The Local Style
wedding dreams come true in Whistler
2013 ISSUE
2 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 3
table of
Whistler was made for Weddings
18
6
Winter
10
Beautiful Weddings
Summer
14 Go green on your special day
Fall
26
22 Whistler inspired wedding favour ideas
30 Directory of local wedding service providers
publisher Stephanie
Matches editor Tanya Foubert advertising Tessa Sweeney, Amy Allen, Lynn Pasko, Liz Gruber, Jennifer Gibson production John Magill design Ruth Johnson
4 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
cover photo Crystal produced by
Brown Photography Whistler Question
353-4370 Lorimer Road, Whistler, B.C., V0N 1B4 t: 604.932.5131 | w: www.whistlerquestion.com
www.whistlerweddingmagazine.com
Photo: Gadbois Photography & Tellevi Studios
Personalized Wedding & Event Planning Design & Decor
Rachael Lythe | Whistler | 604 935 7781
Kerry Thompson | US | 425 422 4070
www.seatoskycelebrations.com - - - Info@seatoskycelebrations.com
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Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 5
photo
David Buzzard Photography
photo
Tallevi Studios
Whistler was made for Weddings Whistler lends itself to weddings all year-round. From a winter wonderland it emerges into a summer with luscious foliage and glittering lakes. So what makes this mountain town such a desirable destination for weddings? Not only does it have the scenery, but it also has the experts who can bring it all to life. From planners to designers, photographers to chefs, there’s a team of experienced people waiting to make it all happen. And the best part? You might have to come to the resort a few times to scout out the talent …
Location, Location, Location
Whether you are after the grand luxury of a hotel with all the amenities, or an isolated and intimate place in the backcountry, with the backdrop of the mountains there is so much on offer in Whistler: 6 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
Top Hotels Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Ask about the Woodlands Terrace for great views, or the private dining room at The Grill for an intimate affair. Four Seasons Resort Whistler – Take a look at the Alpine Cabana and ballroom options, and don’t forget their private residences make the perfect honeymoon suite.
Nita Lake Lodge – For a small wedding there’s the dock on Nita Lake, or for slightly larger parties the Train Station is a unique and visually impressive location.
Top Lake Destinations Edgewater Lodge – Overlooking Green Lake the dining room can hold 70 people, and you can always add a marquis to accommodate more in this tranquil setting. Lost Lake – Circled by old growth forests the docks and beach area at Lost Lake lend themselves to the perfect lakeside wedding. Nicklaus North Golf Course – With a large patio extending out the back this golf course has uninterrupted views of Green Lake.
The Point – Located on the shores of Alta Lake this historic location is Whistler’s old hostel and now its sailing club. Some bridal parties are even floated across the lake on a dock to arrive at the ceremony.
Top Mountain Venues Roundhouse Lodge – On top of Whistler Mountain this lodge can accommodate a reception for 1,400 people with panoramic views of the mountains. The Crystal Hut – At 6,000 ft on Blackcomb Mountain the rustic wooden Crystal Hut is an intimate location for a wedding above it all. PEAK 2 PEAK – Suspended over the valley this is an impressive ceremony location; look for the silver gondola cabins for their glass bottoms.
Unusual Locations Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – Use the Great Hall with its stunning glass front, or opt for the smaller octagonal Istken Hall surrounded by indigenous art.
Food Glorious Food
Whistler’s location, with its proximately to the sea, the fields of Pemberton just to the North and the abundant Okanagan only a drive away, means a lot of the produce is local and fresh. Whether it’s fine dining, a themed buffet, or barbecue hog roast you’re after, the options are limitless. A lot of the hotels have excellent culinary teams and can cater an event at their location with ease, however if you are venturing off the beaten track then there are also fine catering options to choose from.
Top Caterers Bearfoot Bistro – Under the direction of Executive Chef Melissa Craig the Bearfoot’s catering team can whip up a customized menu for any taste and budget. Whistler Cooks Catering – The largest off site caterer in the Sea to Sky, owners Grant and Hilarie Cousar, have been in the business for over twenty years.
