Wishes 2011 by Pacific Coastal Publications LP

FOUR SEASONS NEW HIGHLIGHT GLOBAL MARRIAGE TRADITIONS

WEDDING VENUES ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION FEEL YOUR BEST CATERING CREATIONS

2011 ISSUE

Photo: Leanne Pedersen Photographers

THE VIBE

OF BEAUTIFUL WEDDINGS

Wishes 2010

Romantic

Memorable

Inspired Plan a wedding to remember... Our rental selection includes:

tableware - linen - chairs - tents - catering equipment - dance floor

Visit our website gallery or stop by our showroom to view our exquisite rental collection Whistler, BC

www.sabrerentals.com

604.932.5583

personalized wedding & event planning whistler, BC Rachael Lythe Phone: 604 938 1627 Cell: 604 935 7781 info@seatoskycelebrations.com www.seatoskycelebrations.com

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Wishes 2010

Table of

Contents

Wedding venues 6

A tale of two brides 18

Document your engagement 13

Global marriage traditions 20

Feel your best 14

Catering creations 26

Trim expenses 31

Four seasons

of beautiful weddings

Fall 8

Winter 16

Spring 22

Budget worksheet 33 advertiser’s directory 34

Publisher Stephanie Matches Editor David Burke

Amélie Légaré

Advertising

Design

Published by

Cover Art

Tessa Sweeney, Sue Jensen Whistler Printing & Publishing Ltd., Publications Mail Reg. No. 400064937. 353-4370 Lorimer Rd, Whistler, BC. V0N 1B4.

production manager

Wishes 2010

Holly Walker

Summer 28

Gett Creative (gettcreative.com) Cover photo Leanne Pedersen Photographers

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Wishes 2010

Magical,

mountain-themed wedding venues Story by Kelly Oswald Photo by David Buzzard

Whistler and the Sea to Sky corridor have a setting to match every couple The ultimate wedding destination? Yes, even for those who live here. It’s simply the most diverse location that I can possibly think of. I’ve lived in Whistler for 10-plus years and have had the honour of celebrating a multitude of weddings along the Sea to Sky corridor. For photographs and breathtaking scenery, Whistler and surrounding areas top the world’s most amazing places to tie the knot. Even Seal chose Whistler as the perfect spot for his engagement to Heidi Klum. In an igloo. At the peak of Whistler Mountain. Anything goes up here in this civilized wilderness. You can even get married in snow in June if you’d like. But if you’re saying “I do” on a bungee jump, you may want to re-think the full-on white wedding gown. Formal weddings usually take place in one of

Whistler’s stunning hotels. We don’t have a hotel to avoid here; they are all spectacular and have staff to assist your every need. When booking your wedding at a Whistler hotel, you just can’t go wrong. Our breathtaking parks are another venue for formal or informal weddings. Ask your wedding planner for details and permits so it all goes smoothly; they will look after everything for you. Celebrate, Whistler Wedding Planners and Sea to Sky Celebrations are all long-time local coordinators and know the ins and outs of setting up in our parks and yes, even making them more beautiful. My personal favourite park is actually just out of Whistler at Black Tusk Estates. There is a little lake in a pristine setting, with the peak of Black Tusk standing above like a sentinel witnessing the proceedings. Magical! Lost Lake and Alta Lake also offer magnificent views and comfortable spaces for celebration. During the winter months, the snow creates a quiet beauty that brings an old-fashioned feel to outdoor venues. You can rent a horse-drawn carriage to bring the bridal party to the ceremony, and at the Edgewater Lodge, they even have

All you need to do is say “I do.”

an outdoor fireplace in a shelter for such a celebration. My favourite place for weddings in the woods is at Paradise Valley, north of Squamish. Just look at the name of the place! Brew Creek Lodge, near Highway 99 south of Whistler, also offers that secluded foresty feel with added luxury. But if you’re looking for something completely different, then talk to your wedding planner about Whistler’s adventure experiences. All our adventure operators can accommodate your desires for the ultimate wedding. I do recommend to consider your guests before you commit. Do they have to hike anywhere? If it’s a Peak 2 Peak Gondola wedding, will they all fit? Can they ride it in advance so they aren’t tempted to look out the window instead of at the wedding ceremony? Can granny stand to watch a bungee jump? Otherwise, you’re good to go. Dogsledding, ziplining, helicopter-assisted mountaintop weddings… it can all be done. Whatever venue you choose along the Sea to Sky corridor, you can be sure it will be a magical event. It’s more than a wedding; it’s the beginning of the rest of your life.

