Sydney + Sheila’s Wedding at Oak & Vine Estate

Right from our initial meeting Sydney and Sheila stole our hearts! Having been together since high school, you could tell that their wedding was going to be the ultimate celebration of their love. Their family and friends were so kind and the entire Good Party team, led by our lead planner, Anouk Fitzner, truly felt so lucky to be a part of this incredible day.

Oak & Vine is a new wedding venue located in Duncan, BC. Meticulously designed by a local Vancouver Island wedding photographer, Masika May Photography, Masika knew exactly what it takes to make a perfect wedding venue. Everything is crisp and white, the perfect backdrop for any decor. The ceremony spot overlooks the vineyard and Quamichan Lake. There’s a giant lawn, perfect for cocktail hour and some lawn games, and, of course, the barn where all the good times happen!

The all-white barn was a perfect backdrop for the West Coast inspired decor. The florals took inspiration from the transition from summer to fall with pops of brilliant orange and lots of greenery! The long tables made such an impact with long garlands of greenery laid down the length of the table.

The day started off with some logistical planning – how do you get two brides ready in the same place without them seeing each other?

Oak & Vine has an immaculate bridal suite situated on the top floor of the venue. It’s a gorgeous one-bedroom apartment complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and even a laundry room! There is a corner set up for hair and makeup, as well as all the cozy lounge furniture. Perfect for sipping champagne while getting ready for the big day! Our gorgeous brides took turns using the bridal suite. While one bride was getting ready, the other was taken away for a breakfast in town and a coffee run. Then they switched spots! All without spoiling the surprise!

The first look, as you can see by the photos below, was something truly magical! The ladies didn’t know what the other would be wearing, and they were completely in awe of each other. Both their dresses suited their own personal style, while also complementing the other perfectly.

Sydney and Shelia chose to have their first look in the vineyards on the property, away from guests and family members and just having a private moment to themselves. Here is where they chose to read their own personal vows to each other. Cue all the tears!

The ceremony took place on the lawn overlooking the vineyards. Birds circled overhead and the leaves on the trees had just begun to turn into autumn colours. You could feel the love in the air as Sydney and Sheila’s closest family and friends witnessed their ceremony. Guests capped the ceremony off with a champagne toast – everyone was ready to celebrate!

Sydney and Sheila are big craft beer fans, and being from Victoria there is certainly no shortage of amazing craft beer options! Guests sipped their brews during cocktail hour while being treated to an oyster station by the Wandering Mollusk and passed canapés from Toque Catering.

Toque Catering provided a beautiful harvest dinner and, as always, knocked it out of the park! The meal was served family-style which really suited the long table style of Oak & Vine. The menu, just like Sydney and Sheila, was super fun! The biggest hit was macaroni and cheese! Don’t worry, there were vegetables too 😉

Dinner finished up, the cake was cut, and speeches commenced. Sydney’s brother had everyone laughing so hard they were crying.

It was clear throughout the evening that every single one of their guests loved Sydney and Sheila so much.

One of the best moments of the wedding was a surprise that Sydney, Sheila, and Sydney’s brother planned for Sydney’s parents.

The wedding fell very close to the parent’s 30th wedding anniversary and everyone wanted to do something special for them. During the first dance, as Sydney and Sheila’s song wound down, a new song came on. It was her mom and dad’s first wedding dance song! They were so surprised, and they got to have their first dance again 30 years later. Plus they were gifted a bottle of Dom Perignon – always a nice touch!

Everyone joined them on the dance floor and got the party started!