Whistler Olympic Park – With two locations, the Top Start House at the Sliding Centre and the Day Lodge at the Whistler Olympic Park have unique options at both venues.
The Collective Kitchen Catering – Chef John Ferris, formerly of Araxi restaurant, struck out on his own with this fresh thinking catering company that works collaboratively with local farmers and artisans.
Outside of Whistler
Top Cakes and Pastries
Pemberton – Just outside of Whistler in the rolling fields of Pemberton there lies the Green Water Resort and Cedar View Estate, both idyllic and stunning venues. Also consider Big Sky Golf & Country Club and North Arm Farm with Mt. Currie as your backdrop.
Sugar Momma Pastries – With a love of sugar, cream, butter and chocolate who better to make a wedding cake than Sabrina Perfitt, who combines passion with 20-years of baking experience.
The Brew Creek Centre – Surrounded by nature this location is cocooned by trees, flowers, and the flow of the nearby creek.
What’s A Guest To Do?
What’s great about Whistler is that as a world-class resort, there’s something for all your wedding guests to enjoy whatever the season. For the Spa Goer – Take a dip in the Scandinave Spa with its hydrotherapy treatment. For the Snow Pro – Skiing and snowboarding on the famous Whistler Blackcomb slopes. For the Adrenalin Junkie – Snowmobile, zip trek, bungee jump and mountain bike. For the Nature Lover – Hike the alpine and take in the views on the Peak 2 Peak gondola. For the Gourmand – Join a Whistler Tasting Tour to sample the very best this resort has to offer.
Meet The Experts
We won’t leave you to fend for yourself whilst you’re in Whistler, we have many experts that can step in to help with anything from putting together a full wedding package, to photographers, DJs, hairdressers and beauticians. The key is to find the people who understand your vision and can make it happen.
Planners Celebrate Events – Roxanne Cave has been an event stylist for over 20 years, designing five-star weddings and corporate occasions. She prides herself on her “priceless black book” of contacts, from which she can source fabulous and unusual items for her events. Sea to Sky Celebrations – Rachael Lythe and Kerry Thompson are the dynamic duo of this well-established events business. With a goal to get the couple exactly what they want, their creativity and organizational skills are invaluable.
Squamish Valley Golf Club – Overlooking lush greens, water and snow-capped mountains, this venue is enchanting year round. Sunwolf, Squamish – At the convergence of the Cheakamus and Cheykee Rivers, Sunwolf has a stunning area with 11 cabins and Fergie’s Café, with a huge black walnut tree in the front area.
Purebread – A local favourite, this is where you can find one of a kind sweet treats if you’re looking for something a little different for your wedding day.
The Flour Pot – Focusing on the finest ingredients mixed with exceptional cake artistry, owner Lisa Vertefeuille creates personal cakes with lasting impressions.
Bliss Event + Design – Promising an unforgettable experience, Marcie Gaukrodger has ten years of experience, which helps her manage high end weddings with grace and a calm mind. Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 7
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Whistler Wedding Planners – Coordinating more than 200 weddings in Whistler, Linda Marshall acts as a guide, collaborator and troubleshooter for her clients. Knowing Whistler inside out means that you’re in good hands.
needed. In winter opt for white and silver, and in summer white and neutral shades like burlap and pale linen.
A Priceless Event – Morgan Price’s clients describe her as organized, conscientious and able to stick to a budget, while still adding that extra pizazz.
Crystal Brown Photography – Working on really connecting with her clients, Crystal’s goal is to put you at ease so you shine through the photos.
Darby Magill Photography – Since moving to Whistler in 2009 Darby’s focus has been photographing weddings and family portraiture in the sea-to-sky corridor. Gadbois Photography – Gadbois Photography is a leader in premiere wedding and destination photography. Tallevi Studios – Capturing unique and beautiful moments is the genuine passion behind every image they create.
