One of the things that we often hear from couples who want to get married on Vancouver Island is that they want to embrace the West Coast aesthetic. We are so lucky here on Vancouver Island that we are surrounded by beauty everywhere – the lush forest, expansive ocean views, or steep mountain ranges, there is something for everyone and it doesn’t take much to add the west coast into your wedding day design!
In honour of our West Coast paradise, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite weddings where our couples truly embraced their surroundings and made nature a part of the party!
Danae + Jackson
Danae + Jackson got married right in the middle of a stunning old growth forest on the edge of Quamichan Lake in Duncan, BC. There was so much natural beauty from the surrounding trees that they wanted to embrace it into their decor. A driftwood arch covered in greenery was their backdrop for the ceremony. Sprigs of greenery were tied along the aisle to wooden cross back chairs. Danae and Jackson even signed their marriage certificate on a large tree stump. For dinner, long harvest tables were placed in an opening in the forest. Greenery lined the tables mixed with candles. Even their cake had touches of greenery. Lights were strung up and it looked like the stars were shining over them all night.
(Photography/Videography: Maiko Media || Venue: Maple Bay Manor || Florals: Alicia’s Florals || Rentals: Darling Vintage
Lighting: Shady Spaces || Tables: PDS Woodwork || Catering: Alibi Catering)
Jen + Sam
A long table dinner in an incredible setting was one of the most important things to Jen and Sam. Jen and Sam were married in the woods alongside the river at Cowichan River Lodge. With the sounds of the river nearby, Jen and Sam tied the knot and made things legal under a large tree on the lodge’s main lawn. Their ceremony design was complete with a floral installation, buckets of greenery, and wood rounds with custom signage, created by the bride, marking the aisle. It was a forest paradise. After the ceremony and cocktail hour on the lawn, guests entered the forest over a beautiful bridge for a long table dinner. Greenery and succulents were on the tables, while wooden signage and candles completed the look. The couple and their guests danced into the night under the open star filled sky!
(Photography: Masika May || Venue: Cowichan River Lodge || Catering: Toque Catering
Decor Rentals: Trend Decor, Pedersens Event Rentals, Black and White Event Rentals || Photobooth: Four Frames
Lighting: Shady Spaces || Florals: Nightsong Farms)
Nele + Josh
Nele and Josh had the ultimate West Coast elopement. The ceremony was held seaside on a public dock in Sooke at the end of a beautiful boardwalk. After quickly sealing the deal, Nele and Josh hopped on a boat and sailed around taking in everything our beautiful coastline has to offer. Following their cruise, they dined on top of the Malahat overlooking stunning mountain and ocean views. The menu and place cards were all done by hand on driftwood. The custom designed menu by Chef Castro at House of Boateng drew from the best of West Coast flavours featuring West Coast foraged goodness and local craft beers and wines. Everyone happily ate dinner while eagles circled overheard creating a quintessential West Coast experience.
(Photography: Taylor Roades || Signage: Melanie Anne Designs || Catering: House of Boateng || Decor Rentals: Trend Decor || Florals: Platinum Floral Designs)
Christine + PJ
Christine and PJ are one adventurous couple. They wanted to embrace their love of the outdoors in their wedding day. Their ceremony was on a seaside cliff overlooking the ocean near East Sooke Park. Local blooms dotted their ceremony backdrop, and guests even spotted a few whales swimming around during the ceremony! Can’t get more West Coast than that! At the reception, greenery, driftwood, and tree bark rounds were everywhere bringing the outside in. Christine and PJ’s getaway car? Why it was their trusty SUV with a “Just Married” canoe strapped to the top. They left ready for their next adventure!
(Photography: Olivia Ann Photography || Florals: Blooms and Co. || Catering: House of Boateng)
Natalie + James
Tucked away in Sooke is a magical forest hide-away called Cedar Haven. Natalie and James had the perfect bohemian, West Coast wedding. They contrasted the deep forest colours with colourful florals and jewel toned bridesmaids dresses. The reception tent was covered in hanging greenery and macramé blending together their key dieting components. With the lush forest surrounding them on all sides, it was easy to relax and embrace the wilderness.
(Photographer: Rivkah Photography || Venue: Cedar Haven || Florals: Cartref Gardens)
