Set amongst the old growth forest, and surrounded by their closest family and friends, the wedding of Laura & Joe (back in August 2015) was as lovely as it sounds.  This was our first wedding in this area of the world (have loved returning since!), and getting to work in Squamish at this stunning venue, was an incredible experience!  I've been dying to share it for over a year now, and am stoked to have finally started to catch up on blogging.  Phew! 

When I first started chatting with Laura & Joe, their main priority was finding a modern space surrounded by trees.  The couple lives in Alberta, and so this was a destination wedding for all those involved, and they wanted to showcase the natural beauty that the west coast has to offer.  Now, finding a forest venue, that is NOT rustic, is certainly a challenge, but I was up for it and did many a happy dances when we stumbled upon the Cheakamus Centre in Squamish.  The rest of the planning was an absolute delight, and I loved getting to work alongside the couple on their unique and non-traditional wedding.  My favourite moment has to have been Laura's bouquet: both of her sisters walked her down the aisle, each holding a piece of her bouquet.  Then, during the ceremony, the 2 pieces were joined, signifying the coming together of 2 families.  It was absolutely beautiful, and there wasn't a dry eye in the place!  

There were so many lovely little details all throughout this wedding, and we are still so grateful that this wonderful couple took us on their wedding planning journey!  Enjoy! xo

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of Lauren Kurc Photography.

Planning/Design - French Kiss Events
Photography - Lauren Kurc Photography 
Venue & Catering - Cheakamus Centre
Florals - The Flower Factory 
Stationery - Caribou Creative
Furniture Rentals - Bash Specialty 
Hair - Alicia Rollins
Makeup - Reannan Shay Tyson
Music - Trish Jamieson 

• FKE Featured 24
• FKE Living 7
• Office Talk 55
• Planning Tips 13
• Real Weddings 48

Last week, we were "shout it from the roof tops" excited to finally get to share this dreamy elopement from last May, on Grey Likes Weddings!  Oozing in Texan charm, and overflowing with romance, moody florals, and a couple ridiculously in love, this wedding was what a wedding planner's dreams are made of!  

Catherine first reached out to me in the beginning of March, with her vision of a simple and romantic elopement on the west coast.  Based out of Austin, Texas, Catherine & Patricio decided to skip a large wedding (400+) and instead keep the day as authentic to them as possible.  Working with them was seriously a dream, as their impeccable taste and trust in me (thank you C&P!!!), made my job as easy as can be! 

We drew inspiration from the historic setting at The Empress, as well as their love of vintage poetry, to create a warm, intimate and lush space for this very special occasion.  Surrounded by only their closest family (13 guests total), the days focus was on the coming together of the 2 families, and the celebration of the new adventure that they were about to embark on.  The details throughout were filled with beauty, and perfectly curated to represent their love for one another, and the darker colour palette of marsala, peach, rose & garnet, suited The Library room beautifully.  Music, an incredibly important part of both families, played a central role.  And just before dinner, the Eryn Sharpe Trio entertained the guests, while they all danced, laughed and celebrated the newlyweds!  It was truly magical to witness!!

And the florals...can we just stop for a second and talk about those florals?  Verbena Floral Design absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one!  The mantle place was the focal point of the entire design concept, and my jaw still hits the floor whenever I look at it! Both Best Bouquet & Best Overall Florals at the BC Wedding Awards were awarded to this wedding, and we couldn't agree more!  I could seriously go on for days and days about this wedding, but I think I'll let the beautiful images do the rest....enjoy. xo

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of Taylor Roades.

Planning/Design - French Kiss Events
Photography - Taylor Roades Photography
Videography - Paper Heart Films
Floral Design - Verbena Floral Design 
Venue/Catering - The Fairmont Empress
Hair/Makeup - Erin Bradley
Paper Goods - Caribou Creative
Rentals - White Events Studio
Ceremony Music - Opus String Trio
Reception Music - Eryn Sharpe Trio

• FKE Featured 24
• FKE Living 7
• Office Talk 55
• Planning Tips 13
• Real Weddings 48

Today, I am completely, ridiculously, head over heels excited to see the wedding of Mica & Nate  F E A T U R E D on Style Me Pretty!  All throughout the planning, Mica & I had a running joke of whether design ideas were "SMP" worthy, and so to see their beautiful day published on this blog, is a true honour.  Definitely check out the feature right here to see all the stunning highlights, as well as read the story behind this day.  