Pro Pointers
Kerry Thompson, the design arm of Sea to Sky Celebrations, is the person to turn to when you’re looking for a wedding venue that you can imprint with your own style. She explains that any location can be transformed into what the couple is after if you put a creative spin on it. But what are some of the key design elements that can turn somewhere old or uninspiring, into wedding chic? You can never have enough white lights. One of the simplest ways to spruce up a room can be through candles, lanterns and fairy lights. Wrap lace or burlap around a white pillar candle, or cover a wall or ceiling with fairy lights and you immediately add an element of romance and magic. Simplicity is more. Choose a colour theme that doesn’t clash with the surroundings, allowing you to add splashes of brighter shades when
Known as a place to party, Whistler is no stranger to bachelor and stagette celebrations, and there are some unique options to consider if it’s your job to pull together the party of the season. However, if you’d like some help, the teams at ipartyinwhistler.com and Whistler Pub Crawls can use their local knowledge to make your task a whole lot easier.
Photographers
David Buzzard Photography – A multi award-winning photographer and photojournalist, you are in good hands with this experienced wedding photographer.
P lan Hard, Party Hard
Top Activities Monkido Zip Lining Bungee Jumping Close off areas using pipe and drape. If there is part of the venue that isn’t so esthetically pleasing, hide it using black drape. This creates the perfect space, and you can even use the area behind the drape for storage. Spruce up the chairs and the aisle. Consider hanging buckets of flowers on the end of chairs, or in the winter placing fur blankets over the back of them. For the aisle think out of the box and edge the way with rocks, lanterns, or feathers. Draw the eye. Use large urns or jars filled with river rocks or flowers to draw a person’s interest to a highlight of the venue. This could be the windows if there is an amazing view, a fireplace, or to the head table.
Paintballing Jet Boating Canoe the River of Golden Dreams White Water Rafting the Elaho Snowmobile/ ATV tours
Unique Ideas Playful Photo Parties (www.playfulphotoparties.com) A unique photo shoot capturing you at your best. Butlers in the Buff (www.butlersinthebuff.ca) Exactly what it says, these young men serve you all night with no ifs, just butts… If you’re going all out on the event contemplate a heli drop, good in winter for skiers and boarders and also summer for those avid bikers.
Top Nightclubs Tommy Africa’s Buffalo Bills Bar and Grill Maxx Fish Garfinkels Moe Joe’s Specialty décor is also becoming very popular with couples renting props to go with their chosen theme. One particular item, which you can get in Whistler, is renting a photo booth with personalized props for guests to play with.
Longhorn Saloon and Grill
B y D e e R a ff o
Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 9
Dreaming of a
W hite Wedding
10 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
For Louise Walker, there was never any doubt — a winter wedding in Whistler was always going to be her dream come true. “There’s something romantic about winter,” she explains, “especially in Whistler.” Her husband, Mike, agrees. “There are lots of intangibles about Whistler,” he says. “It’s hard to put your finger on, but it feels so right.” One of those elusive elements is undoubtedly their shared passion for snowboarding and a long history stretching back with the resort town.
In 1981 Louise’s parents bought a cabin in town, which soon became an iconic feature of her childhood, as she frequented the place on weekends and holidays over the years. And although Mike hails from central Canada, he too fostered a connection with Whistler — his dad hosted an annual medical symposium in town which allowed him plenty of snow time on the hill in his youth. As for the special connection between Louise and Mike, well, that spark was lit when they met as teens through a mutual friend, yet it wasn’t rekindled until 2008 at that same mutual friend’s wedding.
“That night we crossed paths again,” recalls Mike. “I’d like to say she was smitten at first sight, but I had to work on it,” he added with a laugh. In June 2010, Mike popped the question, in what he terms true “James Bond” style — hiring a boat to motor out into Vancouver’s English Bay, just as the sun set, he serenaded her with a special song and proposed. Of course she said yes. And on a magnificent winter’s day in March 2012, they sealed the deal in Whistler at Nita Lake Lodge.
Tallevi Studios Photography www.tallevistudios.com
Relive all the laughter and all the tears through the eyes of this husband and wife team. Tim and Karen’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.
Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 11
12 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
The couple admits their biggest stress was the weather — with all the hype of a winter wedding, it would have been tough to get married indoors. “We saw every little piece of weather except rain, which was fabulous,” noted Mike. Louise confesses that she loved getting ready for her big day in a familiar setting — the family cabin — while afterwards the ceremony unfolded beautifully in a snow setting at the lodge. In true Whistler-style, the approximately 100 guests were treated to an unexpected sighting of a deer bounding across the ice on the lake.
