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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Engagement Celebration in Tofino! We love how happy these two are as they celebrate such an amazing milestone in their lives together. Isabel and Dave celebrated their engagement at the Wickaninnish Inn. They marked the moment with a photo session with Megan Maundrell Photography. 

The newly engaged couple excitedly walked along the beach with lots of love and laughter. They even got some sun, which is a rarity in October. The best part is the bottle of champagne to pop open for photos. It was a special bottle of Moet Champagne gifted to them by a friend right after Dave popped the question. What is an engagement on a Tofino beach without champagne – Isabel and Dave sipped as they celebrated!

So many engagements are happening under the camera’s eye, but there are still couples who want the popping of the question to be private. So do what makes you feel comfortable, and remember you can always celebrate ‘she said yes’ during a celebration photo shoot later, which is what Isabel + Dave inspire us to do! Congrats to these two for their engagement celebration in Tofino! 

PHOTOS: Megan Maundrell Photography

VENUE: Wickaninnish Inn Tofino

You are invited to an inspiring Megan Maundrell Photography shoot!

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West Coast Wild Beauty…This incredible West Coast Wild Beauty inspiration editorial, with Kleinfeld Bridal & Pnina Tornai, showcases the perfect moments that create West Coast Weddings! The power of the sea, the loveliness of the sunshine reflecting on the water, the burst of sunset colours in the sky… altogether a wild beauty that cannot be rivalled.

Weddings and elopements in Tofino & Ucluelet are wildly popular as couples embrace the beaches and ancient rainforests on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Mountain elopements, beach weddings, and forest nuptials – the experience is off the charts.

Special thanks to the team at Pnina Tornai and Kleinfeld Canada, who provided the extraordinary gowns, and our intrepid model Autumn, who braved the water and wind and made gown changes on the cliffs. Our photographer, Erin Wallis Photography, receives top kudos for capturing the extraordinary mood and feel of the wild nature of Tofino and the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

This Vancouver Island bridal inspiration shoot is full of fun and love behind the scenes. Karen of Petal & Kettle Floral Design designed the bouquet from a drawing that Laura of West Coast Weddings Magazine had sent. She took the idea and ran with it! The theme boards were the 1920s meets West Coast with the most luxurious bridal gowns. It was a Hail Mary to contact Kleinfelds and Pnina Tornai. Of course, the dresses were held up at the border, as were the designer Emmy London’s shoes. Welcome to Vancouver Island!

In the end, it turned out better than imagined. The rogue wave that hit turned out for the best, as shots were captured that we would not have tried before the gown was wet! Karen and Laura were crazy enough to be up on a ladder in the ocean, holding a chandelier over the cake and were thoroughly soaked in the process! Surfers on the Long Beach Lodge water’s edge photobombed. The final touch was an epic sunset. Erin Wallis had a photographer meltdown as the sky changed colors.  It was a Vancouver Island wedding moment in time. 

You are Invited to Join us for more West Coast Wedding Beauty by Erin Wallis Photography.

PHOTOS: Erin Wallis Photography | GOWNS: Pnina Tornai | VENUE: Long Beach Lodge Resort in Tofino | FLORAL DESIGN & DECOR: Petal and Kettle Parksville Florist | HAIR/MAKEUP: Petrichor Hair Workshop | SHOES: Emmy London | CAKE: Coastal Cake Company |  Gowns: Kleinfeld Bridal New York EDITORIAL DESIGN: Laura Kalcsa of West Coast Weddings Magazine

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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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Enchanted Rain Forest

Wedding Romance in Tofino at the stunning Wickaninnish Inn…a magical shoot among the towering old-growth trees of Vancouver Island. In the lush forest that whispers tales of forgotten magic, this fairytale-like elopement embraces all the beautiful elements of the West Coast.

The bride’s flowing wedding dress by Hannah Tikkanen recalls the gentle waves of the ocean and harmonizes with the lush greens of the ancient rainforest. The gown is a work of art, an homage to the great paintings of sea goddesses. The lightly colored diaphanous skirt floats behind the bride as she walks through the forest and onto the beach, revealing a unique bodice and sleeves. The groom takes beach style to a new level in his light-colored suit and lovely boutonniere. 

We love the utterly perfect florals in the forest and on the water. Whimsical summer flowers gracefully climb the old-growth tree, blending their colors with the woodland in soft pastels and creamy tones. The beach blossoms work perfectly on the ceremony backdrop, using the blue sky as a blank canvas. We love the bouquet’s trailing ribbons blowing in the breeze.

On Shell Beach, time seemed to stand still as the couple shared intimate moments, embracing the serenity of the golden hour. A long driftwood table decorated with elegant simplicity hosted a romantic dinner for two with a lovely cake nearby just waiting to be cut.  Ayla Pena created beach-inspired invites and vow books using glass and seashells in delicate pastels. We love the gold, ocean-inspired wedding rings by local artist Lisa Fletcher and the log ‘seats’!

