Wedding in the Clouds

Alex + Sierra chose to weave a wonderful day for themselves and their guests. A beautiful ceremony celebrating nature, a flight to the clouds for just the two of them, and a fun reception for all. Who says you can’t have it all? Even the weather decided to be a gift with perfect blue skies.

Sierra described their planning this way. “We cherish laughter, adventure, and supporting each other’s dreams as a couple. Our wedding style reflects our love for nature and simplicity with a touch of elegance. We opted for an outdoor ceremony surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, followed by a cozy reception adorned with fairy lights and rustic decor, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere for our loved ones to celebrate with us. “

We love so many things about this wedding. The giveaways are so unique: the neon sign, the sweetheart table, the bridal party, the record player guestbook, the gorgeous cake, and the ride to the clouds. Alex and Sierra were very stylish, wearing a fitted gown, a gorgeous black jacket, and a bowtie. The bride’s gown had a sweep (versus a long train), allowing their mountaintop adventure. The epic photos from their sky adventure will be lifetime memories. 

Alex and Sierra chose beautiful flowers for the sweetheart table and bridal bouquet. The theme was carried through to the lovely wedding cake with oversized white flowers and greenery. The reception turned into the finale of such a fantastic special day. Wedding in the Clouds is a Vancouver inspiration for couples looking to fuse all their dreams into one celebration! PS: be sure to look at Sierra’s custom jean jacket!

VENUE: Golden Eagle Golf Club 

PHOTOS:  Esther Moerman Photo

HELICOPTER: Sky Helicopters

GOWN: Rhylan Lang Bridal

MENSWEAR: Moores Clothing For Men 

HAIR + MUA: Ally Lynn Makeup and Hair 

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Wilderness + Waterfalls Wedding

Ashley and Mike proved that last-minute planning can be exceptional! Their Vancouver Island wedding may have been small but mighty. Fourteen guests (and their dog Moka) joined them as they made it legal in the same spot they had romantically promised to be together a year before.

The love story spans many years, coming together in their elopement-style day. Ashley and Mike had been sweethearts when they were young and, later in life, came together again. Mike got a job offer in San Jose, California, so the couple decided it was time to make some dreams come true. Their naturally beautiful BC wedding showcased a ceremony at Lower Myra Falls in Strathcona Park. Afterward, they held a private dinner at one of the larger cabins at Strathcona Park Lodge. 

One of the fun moments of the day was meeting the other couple who were marrying the same day at Strathcona Park Lodge. Their photographer noticed they looked pretty similar and took the money shot! The couples are still in touch. (You are invited to another Aly Sibley wedding!)

We love the bride’s boho gown with ruffled sleeves (and the bridal boots!), the chill vibe, the groom’s vest, the guests, and the dog everywhere that day. Ashley + Mike are a wonderful example of bringing nature into your Vancouver Island elopement-style day. A true Wilderness+ Waterfalls wedding!

PHOTOS: Aly Sibley Photography

OFFICIANT: Chris-Ann Lake of Young Hip & Married  

CEREMONY: Lower Myra Falls, Strathcona Park

RECEPTION: Strathcona Park Lodge

FLORAL: Campbell River Florist

JUST MARRIED SIGNS: Friends!

DOG: Moka!

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Tyax Lodge Lakeside + Mountain Weddings

A MOUNTAIN MOMENT AT TYAX

If you have ever dreamt of saying “I do” in a place where the wilderness feels endless, the air is impossibly fresh, and the mountains stand witness, Tyax Lodge in British Columbia delivers that dream with heart-stirring beauty. Tucked away in the South Chilcotin Mountains just north of Whistler, and wrapped in lakefront serenity, Tyax is more than a venue—it is a feeling, a lifestyle, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that couples carry with them forever.

INTIMATE I DO’S

Tyax has become a treasured choice for couples seeking an unforgettable destination wedding or elopement. Whether you are gathering a small circle of loved ones or sharing vows in complete privacy with a Lodge buyout, Tyax welcomes you with open arms and thoughtful details.