“The novelty of the winter wedding really impressed everybody,” Mike added. Adding a personal touch to the decor, Louise’s sister, a graphic designer, created the table signs, name tags and a seating map like no other — a Whistler Blackcomb ski run map, with each table in the banquet hall of Nita Lake Lodge bearing a ski run name. Speaking of personal touch, when it came time for the first dance, the couple surprised everyone by performing an elaborate dance act, thanks to a series of dance lessons leading up to the wedding.
Louise and Mike agree that Whistler was an epic location for their perfect winter wedding, where, to top off the festivities, everyone relished a ski holiday at the end. “Whistler is a winter wonderland, it’s the best place on earth, and we’ll continue to go there until the day we die,” said Mike. B y d aw n g r e e n
Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 13
photo
Tallevi Studios
Go green on your special day
A how-to guide on creating a spectacular eco-friendly wedding
It’s true — it’s not easy being green when it comes to weddings. Renowned distinctly as days of extravagance, glamour and indulgence, they are quite often described as the epitome of excess. Fortunately, however, this trend is changing with the times. So eco-conscious brides and groomsto-be, fear not, for there are many green alternatives popping up to help ensure your wedding is not only all you dreamed of, but also gentle on Mother Earth. Starting off with engagement rings, why not consider something sentimental? Collect old rings from family and melt them down into one radiantly recycled piece of jewelry, or inquire with grandparents to see if they have a vintage ring you could wear on 14 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
your finger. Another option is recycled gold, or if diamonds are your dream, make sure they are mined without conflict. As for wedding invitations, a huge market exists for tree-free or recycled paper invitations. Many couples also turn to creating their own personal wedding website, complete with maps to the wedding venue and other announcements leading up to the big day. The dress is such a vital component to a wedding and it can also offer a way to be green – consider buying your dress second hand or if you must buy brand new, give your beautiful dress a second life by giving it away or selling it yourself.
And when the big day arrives, choose an astonishing natural backdrop such as botanical gardens, beaches or parks to reduce the need for cut flowers. And when you do need flowers, choose locally-grown flora. In addition to this, wherever possible when decorating for the wedding, be sure to support local businesses. The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to eco-friendly favours for guests. For your green wedding, treat it as a gift that can keep on giving — seeds, plants, small trees and bulbs are popular, as are edible treats such as homemade jam or chocolate. Many forward-thinking couples are also opting to donate to a green cause on behalf of their guests in lieu of favours.
Pemberton U-Brew Pemberton U-Brew can help top off your big day with delicious Wedding Wines at a fraction of the price Custom wine and labels for your big day Delicious reds to delightful whites.
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Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 15
And after the last person has exited the dance floor after a long, tremendous night of celebrating, there is the cleanup to the wedding. Ensure the caterers recycle all paper products and compost food scraps and any left-over food can be donated to soup kitchens. There is also the issue of gifts which can be another source of excess in weddings. Don’t register for things you don’t need: give your guests the option of giving donations in your name instead. And when it’s time to fully relish your glorious green wedding, your honeymoon can be sustainable too. Aim to be green tourists and head to natural destinations where the local people and environment benefit from your time there — purchase handmade products and give back through the gift of volunteering. B y d aw n g r e e n
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16 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
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2012-12-07 6:19 AM
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18 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
Gina Lonsdale and Chris Campagnolo are a busy couple, their weekdays are full with work, fitness and other commitments. So when it comes to the weekends, the two always try to get outside and indulge in active pursuits together.
in the sun, sand and surf. Anyone who knows Chris, knows why I said yes. He is simply the best.”
One weekend, they packed their car with paddle boards and set off for Tofino. After playing in the waves for hours, they decided to take a break. While sitting on a washed up log, with Tofino’s rugged scenery as a backdrop, Chris asked Gina to marry him.
