Sun Kissed Winery Wedding

Sun Kissed Winery Wedding

Jared and Olivia’s wedding day was filled with sunshine and joy. Everyone was just so happy to be there and to be together to celebrate such a beautiful wedding. It was one of the first post-COVID weddings without restrictions, and it showed. Of course, there were some setbacks along the way as decisions were changed, changed, and changed again. As often happens, all these changes ended up creating an even better day than the couple and family had imagined.

The couple, along with their friends, each stayed over the night before at homes nearby (we hear there were hijinks aplenty). The bride and groom arrived at the Cowichan Bay winery for their ‘first look’ photos. The sun reached its zenith just as Jared and Olivia exchanged vows under the frame backdrop covered in lush roses, hydrangeas, and ivy. Guests looked out at a field of grape vines and countryside scenery as they witnessed the first kiss.

No one was in a hurry to leave on such a sun-kissed afternoon, and guests leisurely tasted the local wines and nibbled on appetizers while visiting the gardens. The call to the reception was happily greeted, and everyone carried their wine into the eucalyptus-filled room. One of the happy accidents of this wedding turned into a very popular dinner. The venue had included a chef and sit down meal in the original contract but then reneged at the last minute. So a desperate search for a caterer had ensued but none was to be had for a July Saturday afternoon. Enter an amazing charcuterie table – 16 feet long and three feet wide. What a display of delicious food and guests were enchanted with the idea of choosing their supper! The wedding party and family entertained everyone with speeches – some tearful but mostly full of laughter. The gorgeous detailed wedding cake was cut and enjoyed along with the dessert table.

The first dance was held at the garden pavilion, and the sun finally set at the perfect moment. As guests wandered back to the reception, they were met with a sparkling wonderland of candles and twinkle lights among the creme roses—a wonderful tableau under the stars.

We loved the super fun bridal party, the elegant blush bridesmaid gowns, the vintage car, and the unique giveaways. Jared + Olivia’s sun-kissed winery wedding was magazine-worthy (which is why it is in the 2023 Vancouver Island wedding issue!).