We were so proud to support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation while showcasing the best of Vancouver Island’s wedding and event professionals at this year’s Champagne + Cake Show. West Coast Weddings Magazine presented the show along with Blue Lily Event Planning, Decorate Victoria, Truffles Catering, and Lee Entertainment. And, of course, our iconic venue sponsor, Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University. 

New at Champagne+ Cake Show!

Ceremony setups in the Hatley Park Gardens, peacocks strutting their stuff, and ocean views off the front patio. Live hair and makeup demos, floral displays, tablescapes, and cake cake cake! DJs spinning tunes, couples dancing to our cellist, or singing along with our live music. We loved the mini dance lessons. Photographers, artists, filmmakers, planners, decorators…everything you need for a wedding or event. The food is, as always, a big part of the show. We hope you sampled the Mexican or Thai food, had some coffee, and tried the mocktails. 

Fashion was all through the castle. Models descended the staircases wearing the latest designs and immediately became stars as our photographers snapped! The best part was the brides who found their gown at the dress sale held by The Bride’s Closet with 50% off. Can’t beat that. 

The pièce de résistance of Champagne + Cake Show 2025 at Hatley Castle is…Hatley Castle Park! The gardens are gorgeous this time of year. Many wandered through the Italian Gardens set up for a ceremony. Others took advantage of the sunshine and lounged on the front patios. 

Thank you to everyone for supporting a good cause at the Champagne + Cake Show 2026 at Hatley Castle! See you next year!

Featured Image: Ross Kyker Photo

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Tying the Knot at Hatley Castle Teresa and Graeme had the best of both worlds: a Hatley Castle Ceremony and a reception at historic Heritage Acres. It’s wonderful how the couple’s personality shines through every moment of their special day! The bride and groom were their best selves in unique looks that honored their lives. However, they also leaned into their wish for a fun party for their family and friends—a fusion wedding on every level. Teresa explains, “Well, one of us wore white. My husband Graeme and I tied the knot, literally, in a handfasting ceremony at the stately Hatley Castle on Vancouver Island. Graeme wore his bright white naval uniform adorned with medals from his past deployments, and I wore a traditional red qipao to honor my Taiwanese heritage. In planning our wedding, we toured countless venues as we wanted a beautiful, majestic location but also knew that, as a couple, we were all about having fun and being laid back. At the reception, the wedding party made its grand entrance on the model toy train, and we had so much space for yard games and the live band to have the best party of our lives! My husband goes by his last name “Stout,” and for our first dance, we had Ryan Laird and the West Coast Boys start with an acoustic version of The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout,” which faded to an upbeat “Teresa and Stout” at the end with our guests joining us on the dance floor. Unforgettable!” We love the cake cutting with the sword, the bridesmaids’ first look, the gorgeous bridal bouquet, and all the lovely personal details in the paper suite. Teresa + Graeme’s dream of tying the knot at Hatley Castle is an inspiration for all West Coast fusion weddings!  Photography: ItkasanImages Wedding Venue: Hatley Castle Reception venue: Heritage Acres Wedding Dress: Etsy Wedding Ring Vendor: Manly Bands Engagement Ring Vendor: Barclays Fine Jewellers  Day of Coordinator: Blue Lily Event Planning Hair & Make Up: Heartwood & Co. Florist: Jennings Florists Cake: Pammiecakes Bakery and Cupcake Boutique Stationery and Signage: DIY Catering: Island Culinary Service Inc. Transportation/limousine: Garden City Transportation Music/DJ: Ryan Laird with West Coast Wedding Band  Caricatures: Funsketches Videographer: Tanner Biggan Productions

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Classy Hatley Castle Wedding

Ashley and Conner chose to wed at the famous Vancouver Island castle in a breathtaking ceremony and reception. Every detail was exceptional, from the antique statues to the beautiful gardens (which include peacocks!). How amazing is it that Vancouver Island boasts a stunning castle alongside nature’s beauty? 