The toasts will be inspiring. But the feelings will be indescribable. Begin your journey at The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler where new beginnings are always celebrated. • Picturesque backdrop of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains • Culinary expertise with the finest details to ingredients and presentation • Instinctive services for your ease of mind For more information or to make a reservation, please visit westinwhistler.com or call 604-935-4307.

Photography: Courtesy of Pascale Gadbois

Wishes 2010

We get intimate With weddings When the vision for your wedding day says small and special, think Pan Pacific Whistler. Choose from two all-suite luxury hotels in unparalleled Village locations boasting spacious accommodation and award-winning, boutique hospitality. Enjoy outstanding cuisine, a selection of magical settings, and a Special Event Concierge dedicated to details... so you can focus on fun.

To get started contact Krista Hall at 604.966.5515 or khall@panpacific.com Ask about our First Anniversary Offer.

1.888.905.9995 | www.panpacificwhistler.com

Wishes 2010

fall magic

Tallevi Studios Relive all the laughter and all the tears! Karen and Tim’s individual personalities and styles come together seamlessly to tell the story of your wedding day — a story that will continue to be told by future generations.

Story by Jennifer Miller A common lament from couples after their wedding is how the big day almost feels like it’s on fast forward, and that they barely even remember having time to say hello to some guests. That definitely wasn’t the case for Joy and Chris Ward after their October 2009 Whistler wedding weekend. The couple decided to say their vows on Oct. 4 — a Sunday — leaving Saturday for catching up with friends and family. All 70 guests stayed with the couple at Nita Lake Lodge, and with most family members flying in from Ontario and the East Coast on Friday, the couple thought a Saturday wedding would have been rushed. “Both Chris and I felt we spent good quality time with all of our guests,” Joy said. The couple wanted a wedding destination that would allow people to come and relax without a bunch of running around. With lakes, mountains and a “spectacular,” sunny fall wedding day, Nita Lake Lodge was “just the perfect setting,” Joy said. Based in Vancouver, Chris and Joy said Whistler was the natural choice because it was where they became friends. After an initial meeting at an advertising industry event, the field in which they both work, they ran into each other at après ski in Whistler one fateful January day. For the next few months, Joy and Chris would come to Whistler with different groups of friends, but they’d somehow wind up skiing together or hanging out at après. The friendship eventually developed into romance. “That’s where he wooed me — on the slopes of Whistler,” Joy said. After about four years together, Chris popped the question in May 2009 when the couple was hiking in Peru. Joy said they didn’t want a long engagement, so things started coming together for fall. The mountain views and natural surroundings at Nita Lake Lodge reflected the couple’s outdoorsy lifestyle and the relaxed atmosphere they wanted for their wedding weekend. “It was just the perfect setting,” Joy said.

Highlights of the day included dancing to music by Vancouver band Dr. Strangelove at the reception, special moments during a photo shoot around Nita and Alpha lakes, and celebrating with loved ones, she said. Walking down the aisle with both her parents and seeing Chris and his 9-year-old son Benjamin waiting against a backdrop of mountains was “breathtaking,” Joy added. “The whole day was magical,” she said. “It was everything that we had dreamed of and more.” The couple decided not to have a wedding cake, but the big splurge was on impressive flower arrangements that were the “talk of the day,” Joy said. After the wedding, friends dropped off the displays at seniors’ homes so others could enjoy the flowers.

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Wishes 2010

Photo: www.erinheartscourt.com

Celebrate Love

C u s t o m d e s i g n e d e v e n t s , w o r l d - C l a s s d e s t i n at i o n w e d d i n g s .

whistler, british columbia

Wishes 2010

c e l e b r at e e v e n t s . c a

1 888 905 7775

Picture this:

an engagement photo session

Story and photos by Tim and Karen Tallevi www.tallevistudios.com

When was the last time you and your fiancé(e) had your picture taken together? Snapshots on Facebook don’t count! If you’re like most couples, you’ve probably never been photographed together by a professional photographer. Don’t wait until your wedding day to work out those nervous jitters people feel when they’re in front of a camera. An engagement photo session is meant to be a fun way for you to get some great shots of yourselves in a more natural setting than on the big day. You’ll be wearing clothes that you’d normally wear — maybe not your everyday street clothes, but you could start out in your most stylish party clothes then change in to more casual clothes for a bike ride on a trail! Maybe even bring your dog along. The idea is to capture who you are. As artists, we love to collaborate on shoots with a creative concept. Don’t be shy about suggesting what might seem like a wacky idea for a shoot!