Ceremonies often take place on the lodge’s stunning waterfront, under wide blue skies and framed by majestic peaks. Tyax’s wedding team offers flexible packages to suit your vision – whether that means walking barefoot down a forested path, arriving lakeside by canoe, or even making a dramatic entrance by floatplane.

Here, couples often choose to keep things simple and nature-forward, letting the setting speak for itself. Reflective water, birdsong, alpine air – it is effortlessly romantic, with your love story at the heart of it all.

FROM VOWS TO FEASTING

After the ceremony, the celebration continues through food and drink. Tyax’s culinary philosophy is rooted in the land and the season. Menus are refreshed regularly to reflect ingredients grown in the lodge’s own garden or sourced from nearby organic farms. Only produce at its peak makes it to the plate – so every bite reflects the very best of the moment.

This commitment to local sourcing keeps food miles minimal and honours the natural rhythms of the South Chilcotin. Dining here feels connected – flavourful, intentional, and nourishing in every way.

Each course can be expertly paired with regional wines, and the team is happy to help you curate a meal that feels both elevated and relaxed.  Whether it is a harvest-inspired feast for a hundred or a cozy fireside dinner for two, Tyax brings warmth and meaning to the table.

RETREAT AND REPLENISH

When the music fades, guests retreat to rustic-luxe comfort. The lodge’s rooms and private chalets are designed to blend into the natural surroundings, offering cozy mountain views, fireplaces, and the kind of calm that settles the soul. Tyax Lodge lakeside + mountain weddings are mindful of both your retreat and your guests’ epic experience! 

The Spa at Tyax is a soothing sanctuary for bridal party prep, couples’ recovery, or solo serenity. It features three distinct types of sauna – infrared, eucalyptus steam, and the traditional dry – along with lakeside massage rooms and a large outdoor hot tub with sweeping views. The experience is deeply restorative – not trendy, but timeless. 

WINTER WONDER WEDDINGS

In winter, Tyax Lodge transforms into a winter wonderland.  For couples craving something bold and unforgettable, the resort’s heli-wedding experience merges romance with adventure.

As home to one of North America’s premier heliskiing operations, Tyax offers wedding couples the chance to carve fresh tracks through untouched powder and exchange vows atop a mountain peak. It is a blend of adrenaline and intimacy that few places in the world can offer.

After the thrill, return to the Lodge for roaring fireplaces, mulled wine, nourishing meals, and the camaraderie that comes with snowy nights and glowing hearts. (Tyax can also host a winter wedding without a skiing component.)

ADVENTURE BEYOND THE AISLE

Tyax Lodge offers more than stunning scenery – it is a summer playground. Wedding parties can enjoy world-class mountain biking, hiking, fishing, paddleboarding, jumping off the dock, canoeing (check out the cover of the latest West Coast Weddings magazine!), scenic floatplane tours, and even horseback riding. With so much to explore right outside your door, every guest leaves with memories as vivid as your vows.

ETHICAL AND OPEN-HEARTED TYAX LODGE LAKESIDE + MOUNTAIN WEDDINGS

What makes Tyax so beloved is not just its location – it is the way it makes people feel. The Lodge is proudly pet-friendly, welcoming your four-legged family members to your celebration. It also champions the local economy by working closely with nearby farmers, makers and guides to ensure each event supports the community. 

At Tyax, no detail is too small, and no idea too wild. It is a place to slow down, tune in, and honour love in a way that feels completely your own.

Whether you come for an elopement, a destination wedding, or a wilderness honeymoon, Tyax offers a canvas as breathtaking as your love story.

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Victoria Harbourfront Wedding

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Graceful + Green Wedding

The Pacific Ocean’s stunning backdrop and lovely details naturally put this wedding over the top. Deanna and Brent are experienced at wedding planning—they are the go-to models for styled wedding shoots (many of which have been featured on West Coast Weddings)! So, they knew what they wanted for their own nuptials. 

