Groom’s Attire for the West Coast Beach Wedding! We love to see the guys in their wedding suits and tuxes, but many of our West Coast grooms are marrying on the beach – which often involves running through the ocean!  That means a tux may not be the best choice…so what is the well-dressed groom wearing to his beach wedding?

The current trends for grooms feature blues, pale grey and beige – the perfect palette for any seaside event.

The current trends for grooms feature blues, pale grey, and beige – the perfect palette for any seaside event. Those are also the colours that tend to look the best when surrounded by nature. While there are no ‘rules,’ be sure the groom’s look will stand the test of time.

You are invited to more groom tips!

That being said, what most grooms love about a beach wedding is that they can go less formal.  Undoing a few shirt buttons, maybe losing the tie/jacket, or simply being able to wear more casual fabrics. Some grooms still prefer to wear a suit but choose a looser fit that is more comfortable.

Whatever the look…be sure to take a cue from the bride.  What she chooses as her bridal gown will influence how a groom will style. Go for a timeless yet comfortable look and enjoy a wonderful day with family and friends!

Tips for the Beach Wedding Groom:

Always allow the bride to take the lead in how casual your wedding will be – you may have to abandon your plan to wear shorts if your bride has found her dream princess gown!

Footwear can be anything from traditional to sneakers – but always have the appropriate shoes for your style.

Grooms can go sockless but always wear invisible socks with closed shoes.

Cotton and linens or lightweight wool suits are perfect materials for outdoor weddings!

Never wear a formal tux under the beach skies. Always go towards lighter suits.  Remember – it can get hot!

with thanks to Dale of Outlooks at Men (outlooksformen.com)

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Champagne Bubbles: Capturing Your Newlywed Moment…We love that moment when a couple steps away from their ‘I do’s and pops the cork on their first champagne bottle as a new couple. There will be more bottles in the future with new homes, babies, promotions, and holidays. There was likely a bottle involved in your proposal!  So this is one of those ‘must capture’ moments with your photographer. But how to catch the perfect photos?

Of course, it would be wonderful if every champagne moment was caught without any planning, but the truth is that the best shots have some thought behind them. Try to imagine where you would like your backdrop for the champagne opening, and have the bottle and glasses set up ahead of time. Make it part of the schedule to run there immediately after the ceremony. Ensure your photographer is well-informed about your preferences by sending ‘photo ideas’ ahead of time.

Opening a bottle of bubbly out of sheer joy is not the only moment that champagne can be used at your wedding. Think champagne toasters, tiny bottles as giveaways, having a glass poured for each guest for a toast, duelling cocktail hour, and during pre-celebrations with bridesmaids. Thankfully, we no longer ‘behead’ the bottles with sabres (yes, that’s from the French), but remember to aim away from anything you might not wish to damage.

The champagne bottle moment is an opportunity for newlyweds to take a little time out of an exciting day for themselves. Be joyful about the ceremony that has just celebrated their love and acknowledge the future that is created. So take the time to be sure you capture your first champagne bubbles as newlyweds – raise a glass to yourselves and the milestone you have reached together!

Photography: Secret Waters Photography | Florals: Bespoke Blossoms | Design/Styling: Brittany Sagal Event Design | Location: Powerhouse | Cake: July’s Girl Cake Co | Skirt: She Wore Flowers Isra Bridal Skirt Jewellery: Emma Glover Design | Stationery: Studio 745 | Decor  + Rentals: Trend Decor Event Design | Tabletop Curated Rentals | Linens: Faire La Fete Linen | Hair and MUA: Every Strand Matters | Artistry by Alexa | Suit: Outlooks For Men | Model: @misty.moss

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10 West Coast Wedding Floral Crowns

We love summers here at West Coast Weddings because that is when photographers drop their sneak peek photos from that weekend’s weddings! One trend that we are enjoying is the gorgeous floral crowns.  Once reserved for the hippie bride, bridal wreaths are everywhere. Traditional brides combine floral crowns with veils, while bohemian brides wear them atop loose curls.

Head wreaths for brides are a way to create a more casual look for the formal bride. There is no reason why you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Are you wearing a cathedral veil for a church ceremony? Why not change it out to a floral crown for those beach photos? Or have your wreath ready for the pre-wedding photos?

