adore :: Okanagan Wedding & Lifestyle Magazine

SUMMER 2014

| issue No. 5

REAL adore WEDDINGS

SUMMER 2014

::

1

2

::

ADORE

LETTER from the EDITOR

REAL adore WEDDINGS

FRONT COVER Flowers: A New Leaf FLoral Design Photo: White Linen Photography Model: Vanessa Stroeder Dress : Bliss Bridal Jewellery: Gypsy Soul

SPECIAL THANKS Kristen Wagner, Carly Barnett, Heather Burley, Jenn Taylor, Jon and Tanya Garratt, Erik and Yuriko Larson, Jon and Jenny Adrian, Marilynn Zubick and my husband Trevor

WELCOME TO THE SUMMER ISSUE OF ADORE MAGAZINE.

INQUIRES & ADVERTISING info@adoremag.com

adore is ONE! We can't believe a year has gone by already. We continue to

ads@adoremag.com

be inspired by all the passionate talented people we've had the privilege to

submissions@adoremag.com

work with and look forward to meeting many more!

We had a very large and enthusiastic team on our summer stylized shoot, Under the Moroccan Sun. It was a race against the fading daylight but we managed to captured some beautiful shots of this stunning bride and her

WEB Chris Leckie :: Leckie Media

GRAPHIC DESIGN Ginger Creative

bridesmaids.

We keep the focus on an important person this issue...your bridesmaids.

Check out the article "A Professional Bridesmaid" and our DIY idea to ask your "besties" to be part of your special day. As usual we continue to feature real Okanagan weddings to inspire you. Check out our Vendors We adore directory to find the best in the Okanagan to help make your dream day a reality.

We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to working on upcoming issues of adore magazine. live, love, adore.

Carrie Mayhew

JOIN US ON facebook.com/Adore twitter.com/adore_mag instagram.com/adoremag adoremag.com Copyright Š 2014 Adore Magazine.

All rights reserved.

4

::

ADORE

TABLE of CONTENTS THANK YOU to our amazing CONTRIBUTORS

KRISTEN WAGNER

JOSH & CARLY BARNETT

Writer

Barnett Photography

IN EVERY ISSUE

3 6 8 12

JON & TANYA GARRATT

Whisk Cake Company

JENN TAYLOR

The Wedding Cafe

18 22 40 44 50

HEATHER BURLEY

Heatherly Photography

YURIKO LARSON

Vintage Origmi

60 62

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Happy Birthday adore TRENDS WE ADORE

Rosy at Heart TRENDS WE ADORE

Keeping it Fresh :: A Different Take on Cake REAL ADORE WEDDING

Sue & Dustin :: Adrian Photographers TIPS WE ADORE

A Professional Bridesmaid STYLIZED SHOOT

Under the Moroccan Sun VENDORS WE ADORE

Christina Jenion :: Classic Creations REAL ADORE WEDDING

Shawna & Randall :: Karla Rosalin Photography HE SAID 路 SHE SAID

Ryan & Logan VENDOR DIRECTORY

Okanagan wedding experts we adore DIY WITH ADORE

Be Me Bridesmaid Box SUMMER 2014

::

5

The vintage theme is still going strong but brides-to-be are choosing to take it up a notch by using very elegant and grown up vintage decor rather than the rustic, shabby chic look. The blush pink has an instant connection with romance, beauty and femininity but the gold makes a bold statement and gives a feeling of high-fashion.

Dress your tables with a plethora of sparkling rose gold decor in the form of cutlery, wine goblets, charger plates, candlesticks and elegant vintage crockery.

Contrast this with the texture of beautiful gold sequined fabric inspired by today's fashion trends.

PHOTOS | HEATHERLY PHOTOGRAPHY DECOR | VINTAGE ORIGAMI CHAIRS | A NEW LEAF FLORAL DESIGN FLOWERS | BLUE SAGE FARM FLORAL DESIGN CAKE | SWEET ON YOU MODELS | NATHANAEL AND MEGAN BURKE

6

::

ADORE

TRENDS we ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

7

WRITTEN BY TANYA GARRATT :: WHISK CAKE COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLY BARNETT :: BARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY

8

::

ADORE

TRENDS we ADORE

S

weet tables are quickly becoming the new must-have wedding feature.

Although we love providing towering

and thought-provoking wedding cakes that also serve as a beautiful centerpiece, the original look of a table of sweets has become the thing to do for both weddings and celebrations.

Sweet tables can have a broader appeal as they give your guests more options, with the added benefit of a more extravagant look. Add to the theme of your wedding with items like French macarons, candy, popcorn and juice bars in your wedding colors.

Miniature cheesecakes, pies, cakes, cupcakes, cake pops and smaller wedding cakes round out the table.

Gourmet donuts in flavours like dark chocolate ganache, maple double smoked bacon and salted popcorn will make even the strictest dieter smile. Show your adventurous side with unique desserts like mousse shooters—really, the sky is the limit!

Sweet tables are eclipsing the slowly fading cupcake tables and breathing new life into many receptions.

SUMMER 2014

::

9

When it’s time to choose a wedding cake, many get inspiration from Pinterest—but why copy someone else’s cake when a cake designer can create a unique delicacy especially for you?

10

::

ADORE

Internet-inspired gâteaux are fine for some, but we love it when our clients allow us to custom design their wedding cake to fit them: their colors, their flowers and their story – how they met, fell in love, and got engaged. Our job becomes a lot more fun when we can come up with something new.

By having a cake custom designed to fit your wedding, you are guaranteed to not have the same wedding cake as your friend who got married last month. Everything about your wedding should be uniquely you. You wouldn’t walk down the aisle in the same dress your fiancé’s ex wore two months ago, so why take chances with your cake?

