventures will provide an unforgettable experience on the water. Enjoy canapes and cocktails on board while taking in the views of the picturesque Gulf Islands. Ceremonies can be held on board or on land. Arrive at Port Browning Marina Resort on Pender Island for a private dinner in the Bistro. End the night with a sunset cruise back to your destination! Wed in style with up to 170 guests.
Black OceanfrontRockResort
The premier luxury resort in the Southern Gulf Island. Poets Cove on Pender Island is the perfect escape. Just a short ferry, boat or seaplane ride away from Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle, our small island oasis set in the secluded Bedwell Harbour bay feels a million miles 1.888.512.7638away. poetscove.com • sales@poetscove.com
45 • WEST COAST WEDDINGS
Learning to dance for a wedding is a special gift that you and your spouse-to-be can give to each other. A couple who feels confident and poised when they dance together will ensure that their very first dance together will be a memory they will cherish forever. Let our teachers help you create A Dance to Last a Lifetime.
1.833.822.9376 mbmg.ca/weddings • events@mbmg.ca
Poets Cove Resort & Spa
Elegant wedding cakes, spectacular flowers & more! thriftyfoods.com 1.800.667.8280 Connect with us