Hatley Castle is famous for being featured in movies and television (who can forget Ryan Reynolds’s Deadpool shot?), but for Ashley and Conner, it was the perfect setting for their love story. The ceremony was held in the gardens below, and the castle framed their first couple’s kiss. The reception showed the castle interior’s beautiful high ceilings and ocean views. A kingdom for their special day! 

We love the dramatic vibe and romantic feel of every moment. For wedding planners from Details Planning and Event Design, no detail was too small. The ceremony was filled with lush floral designs, including a gorgeous ceremony backdrop by Bespoke Blossoms. The reception room blossomed with flowers along tables and the mantlepiece. The piece de resistance was the bridal bouquet of white, caramel, and coffee roses.

Ashley + Conner were style icons in this fairytale wedding. The bride wore a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline and sheer veil and showed off a spectacular open ballroom skirt. The groom, looking incredibly handsome, came in a full black tux and bowtie. The best accessories of the day? The smiles these two had as they grabbed some epic shots! 

We especially love the antique car, the bridesmaids’ stunning dresses, the flowing ribbons on the bouquets, the pretty paper suite, and, well, the Castle! The dreamy first dance under the stars is the very best ending to this Classy Hatley Castle Wedding. Ashley + Conner inspire couples everywhere who want to be stylish princes and princesses for a day!

PHOTOS: Rivkah Photography

VENUE: Hatley Castle

PLANNER: Details Planning & Event Design

RENTALS: Trend Décor Event Design

PAPER SUITE: Petite Paperie Design Co.

FLORALS: Bespoke Blossoms

CATERING: Truffles Catering

MUA: Makeup by Squish

CAKE: Mama Makes Cakes

HAIR: Every Strand Matters

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Castle Garden Wedding Love… Santia and Vahid travelled a long way to marry at the castle of their dreams. Vahid claims Victoria as his hometown but many of their family and friends are from Florida. Everyone joined them at Hatley Castle on Vancouver Island for a fairy tale wedding. The couple exchanged their vows in the gorgeous gardens outside the castle under skies that blessed them with lucky showers and sunshine.

We love that this couple did everything big and better! The amazing cake, the over the top wedding gown and…get this…they both wore Christian Louboutin shoes! Sarita bought Vahid his pair as a wedding gift and then stepped on one as part of a tradition in the ceremony. This Bosnian/Persian fusion wedding brought the fun with traditions from both sides of the family.

The bride is herself a study in bridal fashion. The shoes are spectacular but equally so is the Pronovias wedding gown. These Italian luxury gowns are designed and created in Barcelona and feature some of the most beautiful laces in the world. Sarita chose to carry blush pink roses in a cascading bouquet and top it all of with an amazing tiara and cathedral length veil.

The beginning of this wonderful wedding day was at Hatley Castle where everyone celebrated getting ready with style. The bridesmaids and bride sipped on champagne while slipping on their gowns and admiring the view from the castle windows. The ceremony was held in a garden surrounded by hedges and flowers. A perfect spot for guests to view the vow exchange and a castle! Afterwards, guests and the newlyweds enjoyed mingling around the castle gardens.

The wedding couple were swept away to the Parliament Buildings in Victoria photos on the same epic scale as Hatley Castle. (Never let it be said that Victoria lacks in castle like buildings for photos!) From there, it was on to Zambri’s Restaurant for a five star reception featuring a luxurious wedding cake and dessert bar. We love that the bride had the stunning cake her heart was set on no matter the number of guests.

This couple LOVES Las Vegas – even having their engagement shoot there. So, as a surprise, Sarita hired an Elvis impersonator to croon his way through their first dance and throughout the evening. What a great way to surprise the groom and make the guests happy! Congrats to Sarita and Vahid and their Hatley Castle Garden Wedding – we hope you visit the Island often in the future.

PHOTOS: Ross Kyker Photo | FLORAL: Jennings Florist | CAKE: Ooh La La Cupcakes | MUSIC: Blue Octopus String Quartet | RECEPTION: Zambri’s Restaurant |  MENSWEAR: Indochino | BRIDAL GOWN AND VEIL: Pronovias Bridal | SHOES: Christian Louboutin  |  CEREMONY and GARDEN: Hatley Castle 

You are invited to another Hatley Castle Wedding!

