West Coast Weddings and Events

Local Services

2011-03-10T22:23:00.000-08:00

Small towns with Professional Services!

Ucluelet and Tofino are known for their excellent Restaurants, Great Chefs and Local Island ingredients and as a Wedding Planner to be able to honestly say that yes the quality is on par with the city–yes any city is a huge asset. But today I am not going to tell you about food but about the excellent talented Photographers we have that will capture your Special Day with emotion, passion and a genuine love of the job that will exceed all of your expectations.

The advantage to you to use one of these local photographers is that they live here, they know the area, the landscape, the lighting in good weather and bad and as you are aware we can get all kinds of weather in one short day. They all have their own favourite locations that gives them and you the natural backdrop for your photograph whether it is beach-side, beneath the ancient cedars, the rocky shoreline or amongst the colourful tidal pools that surround our shores.

Another point to think about especially if you are on a budget is the fact that they will not charge you travel or accommodation expenses and dependent on the circumstances they might even split their services so that they capture your ceremony and then later in the evening will come back and take pics of your first dance and cake cutting.

Food For Thought!

Proposal

2011-02-25T17:22:00.000-08:00

I am in the process of helping a great guy romantically propose to his sweetheart with Chocolate Tofino dipped Strawberries, A dozen Red Roses from Flowers by Sandra in Ucluelet, candles everywhere and champagne chilling--How much fun is my Job!

2011-02-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

The reflection says it all!

Pacific Sands Resort on Cox Bay in Tofino is the Wedding destination in BC.

Give me a call and this can be you!

Not a care in the world!

Stunning Couple!

Had an absolutley awesome couple say their Vows yesterday complete with Sand Ceremony, no rain and good family and friends.

On the Edge!

Kristen and Corey were relaxed and ready to say their vows!

Its you and me!

Rhonda @ Studio One did Kristen's hair, Flowers by Sandra created the flowers, Jan Brubacher captured the magic moments on video, Michael Farrow told the story through film and then of to Shelter for an amazing dinner.

Love through Blogs!

2011-01-07T21:48:00.000-08:00

Love is in the Air!

I had the pleasure of working with a lovely Bride from Canada wishing to marry her love all the way from Serbia! Sandy and Darko met through a mutual friends' Blog 4 years ago, both very interesting people. They got married in Tofino on December 22nd with Gael Duchene officiating and Michael Farrow capturing their love on Film/Sd Card. The weather was dry but very chilly. I wish them all the luck in the world as they now travel the path of applying for immigration status for Darko here in our fabulous country of Canada.

Love on the Rocks!

We Canadians would be honoured to have you Darko as you are very talented and in Love with a fellow Canadian. Good choice I say and Good Luck from one Immigrant to hopefully another!

You are the wind beneath my sails!

New Year Wedding Inquiries!

2011-01-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

wow what a couple of weeks! it is amazing how many people inquire about their weddings right after New Years--every year same thing! Looking forward to meeting Melanie and Marc on Monday for their small wedding in Tofino--thinking sunshine!

Weigh West Resort in Tofino--wedding venue..

2010-12-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

I have just secured a wedding in the newly renovated Harbour Room at Weigh West here in Tofino and this is the view from the inlet facing windows. This is a great option for couples looking for reasonable pricing for their food and still have a view and the room can handle 80-90 guests. I have white chair covers that fit the chairs here perfectly that can add a touch of elegance to any room.

Still more bookings for December Weddings

2010-12-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

If you are feeling the stress of organizing your Wedding give me a call.. Your time is valuable and I know the ins and outs of the services available here in Tofino and Ucluelet. Hiring a planner saves you time and money and look after your best interests which in turn takes the pressure of for you to enjoy your day

December Weddings!

2010-12-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

Last Minute Weddings still being booked for December!

This is gonna be a Good Month!

Snowy Wedding Special in Tofino

2010-11-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

How about a White-out Wedding in Tofino? We have the Snow! I will make all of the arrangements. You bring your outfits and rings..This Special Offer won't last long so quick call me.....

Tom and Megan November 6th

2010-11-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

You are My Island!

Tom and Megan were really lucky with yesterdays weather, forecast was wet/windy but instead they got not too cold, bride was bare shouldered, little wind, no rain and huge tides. All this gave an amazing backdrop for Marilyn McEwan to take some gorgeous pictures.

Thats My Guy

Once again Shades of Purple was the choice of colour for the bride's bouquet designed by Flowers By Sandra in Ucluelet, she is quite surprised at the majority of her weddings this year all choosing purple.

High Tide

No Sun today but also No Rain for another Tofino Wedding

2010-11-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

So the rain stayed away today for the wedding of Megan and Tom until just after we had finished taking the last photo with
So the rain stayed away today for the wedding of Megan and Tom until just after we had finished taking the last photo with Local photographer Marilyn McEwan. Gael Duchene performed the ceremony and emotions were high. Happy Couples make my day!apher MariSo the rain stayed away today for the wedding of Megan and Tom until just after we had finished taking the last photo with Local photographer Marilyn McEwan. Gael Duchene performed the ceremony and emotions were high. Happy Couples make my day!lyn McEwan. Gael Duchene performed the ceremony and emotions were high. Happy Couples make my day!So the rain stayed away today for the wedding of Megan and Tom until just after we had finished taking the last photo with Local photographer Marilyn McEwan. Gael Duchene performed the ceremony and emotions were high. Happy Couples make my day!