Having grown up in Whistler at her parent’s cabin, Gina knew she wanted to celebrate her special day in Whistler. So when she attended a local wedding fair, Gina was overjoyed to learn that she had won the Wishes Whistler Wedding prize, valued at $15,000. She was awarded with a wedding planner, ceremony and reception venues, décor, cake, photographer, caterer, music and transportation all included.
“Of course I said yes,” exclaimed Gina. “We celebrated with champagne
Wedding planner Roxanne Cave is the mastermind behind Gina and Chris’s
wedding. She organized the logistics and nitty gritty details, much to Gina’s delight. “I was never really super interested in taking care of the finer details of a wedding so we were really fortunate to have Roxanne with us every step of the way,” said Gina. “All Chris and I did was show up to our wedding. Everything was planned for us. If there is any advice I could give to a couple just about to get married, it would be to get a wedding planner.” Their wedding was held on a beautifully warm, sunny afternoon from an inspiring vantage point on top of the Woodlands Rooftop Terrace at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Gadbois Photography www.gadboisphotography.ca
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.
Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 19
20 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
With snow capped peaks at their back and Whistler Village in the foreground, Chris and Gina said their “I do’s” as 140 of their closest friends and family watched on.
Manolo Blahnik heels. With ivory and hints of dark blue, these shoes are what little girl’s dreams are made of. True to practicality, Gina made sure to slip in some insoles for comfort.
The couple chose “rustic elegance” as their wedding theme, which was illustrated in their earthy colour palette, light pink and blue wildflowers that were carefully bunched together, the antique looking serving tables, the spindly chairs, and green shrubbery throughout the terrace.
Once the ceremony was over, guests sat down for a meal, wine, delicate sweet pastries and speeches. The group laughed, teared up, and danced the evening away.
“Chris and I wanted a relaxed atmosphere that captured the beauty of our surroundings without over powering it. It was important to us that our guests felt like they could be at complete ease and have the freedom to create their own special memories.” As for her dress, Gina chose a timeless white, strapless, a-line dress with a sweetheart neckline and fun, flirty frills that gently trellised from her waist. The icing on the cake was her
“I think the biggest thing that stands out for me was all the love and support both of us received from our friends. At the end of the day, it isn’t necessarily the details of a wedding that is important, don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s sharing the experience with everyone that you love, that’s what I’ll remember from the day,” said the bride at ease. By Laura Gallant
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Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 21
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Wedding favour ideas with lasting value
Whistler wedding planner reveals unique gift ideas for every budget
With the costs of weddings seemingly always on the rise, wedding favours can be an expensive addition to a ceremony. Today, most couples are looking to wedding planners to help source gift ideas that are original, practical and budget friendly. Local wedding planner Linda Marshall has been in the wedding business for just over 22 years now and knows a thing or two about selecting the perfect 22 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
wedding favour. She describes wedding favours as small gifts given to guests during a wedding ceremony as a token of appreciation. Also known as bombonier, Italian for “favours”, this tradition of gift-giving has ancient roots, believed to have originated among the European aristocracy during the 13th century. Back then, wedding favours included sugar cubes or delicate confections
which symbolized wealth and royalty. Today, wedding favour ideas have branched out from sweet treats to DIY crafts, sapling trees, charity donations, and many others. No one wants to spend $700 on a bunch of gifts that are all left on a table at the end of the night, so to commemorate a wedding Marshall suggests giving a meaningful wedding favour that represents the bride