Once the conversation starts, you never know what interesting and different directions a shoot might take. Maybe you met at the go-kart track or fell in love skydiving… Many couples tell us they aren’t comfortable in front of the camera. What better way to break the ice than to go for a casual walk with none of the pressures of the wedding day to deal with? We’ll give you pointers to make you feel good and look good in front of the camera. You’ll learn lots of little posing tricks that will help you look your best not only for our cameras but even in everyday snapshots! An engagement session is also a valuable tool for us as photographers. Every subject is different. Personalities, interests, body shapes, face shapes, how you move… an engagement session lets us get to know you and your partner. This way, come the wedding day, we’ll be able to start taking the best possible pictures right away. Now that you have all these pictures of the two of you, what are you going to do with them? Consider a custom-designed guest book or a print with a large mat for your guests to sign at the wedding. Engagement shoots are a fun, creative way to add a little more of a personal touch to your wedding experience. Consider adding one to your photography package. You’ll be glad you did! Wishes 2010

Look,

feel your best on your big day Story by Megan Grittani-Livingston Photo by Robin O’Neill

Brides embarking on their big days will, of course, need to spend time getting pampered and prepared to look radiant in that breathtaking moment when they’ll step forward to take the hand of the person they love. Many also want to savour the moment and soak up some prewedding relaxation with their favourite family members and friends. Fortunately, Whistler has an abundance of star spa staff and talented hairdressers, stylists, makeup and nail artists ready to help. Salons such as Farfalla Hair and Esthetics have plenty of packages to offer brides, grooms and the loved ones who will stand by them on their big day. Farfalla has been there for more than 600 brides through the years, offering packages featuring hairstyling, makeup and manicure services for all members of a wedding party — right down to the flower girls.

For nuanced, personalized work for bridal makeup, one option is the Eco Chic Spa. While Eco Chic also offers a range of spa and beauty treatments, its makeup artists are ready to welcome a range of brides and their maids for services including an advance consultation to personalize the treatment and get everything just right. For fun, fresh nail and tanning treatments, make time for a visit to the bright and beautiful Get Nailed nail bar near Whistler’s public library. Other Whistler options for hair and more include The Loft Salon with its hair, nails and tanning options, and the talented stylists at salons such as Razzamatazz, the Parlor Hair Saloon, Good Hair Day and the Blackcomb Barber Shoppe. To savour a relaxing pre-nuptial experience either solo or with your fiancé(e) or members of your wedding party, turn to high-quality Whistler spas such as the Scandinave Spa or the Vida Wellness Spa at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. In an elegant setting with 4,250 square feet of treatment rooms, the Vida spa offers luxurious services and wedding-party packages including

massages, body exfoliation, manicures and pedicures, steam treatments, facials and pre-wedding makeup consultations. Taking advantage of a package will also give guests full day-pass access to the expansive health club with its beautiful outdoor and indoor pool setup.

SEE BEAUTY

604.902.8111 www.anastasiaphotography.ca 14

Wishes 2010

ﬁne food + festivities Our internationally renowned culinary and service team will design a celebration that you and your guests will remember—forever. Weddings, rehearsal dinners, cocktail receptions Off-site catering by acclaimed Executive Chef James Walt From intimate events to elaborate affairs Exceptional quality and unparalleled service by Whistler’s most experienced team

Big D ay!

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4222 Village Square Whistler, B.C. 604 932 4540 araxi.com

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604 935-2424 Wishes 2010

winter

wonderland Story by Jennifer Miller Erin Belbin wanted to have a destination wedding, but she had also always dreamed of snowy, winter nuptials. So instead of being barefoot on a beach somewhere south of their home in Nova Scotia, Erin and her now husband, Brett, donned snow boots and came to Whistler. With a shared love of skiing, and a friendship that first developed during childhood on the slopes of Eastern Canada, Whistler was the perfect winter wedding destination for the couple. Truth be told, Erin researched other mountain towns in Alberta, but the coming 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler and the atmosphere of the Village sealed the deal. Erin and Brett planned a small, intimate celebration at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler with a total of 12 guests made up of immediate family and close, longtime friends. Most — including Erin — had never been to Whistler before. “I’m glad we chose it,” she said. “It was magical.” Even though some rain on Jan. 2, 2010 got in the way of the couple’s plans to do a bit of skiing between the ceremony and dinner, the day was special and beautiful, Erin said. Brett’s father played guitar while Erin walked up the aisle to the Chateau’s 16