Floral crowns can come in various sizes, from dainty rings of flowers to more adventurous bursts of greenery and colour. Wreaths and coordinating bouquets can create the most beautiful bridal portrait, so go ahead and have one made just for the photos.  Some brides are excited to don a floral wreath for woodland engagement photo sessions.

Floral crowns can create a lovely and ethereal look for the traditional or non-traditional wedding!

No matter the style or colour, floral crowns create a lovely and ethereal look for a traditional or non-traditional wedding. Let your imagination soar, and enjoy the beautiful results!  We chose ten West Coast wedding floral crowns to help you design your wedding day wreath.

We invite you to more West Coast wedding florals!

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Wedding Venue Showcase: Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa

The Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa is an ideal getaway for a destination wedding in the world-renowned Gulf Islands. A spectacular oceanfront West Coast resort that is close to the major centers of Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle, yet a world away. We loved our trip, visiting where beach and oceanfront ceremonies are held and the dinner and reception settings. Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa aims to create a memorable wedding day for couples and guests in the West Coast setting.  True boutique wedding specialists with romantic elopements for two and elegant affairs for up to 100 guests (64 overnight guests).

If you are a couple looking for a property where you can hold events the day before and the day after, this is it. All of your guests can stay in Oceanfront comfort, and you can have the entire resort for the weekend. If you have any fishing enthusiasts among your guests, they will be over the moon! The walks along the ocean, the sunset views, and the local village vibe all add to a magical place to have your special day. It’s a complete Galiano Island resort experience! And pet-friendly – which is super important for those who wish to have their ‘kids’ with them.

A spectacular oceanfront West Coast resort that is close to the major centres of Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle, yet a world away!

There are two amazing oceanfront Wedding Ceremony spots, both with spectacular views.  A world-class restaurant for the reception with the ocean as your backdrop with room to dance the night away. The owners are very proud that they can offer some of the best cuisine on the West Coast with a great selection of BC Wines and craft beers. You can also have your reception outside on the oceanfront and move into the reception rooms as the night progresses. There are lots of options! We asked about the gazebo and the majestic tree in front of the beach – yes, also both popular spots!

 

The Galiano Inn Spa in the Gardens

Galiano Inn can also offer a first-class spa with massage, manicures, pedicures, facials, and an Eucalyptus Steam Room, all steps away from your room. The Madrona Del Mar Spa cottages are tucked into the beautiful garden area beside a babbling brook and fountain, which makes a massage here quite a relaxing and rejuvenating experience! The spa is the perfect way to get everyone relaxed and pretty for special events, and it takes a big ‘to do’ off your list. 

The Gardens at the Inn

We especially loved the Gardens at the Inn. The Flores Del Iris Gardens are rather famous, and guests are encouraged to wander through and enjoy the blend of wild and formal plantings. Galiano Inn works hard to be community-oriented and environmentally friendly. The Gardens are part of this effort, and you can often find local events taking place (International Women’s Day was being celebrated through local artists while we were visiting!). They also host the Kunamokst Mural, which most wedding couples pose in front of at some point! The Inn is a photographer’s paradise with beautiful gardens and beaches steps away from each other and waiting for those epic shots.

Fine Dining Along the Oceanfront

Galiano Inn is incredibly proud of its culinary offerings. Under its Executive Chef, the Atraveda Restaurant has become a peak experience for Pacific dining. They don’t shy away from dietary preferences or restrictions, so you can offer your guests diverse options to suit them without losing their authentic local tastes. The Chef will work with couples to create their menu and liquor pairings. 

Galiano Inn Wedding Guest Accommodations

The accommodations are excellent—we loved the views of the Ocean and the open-concept feel of full kitchen amenities. The suites have washers/dryers, a deck suited for summer and winter use, a large table and chairs for dining, a barbecue, a soaker tub, and a fireplace. We had the fireplace toasting us during our stay while we listened to the West Coast waves in the background—truly wonderful. Of course, there are other room types available for all your guests. Outside the Inn is a fun bakery for your sweet tooth and a bookstore filled with reading treasures. We think coming on the ferry as a foot passenger and leisurely taking the four-minute walk to the Inn is a fantastic travel option. The ferry ride is out of this world – weaving between the Gulf Islands and passing by boats. What a way to welcome your guests and begin creating special memories together!

Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa is a short ferry ride from Victoria, Sidney, or Vancouver. If you want to have your special event or wedding at Galiano Oceanfront Resort and Spa, visit their website and talk to their helpful Event Planner. They are full of advice, have all the vendors you need at their fingertips, and can’t wait to help you celebrate. 

If you are looking for a chill vibe, elegant oceanfront views, and intimate romantic memories, then Galiano Oceanfront Resort and Spa is the place for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Modern Twists on the Wedding Boutonniere for the Stylish Groom!

Boutonnieres used to be the boring part of the wedding floral – predictable and about as interesting as watching paint dry.  These days, though, there has been a resurgence in creating classic or unusual floral designs for the guys.  They bring personality and a modern twist. So, how do you choose boutonnieres, and what design elements should you look for?  (Cover Image: Marnie Recker Photography | Kenmar Flower Farm)

Colour

The men in the wedding party probably won’t get too concerned about what colour the boutonnieres are, but we can always live in hope! More grooms are getting excited about their look on the big day, including their flowers. So, send your groom over to Pinterest, and something will catch his eye. Don’t worry if it isn’t ‘matching’ your wedding palette. You can work with a floral designer to make it perfect for your aesthetic.  What colour are the groom’s and bridesmaids wearing, and what colours will be in the ladies’ floral?  Ensure the tones match or combine well across the colour spectrum.  No pale pastels on the guys, only to have jewel tones appearing across the aisle!

Megan Edelman Photography | Fleurtacious by Lynda Marie

Design

Be sure to choose boutonnieres that look balanced on the guy’s lapels.  Top-heavy creations will not only crease the suits but generally look odd in photos; yes, size matters! Please ensure the boutonniere is not as large as the groom’s face!  Discuss with your florist how the stems will be finished. No green floral tape should be showing! Design choices also include using just one bloom or using several smaller blooms.  Greenery can also add to the look or be used as the entire design. The trend these days is leaning toward larger or pocket boutonnieres or even entire lapel arrangements. Dream large!

LumiPhoto | West Coast Floral Design

Outside of the Box

Some grooms and groomsmen are not in the mood for the floral boutonniere.  No worries! There are many options for a floral alternative – think succulents, pins, berries, vintage keys, watches, feathers, etc.  Anything that might be personally meaningful or original.

A trendy look these days is the floral lapel or floral pocket. These are truly unique and perfect for the super stylish groom. The sky is the limit, and Pinterest is your best friend. Just be sure that your guy is comfortable with a more splashy look. 

Jen + Brian Photo and Film | Wildflower & Twigs

Logistics

Don’t forget that the boutonnieres need to be wherever your men in the wedding party have photos taken before the ceremony.  The father of the bride needs his delivered with the bride’s flowers.  And guys….please…the boutonnieres are pinned above the heart (on the left!!) and not too high (the flowers should not be touching the face!).  A good florist will include a backup boutonniere if Aunt Edna hugs the groom too enthusiastically. These details are often overlooked but become very important in the middle of your photographs.

Choose your boutonnieres wisely; they will become a unique part of your wedding and something your guys will be excited about wearing on their lapels.  We loved these boutonnieres, which span the classics to the whimsical.

Clare Day Flowers/Ophelia Photography

Sophisticated Floral Design | Erica Ann Photography

Lisa Kopp Photography | Brown’s the Florist

Cheyenne Shemnai Photography

You are invited to more west coast wedding inspiration! 

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Sun Kissed Barefoot Beach Wedding...this celebration was so gorgeous! Anton and Montana were a fascinating couple – they had modeled many times for wedding shoots but had never attended a real wedding! So, they had a clear vision in mind when it came to their nuptials.

It was essential for Anton and Montana to marry in Victoria. So they decided on The  Beach House Restaurant in Cordova Bay.  The ocean is only steps away, which allows for a barefoot beach ceremony.  Family and friends joined them around a driftwood canopy wrapped in white linen. The reception that followed featured fun music and lots of food, along with tears and laughter. The weather could not have cooperated more as the sun shone brightly upon their happiness.

Anton & Montana had a clear vision in mind!