The Sun Was shining on April and Mark in Tofino!

2010-11-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it, the sun came out for the best backdrop possible for April and Mark as the celebrated their wedding vows on Cox Bay. They united their lovely family with a Sand Ceremony; Purple, Yellow, Blue, Red and Orange grains of sand were poured into a beautifully etched vase individually and then together..

I had the pleasure of having the biggest dog ever at any of my weddings and so well behaved--meet Stella!

There is definitely a Sparkle in her Eyes!

The waves crashing behind the ceremony were spectacular....

April and Mark in Tofino Saying "I DO"

2010-11-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

Well I am still crossing my fingers for sun as my lovely couple are doing a Sand Ceremony with their 3 lovely girls and it would be much better if there was no rain...

Rain Rain Go Away, Tofino needs a Sunny Day!

2010-11-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

I am needing someone to do a Sun Dance as I have 2 Weddings in the next 2 Days.

My Wedding Family who are getting Married tomorrow have come prepared with Gum Boots all around but would still love some SUN!

November Beach Weddings in Tofino

2010-11-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sealed with a Kiss!

Busy Weekend coming up, hope the weather behaves! Wedding on Friday and Saturday

Flower choices for Bouquets!

2010-10-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Flower choices for Bouquets and Boutinnieres.

Now some would say that anything works but here where many of my weddings are on the beach I would recommend that you choose a flower that can handle being without water for a while and one that is a little sturdy as sometimes beach weddings involve more movement than a church wedding.

Such as venturing over rocks or dipping your feet in the ocean and so Gerber's, Calla's, Orchid's and Roses are fine as long as they have a few stems of greenery to support them but on their own a bit fragile.

I also find Roses are a bit too heavy for Boutinnieres and tend to fall over or droop.

Wedding cakes from local baker in Ucluelet

2010-10-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

The bride requested purple calla's and soft pink roses to cascade down her small 2 tier Wedding Cake, one was 8 and the other 5 inches.

Local cake maker Jeni Christie suggested alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla with vanilla and lemon for the bottom tier (one layer each) and chocolate and orange for the top tier (again one layer each).

The Bride loved this idea and asked to have butter-cream icing on the outside with a little swirl for decoration.

2010-10-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of a Mexican Fiesta themed wedding at Tin Wis last week. Those are my white Chair Covers that I rent out--pretty

Jennifer and Victor October 10th, 2010

2010-10-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Suzanne,

Thank you for organising it, especially the weather!

Regards,

Jennifer & Victor

Storm Weddings in Tofino

2010-10-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

Even in a storm Tofino and Ucluelet are great Wedding Destinations! Imagine the scene: You and your Loved One saying "I Do" with a backdrop of crashing waves, some brides even wear fancy Gumboots under their Dresses

Busy Wedding Season in Tofino even in October

2010-10-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Busy Times, 3 Weddings in October, a couple of Gift Basket Deliveries, Turkey Dinner Deliveries and 5 more booked weddings-----I am loving my Job!

A beautiful couple!

2010-10-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Suzanne,

We just wanted to write to thank you for planning our wedding. You
did such an amazing job, and went well beyond the call of duty to make
sure that every little aspect was taken care of. You made our day so
special. You made our huge, complicated wedding run so smoothly.
Whether it was setting up the entire hall by yourself or driving the
bride back to the hotel for her forgotten veil, no aspect seemed too
large or too small for you to handle with the utmost care. And it's
that care that makes you so dear to us, and makes you so good at your
job. We didn't get a chance to raise a glass to you during the
toasts, but now that the fog has cleared, we look back on that magic
weekend and we we really want to thank for
making it all happen. Thank-you so much for the fabulous memories that
will last us our entire lives.

Sincerely,
Michael and Carrie-May

Rain did not stop wedding! Just delayed it

2010-09-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

The joy of small weddings is that in case of rain (which there was a lot of recently) we can change times so that Mr. Sun came shining through.
Congratulations Yvonne and Brent and a beautiful wedding at Green Point...

Storm Weddings

2010-09-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

I have been busy booking weddings for Storm Season.
Great for small intimate Elopements, where the bride can wear gumboots under her dress and paddle in the ocean and no-one is going to try and talk her out of it.

Sooo Cold !

Wedding Season In Tofino

2010-09-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

Waters Edge

It has been a great wedding season and I have met some amazing couples some of whom will remain friends. I couldn't ask for a better job. I love it!

Destination or Home to have your Wedding?

2010-09-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Reply to a bride unsure of whether to choose Tofino (maybe in the rain) which she loves or home!!!!

Couple from Germany!