Brent, a naval officer, and Deanna, from the West Coast, have had the ocean intertwined in their love story for the past 12 years. So it was perfect that their ceremony was held on the patio of the CFB Esquimalt Wardroom, featuring panoramic ocean views and charming, historic architecture. Several ships were even kind enough to sail by during the ceremony! The sunshine was complemented by a gentle breeze and sparkling water as the couple exchanged their vows.

The Wardroom boasts beautifully crafted mahogany and floor-to-ceiling windows and offers multiple spacious rooms for the seamless transition from dinner to dancing. Every moment exuded a natural, earthy vibe and elegant sentiment. 

Wedding designer Brittany Sagal left no detail overlooked. The ceremony and reception were adorned with flowers from Deanna and her mom, Deborah’s gardens, and the bridal bouquets were a beautiful mix of roses, eucalyptus, and other floral elements, with the stunning arch boutique crafted by Brown’s the Florist. A herbal theme ran throughout the day, with small pots of herbs surprising guests on tables and along the aisle. The sage green linens popped with a small herb on each folded napkin atop wood grain plates. Pretty and organic!

Deanna and Brent opted for classic, elegant looks for their wedding. The bride wore a stunning gown with lacy details and a long train from Blush Bridal, while the groom looked incredibly handsome in a full black tuxedo and bowtie. We love that they had photos taken of themselves ‘getting ready’ together. Deanna’s smile and personality were, as usual, on display, adding to her gorgeous look.

The newlyweds chose to get some epic shots along the ocean and nearby artistic buildings and joined guests who were celebrating. Following their beautiful first dance at sunset, the couple surprised their guests with a choreographed dance to Soul Bossa Nova alongside their parents. This wedding truly encapsulated the classic West Coast vibe. Congrats to Deanna + Brent!

TABLE DESIGN: Brittany Sagal Event Design | FLORAL: Brown’s The Florist | VENUE: CFB Esquimalt Wardroom | PAPER SUITE: Melanie Anne Designs | RENTALS: Trend Decor (goblets, napkins, sage linen) | Tabletop Curated Rentals (charger plates) Beauty Bride (sage runners) | PHOTOS: Cindy Middleton Photography | DÉCOR: Deanna Reid | GOWN: Blush Bridal Boutique|HAIR + MUA: Erin Bradley

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Whimsical Wildflower Wedding for Zoey + Adam

A traditional Jewish ceremony held outdoors was just the beginning of this lovely Vancouver Island wedding. Family and friends enjoyed a day of love, natural beauty, and good food while witnessing the exchange of vows. The day began under the chuppah and ended under a romantic white ceiling of twinkle lights.

Zoey + Adam, a young Jewish couple from Montreal, wanted a small, intimate wedding.  In the bride’s words, “We dreamed of getting married somewhere significant to us, a place we knew we would return to year after year. We fell in love with the raw beauty of Victoria while dating, and just like that, the destination was set! Our traditional Jewish ceremony was held at Saxe Point in Esquimalt, the perfect place where our guests could experience the ocean and green landscapes Vancouver Island is known for. In designing the reception, we wanted to draw on the natural beauty of the ceremony. We draped the reception hall and strung fairy lights to create an intimate setting, with whimsical pastel florals to bring the outside beauty in. Our favorite design element was the placement of our wedding color, the perfect shade of pastel purple, thoughtfully used throughout our florals, stationery, and candle sticks. Our purple wedding was made a reality!”

We love the welcome sign filled with blooms, the floral vases scattered everywhere, and the swoony ceremony kiss! Zoey is radiant in a strapless ballgown and carrying a bouquet of pastel blooms, perfectly representing her bridesmaids, wearing different shades of the same colors. Adam wore the traditional yarmulke during the ceremony with his suit and the Kittel. The traditional smashing of the glass was followed by the cry of ‘Mazel Tov’ to bring the couple good fortune. The blessing of the Challah bread was a beautiful moment during a reception that was a great night of rejoicing for all the guests.