We loved the bride’s look with the baby’s breath wreath, barefoot sandal jewelry, and flowing gown. The groom epitomized beach chic for men and had perfected his ‘over the threshold’ lift!

A  Special Moment!

An extraordinary moment at this wedding was the first dance, which featured Anton and Montana in a lovely waltz just as the sun kissed the waves.  The evening ended with a sparkler send-off on the beach. Congrats to this gorgeous couple!

You are invited to another beach wedding!

Photographer: Ophelia Photography  Hair:  Amanda of Kharma Design Studio | Makeup: Carly Flint + iLashes by Lisa | Wedding Dress and Accessories: Grace Loves Lace | Jeweller: Ann Louise  Jewellers | Anton’s ring:  Komo Koa Jewellers, Hawaii | Floral: Kenmar Flower Farm/Ingrid Rose Floral Artistry and Family | Officiant:  Sherry Lynne Easthom | Music:  Jill Cooper / Party Peeps  | Cake and Cupcakes: Cake by Taryn | Hotel: Victoria Regent | Limo: LA Limousines | Wedding Venue: The Beach House Restaurant | Groomswear: Hudson’s Bay | Menswear: Outlooks for Men | Dance Lessons: Arthur Murray Dance Studio

If you loved Anton & Montana’s wedding….we invite you to

Kyler & Jaymee’s Backyard Affair!

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Helicopter Engagement on Vancouver Island…we love the gorgeous winter wedding vibes here for Jennifer + Tyson’s mountain shoot. A once-in-a-lifetime moment just for the two of them. The couple decided to celebrate their Vancouver Island engagement in a wintry vision of romance and adventure in the snowy mountains. 

So, how did this all come about? It started with a proposal, of course! Jennifer explains, “Tyson and I met on an online dating site. We dated long-distance for a year, and then I moved myself and my children to Nanaimo. Tyson and I saved up and bought our first home together in the summer of 2021. That Christmas, our first Christmas in our new home, was when Tyson popped the question. We finally had the house to ourselves in the evening, and he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.”

Jennifer continues, “I had always dreamed of flying in a helicopter and getting married. But now that the moment had arrived, I was hesitant about eloping, so I asked Janayh if we could do engagement photos instead.  I always envisioned snow and a mountain top. I searched for the perfect dress, which I found at Guava Apparel in downtown Nanaimo.  We had planned to fly out on Valentine’s Day, but we ended up being spontaneous due to the weather. We waited for the weather to clear up, and everything worked out. The day was here! We arrived at the place; the pilot explained all the safety rules and how to wear the headgear. We were so excited and so nervous. I was smiling ear to ear, and I don’t think I spoke much. I was in awe with the rush from flying and the beautiful sights. We landed on the perfect mountaintop, where the snow was untouched. We felt like movie stars, with the photographer following and arranging us into our photos. I didn’t even feel the cold. It was such a rush! It was everything I had hoped for. I would do it again and again.”

There is nothing so amazing as fulfilling a dream with your loved one. So, if you are thinking of an engagement session, why not talk to your photographer about your ultimate wedding adventure? Photos on a boat, on the beach, in a forest, or where you first met. Or a helicopter engagement on Vancouver Island!  Like Jennifer says, “Dressing up like a fairy tale and experiencing a dream you have always wanted only happens once in a lifetime. It was perfect.” 

Photography: Janayh Wright Photography | Stylist: Jennifer Brown at VK Salon Nanaimo | Dress: Guava Apparel | Helicopter Pilot Andy: West Coast Helicopters 

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Mountain Top Elopement on Vancouver Island 

Elopement is the ultimate way to have a private ceremony with just the two of you (and an officiant) someplace special. You can imagine our excitement over this Vancouver Island mountain top elopement when the first photo appeared! Vistas that stretch for miles, perfectly blue sky and a very adventurous couple that wished to celebrate their love at the top of the world.

Surprise

Chris surprised Danielle a few days before the planned wedding with the idea and it couldn’t have turned out better. Clayoquot Sound looked amazing from the air and the water provided a lovely colour show along with a whale sighting!  Of course, special thanks to Atleo Air for this elopement!

You are invited to more weddings in mountains!