This was an incredibly special wedding, for many many reasons.  I wrote a lot about it on SMP, and so will let you read the full story over there.  I will say though, that this wedding was a career highlight for me, and I have no doubt it will be in my top 3 favourite weddings of all time for a long time to come.   And I can honestly say that I have never witnessed love like I did on this day.  There wasn't a dry eye between the guests and vendors, and the joy and happiness that surrounded the couple was infectious.  There was so much love for Mica & Nate, and witnessing that kind of love really makes you realize what this is all about.  It may sound cheesy, but as I look through these beautiful photos by The Nickersons and see the emotions pour out, I can't help but be transported back to this incredible day.  These two are the strongest people that I know, and I consider myself truly blessed to have gotten to know them and to have been a part of their wedding.  

I have no idea how I was supposed to choose what images to share, as they are all not only beautiful, but tell the story of the day perfectly.  But I did my best, and have included below some of my favourites.  Enjoy. xo

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of The Nickersons.

Planning/Design - French Kiss Events
Photography - The Nickersons
Floral Design - Verbena Floral Design
Venue - North Arm Farm
Hair/Makeup - Denise Elliot
Catering - The Collective Kitchen
Cake - The Flour Pot
Invitation/Paper Goods - La Happy
Furniture Rentals - Bash Specialty
Rentals - Rental Network, Flock Events, Sabre Rentals
Ceremony Music - Trish Jamieson
DJ - Pemberton DJ
Dress - Truvelle
Transportation - Whistler Glacier Group
 

• FKE Featured 24
• FKE Living 7
• Office Talk 55
• Planning Tips 13
• Real Weddings 48

Confession time: This wedding is from a year and a half ago.  Which basically just proves how far behind I let the blog get this past year.  Eek!  It has been on my list of ones to share for a while now though, and I am stoked to finally be doing so!  Kiki & Brad were married in May, 2015, on a beautiful sunny Spring day, at Starling Lane Winery (one of our favourite spots in the city).  After finding us on Instagram, this very trusting and lovely couple passed over the design reigns, and I am so glad that they did!  Getting to work with couples on the design is one of our absolute favourite things, and when they give us full creative license, it becomes even more fun!  

After discovering Kiki's love for Anthropology, we got started with the design.  We took inspiration from the French countryside, and the romantic, yet natural entertaining style found throughout quaint villages.  We created an atmosphere that was relaxed yet vey chic, and fused pretty floral details, elegant high-end furnishings, and the dreamy season of Spring, to create a unique and fresh look.  Fresh fruit overflowed at the reception, and an insanely gorgeous palette of navy, pink, peach, pink, blush & champagne was highlighted throughout the florals.   

Thank you Kiki & Brad for putting all your trust in us, and inviting us to be a part of your beautiful celebration!  

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of EA Photo.

Design - Barb Walker, French Kiss Events
Day of Coordination - Marika Beise, French Kiss Events
Photography - EA Photo
Floral Design - Clare Monica Day
Hair - Conscious Hair
Makeup - Jen Clark
Furniture Rentals - Bash Specialty
Paper Goods - French Kiss Events
DJ - DJ Pro, Liam Biggs
 

• FKE Featured 24
• FKE Living 7
• Office Talk 55
• Planning Tips 13
• Real Weddings 48

What do you do when you want to have a destination wedding, but don't feel like making your guests leave the country?  You head to Victoria and host an unforgettable weekend at a beautiful hotel in the Inner Harbour, and treat your guests to ocean views all night long.  Well, that's at least what Edmonton based Brittany & Kyle decided to do, and oh, am I glad that they did!  After our first Skype call, I knew that I was going to have fun working with these guys!  Their sense of fashion was impeccable, colour preferences were right up my alley (hello jewel toned purple, blue & gold!), and their desire to have an elegant wedding that focused on the party?  Yes please!  These guys were rad, and I couldn't be happier to have them forever part of the FKE family. 

The wedding itself was a stunner.  Set at the Inn at Laurel Point, we found the perfect balance between soft/romantic touches and fun/modern details, such as a polka dot motif and custom cocktail napkins.  Keeping the focus on the overall guest experience and lively atmosphere, great cocktails and food, as well as ambiance and seating vignettes were available all through the night.  Music played a really big role in the celebration, and helped us transition the overall atmosphere as the night went along.  A DJ & Sax combo got everyone dancing, and the good folks at Four Frames kept the guests striking a pose.  An epic night of partying, and one that we are so glad we were a part of!