Wishes 2010

rooftop chapel — a personal touch to the intimate ceremony. Later, the private dining room in the Chateau’s Wine Room restaurant was the venue for a memorable dinner. Erin said wedding guests are still talking about the “amazing” food from the custom menu that had a range of choices. There was no structure to the evening, but a few speeches were made and the celebration ended with hot drinks and a dance outside. “It was nice and simple, but still classy,” Erin said. Other standout moments from the day were from the “fun” photo shoot, she said. Instead of being staged or forced, taking photos was spontaneous and some special memories were captured forever. Erin and Brett planned their winter wonderland wedding in less than six months, and Erin said it wasn’t too challenging making arrangements from Nova Scotia. There’s already talk of the entire wedding party returning to Whistler to help celebrate the couple’s fifth anniversary in 2015.

Coast Mountain Photography Established in 1994, Coast Mountain Photography is proud to represent three experienced wedding photographers, including Scott Brammer. Working under the umbrella of Coast means that brides and grooms receive a level of service unsurpassed by individual wedding photographers, notably in the quality of images and the speed of delivery – often within a week of their wedding – by the time they return from honeymoon!

A very Whistler wedding

Story by Darryl Persello, Wedding Planner/Consultant

Photo by Rick Collins Photography

Wishes 2010

Who: Two women from England. When: February 2009. How many guests: 14 from North America and Europe. Where: All stayed at the Lorimer Ridge Lodge in Whistler. The wedding day started early at the lodge with a gourmet breakfast catered by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Each guest was given a scroll outlining the day as at that point they had only been told to wake up early. The ceremony took place by the inukshuk at the top of Whistler Mountain, with the brides in their ski suits. After the “I do” kiss, the whole group engaged in a friendly snowball fight as their wedding planner ran for cover! The group descended to the Village and had a sensational lunch at Trattoria di Umberto. For the afternoon, the ladies arranged a surprise dogsled tour for the whole group. Everyone had a blast. Dinner was at the Bearfoot Bistro and they danced the night away at Buffalo Bill’s. Why Whistler: Whistler weddings are often my favourites! At this point my Whistler weddings have all been winter weddings, but Whistler is an amazing place in the summer too, I am hoping to do a summer wedding in Whistler very soon. Favourite/most unique apect: The whole day was magical. The photographer caught so many amazing shots. Ahhh… it still gets me!

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Wedding floWers Venue decoration decor rental serVices Rembrandt Designs offers professional overall concepts and will create the right atmosphere for your wedding day. Floral and Decor Designer Han Fokkink is from The Netherlands has more than over 15 years of experience and is known for his unique and creative designs. Han has been an award winning European Master, champion FTD Holland and has done worldwide demonstrations. Phone 604 905 4924 Email Rembran@telus.net www.rembrandtdesigns.com Showroom at 2-1030 Millar Creek Rd. Function Junction, Whistler

Wishes 2010

Global

marriage traditions explored

Story by Kiran Pal-Pross Photo submitted

A local couple is immersed in eight cultures in an around-the-world wedding odyssey You know you’ll be together forever but the thought of a wedding makes you want to run away. You don’t have the money. You’re not religious, just spiritual, and from a multitude of cultures. No ceremony really speaks to you. After six years together that’s exactly what my boyfriend and I were facing. At the same time it seemed that all around us, stressedout friends were having ceremonies they didn’t believe in and meltdowns when their tablecloths didn’t match their bouquets. So we ran away. Not to elope, but to find out why people have weddings in the first place. First, we read as much as we could. We 20

