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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Bridal Fashion and Trends on Film…it begins with Fern of The Bride’s Closet missing the live style shows she would usually hold at the Island’s wedding shows. How could she fill this void? (SPOILER: see below!) Fern decided to gather her models (in a socially distanced way, of course!!) and video a fashion show in Nanaimo. Everyone was excited to join in this stylish idea and everyone began to plan their contribution to this event.

Laura, of West Coast Weddings, offered to make seven bouquets using local Eurosa Farms blooms. She designed boho, formal, traditional and modern bouquets to suit any gown design that Fern choose to show. Jess arrived early to make every model’s hair beautiful as the ladies began to don their gowns.

West Motion Media filmed the fashion show live at The Bride’s Closet and took the models through downtown Nanaimo locations and nearby cliffs and beaches. They could not do without some gorgeous drone shots to finish the day!

This live bridal show is a great Covid friendly idea for brides to watch the latest trends in wedding fashion. Bridal fashion and trends on film is a wonderful Vancouver Island moment we can all enjoy along with The Bride’s Closet!

VENUE AND STYLE: The Bride’s Closet | FILM: West Motion Media | PHOTOS: Janayh Wright Photography | HAIR: Jess of Thrive Eco Salon | ACCESSORIES: Laura Jayne Bride | FLORAL DESIGN: Laura of West Coast Weddings | FOOTAGE: True Flight Film | MODELS: Arielle, Ashley & Erin 

Be sure to watch the amazing live film by West Motion Media here!

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Romantic Black Lace and Dramatic Floral showcase hints of gold and a gorgeous cake!  Olivia, of Lavish Engagements, was inspired by an out of this world black lace gown at The Bride’s Closet. She teamed up with Thrifty Foods Comox to showcase this beauty with lush yet bold floral design and wedding cake.

The bride wears this one of a kind black wedding dress with perfection. The fitted lace flares with a small train and scoop neck is an inspiring gown for a unique and stylish bride. The groom rocks a formal look and wears a boutonniere made of calla lily and greenery.

The floral design is the star of the show with beautiful lilies and roses in dramatic hues. This is a perfect way to showcase floral at an intimate wedding. The more flowers the more the occasion feels special! So we see flowers dripping from above the stone wall backdrop and all around the wedding cake. The lovely pink peonies, eucalyptus, blue thistle and ‘black’ calla lilies are breath taking. The table settings of black edged plates with fern leaf on each black napkin and black cutlery is the epitome of sophistication.

We love this wedding cake from Thrifty Foods! A touch of gold is perfect for this inspiration palette. The flowers surrounding the cake bring all the attention to the three tiered creation. Weddings that mirror the vintage idea of family and friends plus flowers and cake are all the rage and this palette shows how to do it with style!

If you are hoping for a sophisticated west coast wedding, this romantic black lace + dramatic floral is the way to go!

PHOTOGRAPHY  Joanna Moss Photography • PLANNING  Lavish Engagements • FLORAL & CAKE DESIGN  Thrifty Foods • STATIONERY  Stay Magical Studios •  VENUE  The Beach Club Resort • HAIR Sofia Pastro & MUA Amy Broere for Artistry by Alexa • BRIDAL GOWNS  The Bride’s Closet • LINENS Hollyhock Originals • CHAIRS Black & White Party Rentals • DECOR  All In One Party Shop • FLATWARE  Party Mood • COUPLE Natasha + Mitch

You are invited to another Thrifty Foods styled wedding shoot! 

The post Romantic Black Lace + Dramatic Floral appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Charming Farm Celebration is filled with stunning colour combos, beyond adorable children and a farm filled with love and charm. Blue Lily Event Planning works with Bird’s Eye Cove Farm couples and so she was full to the brim with ideas about this venue and how to show off it’s best qualities (and animals!). Her love for farm weddings shows in this inspiration palette.