I am a wedding planner here in Tofino and do many weddings a year here for the same reason you love, it is a great little town and couples fall in love with it and want to share it with their friends and family. May can be a great month and it can also be a bit wet, we cannot determine that, however the beauty of Tofino is still there no matter what the weather. I do not know how many guests you would like to be at your wedding but there are great places that do not need to break the bank and that you can still see the view and not be in the rain. This year I have had more Elopements than in previous years and that is due to the fact that Tofino can be too expensive for all guests and also due to the fact that couples have more extended families these days and this can bring it's own set of problems. So many couples decide to get married in the place they really love either by themselves or with a few friends/family and then go home and have a backyard party! I must say the pictures taken from couples Eloping are stress-free, fun, spontaneous and the couples feel happy as they had no pressure to have a wedding that was not really their vision.
Please feel free to call me for anything I can do to help you plan "Your Wedding".
Suzanne @ West Coast Weddings and Events--250-266-2094

Elopement Specials!

2010-08-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Last Minute Elopement Specials!

Give me a couple of days and your dream wedding can be all set-up, no stress no fuss but lots of smiles and great pics.. then go home and have a backyard party-----yeah!

3 weddings in a week!

2010-08-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

What a week!

My couple yesterday came from Vancouver and climbed all over rocks and barnacles on Chestermans Beach to get just the right background for one of Chris' panoramics, in high heels to boot! Brett and Michelle just called me on Thursday to see if we could pull this wedding of by this weekend and sure enough we did.

sinking in the sand!

Cold Feet !

I had so much fun with Amanda and Mike, some couples come through a lot to be where they are and i am so thrilled to be a part of their Happy Day. Rev Joan has an amazing way with words, Chris Pouget did his magic with his camera, it almost seems like an extra appendage and the weather co-operated as you can see.

Claudia and Dirk came all the way from Germany!
This couple have been together for 16 years and boy did they emanate fun and love, Chris Pouget did not have to work too hard to make them smile or pose as they were naturals. This is why so many couples are electing to Elope, they can relax, and have fun....

So much Fun!

Recent Wedding

2010-08-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a comment just in from two wonderful families being united as one!

"THANK YOU so much for making our speical union so memorable and so wonderful in every way. The dinner at Long Beach Lodge was wonderful and delicious. Everyone was friendly and we had a great evening. Michael the photographer was amazing and we found so many gems in the extensive photo collection. He really made the event. The commissioner said the ceremony exactly as written. She was quite lovely as well.

All to say ... our special union and blending of the cermonies event wouldn't have happened without you!

Many many thanks Suzanne. You really make dreams come true.

All the best!

Monica and Lee

Couples from Afar, Eloping in Tofino....

2010-08-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

The Look of Love!

In the last week, I have had the pleasure of meeting 2 different couples from England and Germany. Both of them excited to be getting married in Tofino and having a small, intimate, romantic wedding with no fuss. And today I was asked how fast I could organize a wedding for another couple wishing to Elope. With extended families being more common now, more couples are deciding to get married but their way with no family politics or hassles. Brides are more relaxed and apt to be generally more adventurous with posing for pics that if their families were around would not, they will walk in the ocean, climb over rocks to the perfect beach and smile like no-one is watching. It is very interesting to try speaking German that I have not used since high school or be able to relate to places in Britain that I know from growing up and my visits there. It still amazes me how I ended up finding Tofino, living here and how others wish to say " I DO" here in one of the most romantic venues in the world!

Love Is !

2010-08-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

The Look!

Visualize nervous but excited groom standing waters-edge with 2 perfect circles of love nestled deep in his pocket. He looks up and misses a breath as a suddenly shy but loving bride is desperately seeking his look of everlasting Love..These are the moments I witness....Magic moments!

Ryan and Renee

2010-08-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Rosie Bay

I really enjoyed helping Ryan and Renee get married last week at the amazing sunset Point at Pacific Sands. they had a great room overlooking cox bay and many surfers. Ryan's grampa was certified to marry them, so very small and intimate with just gran and grampa, myself and michael farrow for photography...

Gift Baskets for The Honeymoon Suite

2010-08-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

West Coast Gift Basket

One of the great things about my job is that it is versatile. I not only plan weddings for groups of 2 to 300 out here in either Tofino or Ucluelet at a variety of resorts for all budgets and styles. I also can make and deliver West Coast Gift Baskets totally unique as they are all custom designed just for the special person receiving it. The products that I fill the basket with mostly come from local Island Merchants and as fresh as I can get it.
I pick up Tofino Chocolates same day as they are made as well as Humous from Beaches Grocery Store. A fresh sourdough baguette and Qualicum Cheese go well with a chunk of locally Smoked Salmon finished of with a great BC Wine or Beer. This particular basket was for a family so to make it a little more exciting I put in a small chocolate fondue filled with local berries/chocolate/extra fruit for dipping and some Island Port for the Adults..Mmmmmmmm!

Tofino Elopement Wedding for Brittany and Chad

2010-08-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

The personal touch of Wedding Decor

2010-07-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Tin Wis--sage/brown

Every bride has a style all of her own and this is showcased even in her reception colours and decor.
Sometimes it comes right at the start of her wedding planning, she knows here fav colours and has an idea on style. Most couples who choose to get married by the beach, they tend to want to have shells and sand as their main theme. Now there are a few ways of doing that, you can have beautiful little glass vases either square or round ( like the classic goldfish bowl) with sand, shells, candles in them or shells/pebbles in water with a lovely blossom floating or floating candles. I myself actually had the shells, 2 goldfish(as i had a tank at home and could place them their after) and a purple Hydrangea floating on top.