Wishes 2010

couldn’t find a single culture that didn’t have some form of wedding ceremony. Some were as simple as hugging in front of the village chief; others involved large decorated animals and feasts for thousands. We hatched a scheme to backpack around the world, staying and volunteering with people from the oldest cultures we could find. We then asked them to marry us. In 365 days, we were married eight times. In all the diverse ceremonies, a few elements remained constant. There was a promise, and the promise had many witnesses. We were asked to speak vows spontaneously and from the heart in our Celtic ceremony in Ireland. On Isla del Sol in Bolivia, we promised to always stay together so we wouldn’t bring shame to the village and be banished. We honoured our elders. In Bolivia my groom begged his future “father-in-law” forgiveness for having laid eyes on me and we were assigned “godparents” to guide us

through marriage, as there was no such thing as divorce. In Thailand, the eldest happily married couple “pre-warmed” our bed for us. In the Adnyamathanha community in South Australia, our elders took turns imparting words of guidance while holding a fire stick. The most important element was that two families were joined as one, usually with feast and celebration and sometimes fuelled by nearly blinding home-brewed alcohol. In the Gurage tradition in Ethiopia, the groom’s men had to outwit my bridesmaids in a song duel before the two families could be joined. In Borneo we danced with new Iban relatives to the sound of gamelan under banana trees. You come from diverse backgrounds, and honouring them makes your ceremony unique. The day should be remembered with fondness as you’re celebrating love for each other, for your elders, and for your new community. Design each element yourself and enlist loyal help. There will be no need to run away.

Wedding Photography Specialists(since 1994) weddings@insight-photography.com insight-photography.com

Wishes 2010

romantic

spring

Story by Jennifer Miller Whistler was an obvious choice when Jeff and Jen Maskell were deciding where to get married. For them, it’s home. After almost four years of friendship-turned-romance in Whistler, and with many local friends on the guest list, the couple said they couldn’t imagine starting the next chapter of their lives together anywhere else. “It’s such a beautiful place,” Jeff said. After an exciting engagement during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler in February, Jen and Jeff decided to set a May 29 wedding date. Though they both liked the fact that a limited amount of planning time helped achieve the goal of a simple celebration, looking back, Jeff admits it would have been nice to have had a little more time. Despite a bit of stress and almost weekly trips to Vancouver and beyond for shopping and other wedding-related duties, everything came together with the help of friends and family for a day that exceeded the pair’s expectations. Music was a focal point of the festivities, with Jeff’s position as director of the Whistler Singers community choir and the couple’s

anastasia Photography Chad comes from a photojournalistic background as a world traveler and Anastasia comes with her extensive experience in lifestyle portraiture. Together, the mixture is perfect for weddings; clean, crisp images that are artistic and unique. They’re not there just to document your wedding; they’re a true storytelling team!

Wishes 2010

shared love and talent for making music. The theme was set with the creation of a YouTube video wedding invitation, during which Jeff and Jen sang original wedding-related lyrics to the tune of a popular Barenaked Ladies song. On the big day, Jen’s cousins played acoustic guitar and sang for the lakeside ceremony, held at the picturesque Green Lake property of local friends. Later, another of her cousins performed during the couple’s first dance at Dusty’s — a very “Whistler” venue, which the couple chose for the reception. Impromptu performances and even an unplanned sing-along were other musical highlights. One of many special aspects of the day came when members of the Whistler Singers took the stage and performed two songs as a surprise for the just-marrieds. Jeff even got up on stage with the band, Spy vs. Spy, to rock out on his electric guitar for a song. “Playing guitar with the band was pretty cool,” Jeff said. “There were lots of great moments — it was all just goodness, all over the place.” About 80 guests gathered from across B.C., Alberta and Ontario to help the pair celebrate their commitment. Jeff and Jen decided to forego some traditional wedding elements: There were no bridesmaids or groomsmen, no wedding cake and no garter or bouquet toss — just a great dinner, music, dancing and a lot of laughter and love.

Catering creations

full of love and local products

Story by Megan Grittani-Livingston

Along with the boundless natural beauty of the Whistler and Pemberton area, there’s another reason this is the perfect place for a modern wedding: The region boasts a bountiful agricultural sector and a contingent of chefs committed to showcasing fine local products in creative ways. Ask Hilarie Cousar, co-owner and catering director of Whistler Cooks Catering, about common themes in wedding cuisine requests these days, and her answer is unequivocal: “It’s all about local.” Fortunately, Cousar and husband Grant, the Whistler Cooks chef and co-owner, have been riding that wave for at least 10 years. A decade ago, before the appetite for agritourism had really taken root, the Cousars were visiting farms in Pemberton, listening to what local producers were saying and forging relationships.

