At the beginning of 2020 we were gearing up and getting organized for a busy summer ahead full of weddings, community events, family celebrations, and much much more! Little did we know that 2020 had other plans for us.
Because of COVID-19, so many of our couples were faced with tough choices about their wedding day. Couples have had to make the hard decision to postpone, heartbreaking decisions to cancel, or to proceed with a dramatically smaller guest list and a much different style of party than they originally planned. While these circumstances can seem negative (as the news seems to want us to believe) we wanted to highlight some positive in all of this!
Below are a few of our spring and early summer 2020 couples who decided to move forward and get married anyway! They didn’t have much time to pivot their plans, yet they all made the best of their “big” day, and we were so lucky to be a part of the day in any way we could be. We certainly can’t wait until next year when they are ready for bigger celebrations!
Photographer: Berkley Vopnfjord // Melissa Styba // Tegan McMartin
Kyle Joinson // Fragment of Light
Danielle + Jesse – May 2, 2020
Danielle and Jesse were supposed to be married up in Cedar, BC in Jesse’s parents backyard followed by a nautical, West Coast inspired reception at the local community hall. While that larger celebration is still moving forward next year, Danielle and Jesse didn’t want to wait any longer to tie the knot. At their home in Sidney, with their new puppy Penny, barking at their feet, they said “I do!”.
One of our favourite things about this day was that Danielle’s mom, Donna, who was still on the mainland due to travel restrictions was able to make their day incredibly special. As soon as Danielle and Jesse decided they were going to go for it, Donna reached out to us and we got to assist in bringing this beautiful day to life. They had champagne, a delicious dinner from their wedding caterer, Truffles Catering, and a tiny cake for two from Ruth & Dean.
Thank you for letting us take over your backyard and make some magic D + J!
Photographer: Berkley Vopnfjord / Videography: Paper Heart / Decor rentals: Trend Decor /
Florals: Platinum Floral Designs / Cake: Ruth & Dean / Catering: Truffles Catering
Amy + Nicholas – May 23, 2020
Amy and Nicholas had chosen the beautiful Gardens at HCP for their wedding. They are still celebrating there next year, but for their “would-have-been- wedding-date” elopement they decided to be adventurous.
Lone Tree Hill showcases Vancouver Island in the best way with stunning views of the mountains and ocean. On a bit of a blustery day, Amy, Nicholas, their immediate family members, and their lead planner, Dakota, and trusty assistant Casey hiked up the mountain and our couple said their vows in the same spot where they took their engagement photos a few months prior.
Amy hiked the whole way in her dress and if that doesn’t deserve a gold medal than I don’t know what does! They got married, toasted with champagne, and had their fill of macarons from Bon Macaron!
Photography: Melissa Styba / Florals: Cartref Gardens / Macarons: Bon Macaron Patisserie
Sathia + Mathew – May 30, 2020
These two travel lovers had guests traveling from around the world to witness their wedding celebration at Villa Eyrie Resort on the Malahat, so when international travel restrictions didn’t lift, it became clear that some back up plans needed to be put in place. At first Sathia and Mathew were just planning to celebrate the date in pretty low key style (think dinner at home) and wait to make things legal, but as their date approached, their plans changed!
In the end, these two decided to “break in their fancy clothes” and ended up tying the knot in the exact spot they were supposed to, surrounded by a few family members. Now it’s back to planning for 2021 and we know for sure this one is set to be a really great party!
Photography: Fragment of Light / Florals: Night Song Farm
Lily + Daniel – June 6, 2020
On June 6th 2020, Lily and Daniel were supposed to be celebrating at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke surrounded by 100+ guests from across North America and around the world. Instead of waiting another year to tie the knot, they decided to elope!
For their elopement, they still wanted something in Sooke, near the ocean, and Dakota helped them find the perfect spot at Whiffin Spit. On a gorgeous sunny day, they eloped on the beach, cut the cake with their forks, and relaxed while drinking champagne. Their elopement was just the beginning of their celebration as they then headed up to Tofino for a few days of rest and relaxation.
Photography: Tegan McMartin / Florals: Platinum Florals / Cake: Schur to Please / Decor Rentals: Trend Decor
emma + Graeme – June 20, 2020
We were there the first time emma and Graeme set eyes on Bilston Creek and it was truly love at first sight. Their lead planner, Emma, and bride, emma, knew Bilston was meant to be their wedding venue right from their first Skype consult and it didn’t take long for Graeme to realize it was meant to be as well. On their first site visit, they walked around the property dreaming of a long table dinner for 90+ loved ones in the orchard and while that vision won’t come to life until next July, their elopement was truly something extra special.
In front of the large Arbutus tree surrounded by candles, their parents, and their pugs, Wilbur and Winston, emma and Graeme tied the knot! They had a champagne toast and video chatted with their guests who were not present. The sun chased away the rain clouds just in time for dinner amongst the lavender. It was a truly perfectly relaxed day and this little taste of what’s to come was seriously the best. We can’t wait to be back with emma and Graeme at Bilston Creek next year!
Photography: Kyle Joinson / Florals: Blooms and Co. / Catering: Bramble by Bilston /
Venue: Bilston Creek / Rentals: Trend Decor & Tabletop Curated Rentals / Signage: Melanie Anne Designs