Lilac/Brown

Orchids immersed in water in a tall glass vase adds a lovely elegant look and dimension to a room, this is great if you have tall ceilings. The actual table decor is a big market these days, many companies have chair covers in an array of colours and styles and then there are organza or satin sashes that tie in your colour scheme for not a lot of money--usually $1-2 each. In this photo, I had a lot of fun, the colours were sage and brown, so the table overlay is actually wallpaper with a bamboo feel to it, white chair covers with a sheer sage organza sash, a sand filled vase with local salal greenery to give us some height and then some twinkle around the walls.

I enjoy helping the bride choose her style and have quite the assortment of Rental items to choose from and you don't have to worry about breakage while travelling here or what you are going to do with 14 vases afterthe event is over. I am currently working on getting my website updated with all of my rentals.

Wedding Weekend coming up!

2010-07-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Got a busy day tomorrow.
Wedding Rehearsal on beautiful Combers Beach in the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park in between Tofino and Ucluelet. Going to be interesting with Rabbi Mercy coming over from Vancouver to officiate the wedding.
Later on setting up the brand new Ucluelet Community Centre for dinner and dancing, catered by the amazing chef Andrew Springett from Black Rock Resort. Local photographer Michael Farrow is working his magic, wonder what the fog is going to do, could make for some mystical pics....

Tara and Jason, July 24th

2010-07-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

Tara and Jason

I had the pleasure of assisting Tara and Jason in choosing a great Venue in Tofino for their Dream Wedding.

They brought their guests mostly from Alberta to experience the West Coast and all of its bounty, some of whom went to Hot Springs and some took advantage of the great fishing.

As you can see from the picture, the weather could not have been more perfect, we were a bit worried as there had been a lot of fog on the days leading up to the big day.

Rene Gibson officiated and catering was by Sobo and also some family BBQ their specialty venison kebabs--yummy !

The weather was so good that the dinner was set up on the deck and later the guests played Bocci and Horseshoes on the beach.

Sometimes you know when you meet someone, that you will be friends forever that is how it is with Tara-----sincerely,
Suzanne

2010-07-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Foggy Day in July !

2010-07-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

   Isn't this a great shot!

  More and more couples are dipping their toes in the Pacific and doing things that make them smile even down right good old laughing.
   When the cold water hits them, the surprise on their faces makes for such a natural picture.
   I find that couples who come to the West Coast tend to do some stress-free, care-free fun and exciting things that city weddings don't.
   Especially the Elopements, those Bride's and Groom's decide to have their special day as they see it, not as others want to see it and so the pressure is of and the love is easier to capture leaving them with The Wedding Day they had envisioned !

Foggy but Mystical !

2010-07-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

Recently, we have had quite a bit of low lying fog which is great for photographers as they would rather have fog than a cloudless blue sky. There is an air of mystique as the fog rolls in and around a Bride in her flowing white dress but most couples do not come to the West Coast to have foggy memories. So the secret to avoiding this usually is to have a late afternoon ceremony.

Family Pics

2010-07-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

My Girls!

One of the things I try to encourage the wedding couple to do is make a list of important family pictures that need to be taken. Most times right after the ceremony the bride and groom are busy being congratulated and maybe toasting with some champagne resulting in them not really thinking about the must have photos to be taken. There is nothing worse than finding out weeks later that great Aunty Gemima did not get her special picture with her favourite niece or that 4 generation once in a lifetime shot was not snapped. So to avoid dissappointment make a list of the "Must Have Wedding Photo's" and give it to someone to organize. I have made it easy for you, just go to my website onto the Getting Organized page and print of the list, fill it in and delegate to someone you trust with the job!

The Ryles

West Coast Weddings and Events: Family Pics

2010-07-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

West Coast Weddings and Events: Family Pics: "My Girls! One of the things I try to encourage the wedding couple to do is make a list of important family pictures that need to be take..."

Getting Married in the Pacific Rim National Park

2010-07-21T22:21:00.001-07:00

Some of the nicest sandiest beaches lie in our local National Park and yes you can get

permission to be married there.

This wedding was at South Beach 15minutes along the trail south of the Wickaninnish Center. Definitely a bit of a hike and then a few stairs, so before you decide on this being the perfect ceremony venue, think about how able your guests are or are not.

The further away you go from the parking areas the more privacy you will get if that is important to you! South Beach is quite remarkable as it is more small pebbles and amazing small shells like the Olive shell than sand and it has a few huge rocks that are great for the dramatic backdrop or for the photographer to get some height as in this picture taken by local Jeremy Koreski.

So the wedding venue permit costs $30 and you have to apply to the parks for permission, now that is just to be allowed to use the park as your ceremony site, you still have to pay the park usage fee for all of your guests.The most reasonable way to do this is if you transport in/out your guests by Tofino Bus, this usually adds a little fun to the day as it is a yellow school bus that is the mode of transport--have fun!

West Coast Weddings and Events: Getting Married in the Pacific Rim National Park

2010-07-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

West Coast Weddings and Events: Getting Married in the Pacific Rim National Park: "Some of the nicest sandiest beaches lie in our local National Park and yes you can get permission to be married there. This wedding was at S..."

Decor, and Romance!