Enchanted Rain Forest Romance is the West Coast wedding inspiration of dreams, which is why it was featured in the West Coast Wedding Magazine Vancouver Island issue. We love everything about this green Tofino elopement, and it inspires every rainforest-inspired bride and groom!

PHOTOS: Jen + Brian Photo & Film

VENUE + CAKE: Wickaninnish Inn

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Clearwater Events & Weddings (and some of the beautiful words in this blog)

FLORALS: Wild Bloom Floral Design

RENTALS: Darling Vintage Rentals

BEACH STATIONERY: Lele Chan

PAPER SUITE: Ayla Pena

GOWN: Hannah Tikkanen

SUIT: Black & Lee 

RINGS: Lisa Fletcher

HAIR + MUA: Salty Dolls Hair Salon  

MODELS: Alicia + Matt

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Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is quietly nestled onto the ocean cliffs of Ucluelet – a perfect mix of nature and comfort. Weddings, elopements, and engagements are also part of the landscape! The Resort is on the west side of Vancouver Island, not far from famous Tofino surfing spots. Couples searching for the wildness of private beaches and forests can find all that and more. The natural scenery is showcased in a modern style. Practical matters are not forgotten as large suites, with full kitchens, are available for all your family and friends.

And ‘pet-friendly’ is probably too mild for the service your pets receive – more like a ‘pet lover’s’ venue! Dog biscuits greet canine guests at the front counter with lots of love. Plus, it’s a perfect storm of trails for doggy walks! And the wedding planners here are experts with pets, even providing a pet babysitting service.

Upon entering Black Rock Resort, the first impression is the fascinating modern architecture – an ocean inlet circles the main lobby. Stepping out onto the glass balcony, complete with a fire pit, is quite an awe-inspiring way to watch the spectacular sunrises and sunsets. It is also the first glimpse of many ceremony spots within the resort. We were assured they would make your ceremony happen wherever your fancy strikes you in or around the property! Balconies, beaches, rocks, decks…all fair game.

The favorite spot at Black Rock for ceremonies, elopements, and private dinners is the Wine Cellar. As you step down the winding staircase (dramatic bridal entrance!), you are met with a glass wall looking out over the ocean inlet. Evening ceremonies filled with candlelight are the perfect fit for the West Coast décor in this venue space. You can wed on the balcony or just inside the glass wall. At approx 935 sq ft you can have up to 45 guests.

The Fetch Patio is set over the ocean cliffs and offers an open-air option for elopements or larger receptions. The iconic Black Rock Wedding shot is taken at the end of the Fetch Patio. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy a cocktail reception (and the view!) while mingling.

The 2000 sq ft Rainforest Ballroom is the more traditional choice for larger receptions and can hold up to 120 guests. You can have your ceremony anywhere on the property and then retire with your guests to this space to dance the night away. The room can also be split into the Hemlock and Sitka rooms. Black Rock Resort provides audio/visual, a portable bar, lighting, and a dance floor.

Gourmet cuisine is another perk to Black Rock – chefs are happy to plan your culinary event with guests in mind. West Coast ingredients and décor are showcased and add to the entire experience. Before and after your event, the resort offers a lovely little coffee shop in the lobby and two restaurants. Float Lounge is perfect for eating casually and knocking back cocktails while admiring the view. Fetch Restaurant offers gourmet cuisine, but be sure to reserve.

One thing you do not have to worry about is the planning of your special event. Black Rock Resort has extremely experienced wedding designers on hand. They know where to get anything you wish for and can put together whatever occasion you celebrate – including proposals! The resort averages three monthly proposals and hundreds of weddings, elopements, honeymoons, etc., every year.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort has suites and accommodations to suit any grouping, but, more importantly, they have full kitchens in their suites. The view from the balconies is unparalleled. You can watch the sunrise while listening to the ocean waves or sip a glass of wine while watching the sunset. Really it doesn’t matter the time of day – it’s just a fantastic set of windows to look through. The suites are modern simplicity with fireplaces and bathrooms as large as most bedrooms. The rain shower in each suite is a work of art, honestly! On top of all this, the hot tubs and pool are on the edge of a cliff hanging over the ocean. You won’t soon forget the experience of sitting in a hot tub listening to the waves crash below. Not to be forgotten is the Drift Spa, which offers massages and facials using natural elements such as black rocks and seaweed flora.

Photographers get pretty excited when you book them to shoot your wedding, for good reason! The black rock photos with the sun setting behind them are an iconic moment for your gallery. Just be sure to have cliff-climbing-friendly footwear around to catch these moments.