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of Ophelia Photography.

Planning & Design - French Kiss Events
Photography - Ophelia Photography
Venue - Inn at Laurel Point
Florals - FLEURtacious by Lynda Marie
Hair - Conscious Hair
Makeup - Erin Bradley
Music - Girl on Wax
Rentals - Decorate Victoria
Furniture Lounge - Bash Specialty

AMERIS

On a bright and sunny day last April, these two lovebirds made it official.  And can we talk about client love for a second?  From the very first email I received from Jess, I knew that these guys would be special.  Not only are they completely head over heels in love with each other, but they genuinely could not WAIT to be married!  And isn't that really what it is all about?  Working with them on the planning and design of their perfect day was such a treat, and I honestly cannot say enough about how grateful I am to have such wonderful couples to work with. 

This was the first wedding of the 2016 wedding season for us, and let's just say we kicked the season off on the right foot!  We were after a soft, romantic and relaxed celebration, and the rustic yet chic Church & State Winery was the perfect backdrop for us.  We took inspiration from the natural elements found throughout the dramatic space, and integrated the soft colour palette with industrial statements and warm lighting, to create a vibe that was perfectly in keeping with the couples welcoming personalties.  And then there was the party.  The Broken Strings absolutely killed it on the dance floor, and yes, even had the Bride up on stage performing a rap with them at the end of the night.  An unforgettable evening for sure!!  

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of AMERIS.

Planning & Design - French Kiss Events
Photography - AMERIS
Venue & Catering - Church & State Winery
Floral Design - Verbena Floral Design
Hair - Conscious Hair
Makeup - Erin Bradley
Cake - Ruth & Dean
Stationery - Caribou Creative
Music - The Broken Strings
 

Here in Victoria, we are pretty lucky to get to call Hatley Castle one of our venues.  Couples come from all over the place to get married at the Castle and live out their fairytale wedding.  Crystal & Dan were one of those couples, and fell majorly, head over heels, in love with the Castle. And lucky for us, they asked FKE to help bring their vision to life!  Overflowing with elegant details, soft florals and high-end furnishings, their classic wedding celebration was filled with style and glamour.  We infused the elegant setting of the Castle into everything, and created an ultra romantic atmosphere through the pastel colour palette of blush and lavender. 

There was SO much pretty at this wedding, I don't even know where to start!!!  One of my ultimate favourite details though, has to have been the carnation curtain, styled as the backdrop to their cake.  Fading from purple to blush, the ombre curtain was utter perfection!  The couples signature drink, "The Rocha", featuring fresh blackberry's that turned the cocktail purple (obviously!) was also perfectly on pointe. And the gorgeous pieces of furniture, from Bash Specialty, helped create castle worthy lounge vignettes for the guests during cocktail reception and dinner, and provided the sweetest couples love seat I ever did see! My favourite thing about this wedding though, would have to be how lovely Crystal & Dan were throughout the entire day.  Their love for each other overflowed to all their family, friends and vendors, and that is what truly makes a wedding incredible.

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of Christie Graham Photography.

Planning/Design - French Kiss Events
Photography - Christie Graham Photography
Venue - Hatley Castle
Catering - Truffles Catering
Florals - FLEURtacious
Specialty Furniture - Bash Specialty
Hair & Makeup - Beauty & Style by Erin Bradley
Invitations - Wedding Paper Divas
Cake - Schur to Please

A few weeks ago, Bretton & Chris' west coast wedding was featured on Wedding Chicks.  This was exciting for multiple reasons, one of which being that it was our first time being featured on their blog (yay!), but also that we have been DYING to share these images since basically last September.  As you go through the gallery below, I hope that you'll see why ;)

Working with Bretton & Chris was a total wedding planners dream.  The couple was just so excited to get married and to celebrate with their friends and family, and they put a lot of trust in their vendors, allowing everyone involved to really stretch their creativity.  The wedding took place at the Father of the Brides vacation property in Fanny Bay, mid Vancouver Island BC.  Fanny Bay is world famous for their oysters, and picturesque beach front properties.  We took inspiration from all of these things, and created a day that not only reflected the couples love of entertaining, but also our the location.  One of our favourite details inspired from our location had to be the oyster bar!  Obviously.  