2010-07-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Wedding Decor can be expensive and take up a lot of space that most couples don't have when coming to a Destination Town . We have a selection of vases, sand, shells, linens, card boxes, chair covers, flower stands that can be rented or set-up for you so that you do not have to worry about breakage or lost items. We can also set-up any room with champagne, rose petals, chocolates, fondue candles etc for Birthdays, Wedding Nights, Anniversaries or just because!

West Coast Weddings and Events: Destination Weddings !

2010-07-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

West Coast Weddings and Events: Destination Weddings !: "When you hear Destination Wedding, most of us think Sun, Sand and a Beach in Mexico, Hawaii or Jamaica but more and more couples wanting to..."

Destination Weddings !

2010-07-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

When you hear Destination Wedding, most of us think Sun, Sand and a Beach in Mexico, Hawaii or Jamaica but more and more couples wanting to get married are looking in their own backyard--yes right here in British Columbia, Canada, more specifically Tofino or Ucluelet.

Some very good reasons for that are:

You get more value for your dollar @ Home
To get your Wedding License is far easier in Canada
All you need is your Passport (ID) and $100
Keeping your Dollar in Canada makes sense
Tofino is famous for its clean beautiful Sandy Beaches
And yes we do get a lot of rain but we do get our fair share of hot, sunny, fog-free glorious days
Ucluelet is known for its rugged dramatic coastline with many amazing backdrops for saying "I DO"

We also have an airport that you can fly straight from Vancouver to, if you don't like the windy roads!
So, give us a call for a West Coast Wedding that dreams are made of !

my mum and me!

2010-07-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

My mum came from Scotland and brought her pretty hat ensuring it did not get squashed!

She also brought me a lucky Horseshoe--a Scottish Tradition!

My bouquet was from Crab Apple Floral and the Wedding of my Dreams was @ Tin Wis.

And the weather was perfect!

Mothers and their daughters !

2010-07-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

Last minutes of advice.
   How many mum's out there think about their little girls wedding day from early on in their childhood--you would be surprised, many of us!

We watch and listen and give hugs when needed, have a tissue close by and bake something sweet for the broken heart.

   Then one day you see that little girl all grown up with a twinkle in her eye for that someone special. And here you have to start letting go and hope that you have done your job of guiding and teaching and that the chosen partner loves her as much as you do.

You think you will be fine on the magic wedding day, no tears, total control, composed and then, you see her putting the final touches to her dress, last lick of lipstick and boom the tears start falling. No idea, no warning sniffles just the flood gates open and someone discreetly places a tissue in your hand. This is when your heart is beating pretty fast and you're smiling through the tears--the moment you have seen in your mind for many a year is here and wow are you so proud! Your little girl is all grown up, here stands a beautiful young woman full of wisdom and love that you shared with her, ready to take on her new role of loving wife and maybe mother.
   Tell her You Love her, you're very proud of her and that She knows where You are if she needs you for anything!

Walking on Water !

2010-07-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a new Wave happening --no really!
Brides are getting married their way !
Many of them Eloping with no stress and no fuss.
This results in couples stepping out of their comfort zone and really having fun with the photographer, sometimes going barefoot and walking the surfline---things they would never do if being watched by older parents who had maybe helped pay for that gorgeous wedding dress now heavy and full of sand.

But what joy is captured when boundaries are taken away, you only have to look on these couples faces to see it and feel it.

Cakes and Travelling !

2010-07-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is just a reminder to those of you bringing your special Wedding Cake over the hills from far away to have it properly packed for the ride with explicit instructions as to its refrigeration once it arrives here on the West Coast.
I saw a very unhappy couple yesterday after their cake had cracked and melted.

Tents on the beach!

2010-07-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

I have been planning weddings for 4 years with my own business and for a couple of years before that locally and have been asked many times by prospective clients to please help them have their perfect West Coast Wedding on the Beach with a tent for rain back-up!
Sounds easy but it is not and just in the last weeks Gordon Johns of the Chamber of Commerce has got concrete information about the issue.

Tents for 12 and under are allowed on the beach as long as there is no liquor!
Tents for more than 12 people might be allowed but first a request to do this has to be presented to the District of Tofino for approval and stipulations set in place. There is a catch, No Liquor is allowed and the Tofino council only meets about twice in the summer months so your permission request has to be applied well in advance of your preferred date.

So unfortunately this does not work for all of you wanting to have your wedding and the amazing view in a tent on the beach.

There are a few great places that have views and welcome weddings, whether they are Resorts, Restaurants or Private Houses, we look forward to assisting you in finding the right venue for your Perfect Day in either Tofino or Ucluelet

Chad and Colleen June 30th

2010-07-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Great Day yesterday for a wedding, little cloudy, but warm. Mike Gitelman presiding and did a really good job, the clients love him.
Round Beach was the ceremony location by Big Beach in Ucluelet and then onto Wick Beach for some cold feet, wet dress but fantastic smiles of Love all around with Michael Farrow getting some great shots.
2 days prior to the wedding Chad decided he wanted a Tux/Suit to wear and Jim's Menswear in Port Alberni even with Grad going on was able to fix him up!
The backdrop as you can see is rugged and dramatic with phenomenal Old growth trees to give some colour.

Last day of June

2010-06-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

What a great Sunny Day and it so happens that I have a 4pm Wedding today in Ucluelet.

