Tent – West Coast Weddings

Vows in the Valley

Laura Kalcsa — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 10:59:12 +0000

Vows in the Valley

Amber of Amber James Photography filled us in on this beautifully styled shoot.

“This incredible and misty (ok, downright rainy) Pacific Northwest-style elopement in the Cowichan Valley was more than we could have imagined. What was looking like a sunny day quickly changed to rain, and we welcomed beautiful, moody weather. The clouds settling in against Mt. Prevost was the perfect backdrop for this project.”

“Planned over six months, each vendor was free to use their creative judgment in their work. Everyone went above and beyond to create this perfect day.”

“It was my intention for fresh spring colors to be the focus of this project—and, of course, some cute fluffy llamas! They were so cheeky-literally! They would turn their bums to the camera as soon as everyone was in position. It definitely inspired some laughter on our soggy day.”

This project was also intended to showcase all Vancouver Island wedding creativity offers. I am always in awe of the variety and resources on this rock. When it comes to your wedding or elopement, I wanted to create a reminder that your day can truly be anything you wish it to be. The molds have been broken and tossed away, celebrate as you please! Your vendors are full of ideas and are here to make your wildest dreams come true. We love to help bring a vision to life or even help create one for you. Want to get married in the forest with llamas as your witnesses? Sure! Have epic florals and an amazing Hair & Makeup team that can travel to you?! It can happen! Finish your romantic day with a stay in a tastefully decorated tent under the stars. Why not!?”

Thank you, Amber, for the Vows in the Valley inspiration proving that Vancouver Island elopement vendors are some of the best!

Forest Fairytale

Laura Kalcsa — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 22:14:44 +0000

Forest Fairytale

Myrrh and Knox tied the knot among the old-growth cedars of Vancouver Island. Their vision of romance was full of fun and quirky moments, allowing their personalities to shine. Dinosaurs were a theme as Jurassic Park is their fav movie (they started dating while watching it, naturally!). Their beloved catS made a pretty big appearance in the ceremony and, surprisingly, nailed the assignment of ring bearer.

The couple chose Cedar Haven for its unique wedding-in-the-woods vibe. Tying the knot with a waterfall backdrop was taken another notch up with a sea of flowers. Deep peach, dark burgundy, toffee-colored roses and masses of ivy lined both sides of the aisle and covered the arch. Myrhh + Knox stood before a tropical-themed floral installation that included elephant ears and palm leaves—all for the Jurassic Park feel!

We loved the antique tea cart with small bouquets tied with ribbons and a sign that read, ‘Please have a bouquet.’ Guests descended the sun-dappled path towards the ceremony, carrying flowers and adding to the portrait. The after-ceremony champagne and appetizers were up the hill, so to speak, as guests followed signs taking them deeper into the forest. Knox and Myrrh slipped away to celebrate and take some epic forest shots.

The reception was as magical as the rest of the day. Wooden long tables with cross-back chairs rested under a large tent dripping with ivy (shout out to all the friends who helped make that happen!). Extravagant floral arrangements lined the tables, each with a large-scale dinosaur skull sitting atop! Copper runners ran down the tables, extravagant copper-colored napkins sat on each plate, along with a miniature dinosaur. Roses danced along the tables around gold candelabras and ivy. We loved the sweetheart table that boasted fur, lace, large candelabras, and florals that tumbled over the table onto the floor. Myrrh and Knox had been taking dance lessons with Arthur Murray, and it showed when family and guests surrounded them for their first dance under the twinkling lights.

Myrrh chose a gown that perfectly expressed the theme of the forest fairytale. The gorgeous coffee-colored dress featured custom-made gauze sleeves, a lovely layered skirt, and a sweetheart bodice. And what wood fairy does not have a floral crown? Myrrh’s exquisite wreath featuring miniature roses and ivy was the icing on the cake. Her bridesmaids wore copper-toned dresses of different styles and looked beautiful next to the groom and his guys, who were all dressed in brown suits.

This forest fairytale is the perfect West Coast inspiration for couples looking for a woodland wedding. We are honored to have featured this special day in our latest West Coast Weddings Magazine Vancouver Island issue.

Radiant in the Redwoods

Laura Kalcsa — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:09:49 +0000

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.

A Farm Table Wedding for Nick + Felicia

Laura Kalcsa — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 15:58:56 +0000

A Farm Table Wedding for Nick + Felicia! We loved this wedding from the minute we saw the umbrellas. A little rain on your wedding day is often considered a good thing and it certainly was for these two. An intimate and loving feel is in every photo of these nuptials.

A farm table wedding brings to mind the long wooden tables of years past where everyone drew closer together for meals. Today, this idea has been transformed into beautiful food, gorgeous flowers and decor and, of course, guests to enjoy all of the cuisine. The change in how weddings are being celebrated makes farm table weddings a wonderful way to have an intimate wedding under fifty guests.

The bride and groom at this wedding chose to celebrate at Farm Table Inn Lake Cowichan. The ceremony took place under a transparent tent with a palette backdrop and vintage rugs. The floral was grown by their families and created a garden feeling at both the ceremony and reception. Taper candles, live floral edges and vintage touches in every corner showcase the couple’s tastes.

We love the bride’s gown which features a lace form fitting style and short train which she paired with a finger tip length veil. The groom wore a dark jacket and looked very chill! The bridal party held bouquets of white flowers against burgundy dresses while the men wore bow ties and suspenders. The bridal bouquet was filled with blush and white flowers tied with unique ribbons.

This special day is a farm table wedding that brings love, beauty, flowers, food and family all together in one gorgeous palette. A real piece of West Coast Wedding art!

VENUE: Farm Table Inn, Lake Cowichan | DRESS:: Willowby by Watters – Shades of White | PLANNING + FLORAL: Leah – Flourish Events | Florals were home grown by the Bride & Grooms family | CATERING: Farm Table Inn | DECOR RENTALS: Trend Decor | PHOTOGRAPHY: Natasha Shepherdson – Wild Oak Collective

You are invited to another farm wedding on Vancouver Island!