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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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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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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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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Bridal Fashion and Trends on Film…it begins with Fern of The Bride’s Closet missing the live style shows she would usually hold at the Island’s wedding shows. How could she fill this void? (SPOILER: see below!) Fern decided to gather her models (in a socially distanced way, of course!!) and video a fashion show in Nanaimo. Everyone was excited to join in this stylish idea and everyone began to plan their contribution to this event.

Laura, of West Coast Weddings, offered to make seven bouquets using local Eurosa Farms blooms. She designed boho, formal, traditional and modern bouquets to suit any gown design that Fern choose to show. Jess arrived early to make every model’s hair beautiful as the ladies began to don their gowns.

West Motion Media filmed the fashion show live at The Bride’s Closet and took the models through downtown Nanaimo locations and nearby cliffs and beaches. They could not do without some gorgeous drone shots to finish the day!

This live bridal show is a great Covid friendly idea for brides to watch the latest trends in wedding fashion. Bridal fashion and trends on film is a wonderful Vancouver Island moment we can all enjoy along with The Bride’s Closet!

VENUE AND STYLE: The Bride’s Closet | FILM: West Motion Media | PHOTOS: Janayh Wright Photography | HAIR: Jess of Thrive Eco Salon | ACCESSORIES: Laura Jayne Bride | FLORAL DESIGN: Laura of West Coast Weddings | FOOTAGE: True Flight Film | MODELS: Arielle, Ashley & Erin 

Be sure to watch the amazing live film by West Motion Media here!

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Celtic Bride is a Vancouver Island Wedding Inspiration Editorial filled with colour, beauty and a wonderful hair wreath. This concept is woodsy with a an Irish feel complete with cliffs along the ocean! A magical feel from beginning to end filled with the rich themes associated with the Celts. 

EDITORIAL PLANNER + DESIGN and HAIR SALON: Marlee Clark of Willow Hair Salon| PHOTOS: Megan Maundrell Photography | MUA: Alexandra Loughton Makeup Artist |  FLORAL DESIGN: Eiddwen Thomas of Cartref Gardens | GOWN: Shades of White Bridal Fashions | GROOMSWEAR: Plenty MODELS: Natasha + Johny of Coultish Management

The beautiful and romantic gown features lace bodice with open back and a flowing chiffon skirt – with a veil flowing in the wind! The perfect match to the Celtic love theme.

The florist focused on creating works that were wild, natural, and whimsical with a touch of mystery. The materials used were gathered from the wild and from the florists’ garden. One flower crown is on dainty covered wire and the other on a coarser stronger wire for more of an upright crown effect. The bouquet is done in a natural, delicate style to compliment the bridal gown. It was made with the use of a Holly Chapple egg. The florals in the hand tied bouquet feature blowsy delicate garden roses, all grown by the florist. The bouquet also included spirea, fern bracken, amaranths, millet, clematis, nicandra, physocarpus, scabiosa, scented geranium, and rose hips.

The makeup look is a classic, warm toned bridal look with a pop of unexpected colour. An emerald green eyeliner with golden flecks was added to the lower eye creating a unique and classic combination. Keeping the rest of the colours across the face warm complimented the model’s stunning red hair 

The hairstylist created a loose, voluminous braid-like style to fit with the theme. She wanted a wild, natural look and did this by looping and pinning many small strands of hair to almost create the illusion of vines in the hair. Small flowers were placed throughout the braid. 

Last, but certainly not least, are the utterly adorable little people in the weddign party! The small wreath on our flower girl is perfect and we can’t say enough about the blue tweed coat on our ring bearer. 

For more red haired brides enjoy this bridal editorial! 

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Painter’s Lodge was the gorgeous backdrop to Kenzie & Clint’s wedding ceremony under the bluest of skies. ‘What a view’ was the catch phrase of this ceremony!

Kenzie’s gown featured a sweetheart neckline and a skirt consisting of layers upon layers of ruffles which she paired with a gorgeous veil. The succulents, white roses and eucalyptus beautifully captured the mint green colours of the bridesmaids gowns. The guys made sure they kept up with blue suits and vests. 

One of the things that we love about Painter’s Lodge is obviously a fav with Clint and Kenzie as well…the boat ride to April’s Point Resort and Spa on Quadra Island! A perfect spot for the newlyweds’ photos session and, hopefully, some whale sightings.  