6 people from Saskatoon who had a fantastic wildlife trip last night with Archipelago Cruises.
If you want to try Whale Watching and want to learn a little bit of the Local History dating back to when the Japanese settlers first arrived then this is the trip for you, plus the bonus of hopefully seeing some great wildlife, if not whales, sea lions, eagles and otters.

Commissioner Mike Gitelman met with Chad and Colleen yesterday, he is very knowledgeable of the area and is known to tell a story or two. Originally they were getting married at Terrace Beach however there is construction happening nearby and so Mike took them to a few other beaches and a little cove around from Big Beach is the new Wedding Site.

I will fill you in later as to how the the day unfolds!
Have a fun time in the sun~

Simple Elegant and Beautiful

2010-06-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

So far have not been rained out yet for any weddings-yeah!
Congratulations to Erica & Terence on their recent Wedding at Black Rock, with Michael Farrow for pictures

Sunny day for a Tofino Wedding!

2010-06-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

Great weather for Brandi and Craig as they said their vows at Mackenzie beach with Gael Duchene.

half Price!

2010-06-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Oh I know,Today Sunny Special is 2 for the price of 1, any takers?

smiles all around!

2010-06-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

the sun is here, now where are my Weddings!

Holly & Ty May 14th

2010-05-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well I had a lot of fun working with Holly on her wedding plans. She was planning a destination wedding here in Ucluelet @ Black Rock Resort and none of her guests had been out here. We worked together for almost a year ensuring that I recommended the right vendors for her special day. The day was perfect with a few clouds that Michael Farrow (photographer) used to his advantage, the ceremony was on the Patio at Black Rock with Reverend Joan Scandrett presiding, flowers were designed by Sandra in Ucluelet and make-up and hair was styled by Studio One in Tofino. Table Decor which was glass bowls with black pebbles/shells/water resistant candles filled with water and a floating gerbera on top was rented from West Coast Weddings and the reception was in the Wine Cellar also at Black Rock. Perfect venue for small intimate wedding receptions. I am sure i have a friend for life now! All the best from me and mine!

May 17th--changeable weather!

2010-05-20T10:03:00.001-07:00

Adriane and Wes ended up with fantastic sunny weather on Monday for their 4pm wedding at Cox Bay.

The rain stopped, clouds cleared up and their little girls wore lovely sun dresses and sandals.

Gael Duchene married them and Michael Farrow took their pics.

They loved their stay in a villa @ Pacific Sands and left this morning after experiencing one of our famous winter storms--power outage and candles.

Rehearsal Dinner!

2010-05-13T14:22:00.001-07:00

Got a rehearsal today at Black Rock with Holly and Ty, rehearsal dinner at Jiggers(local F & C van), then onto a Sunset Champagne Cruise with Archipelago Cruises to the Broken Islands and a Groom's Decadent Chocolate Cake made by Sandra Hunter. And it is a gorgeous sunny day in Ucluelet--yeah!

Welcome Bags

2010-05-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Busy collecting Chocolate Tofino Bars, Westerly's, Tofino Times, Sea Wench Soap and Local Maps to make up Welcome Bags for Fridays Wedding Guests staying at Black Rock and Terrace Beach Resort .

Max the Pug!

2010-05-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

This was very cute! Max the puppy Pug wanted to sign the Wedding License for Mum and Dad.

Windy Day

2010-05-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

Rob and Andrea in the Look-Out at Cox bay Beach Resort, a great place to still have a view on a windy day.

Gift Baskets

2010-05-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Remember, I deliver custom designed Gift Baskets with products from local BC vendors. This one has Humous from Beaches, Chocolate from Chocolate Tofino, Island farm Brie sold at Beaches, Smoked Cod and Salmon from Butcher Bob here in Ucluelet, BC Wine, mixed nuts and more!

Tasso and Liz, May , 2010

2010-05-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here we have Liz, Tasso and Max the Pug getting married at Big Beach In Ucluelet by Mike Gitelman and pics by Todd Marshall. They were very impressed with their stay at Black Rock Resort, the food, the room and the staff. They also ate at Schooner Restaurant in Tofino and will be back for more great Memories!

May 4th, 2010

2010-05-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Andrea and Rob at Cox Bay, picture by Suzanne. Crazy windy day, so they had their ceremony in the Look-Out at Cox bay Beach Resort performed by Rene Gibson and pics taken by Michael Farrow. We managed to get out of the wind for some amazing pics....

Wedding by the Sea

2010-05-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

This was a great shot taken by Chris Peugot!

Great Day for a Wedding!

2010-05-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

I will tell you all about it later! 2pm @ Big Beach

Rob and Andrea, May 1st, 2010

2010-05-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

What a great day for a wedding, Sunset Point here we come.
Michael Farrow is taking pics and Rene Gibson is performing the ceremony.

2010-04-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, we are so lucky to call this home!

Some couples even get married here!

Rain or Shine !

2010-04-24T11:55:00.001-07:00

Rain or Shine! Wet or Dry! Memories are Made, Never to be Forgotten

Mother' Day! May 9th

2010-04-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is coming up pretty quick!

I can SHOP for a GIFT , wrap it up and deliver it for you!

No Stress, no last minute panic--Easy

Romance is in the Air!