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and groom or the location where the ceremony is held. “There has been an increase in brides using charities as a party favour. Instead of buying gifts for everyone that don’t resonate or have meaning to guests, many couples are donating to a charity of their choice. A popular charity among local brides is The Get Bear Smart Society. Bears are iconic to Whistler and it’s choices like this local charity that help guests better connect with the community.” Marshall also suggests moving beyond the traditional cupcake gift and think out of the box. She says getting the whole family involved to make grandma’s old cookie recipe is a great way of getting family members excited about the celebration. When handing out the cookies to guests during the ceremony, include a handwritten recipe. Guests will likely appreciate the story behind the cookies. For the food enthusiast bride with a more adventurous palate, try going above and beyond the generic chocolate
gift. Why not pick out a locally made jam from The Pony Espresso in Pemberton or choose from an assortment of honey flavours from Phil’s Bee and Honey Farm in Squamish. “I’ve also done a few weddings with larger budgets,” said Marshall. “Some of the more extravagant party favours I’ve come across included one couple who actually made their own wine and gave it to all of their guests. Another couple ordered Tim Hortons Timbits that were delivered in special packages to guests at the end of the night. I’ve even organized a wedding that had a cartoonist who drew quirky drawings of guests.” Vintage and whimsical themed weddings are also becoming very popular, however finding wedding favours that feel old, but look new, can be a challenge. Try sourcing out some old picture frames and insert place cards in the frame, guests can then take it home and frame their own photos. For gifts that require packaging, use metal tins or milk glass jars with a rustic finish. For those looking to save money
Wedding Invites
on wrapping, try using newspaper, lace cloths or handkerchiefs for added charm. For the eco-friendly bride there are a variety of options including a baby bean plant or “magic bean” with the bride and groom’s name written on the bean. “One of my favourite environmentally friendly wedding favour gift ideas was given out at my sister’s wedding. She gave each of her guests a little sapling tree and during the next few weeks after the wedding, family members planted each of the saplings in her backyard. That was 15 years ago and now they’re all big trees, it’s a gift that has sentimental value.” Marshall is a wealth of information when it comes to weddings and has more tips of the trade on her website, www.whistlerweddingplanners.com. By Laura Gallant
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26 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
The lush green grass brushed against Rebecca Smith’s dress as she came down the aisle to marry Eric Callender in September of last year. Held at the Brew Creek Centre, it was under fall hues of yellow, ochre, and orange, they said their vows in front of just over 100 family and friends. Rebecca, originally from Vancouver, met Eric at the end of a music festival in Nelson, B.C. Holding a sign saying “Ride 2 Van” she was grateful when he offered to give her a ride back home. After a nine-hour car journey they hugged goodbye, but Rebecca couldn’t leave it at that. After some online sleuthing she tracked him down
and they went on their first official date a week later. It only took Eric, a Whistler local since 1995 after moving from Vancouver Island, nine-months to persuade Rebecca to move to the mountains. Four years later they headed back to Nelson and Eric proposed with a hitch hiking sign which read, “To Happily Ever After” on one side, and “Rebecca will you marry me?” on the other.
So to prolong the celebrations they had a barbecue potluck on the Friday night with close friends and family, so everyone could get to know each other and start to relax. On Saturday they enjoyed a communal breakfast and everyone helped set up for the main event. The next morning guests were invited to a brunch to talk over the details of the big day.
“I was told that weddings can be over so fast, so I wanted to find a location where I could make our celebration a weekend event with a more relaxed feel to it. Eric had been to the Brew Creek Centre for a wedding a few years before and told me how stunning it was,” said Rebecca.
The Brew Creek Centre accommodated 70 of their guests, but they also did the catering which left the couple time to add some touches of their own. Rebecca made her own wedding dress after being inspired by an elegant design she’d spotted on Pinterest. It took 300 hours
Darby Magill Photography www.darbymagill.com
After studying professional photography at the Western Academy of Photography, Darby Magill then turned her passion into profession. Since moving to Whistler in 2009 Darby’s focus has been photographing weddings and family portraiture in the sea-to-sky corridor. With a backyard like Whistler, Darby focuses on the natural and organic forms of human life and space, while bringing a candid yet detailoriented approach to every shoot she immerses herself in.