We cannot say enough about the jewel tones which feature so well against the backdrop of farm beige/brown and the crisp white linens. The lounge area set up in a field is another fave for us (though inquiring minds want to know how the pig was talked into his photo pose??) – an awesome ‘photo booth’ for both the wedding party and guests at this charming farm celebration!

Let’s talk farm fashion! The bride’s gown is prettiness defined with fitted bodice and flattering soft skirt with a floral crown as the finishing touch. Her loose curls suit the chill feel of the wedding perfectly. The wedding party features blue and beige on both the guys and gals. The beige blouses paired with blue skirts for the bridesmaids are so charming and we love the brown boots on the groomsmen. The piece de resistance is, of course, the children who could not be more beautiful. Lace dresses for the little girls and a brown vest for the pageboy (who is also carrying the rings in the cutest box!).

However, the best thing in this inspiration palette is the cake trolley. You read that right, a cake trolley filled floral, candlesticks and treats sitting in the middle of a farm field. The white, tired cake is topped with flowers and surrounded by good things to eat! We are thrilled to feature this dessert trolley in our 2019 issue of West Coast Weddings Magazine.

The ceremony backdrop featured the surrounding ocean, mountains and fields – what more could anyone ask for really? Pretty flowers bedecked the wooden frame and barrels that the couple stood under and framed the natural beauty perfectly.

A wonderful reception table was also set in the outdoors – though the nearby barn venue is also waiting to provide a roof over the head! What a reception idea…to be able to eat under the stars! The signature drinks were also in jewel tones and used the ingredient of bright oranges. Candlesticks, antique glassware and floral galore graced the table (also super fancy hot dogs!).

Last, but certainly not least, we want to admire the exceptional floral design in this palette. Jewel tones of every color in anemones, ranunculas and roses were shown off in astonishing beauty by  Lauren Riley Designs. The bouquets, table floral, trolley flowers and boutonnieres were all perfection and we loved the ferns that surprised us everywhere.

Design + Planning: Blue Lily Event Planning | Venue: Bird’s Eye Cove Farm | Bride and Bridesmaid Dress: The Bride’s Closet | Photography: Element Photo Co | Stationery: Tickle Tree Stationery + Design | Décor: Party Mood | Menswear: Outlooks for Men | Cake and Desserts: Marvellous Cakes | Furniture Lounge: Fallenolive Inklings and Designs | Pageboy Vest and Tie: Little Dashing Darling | Flower Girls Dresses: Winners | Floral Design: Lauren Riley | Sweetheart Models: Luke and Stepheny and friends

You are invited to another Bird’s Eye Cove Farm wedding….

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The Vancouver Island Wedding Awards, hosted by the Vancouver Island Wedding Industry Association, returned to its roots with this year’s Gala on Feb 28^th, 2020. Mary Winspear Centre was showcased beginning with a cocktail hour in their foyer area featuring savory and sweet treats alongside Twist Victoria and fun photo booth action. There was so much chatter it was difficult to persuade guests into the Charlie White Theatre for the actual Awards experience! 

Photos by Dave Delgado Photography

Over forty awards were handed out by hosts Kelsey Goodwin, Jon-Mark Wiltshire and Kenny Podmore, who were surrounded by balloons, flowers and bright lights! Popcorn, macarons, an Empress Gin sponsored drink and personal charcuterie boards were delivered by an army of servers during the Awards ceremony. Decorate Victoria’s Ian and Sandy ended the Awards portion of the evening with heartfelt speeches handing off the Industry Award to Nicholas Waters of Toque Catering.  Guests then heard the music of Noah Edwards and the Flood, who began to play, inviting them to the rest of the evening.

Bodine Hall was transformed by lounges – each lounge sponsored by a team of planners, florists and friends. Alongside these lounges was a spectacular Dessert Showcase featuring various cake makers. The entire edge of the Hall showcased various food and drink sponsors featuring chefs from Toque Catering, Inn at Laurel Point, Truffles Catering, Songhees Centre Catering , Charcuterie & Co., and House of Boateng.  Bubble Bus Co and Twist Victoria kept everyone well supplied during the entire evening. Decorate Victoria, The Good Party and Fleurtacious by Lynda Marie headed up the colourful decor which included thousands of flowers from Eurosa Farms, too many balloons to count and ceiling decor that wowed! Guests partied late into the night with DJ Chris Poynter, ending the evening with swag bags in hand, promising to return next year.