PS – We loved this rundown of perfect spots around Ucluelet and the Resort! The resort will help you choose your naturally dramatic ceremony backdrop, help you book local wedding professionals, and inform you regarding legalities. Sites include Big Beach, Cedar Beach, Pacific Rim National Park, Wild Pacific Trail, and Amphitrite Point Lighthouse.

PPS – Be sure to go to the Specials tab on the website – great packages are available so you can experience your wedding or elopement ahead of time.

For personal help with anything to do with Black Rock Oceanfront Resort Events:

Call 250 726 4800 or e.mail at sales@blackrockresort.com

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Radiant in the Redwoods…For so many couples over the last few years, their big day plans have been canceled and changed, and for Evan and Vanessa, this happened multiple times. But finally, they had the opportunity to say I Do in front of their loved ones at their small and intimate Tofino wedding on Vancouver Island.

Island Moments Photography captured Vancouver Island’s natural beauty and, more importantly, the warmth and love of Evan and Vanessa’s West Coast wedding.

The bride’s lace gown, with touches of white floral embroidery, was perfectly paired with a long sweeping veil and flower crown, which adds to the enchantment of this forest scene.  Luxx Nova Bridal is an online boutique in Vancouver where Vanessa found her perfect gown. 

Bezaire Florals created this gorgeous free-form bouquet using white and blush roses, crimson dahlias, and eucalyptus. The exquisite flower crown complements their wedding style’s luxuriously wild feel. We just love the photos, which almost appear to be inside some of Tofino’s largest redwoods! 

Salty Dolls Hair Salon added a touch of drama, allowing the bride’s natural beauty to shine. They are happy to work from your location or their salon so you can be pampered on your wedding day—a real Tofino perk! Vanessa is simply beautiful in her West Coast wedding style. 

The red cedar trees and sand of Chesterman Beach create a naturally romantic atmosphere, with the rugged rocky coastline of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. Wickaninnish Inn is an incredible location to have your ceremony as you literally walk out their front steps to this famous beach. Add a private beach reception where cake and champagne rule the day. It cannot get any dreamier than a lovely tent with every guest having their log to sit upon!

Everything came together to make this intimate wedding truly radiant in the redwoods. Vancouver Island wedding couples are lucky to have their dream forest look AND a beach vibe at the same time! A classic ethereal wedding style filled with Vancouver Island’s natural beauty.

PHOTOS: Island Moments Photography | FLORALS: Bezaire Florals | VENUE + CATERING: Wickaninnish Inn | HAIR + MAKEUP: Salty Dolls hair salon  | GOWN + VEIL: Luxx Nova Bridal Boutique | ALTERATIONS: Anni’s Creations 

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Ethereal Elopement Along Tofino Coastline…an intimate wedding on the beaches of Vancouver Island’s beautiful west coast. Radia + Derek embraced the opportunity to have the adventure of a lifetime. They exchanged vows with a backdrop of ocean waves and moody skies. 

Radia + Derek had planned for a big wedding, but fate intervened and gifted them the wedding of their dreams. The two decided to bring their closest friends together in Tofino for an intimate ceremony and celebration on the beach. Pollen& Co. created a floral backdrop to compliment the ocean view. At first, nature did not cooperate, but West Coasters are used to that, and everyone just chilled for a bit. The perfect moment arrived, and everyone came together to listen as Radia + Derek exchanged vows. Their wedding party of one flower girl and their dogs were especially rapt!

Afterward, the famous Tacofino tacos and the couple’s favorite jelly doughnuts were served. I wish we were there for that! Of course, there were drinks to toast the newlyweds. 

We love the three bridal gowns that Radia rocked. One dress was waiting in the wings when the bride saw the blush gown online. She rented it from Taylor Dawning Photography, a huge part of their day. Taylor, the owner of Taylor Dawning, surprised Radia with another unique gown – and a hat! So Radia was blessed with three gorgeous gowns for her day – what bride doesn’t dream of that? She escorted the couple through a six-hour photo shoot. The grey weather gave it a mystical feel for some pretty epic shots.

The newlyweds finished their day with a celebration dinner at Long Beach Lodge and returned to their friends who had been having their party! Radia + Derek could not have been happier with their ethereal elopement along the Tofino coastline. She says, “We had no plan at all, and it just ended up amazing! It is so much more emotional than we thought it would be. It was so, so perfect, and all our guests are still talking about it. I have a smile just thinking about it. The most intimate, perfect wedding we could have had.” Congrats to Radia + Derek on their Tofino elopement!

PHOTOS: Taylor Dawning Photography | GOWN: The Fitzroy |FLORAL DESIGN: Pollen & Co. | VENUE: Long Beach Lodge Resort | HAIR + MUA: John and Marielle of The Knot Artistry

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