The 2016 Awards Gala starred the Fairmont Empress, Vancouver Island wedding professionals, and stunning photos featuring weddings from the past year. We were pleased to welcome back hosts Steve and Courtney Julien, who entertained us the entire evening, along with presenters and winners. Amanda of Tickle Tree Stationery & Design created perfect programs, signs, and certificates. Anne of Party Mood organized the entire Palm Court, which featured tastings from the Fairmont Empress chefs, Schur to Please Boutique Cakery, Bon Macaron Patisserie, and Coastal Cake Company, along with the stylings of Geoffrey Lundstrom. The Crystal Ballroom itself was sponsored by Sandy of Decorate Victoria.
All photos by Spark and Whimsy Photography
Huge thanks to our founding Sponsors Four Frames Photo Booth, who provided great photos all night, and The Bride’s Closet, who has always provided the actual awards that we present (+ lovely ladies to present them)! We were astounded to receive gala photos just days later from Spark & Whimsy Photography and a video teaser by Ria of Jesse Hlady Studios. And, as always, a big hat’s off to the behind-the-scenes crew: Beckie Ross, Snap&Twigs Media, Blue Lily Event Planning, the Anticipate Hospitality team, PSAV (audio/video), and Laura Kalcsa of West Coast Weddings Magazine. The evening ended with the incredible voice of Eva from Beauty Bride.
The afterparty was held at Q At The Empress, the perfect space to unwind with Vancouver Island wedding friends. There was a signature ‘Awards Drink’ and Empress popcorn on every table. Finally, many made their way up to their rooms overnight!
We would also like to thank Table Sponsors who worked with the ’empress + royalty’ theme: Sherri of Dolphin’s Resort (Table Décor Organizer!), Decorate Victoria, Purely Flower, Beauty Bride, West Coast Weddings Magazine, Wedding & Event Design by Christina, Lavish Engagements, Sublime Celebrations, Details Planning & Event Design, Salish Sea Events, Absolute Rentals and Always Invited. Live Floral Sponsors: Fleurtacious by Lynda Marie, Brown’s the Florist, Platinum Floral Designs, Fresh View Events, and Campbell River Florist.
We were thrilled to see Lynda of Fleurtacious by Lynda Marie win the Industry Award for the year – she surely deserves it for her wonderful work with her clients as well as her support of all the ‘friendors’ on Vancouver Island. We hope she enjoys the weekend presented by Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet!
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists at the Vancouver Island Wedding Awards 2016!
We look forward to next year with a new website, an easier submission process, and the change to a non-profit organization named Vancouver Island Wedding Industry Association. The Board of the Association will run the Awards and no charge Industry Events throughout the year. These events will provide networking opportunities and learning sessions based on business, marketing, and creativity. The first VIWIA Day will occur on January 31, 2017, at the Olympic View Golf Club. To register or for more information, please email viwedindustry@gmail.com. If you would like to be part of the upcoming Board, please visit viweddingassociation.com.