We are so grateful for all the ‘friendors’ on Vancouver Island coming together this year and we look forward to working together creating memories for all the couples marrying here in 2020.  See you all next year at the Vancouver Island Wedding Awards! 

If you would like to be part of the Vancouver Island Wedding Industry Association Board please email viwedindustry@gmail.com. 

Congratulations to all the Finalists and Winners!

2019 Vancouver Island Wedding Awards!

The post Vancouver Island Wedding Awards 2019 appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

We’d love to have you visit our Spring Dream Wedding Show at Florence Filberg Centre Courtenay BC. 
Come spend the day meeting with wedding enthusiasts, check out the on stage presentations, fashion shows, and take in the samples, freebies and fun! Wedding Planning Starts Here!!
Date: February 23, 2020
Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Admission: FREE

Pick up your free copy of West Coast Weddings Magazine

The post Courtenay Dream Wedding Show appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Barefoot bride, Autumn,  has a fascinating gown story. She found a photo of a Maggie Sottero on Pinterest and sent it to her mother and aunt via text with the caption ‘my dream dress’! She and her family did not think it would be possible to find it on Vancouver Island and began searching online.

However, Autumn’s aunt discovered what she thought might be the dress,  completely by accident, on a sample sale rack at Shades of White Bridal in Victoria. She quickly called Autumn who left work (with her boss’ blessing) to try it on.  Autumn needed only seconds to announce that this was, indeed, THE DRESS.  One would think there would be great rejoicing….but it was in a size 10 when Autumn is, generously, a size 2.  A frantic call to Fern, of The Bride’s Closet, to discuss the seemingly impossible alterations followed. Fern assured Autumn that she could take the form fitting gown to a Size 2 and so the precious Maggie Sottero was purchased.

Barefoot Bride Design

Fern began working on the alterations months in advance and managed to recreate the Maggie Sottero gown into a perfect size 2 without changing any of the design.  At the last fitting, Fern came out with a matching church veil edged in lace. Autumn’s mother began to tear up at the sight of Autumn in her gown with veil and asked if she could give it to Autumn as her personal gift. Autumn loved the idea that her groom would be so pleased with such a traditional touch and so the veil became part of the ensemble.

Barefoot Bride Session

Several months after their wedding, Autumn and Ryan joined their photographers once again for an after wedding session. The first part of the day was spent with Autumn as a barefoot bride. She quickly crawled up cliffs to allow the breeze to catch her veil for photos. Autumn was worried a little more about the water shots as she is rather attached to her gown but, in the end, she left worry behind! Thankfully, her gown and veil soaked beautifully back to their natural state after the shoot.  (Whew!)

Find more of Autumn’s after wedding session with her husband!

Photos: Jane Avenue Photography | Gown: Maggie Sottero at Shades of White Bridal | Alterations & Veil: The Bride’s Closet | Hair & Makeup: Studio 62 Hair Salon

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Going Above and Beyond – After Wedding Photography

Trend Alert: The After Wedding Photography

Couples are beginning to plan romantic after-wedding photo sessions, which can occur anywhere from a few days to a few months after their wedding. Sessions can be as formal or as relaxed as the couple wishes, but one thing will be missing: the stress of the wedding day! There are no worries about getting a little ‘mussed’ as there are no guests to greet and no rush to a reception! Locations can be anywhere under the sun since timing is not an issue.

Like most couples, Autumn and Ryan did not have much time for photography between their ceremony and reception. So, a few months after their wedding, they and their photographers met for an after-shoot along the west coast of Vancouver Island. They were excited to create photos that would be Insta-worthy and ready to go on their apartment walls. 