2010-04-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

Romance hmmm!
Need to take a break, getaway to a romantic hideout, just you and your Love--
Call me I know just the place (it could be a Surprise)

Life, Love and Marriage!

2010-04-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

There is someone out there for everyone, when you find them give me a call!

First Dance

2010-04-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

What was your First Dance Song @ your Wedding?

The Wedding March?

2010-04-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

What was the music you walked down the aisle to?

Bridesmaids

2010-04-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

So what are your thoughts on Bridesmaids and who should pay for their dresses and accessories?

My first Love!

2010-04-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Who was the first person in your life that you thought you wanted to Marry?

Vow Renewal

2010-04-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

If you Love someone and have Loved them for awhile perhaps it is time to RENEW your Wedding Vows!
Call Me I can set it all up!

Stress-Free Weddings

2010-04-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

If you know someone wanting to get married in Tofino or Ucluelet, then give us a call. We specialize in stress free beachside weddings.

Love is in the air!

2010-04-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Just Imagine!

Just the two of you

No Stress, No Fuss

Barefoot on a Sandy Beach

The Wind in your Hair

Love in your Eyes

Heart beating Fast

Saying "I DO"

All you need is love!

2010-04-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

If your family and friends are starting to have too much of an opinion on how you play YOUR wedding day then give me a call as that is why I am here.

I will help you plan the day of your dreams without the pressures of your close ones leaving you feeling stress-free and relaxed..

Lydia and Randy, February 13th, 2010

2010-03-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

I had the upmost pleasure in assisting with the Wedding planning of Lydia and Randy, they were a lot of fun. I booked them into Cable Cove Inn which is a very small boutique Inn with only 7 rooms but with top class service, including an Ashram Spa with great local masseuses. It is situated on Cable Cove in downtown Tofino and has a small cabin down by the waters edge where they do their massages by day and also serve a very romantic dinner for 2 by night. Their cuisine is local and prepared in house and will leave your tastebuds thinking they have gone to heaven.
Todays weather was what many tourists pay big money for --Stormy, so my clients chose to get married in this cabin which overlooks the high tide crashing in around us. The beautiful ceremony that Randy and Lydia had personalised was performed by Gael Duchene a local commissioner. Later that evening they enjoyed a beautiful dinner prepared by chef Gerry Boy down in the Cabin.
Good Luck and Take Care of each other!

February 2nd, 2010

2010-02-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

THE LOVE STORY

I have to share with you, what I do for a living. The reason for sharing it with you is that there are not that many rewarding careers out there. I help create a dream, a fantasy, a love affair of the heart. The secret that little girls share only with their favourite doll—–yes you’ve guessed it

“Their Wedding Day”

Can you feel it now, the anxiety, the bulid-up, the nerves, the prayers, the dress—oh yes the dress, there is only ever 1 dress for every bride, there are a couple of maybe’s but only 1 that when she steps into it her smile comes from within. Now don’t let me sugarcoat this buying a wedding dress is probably the hardest part of the entire wedding but if you have never experienced it, you must, simply ask if you can tag along with a friend or friend’s daughter. That joy that the bride exudes from the perfect dress is priceless! Now planning a wedding is not an easy feat especially a destination Wedding unless you know who can do what, where, how, on time and within your budget. Remenber most brides only do this once “Plan a wedding” whereas I get to do this often. I know who is the right fit for each individual couple and I know how to circumnavigate The Modern wedding with at least one or more member of the extended family. Elopements are becoming very trendy, they are both stress and fuss free and the bride and Groom do whatever makes them smile, be it running into the ocean with a vera wang gown or rollling up the new wool pant leg. I help create The Love story wedding memories

February 2, 2010

2010-02-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

The West Coast

According to Vital Statistics of Canada, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of Weddings held here on The West Coast of Vancouver Island in recent years. In 2007 there were between 500 and 600 wedding ceremonies celebrated between the small towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, that is more than 1 a day.

“The Perfect Day”

Why are more couples deciding on A Destination Wedding?

Especially on ”Elopement Packages” ?

Well there are a few reasons for this:

More and More Canadians are spending their “well earned dollar” in their own country, where it has true value.

Many couples are on their second marriage and have come to the realization that this time around they are going to have a very simple wedding doing exactly what will make them happy.

Other couples, have realized that they do not have to go abroad for a white sandy beach to have their intimate wedding on, that right here in beautiful British Columbia we have amazing stretches of clean beaches just waiting to be walked upon.

Many of the guests that are coming to these weddings are making it into their yearly vacation.

Some couples think that when they decide to have a destination wedding that that will keep their guest #’s down but in fact surprisingly 80% of guests invited to a West Coast Wedding decide to come!

So if you are looking for a stress free, intimate wedding with just the two of you or a couple of hundred of your closest family and friends, then think no farther away than right here in Tofino or Ucluelet.

Kim & Tom October 18th, 2009

2010-02-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

Well my last big wedding of the season and what an amazing couple! Kim is the granddaughter of an inspirational local Ucluelet resident and what history there is to pass onto following generations.

Terrace Beach was the ceremony location, perfect photographer lighting for Chris Pouget who then took the Bridal Party around the area for some interesting and fun pics.