Photography by Paul Levy Photo

Elopement Planning 

This elopement is wonderful with the photos both above and below the mountaintops. Be sure that you have a Plan B should the weather not cooperate for helicopter flights. And when you are going to snowy caps be prepared with suitable warm clothing and footwear! A wedding planner can really be helpful if it is a destination wedding as they will know what you will need for your adventure of a lifetime. 

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We were curious as to how much wedding art came about so we asked the designer, Karen Bezaire, to describe her inspiration. “Enduring Covid-19 for four months back in July 2020 definitely left me feeling like I needed an opportunity to expand my creativity. I felt really inspired seeing couture dresses online and fashion designers using the form and textured textiles to create beautiful gowns. I was inspired to design something of my own. Although I’ve never sewn and I’ve never made a wearable flower structure before I was excited to try. I asked my good friend Kailli from Dancing Dandelion Farms in Duncan if she wanted to help. Kailli has grown such gorgeous flowers and I’m constantly obsessed with her varieties and quality of blooms. Natalia from Ingrid Rose is another good friend of mine. The most thoughtful and gentle soul you will ever meet, along with being an incredibly talented florist herself. I also asked Natalia to model. She is also drop-dead gorgeous. I made a circular wireframe for the skirt and backed it with some soft fabric along with a halter top. The day before the shoot the three of us got together (6 feet apart) and started adhering all of Kailli’s beautiful flowers to the frame. It was a process but the end result was pretty exciting. I also made an outrageous headpiece, cuff bracelet, and necklace that went with the flower dress. There really isn’t anything better than creating with your friends and having the most fun.”

As if all the floral splendor was not enough there is also the stunning cake and cookies sitting on a vintage dresser in the flower meadow. The white wedding cake has pressed flowers as well as fresh roses while the cookies have delightful pressed floral and fauna on top. We just want to sit down and start tasting these beautiful goodies.

We especially love the subtle colours used for the floral creations. A peachy-pink tone along with plenty of off-white gives the illusion of a wedding gown. Roses and orchids are used lavishly in the dress, head wreath, bracelets, and necklace. This flirty floral gown at Dandelion Farm is a unique take on wedding finery!

You are invited to more creativity by Karen Bezaire….

FLORAL DRESS & ACCESSORY DESIGNER: Bezaire Floral & Events | FLOWER HELPERS: Ingrid Rose Floral Artistry & Dancing Dandelion Farms | FLOWERS Donated by: Dancing Dandelion Farms | PHOTOS: Shantina Rae Photography | HAIR + MUA: Makeup Artistry by Trish | CAKE: Schur to Please Boutique Cakery | MODEL Natalia of Ingrid Rose Floral Artistry 

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Dolphin’s Resort Wedding Romance…a wonderful modern take on a west coast elopement held by the ocean in a cottage venue. The location ties together all the best things about a Vancouver Island wedding. The water, the views, the forest and a beach house to celebrate in with your intimate group of friends and family.

We love, love, love the gown by Reclamation Design. The open back and butterfly sleeves with fringes are complemented by the flowing skirt. A trendy yet classic take on the bridal gown and an eco friendly choice. What’s not to love! The floral wreath is a perfect touch for this bridal ensemble featuring tiny white flowers, blue thistle and eucalyptus greenery. The groom is perfect in his sophisticated black and white with boutonniere.

A sweetheart reception table sits atop the cottage venue balcony overlooking the spectacular ocean view and beach below. Crisp pastels are set with light gold plates and wine glasses and await the newlyweds first meal together. Simplicity and sophistication are the key to making sure the surroundings and view are the star attraction.

Dolphin’s Resort Beach House venue boasts a cozy atmosphere with a wall of windows and fireplace. Newlyweds can dance below cafe lights across the ceiling trusses and watch the incredible sun sets. Dolphin’s Resort Wedding Romance comes to life by the naturally beautiful majestic firs and ceremony friendly beaches. Saying ‘I Do’ here is a beautiful day in the making!

Resort: Dolphin’s Resort | Hair & Makeup: Kayla Rae Makeup Artist | Dress: Reclamation Design | Florals: Campbell River Florist | Event Supplies: All in One Party Shop | Photography: Gal Eye Photography | Models: Ashley + Braeden 

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