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28 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
The invites the couple sent out were also incredibly personal. Intrigued by indigenous art and culture Rebecca chose to be represented by the quick-witted raven and Eric by the courageous eagle. This mythical theme continued through to their rings, with Rebecca’s raven engraving holding a diamond in its mouth. The couple decided to bring a touch of nature into the main lodge for the reception and handmade the centerpieces out of Aspen branches. Rebecca also collected black stones from their favourite beach on Bowen Island. The tables were aptly named after the mountain ranges in the valley. The food was organic and locally sourced and guests enjoyed roast beef and chicken, as well as a plethora of salads and roasted seasonal vegetables. For the wedding cake, they had not one, but two options for the guests to choose from. A friend of Rebecca’s from
elementary school made a vanilla pound cake with lavender and candied lemon, topped with fresh raspberries. Then her parents made a carrot cake, as they had done for her sister when she got married the year before. In keeping with the relaxed attitudes of both Rebecca and Eric they didn’t write their vows until the very day of the wedding. Collaborating on them together their opening lines took them straight back to that chance meeting on the side of the road: Rebecca: “Eric, on the day that we first met, I was looking for a ride home. Little did I know that you would become my home, and that our journey had only begun.” Eric: “Rebecca, on the day that I met you, I was just looking for some company for the long journey home. Little did I know that I’d met the woman who will accompany me on my life’s journey.” By dee raffo
Photo: Gadbois Photography
spread over three months of travelling to and from Vancouver to be guided by her sewing teacher, but the result was worth it.
romantic. memorable. relaxed.
Nita Lake Lodge. The ideal destination for your perfect wedding. info@nitalakelodge.com nitalakelodge.com +1(604) 966 5700
Whistler, BC
Whistler’s Wedding Magazine Wishes 2013 29
Catering & Cakes
Advertiser’s Directory P hotography
Whistler Sport Legacies (Wedding Venues)
Sugar Momma Pastries
Crystal Brown Photography
604 935 3929 www.sugarmommapastries.com
604 905 8735 www.crystalbrownphotography.com
Flowers & Decor
Darby Magill Photography
Art Garden 604 892 3822 www.artgarden.ca
Senka Florist 604 932 3301 www.senkaflorist.com
Gifts
604 902 1427 www.darbymagill.com
604 932 1903 www.homehardware.com
Invitations BlondBlonde 604 999 6970 www.blondblonde.com
Whistler Creative 604 902 4504 www.whistlercreative.ca
Jewellery
David Buzzard Photography
604 925 3218 www.blushoccasions.com
604 938 4105 www.whistlerweddingphotos.com
Isabelle’s Bridal 604 986 5200 www.isabellesbridal.com
Gadbois Photography 604 938 1444 gadboisphotography.ca
Wedding P lanners A Priceless Event
604 898 6658 www.tallevistudios.com
604 892 4915 www.apricelessevent.com
Venues
Sea to Sky Celebrations
Big Sky
604 938 1627 www.seatoskycelebrations.com
1 800 668 7900 www.bigskygolf.com
Whistler Wedding Planners 604 938 2564 www.whistlerweddingplanners.com
Edgewater Lodge 604 932 0688 www.edgewater-lodge.com
Others
Nicklaus North Golf Course
Greg Gardner
1 800 386 9898 www.golfbc.com/weddings
1 866 561 1502 www.greggardnergm.com
Nita Lake Lodge
Gem Jewellers 604 892 3002 www.gemjewellers.com
Music
1 888 755 6482 www.nitalakelodge.com
Pemberton U-Brew
Pemberton Valley Lodge
Sabre Rentals
604 894 1114
1 877 894 2800 www.pembertonvalleylodge.com
604 932 5583 www.sabrerentals.com
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
V & G Music 604 255 6603 www.violinandguitar.ca
Wedding Dresses Blush Bridal
Tallevi Studios
Whistler Home Hardware
604 964 0044 www.whistlersportlegacies.com
604 964 0997 www.slcc.ca
Wine a Bit 604 567 4565
Squamish Valley Golf Club 604 898 9521 www.squamishvalleygolf.com
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WHISTLER’S AWARD-WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1976
WHISTLERWEDDINGMAGAZINE.COM
30 Wishes 2013 Whistler’s Wedding Magazine
WHISTLERQUESTION.COM
Credit: www.gadboisphotography.ca
The Edgewater is one of British Columbia and Whistler’s most spectacular wedding locations. The views from the lodge, the garden areas, and the dining room are unparalleled in Whistler.
Contact us today! Reserve online or call 604 932 0688. Visit us at edgewater-lodge.com 8020 Alpine Way. 10 minutes north of Whistler Village at Hwy 99 & Alpine Way
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