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the foodlovers

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Now, Whistler Cooks creations employ an array of Pemberton Valley products, such as the potatoes and root vegetables they get from Across the Creek Organics, Helmer’s Organic Farm and Shaw Creek Farms. For Whistler-area weddings, Whistler Cooks can do anything from simple outdoor picnic barbecues to elegant sit-down dinners, shaping each event to each couple’s desires. Cousar and the Whistler Cooks staff have noticed many people moving away from plated dinners and toward parties featuring full menus of food that can be passed around and eaten without the need for knives and forks. Some of the sumptuous Whistler Cooks canapé offerings include a mille feuille with Sieglinde potatoes from Pemberton and Salt Spring Island goat’s cheese purée, topped with a delicate chip created from a Pemberton beet, and a lemonpoached B.C. spot prawn served on roasted zucchini with a caper aioli crafted in house. Whistler Cooks is flexible, as full-service, off-site caterers who have worked on weddings whose

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PHONE: (604)932-5131 | FAX: (604)932-2862 www.whistlerquestion.com

refined regional cuisine custom catering for unique occasions crafted with the best of our local bounty, natural, seasonal ingredients, and always created with love.

located at North Arm Farm in Pemberton, BC for the love of food 604.902.5081

www.thefoodlovers.ca

Wishes 2010

locations ranged from a glacier to a farmyard to a chalet. “The spectrum of what you can offer is so magnificent here in Whistler,” Hilarie Cousar said. For the Pemberton-based FoodLovers, no nuance goes untended when it comes to using local products and making essentially everything in their creations from scratch. Accomplished chefs and partners Maxim Ridorossi and Jenna Dashney started The FoodLovers Cooking Co. in 2009, after each attaining some 20 years of cooking experience at renowned restaurants around the globe. Their mission of creating “refined regional cuisine” has already won them rave reviews and multiple wedding engagements. The passionate FoodLovers are committed to creating everything they offer by hand. When they’re serving the much-loved beef produced in the Pemberton Meadows just down the road from their North Arm Farm base, Ridorossi makes his own smoking of local onions, garlic and salt that he rubs into the grass-fed beef

and slow cooks the whole thing to create remarkably tender roast beef. The FoodLovers can also serve up classy yet informal creations such as a slow-roasted organic suckling pig, or a burger bar with handcrafted patties coupled with toppings such as handmade tomato ketchup and mustard made with the Schramm Vodka spirits produced less than a mile from North Arm Farm. “We lay it on thick,” Dashney joked about the FoodLovers’ thorough commitment to using local products and sharing the Pemberton experience. “But it’s not a gimmick by any means. It’s what we’re about.” They can do buffet style or plated dinners at will, plus the popular family-style option where platters of food are passed around tables for communal enjoyment. And as you can see from their name, The FoodLovers have just the right spirit for weddings. “We obviously love love a lot,” a laughing Dashney said. “So doing weddings, for us, is really special.”

Photo by Mike Crane Photography

Chef Grant Cousar of Whistler Cooks says more couples are choosing to offer wedding food that can be passed and eaten without utensils. The signature Whistler Cooks canapé pictured here features Pemberton potatoes and goat cheese.

Fill Your Home

With Happiness

wedding registries available Fine housewares, small appliances, linens, home decor and more.

visit upstairs at home hardware in whistler’s function junction

604-932-1903 Wishes 2010

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spectacular

summer

Story by Jennifer Miller It wasn’t until Breanne and David Kiefner decided to get married in Whistler that they discovered what the resort has to offer during the summertime. David has been skiing in Whistler since he was a child, and he started bringing Breanne during the winter when the Seattle-based couple started dating about six years ago. Now that they know the resort is just as fabulous in the summer, David and Breanne want to visit even more often. “We go to Whistler as often as we can,” Breanne said. “We’d move there if we had the chance.” Whistler also holds fond memories for David’s family, and it’s a place that carries the spirit and energy of his father who passed away a few years ago. Finding ways to remember David’s dad on the couple’s Aug. 21 wedding was one of the many special touches and details that went into the day. Fly-fishing flies were incorporated in the bouquets and boutonnieres, and were used in the place cards along with a quote in honour of David’s father. Breanne, David and their 90 guests celebrated at the lakeside Edgewater Lodge — a venue the couple chose because of its “rustic feel and beautiful background” and the fact that they could make their dream wedding a reality there, Breanne said. Wedding guests travelled from all over the U.S., with many coming from Breanne’s home state of

Gadbois Photography Being able to create dreamlike images for couples takes caring. And we do. Seeing an engaged couple glow in one of the most beautiful settings in the world — that makes our creativity soar. Gadbois Photography is the leader in premiere wedding and destination photography.