Autumn chose to showcase her cathedral veil, and the breeze cooperated with this plan! She relaxed her wedding day look with loose curls and lighter makeup. Ryan lost the formal tie in the spirit of the day. 

Ryan and Autumn were willing to be adventurous. They decided to climb cliffs barefoot and wade into the water together. The Sooke area cliffs were made for epic BC wedding shots. The sunset cast a perfect golden glow, creating photos for a lifetime.

Hint!

Brides worried about how their veil and gown might survive such a session can check with their wedding gown shop. Many gowns are perfectly water-friendly and can be gently cleaned afterward. Cliff climbing in your gown, we admit, is more of a personal choice!

Photos by Isabella & Mason of Jane Avenue Photography | Venue: East Sooke Coastline on Vancouver Island | Gown: Maggie Sottero | Alterations: Fern of The Bride’s Closet | Veil: Arthur Harris by The Bride’s Closet | Menswear: Outlooks by Men | Hair + Makeup: Studio 62 Hair Salon | As Seen in the January 2018 West Coast Weddings Magazine

You are invited to another after-wedding photo shoot!

The post Going Above and Beyond – After Wedding Photography appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Ryan & Autumn suit the modern bohemian style perfectly. We love the blush colours, the greenery and the contrast with the blue of the grooms suit.  The Vancouver Island ocean vistas behind draw the eye to the dreamy and romantic palette.  The floral bouquet and crown are filled with antique beige roses and succulents along with various types of foraged greenery.  The finishing touch are the ribbons flowing from the bouquet.  This couple epitomizes the boho-chic romanticism creating a naturally beautiful wedding day.

The photography style creates a real mood for these couple shots. Ryan and Autumn had sent their photographer ‘style photo boards’ prior to their wedding day. They had collected photos that they loved off Pinterest so that their photographer had an idea of the shots they really wanted. It’s obvious that this idea worked out well for them and the photographer! 

Bohemian Tips:

Looking to have a bohemian wedding day? Overflowing bouquets, head wreathes, lots of lace and lush floral displays are a must. You can also add vintage décor and family heirlooms. Mismatched bridesmaid gowns add to the boho theme and allowing your bride tribe to choose their own dresses always makes them happy!

For the After Wedding Shoot!

Photos: Jane Avenue Photography | Gown: Shades of White Bridal | Alterations: The Bride’s Closet | Floral Design: Fleurtacious by Lynda Marie | Menswear: Outlooks for Men | Hair: Studio 62 Hair Salon | Makeup: Bobbi-Jo Moore | Venue: Olympic View Golf Course 

The post A Dreamy Bohemian Romance appeared first on West Coast Weddings.

 

Boho River Romance – A river romance among the majestic pines. This stunning forest boho editorial, along a river’s edge, is filled with eclectic details and beautiful flowers.  We loved the bridal gown, which couldn’t be more chic, plus a guitar playing groom which certainly adds to the bohemian feel!  Be sure to watch the lovely behind the scenes video.

The current trend of creating cozy and inviting seating tableau in field, forests and along beaches is showcased perfectly here. You can picture the bride and groom on the chairs with the fun pillows and eating their first meal as Mr. & Mrs. along the river bank. The charming yet varied mixture of decor and flowers creates a relaxed feeling while still retaining the importance of the event. One gets the feeling that the personality of a couple shines through all the fascinating pieces of decor. A perfect Boho River Romance! 

You are invited to another naturally beautiful wedding!

Photos: New Leaf Photography | Design and Décor: Lavish Engagements | Videography: Jabin Postal Films | Gown & Accessories: The Bride’s Closet |  Menswear: Jim’s Clothes Closet | Rentals: Always Invited Event Rentals |  Floral Design: Thrifty Foods Courtenay | Hair: Shear Inspiration Studio now Salon Muse Nanaimo | Makeup: Shelby Lynn Makeup Artistry | Stationery: Caribou Creative | Brewery: Gladstone Brewing Co. | Rings: Peoples Jewellers

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