Zoey and Adam captured the day when they took time to reflect. “Looking back on our wedding today, a memory that comes to mind is when we snuck away to catch a glimpse of our reception hall, a space that would soon be filled with our friends and family. Holding hands, we took in the moment, just the two of us as a a newly married couple, where we could see our vision come to life and admire the work of our amazing vendors who took our vision and made it a reality.”

A Whimsical Wildflower Wedding for Zoey and Adam inspires all couples who want to fuse traditional religious elements into a naturally beautiful Vancouver Island wedding. Congrats!

You are invited to another Blue Lily Event Planning affair!

PHOTOGRAPHY: Aly Sibley Photography | PLANNER: Blue Lily Events | CATERING: Chef Menajem Catering | FLORALS: Thorn & Thistle | GOWN: Ma Cherie Bleue | SUIT: Suit Supply | DJ: Sound Choice & Marcus Leno | PIANIST: Karel Roessingh

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Rainy Reverie for Natasha + Damian

A wedding day filled with showers is considered good luck and so it was! Magical moments were captured among the majestic trees of Lynn Canyon Park as vows were exchanged. The scene conjures up the famous Jack Vettriano painting! We love the red umbrella, the moody rainforest backdrop, and the city glam shots to end the day.

It turns out that Damian and Natasha met online just six days after Damian moved to Canada from England. It wasn’t long before they were spending all their time together. Their first kiss at an antique bookshop in front of a first edition of The Hobbit became the running theme of their romance. Natasha, a writer, bought the volume on their first anniversary for Damian, and their choice of forest elopement included quotes from The Hobbit in their vows.

The pandemic had a lot to do with their romance, as they had to deal with losing work and how to stay together through the lockdowns. Damian proposed on a rainy day (another running theme!) on Knox Mountain in Kelowna. Due to the weather, the elopement photos featured Natasha’s boots, but it turned out perfectly as she is a Retired Lieutenant from the Royal Canadian Air Force. We must admit that we are equally in love with the original red heels! It was a rainy reverie for Natasha + Damian that turned into the perfect BC wedding day. Congrats!

PHOTOS: Kassy Davis

GOWN: Custom by Yana Horokholska of La Novale Atelier  

RING: Himi Chiloflischi of Blue Sunflowers + Ann Louise Jewellers

UMBRELLA: Pasotti

OFFICIANT: Shawn Miller of  Young, Hip & Married

FLORALS: Classic Creations Floral Design 

MENSWEAR: Grafton Apparel Ltd. at Tip Top

VENUE: Lynn Canyon Park  

HOTEL: Fairmont Vancouver

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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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Planning Your Hiking Adventure Elopement

Who hasn’t heard about hiking meet-cutes? Couples who go hiking for their first date, who meet on a trail or a hiking group chat, couples who travel to trail destinations, and the ones who swipe right when they find a fellow hiking enthusiast. And, of course, the epic wilderness engagement stories. West Coast Weddings knows that hiking weddings and elopements are the ultimate adventures for our no-limit couples. (Or, if you have an actual mile limit, that’s quite understandable, too!). 

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A HIKING ELOPEMENT IS FOR YOU? 

Real romantic hikers are the ones who can track their relationship by the mountain peaks they climb. It’s true! The first kiss, the first ‘I love you,’ and the proposal will all have happened outdoors. So, of course, you will want the adventure elopement of a lifetime. Is there a secluded lake you always wanted to exchange vows at or a mountain view you found together? Do you dream of a destination hiking wedding – somewhere the two of you have always planned to reach? The sky is the limit! (No free-hiking, though…save that for another time!)

So, you know you want to exchange your vows in a natural setting. What are some things you need to chat out?