Wishes 2010

Colorado, and it was the first visit to Whistler for many. Fun activities, such as croquet and a Polaroid photo booth with props and costumes, were available to guests at the Edgewater. The couple made photo books for each table for people to look through, and a pair of flip-flops was provided for each guest to ensure their comfort as the festivities went on. The wedding also included many personal aspects. David and Breanne wrote the entire ceremony and a friend performed it. Another friend played music for the ceremony, and another wrote and performed the song for the couple’s first dance. Breanne and David’s golden retriever, Jackson, was the ring bearer. “We try to incorporate him in as much as we can in our lives,” said Breanne. “He makes everything better.” David said one of his favourite moments of the day was when he and Breanne met at a nearby dock to share some time before the ceremony. He also enjoyed riding away on their cruiser bicycles with “just married” signs after the vows. For Breanne, standout memories include a flood of emotion as she started walking down the aisle, being pronounced husband and wife, and the “incredible” speeches. The celebration wrapped up with a live music dance party with the Hairfarmers, Whistler’s most sought-after wedding duo and a favourite at après ski.

Get creative

to trim expenses Story by Jennifer Miller Pure bliss: You’ve found the love of your life and you’ve decided to tie the knot. Total agony: The wedding budget. Talking about money with your fiancé(e), future in-laws and family can add tons of stress to the decision-filled task of planning your dream day. But it’s also a fact for most brides and grooms — cash is limited and a wedding is the most costly party you’re ever likely to throw. Still, with a bit of creativity and flexibility there are lots of ways to cut expenses and still put together a wonderful celebration. Reception food and drink usually comes with the biggest price tag of any wedding, so it’s worth considering options other than a full, sit-down dinner. Many couples are getting creative with brunch receptions, luncheons, or even champagne and canapés. An evening ceremony followed by a dessert-and-cocktail reception still allows for dancing, toasts and other traditional aspects. While DIY can certainly add time, effort and stress to the planning process, self-catering is another great option to cut down the reception budget. There are several lovely Whistler venues that allow couples to arrange their own food and drink. You certainly don’t have to do everything yourself; close friends and family members are often honoured to be asked to contribute a special dish. But be careful how much you ask of out-of-town guests who may not have cooking facilities in their local accommodations. Tips to save on beverage costs include finding a wedding venue where you can bring in your own alcohol, or offering an open bar for an hour or two, then switching to a cash bar. You’ve heard the word many times in pre-wedding offerings of relationship advice: compromise. Well, it can also help trim some fat from the big day budget. Can’t afford both a professional photographer and videographer? It’s a tough choice, but pick one — and ask a talented friend to try her or his hand at the other. Decide which details you’ve got your heart set on and those where you can be flexible. Instead of the most expensive orchids for the centerpieces, perhaps choose a less costly flower that will be in season. If wedding expenses start getting out of control, remind yourself the event is about celebrating your love and commitment — not losing sleep over bills and debt. Your guests likely won’t remember details of the décor, but they’ll be reminiscing about the sentiment and merriment for years to come.

Weddings at MILLENNIUM PLACE

Intimate weddings of 50-75 people can be held in our 1075 square foot gallery with room for up to 200 in the theatre. Featured local artists and our cozy fireplace sets the mood while the incredible vistas of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains create a fantastic atmosphere. Please contact Maurice Young Millennium Place info@artswhistler.com | 604-935-8410 Or visit us Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC

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Wishes 2010

The Parks and Recreation Facility Booking Team at the Resort Municipality of Whistler can help you find the perfect location for your special day. Book your ceremony and reception outside in our stunning parks at one of our group booking locations where every view is spectacular! Plan your reception inside the Spruce Grove Field House for an intimate setting nestled in the park.

Rainbow Park

Spruce Room

Spruce Grove Field House

Meadow Park

Rebegliati Park

Please call to book an appointment 220 West Esplanade North Vancouver 604-986-5200 www.isabellesbridal.com

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Budget worksheet

Keep track of expenses with this handy list

Items

Budget

Total Cost

Deposit

Balance Due

Consulting Stationery Make-up Hair Rings Wedding dress Shoes Accessories Flowers Photography Videography Ceremony Reception area Wedding cake Catering Beverages Gratuities Rentals Music Gifts Accommodation Transportation Honeymoon Insurance Rehearsal dinner Stagette party Bachelor party total Wishes 2010

Advertiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Directory Activities

Musicians

Blackcomb Aviation

V & G Music

phone

604 938 1700

phone

604 255 6603

web

blackcombaviation.com

web

violinandguitar.ca

Canadian Snowmobile Adventures phone

1 866 938 1616

web

canadiansnowmobile.com

Photography Anastasia Photography phone

604 902 8111

Catering & Cakes

web

anastasiaphotography.ca

Sugar Momma Pastries

Crystal Brown Photography

phone

604 935 3929

phone

604 905 8735

web

sugarmommapastries.com

web

crystalbrownphotography.com

The Foodlovers

David Buzzard Photography

phone

604 902 5081

phone

web

thefoodlovers.ca

web

Whistler Cooks phone

604 938 8835

web

whistlercooks.com

604 938 1407 whistlerweddingphotos.com

Insight Photography phone

1 877 688 7526

web

whistlerweddingphotos.com

Flowers & Decor

Tallevi Studios phone

604 898 6658

Rembrandt Designs

web

www.tallevistudios.com

phone

604 905 4924

web

rembrandtdesigns.com

Senka Florist phone

604 932 3301

web

senkaflorist.com

Sweetpea Photography phone

604 986 0204

web

sweetpeaphotography.com

Venues Araxi

Gifts Home Hardware phone

604 932 1903

web

homehardware.com

The Oracle at Whistler phone

604 905 0084

web

theoracle.ca

phone

604 932 4540

web

araxi.com

Furry Creek Golf & CC phone

1 888 922 9462

web

golfbc.com/weddings

Millennium Place phone

604 935 8410

Gowns & Dresses

web

myplacewhistler.org

Isabelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal

Nicklaus North Golf Course

phone

604 986 5200

phone

1 800 386 9898

web

isabellesbridal.com

web

golfbc.com/weddings

Wishes 2010

Nita Lake Lodge

phone web

1 888 755 6482 nitalakelodge.com

Pan Pacific Whistler

phone web

1 888 905 9995 panpacificwhistler.com

Resort Municipality of Whistler phone web

604 935 8472 whistler.ca

Westin Resort and Spa phone web

604 935 4307 westinwhistler.com

Whistler Sport Legacies (Wedding Venues) phone web

604 964 0044 whistlersportlegacies.com

Whistler Golf Club phone web

1 866 940 6429 whistlergolf.com

Wedding Planners Celebrate Events phone web

1 888 905 7775 celebrateevents.ca

Sea to Sky Celebrations phone web

604 938 1627 seatoskycelebrations.com

Whistler Wedding Planners phone web

604 932 4672 whistlerweddingplanners.com

Others Love Nest phone web

604 960 0618 lovenesthomeparties.com

Sabre Rentals phone web

604 932 5583 sabrerentals.com

Scandinave Spa phone web

604 935 2424 scandinave.com

Linda Marshall Director of Special Moments

Whistler’s most experienced wedding and event specialist Available for international celebrations worldwide

linda@mountainblooms.com www.mountainblooms.com 604.932.4672

WHISTLER COOKS CATERING CATERED WEDDINGS SINCE 1999 LOCAL INTIMATE CHEF DINNERS TENTED LAKESIDE BUFFETS FAMILY BARBECUES PLEASE VISIT WWW.WHISTLERCOOKS.COM TO VIEW OUR MENUS OR PHONE 604 938-8835

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Wishes 2010

V & G Music is owned and operated by Stephen and Renée Bulat. This Violin & Guitar duo can provide the perfect ambience and elegance to any social event and are well versed in a diverse array of music styles. Whichever style of music you require, be it jazz, classical, pop, country or ethnic music of any style, let V & G create a long-lasting and memorable impression for both you and your guests. With over 40 years combined performing experience as soloists and as part of larger ensembles, V & G Music aim to exceed and perform beyond expectation. They take careful note that each event is unique and memorable in its own way, ensuring that your occasion is treated with the utmost attention and respect that it deserves. V & G will be glad to assist you with choosing the appropriate music for your special occasion and are able to provide custom musical services depending on your needs.

S Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions S Anniversaries S Dinner Parties S Corporate Functions V & G Music serve the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Sunshine Coast of BC.

NuMeRouS MuSICAl eNSeMBleS AVAIlABle INCluDING:

Ø Dance Bands Ø Solo Instrumentalists Ø Jazz Trios Ø String Quartets Ø Duos, including Violin & Guitar Ø other Musical Arrangement options Available let V & G Music provide the perfect music for your next occasion.

info@violinandguitar.ca www.violinandguitar.ca 604-255-6603