Clint and Kenzie guests enjoyed drinks and appies in the Discovery Room after the ceremony. The reception was held in the Granny Painter’s Room where succulents reigned supreme and mint sachet giveaways were enjoyed by guests

MOMENTS: When it came time for Kenzie to find her hand written personal vows, nobody could find them anywhere. She was left to her memory of what she wanted to say to her new husband at the alter. It was a whole week later that the vows turned up. Painter’s Lodge kindly mailed them to her so she could have this keepsake forever!

Find out more about Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River!

VENUE: Painter’s Lodge and April Point Resort & Spa | PHOTOS: Outer Island Photography | RENTALS: All in One Party Shop | FLORAL: Creative Evenings of Weddings | CAKE: Steiner’s Bakery | Commissioner: Bill Black 

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Written by Stacey Lafreniere 

Remember the saying, “first impressions are everything?”

This holds true for just about everything in life… including your wedding.

After all, the first thing your guests will notice when they open your invitation? The colour scheme.

More than simply a matter of aesthetic, the colour scheme of your invitation provides cues to the type of occasion they can anticipate (will it be formal, relaxed, stylish?) as well as communicates the story of who you are as a couple.

Because something as seemingly simple as the colours you select can make SUCH an impression, we encourage our clients to select a colour scheme they can get excited about.

Although it may seem like a difficult decision in the beginning, once you have the colour scheme established, the rest of your planning should fall into place with grace and ease. While it’s 2018, and we’ve tossed our rule books out the window for the most part – there are a few principles we can pay heed to when settling upon the perfect colour scheme.

Here’s how today’s couple can select a wedding colour scheme true to their personal style, all while looking effortlessly pulled together.

1) Consider Your Wedding Theme

How would you describe the look and feel of the wedding of your dreams?

Identifying your wedding theme will help the colour selections come naturally, giving you a range of options to choose from. There are specific colour combinations to work with that are associated with different looks – for example, what could possibly be more classic than a timeless wedding color palette of white with blush, black, and crimson accents?

Or perhaps you’re today’s modern romantic, falling for a colour scheme of whites, beiges, and blushes for that dreamy bridal look.

And if it’s that beachy, bohemian look you’re after? You’ll want to take inspiration from nature – think corals and sandy tans with a punch of aquamarine. Catch our drift?

2) Look To Your Venue for Inspiration

Ideally, the colour palette and theme will complement or pay homage to the venue, visually adding to the beauty of the space rather than competing or clashing with it. Some venues may have a bounty of colours “built-in”; for example, an English garden will have seasonal blooms and tons of greenery to account for, whereas a warehouse or white-washed loft will provide a blank canvas for your ideas. Considering where you’ll be hosting your wedding will help determine a look and feel that will come with ease to the venue.

3) Seek Inspiration Beyond Wedding Inspo

If scrolling down Instagram and poring through countless Pinterest boards have you feeling weary and exhausted by the sheer amount of options – don’t be intimidated to look elsewhere for your ideas. Flip through a fashion magazine, catch an art show, or look to your travels for inspiration. If Paris isn’t an option, not to fret – you can get ideas even by a waterfront stroll or a walk through your favourite city.

4) On A Budget? Think Seasonal

As with grocery shopping (and most things in life), staying seasonal is typically a good way to save money. If you’re watching your spend, consider planning your colour scheme around the time of year and which blooms will currently be in season.

One common myth is that you’ll only have a bounty of blooms to choose from with a summer wedding. However that’s not the case – Casablanca lilies, gardenias, holly, jasmine, orchids, roses, poinsettias, and even pussy willows make a stunning wintery wedding come alive!

If you allow nature to be your guide, then you can narrow down your theme options a bit closer. For example, roses and Casablanca lilies will perfectly offset a winter wedding with traditional white and black accents, whereas summer’s freesias and queen ann’s lace would beautifully offset a creamy, pale pastel wedding look. Or try some lush, tropical foliage to complement your jewel-toned wedding.

 5) Avoid “Matchy-Matchy”

While we love a good colour scheme more than anyone, possibly – we do want to avoid that dreaded “high-school prom look.” Much like that perfectly undone makeup look that’s so big today, having matching accents on everything doesn’t exactly spell out that effortlessly chic look we’re going for!

It might be tempting to bring Pantone chips with you to visit every vendor (and there’s nothing wrong with this), but consider remaining to suggestions for colour choices to help bring your vision to life. For example, an experienced florist might have “just” the mauve-pink calla lilies to bring your traditional wedding theme to life. Providing a few images of the overall feeling you’re going for will help vendors find just the right options for you – while suggesting some complementary hues, too. Best yet, get your vendors on the same page – so all of the design elements will come together flawlessly.

As for the other things that may go awry during your wedding day?

We say, expect the unexpected – but with your decor looking on point, you can roll with it!

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