 

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Join us at the beautiful Hatley Castle on March 29 2020 from 12:00 noon – 3pm for the Champagne and Cake Wedding Show, presented by Royal Roads University + Truffles Catering + West Coast Weddings Magazine.  

Sip bubbly & taste delicious cakes while meeting some of South Vancouver Island’s inspirational and creative talents in the wedding industry.  Speak with wedding planners and decor stylists, florists, caterers, Dj’s & bridal shops and so much more….

Hatley Castle is one of the most sought after wedding venues in the Victoria area.  The property offers three unique ceremony locations, perfect for your wedding or vow renewal.  There are several wedding ceremony and reception packages to choose from.  This show provides the ideal opportunity to explore your options with the assistance of one of their event specialists.  Highlights of the afternoon include a never ending bridal fashion show and a ride in a limo to the castle courtesy of LA Limousines!  

Donations at the door to Benefit BC Cancer Foundation 

Keep up with all the details on our Instagram @champagneandcakeshow

Photo credit: Secret Waters Photography

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CEREMONY VENUE: Victoria Christian Reformed Church |  PHOTOGRAPH VENUE: Hatley Castle | GOWN: Rebecca Ingram from Blush Bridal Boutique | BRIDESMAIDS: Blush Bridal Boutique | MENSWEAR: Moore’s Clothing for Men | HAIR:  “Adorn Hair” by Amanda Johnson | MUA: “Artistry by Alexa” by Alexa Rae | FLORAL DESIGN: “Blissful Blooms” by Stacey Reed | DJ: Capital City DJ | PHOTOGRAPHY: Secret Waters Photography

The post Hatley Castle Amour with Style appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

We love this boho inspired enchanted forest wedding editorial that reminds us of classical Waterhouse paintings.  The dramatic colours, moss and décor all atop a vintage suitcase create quite a juxtaposition with the modern touches of apples, donuts and geometric shapes.

This garden wedding enshrines a lovely boho bride in fragile beige lace and sweater. Her look is at once dramatic and ethereal which perfectly suits the magical feel of her surroundings. The bride’s unique bouquet is filled with eucalyptus, peonies and ranunculus showcasing dark colours mixed with greenery.

One of our favorite things is the pretty ribbons loosely falling from the gold jewel case where the beautiful diamond ring is nestled. Another are the gorgeous paper invites wrapped in a similar fashion as the bride’s shoes.

Trend Alert: Donuts! Doughnuts are the latest food trend for weddings. A unique goodie to add to dessert tables or dedicated ‘donut walls’ but be careful to use them judiciously. The donuts in these photos are showcased through colour and design.

Love these photos? Then be sure to see Part I of this editorial…

 Photos: Myrtle & Moss Photography | Decor: Trend Decor Events | Gown: Tres Chic Bridal Boutique (Lis Simon) | Hair&Makeup: Beauty and Style by Erin Bradley | Paper Goods: Studio 745 | Brows & Lashes: Ecstatic Lash and Brows | Florals: Harry’s Flowers

The post Rich Jewel Tones Inspire Enchanted Garden with Boho Bride appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

An antique glasshouse and veiled beauty! We are so thrilled to showcase this Hatley Castle wedding editorial locally, which inspires those who love historical elegance. The glasshouse hales from over a hundred years ago and was restored through an endowment to Hatley Castle. In the past, no grand estate was without a glasshouse. They housed tropical plants meant to provide a warm sanctuary during winter weather. Hatley Castle gave permission for this wonderful historical greenhouse to be the backdrop for this lovely Vancouver Island wedding editorial.

We especially love the botanically inspired stationery that complements the deep-toned florals and greenhouse greenery. The décor features rich autumn tones and nonconventional elements within a historical venue. The ethereal setting is paired with modern geometric shapes to create an original atmosphere. Geometric shapes are a big trend for weddings—the metallic shades work with any colour you may choose.

The lovely veil adds to our bride’s slightly mysterious feel. The gown features a cut-out in the bodice along with peek-a-boo lace around the shoulders. Our favorite is the headpiece that duplicates the geometric shapes seen in the décor!  