1. How long of a hike and day do you want your elopement to be?
2. Do you want to have guests with you? If so, how far can they hike in?
3. Do you have a preference for season and location?
4. Is sunrise or sunset all important to you?
5. Do you want to include transportation such as boats or helicopters?

The answers will guide you in choosing your location, time of day, and how far you will hike before your ceremony. Don’t jump to conclusions about your guests. There are amazing scenic spots that even those who are health-challenged can enjoy. Just make sure your guests are on board with the idea and up to the walk! 

British Columbia offers custom hiking elopement packages that allow you to choose your destination and customize your experience. All-inclusive elopement packages simplify adventure elopement planning and create a stress-free experience! Check out Whistler Elopement Adventure Weddings. Sea to Sky Elopements, Young, Hip and Married, Leanne Sim Photography, or Vancouver Island’s Amore Adventures.

WHAT ABOUT HIKING ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY? 

A hiking elopement is simple but leaves some things to consider, such as photography. What do you want as a couple? Are you just looking to document the ceremony, or do you want the out-of-this-world photos that will be insta-worthy? Hiking elopements give you some fun photo moments. Are you getting ready under a tree? A bouquet hanging out of the backpack? Are the two of you helping each other over a creek? These are dream photo moments! 

Most importantly, your photographer must be known for wilderness photography AND an experienced hiker. There is no point having your fav photographer if they can’t walk a half mile before keeling over!  Have no fear, though. West Coast Weddings searches for amazing photographers whose specialty is knowing the best local wilderness spots and views. Take a look at Film + Forest Photo or Erica Miller Photography. We love Erin Wallis Photography on Vancouver Island, and Gabe McClintock will take things to a whole different level. It’s your moment for once-in-a-lifetime photos, and you want to grab it with both hands!

REHEARSE YOUR ELOPEMENT

Let’s be real. You can be an Olympian-level athlete, but this is still not the time for an endurance hike. You will take in a few more things than usual, stop for photos, change and primp outdoors, exchange vows, and, hopefully, celebrate with some champagne. Your return hike should be kisses and happiness – not grim exhaustion from reaching an all-time best distance!! 

So, the best idea is to practice the hike ahead of time. Not only will this be a chill way to spend time together, but it is a great way to get rid of nerves. You will know how long it will take you to get to your ceremony and where you can get pretty. You can check out the best time of day for the light and where you would like to stand while exchanging your vows. And, as you are experienced hikers, you will figure out the logistics of water and energy bars (or champagne)!

WHAT NOT TO WEAR – HIKING ELOPEMENT STYLE

This one trips up a lot of eloping couples (pun intended)! Even experienced hikers find a shocking change when wearing a long wedding gown or a suit and tie. So, this needs to be hashed out ahead of time. How far are you going, and how difficult is the trail? It’s just not a great idea to go through a babbling brook or climbing up rocks in your gown. Plus – you will not be looking your best self when you arrive! 

Here is the skinny. Packing up your wedding finery and changing once you reach your chosen spot is prime. What you wear while getting to your ceremony can be just as important. You don’t want to end up miserable because you didn’t dress for the weather. (We can’t stress this enough – wear warm footwear if you are having a winter elopement!!) So check before you leave. Once you arrive, you can change into your gorgeous gown and stylish suit, primp your hair, and touch up the lipstick.

PRO TIPS: Take a hand mirror with you! If you are wearing a veil, have your hairstylist practice with you how to place it firmly in your hair. There is no point losing it to the wind! Makeup artists will provide you with a ‘freshening up’ kit upon request. Be sure to let your florist know that your bouquet needs to be ‘light’ – this is not the time to be a floral heavyweight champion!

If you are avid hikers, then an adventure wedding is the only way to go. Enjoy creating your authentic West Coast elopement story filled with intimacy, excitement, and epic views. Your love story will be a spectacular life experience and a wedding all rolled up into one hike! 

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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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