This was a wedding day filled with tons of emotion: a lot of laughs, some (happy) tears, and best of all, a party that the couple and their guests will never forget.  I will always be thankful for Bretton & Chris asking us to be a part of their wedding, and for welcoming our whole team into their lives!  I feel like we have made life time friends, and their wedding will definitely go down as a highlight for us.  

**Make sure to check out the gallery of photos below, beautifully captured by Kristyn Harder Photography, as well as the video by the ever so talented Koyo Photography.  

Planning - French Kiss Events
Photography - Kristyn Harder Photography
Videography - Koyo Photography
Floral Design - Verbena Floral Design
Hair - Andrea Williams
Makeup - House of Beauty
Catering - Custom Gourmet 
Oyster Bar - The Wandering Mollusk
DJ - HiWay Productions
Specialty Furniture - Bash Specialty
Cake - Ruth & Dean
 

This wedding may seem a bit familiar, as it was featured a couple months ago on my favourite blog, Style Me Pretty (check it out here), and has also made numerous guest appearances in my instagram feed.  And so I thought that it was about time that I shared my favourite images of this magical wedding day with all of you! 

As you'll see for yourself in a second, Kelsey & Colin's wedding was special.  Yes, it was beautiful.  Yes, the vendors were outstanding. Yes, the couple was gorgeous.  But it was more than just all that.  The relationship that I built with K&C over the 18 months we worked together planning and designing, was one that I will always treasure, and the energy and spirit of their wedding day was one that you just can't plan for.  I always say that a wedding day takes on a life of its own, and as the day continues to unfold, I love watching this happen organically.  Kelsey & Colin's wedding day was a non-stop celebration, and I am thankful beyond words that I got to be a part of it. I could go on and on about my favourite details (The folk band that played throughout dinner, an insanely gorgeous dessert table, Kelsey's bouquet, photos strung along the path to the ceremony...), but I am going to let the photo's do it for me.  This one is special folks...enjoy.

**Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all the kick ass vendors that helped make this day so incredible!  All photos courtesy of AMERIS.

Planning/Design - French Kiss Events
Photography - AMERIS
Ceremony Venue - Starling Lane Winery
Reception Venue - Sea Cider
Floral Design - Verbena Floral Design
Catering - The London Chef
Dessert - Ruth and Dean
Live Music - The O'Brien Family
DJ - Airwaves Music
Stationery - Tuktu Paper Co.
Specialty Furniture - Bash Specialty
Hair - Conscious Hair
Makeup - Melanie Baird Makeup Artistry
Wedding Dress - Truvelle, from The White Peony
 

It is always an honour to have our work featured in print, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have Natosha & Bryant's spring 2015 Hatley Castle wedding, in the most recent issue of wedding bells.  I mean, gorgeous jewel toned palette, classic with an edge design, and a head over heels in love couple?!!  Pretty awesome if you ask me!  Working with Natosha & Bryant on their wedding was a total treat and I loved every moment of planning and designing their day and seeing it come to life.  

The first few conversations with a couple always give us a pretty accurate idea of their priorities, overall aesthetic and personalities.  We like to get a good sense of how they decorate their home, what a perfect date night might look like, and how they normally celebrate with their friends and family.  For Natosha & Bryant, it became very clear early on, that these guys wanted a day that allowed their guests to relax and enjoy the gorgeous grounds at the Castle, listen to good music and feel like them, even though they were in a castle.  And so, with a personal style described to us as traditional, but with an edge, that is exactly what we set out to do.  Fun pops of colour and watercolour were infused throughout, and texture mixed with soft blooms, took centre stage in the florals.  Colourful lounge seating on the terrace, lawn games, and the formal dining room, all flowed seamlessly into one another, and was a space the guests could enjoy all throughout.  And the music, both live and and a customized playlist of all the couples favourites, kept the guests dancing and mingling under the stars, all night long.  

Thank you Natosha & Bryant, for trusting us with your wedding vision, and for having us be a part of this incredible day!  And thank you to ALL the amazing vendors, who made this day not only perfect for the couple, but magazine worthy too!

Photography: Kim Kalyn Photography
Venue: Hatley Castle
Catering: Truffles Catering
Florals: FLEURtacious by Lynda Marie
Invitations: Rock Paper Square
Day of Stationery: French Kiss Events
Design: French Kiss Events
Furniture Rentals: Bash Specialty
DJ: Hiway Productions
Ceremony Music: Allegro Con Trio
Hair: Conscious Hair by Elena
Makeup: Beauty & Style by Erin Bradley

**All photos below courtesy of Kim Kalyn Photography