Historical Venues (like a glasshouse!!)

Are you looking to recreate this look for your photos? Start looking around for older buildings, heritage homes, or perhaps a conservatory/atrium in your area. Unique venues are often found in museums and theaters. Hatley Castle books photography sessions – see here for more info. Private homes may also be willing to book wedding photography sessions if you ask very nicely! 

You are invited to another Hatley Castle wedding! 

Photos: Myrtle & Moss Photography | Decor: Trend Décor Events | Gown: Tres Chic Bridal Boutique (Lis Simon) | Hair&Makeup: Beauty and Style by Erin Bradley | Paper Goods: Studio 745 | Brows & Lashes: Ecstatic Lash and Brows | Florals: Harry’s Flowers

The post Beautiful & Elegant Glasshouse Showcases Wedding Elegance appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

From Ocean to Castle – Carmen & Samuel’s Engagement Session

We loved this engagement session with ocean views and castle shots!  Samuel & Carmen wanted to have their photos represent their love for the city of Victoria as their romance grew around the community and the beauty of Vancouver Island.  So how did these two end up engaged and planning their wedding this fall?

The Love Story to Engagement!

Samuel and Carmen had been attending the same church for over a decade without ever really talking to each other. It wasn’t until they joined the same dodgeball team that they started to spend time with each other. Samuel found every opportunity to get to know Carmen better. He even watched 10 seasons of Friends when he found out it was her favourite TV show. Samuel also learned that Carmen enjoyed stargazing and, as luck would have it, it was at the time of the annual Perseid meteor shower. He asked her to hang out that evening for the first time and they ended up spending the whole night looking for shooting stars and talking till sunrise.

After much persistence, Carmen willingly gave in and the two began dating. Their favourite activities together include spending time outdoors, playing sports, watching their favourite TV shows together, and studying at coffee shops.  A couple years ago, Carmen found out she had to move to Victoria for work. This began two years of a long distance relationship. Each would spend weekends on the ferry traveling back and forth. Many nights would be spent on FaceTime chatting and finding creative ways to continue their dates. 

Finally, on a Wednesday in July, Sam flew over to Victoria with a ring in his pocket and a guitar in hand. He set up photos all over Carmen’s apartment and sat down on a stool with his guitar and waited for Carmen to come home. Hours later, when Carmen opened the door, Sam sang a song for Carmen and asked if she would marry him. Carmen happily agreed and they will be tying the knot this coming September!

Engagement ‘Tea for Two’ Photo Session here!

Photos by Vanessa Lust Photography

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This Hatley Castle wedding was truly a wonderland! Welcome to the romance of Lucia & Adam who married at Hatley Castle on June 25, 2016!

There is so much to love about the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party themed nuptials but it actually all started in August 2015 when Adam first bought Lucia’s engagement ring. It turned out Adam was quite nervous about proposing and kept putting it off until the last few days of the year.  Finally, on Boxing Day, Adam and Lucia were at a outdoor plaza in downtown Vancouver which was filled with lit up trees.  He sensed the magical atmosphere was right and surprised Lucia with his proposal!

This same love of the magical and quirky (along with her British background and love of all things Disney) inspired them to have a castle wedding with a Wonderland theme. They worked with their wedding planner, Anne of Party Mood, to include colour, whimsical touches, tea sets and lots of floral to create a memorable wedding day for themselves and their guests!  Our favs are the vintage doorknob table numbers and edible centerpieces…

This couple seems to agree on their fav moment as well.  When asked, Adam felt his moment was when Lucia came down the aisle and Lucia felt her moment was when she came down the aisle and saw Adam.

Photos: Carla Elaine Photography | Planner & Décor: Anne of Party Mood | Venue: Hatley Castle | Catering: Truffles Catering | Florist: Floralista | Videographer: Cassie O’Neil Films | Hair: Ashley Krobath | Makeup: Rhea Sjoberg | Gown: Everything But the Groom | Chairs: Scene About Town | DJ: Chris Poynter

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