The celebration continued in a local Vacation Home catered by Tofino Caterer and acclaimed chef Gerry Boy, thank you for the surprise gift of the yellow fin Tuna Sashima–definetly appreciated by Kim’s family..

Well this is all for now as this is my first blog and thank you Kim & Tom for allowing me to help make your dream day come true–take care and look after each other well!!!!

Suzanne

Shannon & Brian --Wedding Day October 3rd, 2009

2010-02-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

What a Day!

The weather was fantastic for this time of year.

Tin Wis on Mackenzie Beach in Tofino was the location for this wedding with 70 guests, the ceremony was right on the sand with Officiant Mike Gitelman saying the honours and Photographer Michael Farrow capturing intimate smiles and moments by all.

One thing i learned at this wedding was that i need a Tickle Trunk with buttons and ties as the mens rentals came without these things, handy the bestman knew how to sew.

Shannon & Brian only had eyes for each other–it was my pleasure to assist you in fulfilling your magic day!

Their Reception dinner with a black/white theme was in the Wickaninnish Centre @ Tin Wis, created by Chef Margo and music played by local DJ MIke Sheppard. Stories were told and dancers kept DJ Mike busy to the wee hours.

Call me next time your in town!

Jean & Troy, September 27th, 2009

2010-02-02T20:46:00.001-08:00

This wedding took place on the patio of Fetch Restaurant at the newly opened Black Rock Resort here in Ucluelet with the sun shining overhead. Rene Gibson had the honour of marrying this lovely young couple with a few of their closest family and friends looking on. Michael Farrow was the photographer happily catching amazing pics with a jaw-dropping coastline as a backdrop, as well as some Rainforest Pics after the ceremony.

The happy couple enjoyed a relaxing evening of amazing food , designed by well known local Chef Andrew Springett and wine served in the infamous Wine Cave at The Resort overlooking a wave inviting surge channel below. Their handmade tables elegantly decorated with shells and candles and guests favours simply tied onto the beautiful matching chairs.

What an evening!

Congratulations from my family to yours!

Kathryn & Trevor Sept 25th, 2009

2010-02-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

September is still my sunniest month of the year although this year I had a couple of wet weddings. This couple fell in love with South Chesterman Beach and had a beautiful ceremony west coast style with shells and greenery designed by the grooms mum. Gael Duchene was the Commissioner and Tom MacDonald the Bag-Piper, I always need extra tissues on hand when he is playing. The bride’s mum served up some tasty appetizers following the ceremony while famed Tofino born photographer Jeremy Koreski snapped the special family pictures.

Now for the wedding reception Kathryn & Trevor treated their friends and family to a banquet style dinner created by Chef Andrew Springett at the newly opened Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet.Tofino Bus had the honour of shuttling guests to and fro in a yellow school bus adding yet another interesting piece of the puzzle of a successful Wedding Day.

Kathryn had a very clean, elegant and colourful vision in mind for her Decor and with the beautiful flowers coming from Flowers by Sandra in Ucluelet succeeded in achieving just that. She had green placemats on the tablecentres and a slim vase holding 2 white gerberas and 2 white hydrangeas, showcasing both texture and dimension.

Good Luck in your future adventures together!

Cheryl & James, Sept 19th, 2009

2010-02-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

The weather leading up to this wedding date was causing this couple a few headaches as they really wanted to have an outdoor west coast wedding to remember. We had secured a beachfront property with a nice small deck big enough to seat their guests, they had draped japanese lanterns to the overhead trees and xmas lights glowed quietly awaiting the dusky evening.

Much to my couples delight their wedding day was glorious and they got married on the beach with Chris Pouget secretly glad for a few clouds. They had appetizers and cocktails up on the deck and then later a feastful of local bounties served by local Chef Jesse Blake from WildSide Grill in Tofino.

The wind and the rain stayed away so that Bride & Groom and their guests danced the night away under the starlit sky above!

Kathryn & Todd, July 21st, 2009

2010-02-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

What a great day. Kathryn & Todd stayed at Long Beach Lodge in Tofino and had their closest family members looking on while they joined 2 families together with Love & Marriage at Sunset Point.

Todd surprised his wife to be by singing to her at the “Alter”, yes tissues were being handed out quickly. Rene Gibson (Officiant) and Michael Farrow (Photographer) looked on as waves crashed behind the happy couple leaving a very dramatic backdrop–no props here!

Good Luck in your new ventures and I hear there is going to be a new family addition soon–congratulations all around…

Carolin & Brian, May 28th, 2009

2010-02-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Suzanne,

Brian and i just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did planning our wedding. All of your help was very much appreciated and we had a wonderful time!

Our day was truly relaxed and enjoyable and we can’t imagine having done it any other way…

Thank you for making this type of wedding possible.

We will certainly recommend your services to anyone looking to plan a West Coast Event.

Carolin and Brian

Kathryn & James, June 6th, 2009

2010-02-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

We would like to pass on our most sincere thanks for helping our wedding be such a great success.

We both felt relatively relaxed on the day-off- and believe this in large is part due to your help, guidance and eye for details throughout the day. from helping the guests with seating cards to ensuring we had a glass of wine when we walked through the door, your thoughtfullness was appreciated!

It was a pleasure to work with you!

Kathryn & James