The cake is one of the most memorable components of your wedding, so make sure it fits the theme and flow of the event. There is nothing worse than a wedding full of bright colors with a pale, uninspired cake sitting sadly on the table, looking like it was delivered to the wrong wedding!

When sitting down for a consultation

The most important thing to consider in the search for your wedding cake is to pick the

with your cake designer, bring as much

right designer. And remember, you get what you pay for.

information about your wedding as you

Dessert is the last course of the meal, and it’s the course your guests will remember the most clearly. How many times have you found yourself chewing stick after stick of gum on the way home from a wedding just to get the taste of the dry, boring vanilla cake out of your mouth? If you pick the least expensive cake designer you can find, your wedding too may literally leave a bad taste in your guests’ mouths.

can, and see what ideas the designer comes up with. This initial consultation will help you decide if the designer fits your style, and if they are worth what they charge. Still, the simplest cakes can sometimes be the most expensive

A great cake designer is most concerned with how the cake tastes; the appearance

because they have no ornamentation to

is literally and figuratively the icing on the cake. So make sure your cake designer is

help hide any imperfections.

approved by public health and uses a certified commercial kitchen. They should make everything from scratch; why pay top dollar for a Duncan Hines cake mix you could make yourself for a lot less money?

A cake designer will help you create a unique work of art that’s both unique and delicious. But don’t worry – all the time spent Pinning wedding cakes hasn’t been wasted. Bring your favourite photos from your wedding cake pin board and your designer may be able to incorporate your favourite elements into her own unique design. Happy tasting!

SUMMER 2014

::

11

ADRIAN PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dustin and Sue met in the summer months of 2007 while working at one of Kelowna’s landmark boutique hotels, The Hotel Eldorado. It was only fitting that six years later they return to the very spot where their love began.

Dustin and Sue exchanged vows at Cedar Creek Winery in front of family and friends on a sun filled afternoon on September 8, 2013. The celebration continued at The Hotel Eldorado and it was wonderful to share the Okanagan and in particular the Hotel Eldorado with those who had only heard stories of their amazing life and romance while living in the valley.

Guests enjoyed a champagne toast and a fun filled evening of great company and dancing. As always the excitement and events of the week came to an end but their memories will live on forever.

12

::

ADORE

REAL adore WEDDINGS

SUMMER 2014

::

13

14

::

ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

15

16

::

ADORE

BRIDAL GOWN Jim Hjelm Blush - Delica Bridal

BRIDAL SHOES Kate Spade - Holt Renfrew

CATERING Hotel Eldorado

CEREMONY VENUE Cedar Creek Winery, Kelowna, B.C.

DJ John Byrne

FLORIST Classic Creations

MAKE-UP Bri Stein Artistry

OFFICIANT James Harnden

PHOTOGRAPHY Adrian Photographers

RECEPTION VENUE Hotel Eldorado, Kelowna, B.C.

RENTALS Flair Chair Covers

STATIONARY Glimpz Invitations

WEDDING RINGS Simon G - Bride

SUMMER 2014

::

17

18

::

ADORE

TIPS we ADORE

WRITTEN BY :: JENN TAYLOR PHOTOS BY :: BARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID, NEVER A BRIDE – THIS IS A SAYING I’M USED TO HEARING. BY THE END OF THIS SUMMER I WILL HAVE BEEN A BRIDESMAID 7 TIMES. I’M HONORED EACH TIME I’VE BEEN ASKED, SHED SOME TEARS OF JOY AND TO BE HONEST, A FEW TEARS OF SADNESS AS I LOSE MY STAND UP PADDLEBOARD BUDGET…AGAIN. IF YOU’RE A FIRST TIME BRIDESMAID, YOU MAY BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT THAT THERE IS MORE TO PUTTING ON YOUR MATCHING ATTIRE AND WALTZING DOWN THE ISLE. TYPICALLY YOU’LL BE HELPING WITH PRE-WEDDING EVENTS AND DISHING OUT FUNDS.

SUMMER 2014

::

19

You get to take part in some of the most important moments in your friends’ life. The moment they first tell you they’re engagedthat’s one of my favorites. The joy in their eyes and happiness is a moment I wish I could capture and carry around in my back pocket for a rainy day. Overall your job is to help her through the stressful, potentially bridezilla-worthy moments, and help her realize that the ultimate reason she’s planning a wedding is for her marriage.

BE REALISTIC

If you don’t think you can fulfill your duties as a bridesmaid whether it be financially, work obligations or no spare time you have to be upfront with her from the start. There is nothing worse than a bride who can’t rely on her girls when she needs them. If you’re being asked to be a bridesmaid, it’s a question that you can answer as you see fit for you as it’s far worse to accept and not come through.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Finding her perfect dress will be a breeze compared to picking the bridesmaid dresses. You should know that even if you hate the dress, don’t voice it. This is one of the biggest rules as bridesmaids I will share with you. It’s like the bro-code for dudes.

I don’t care if you look like you’re going to the Kentucky Derby

HELLO, MARTHA

with big ruffles or if you’re patterned like an Easter egg, you

Be ready to tap into your inner Martha Stewart as you (with the

of my bridesmaid dresses have been pretty cute, but being the

help of Pinterest) come up with color combinations, décor ideas,

fashionista that I am, on a scale from 1-10 of wearing them again

floral options, etc. Coming up with budget savvy ways to create

the chances are zero. That’s my decision though and shouldn’t

the overall look and feel of the wedding requires you to think

ever be communicated to the bride, cause in her mind these

outside the box and get to work. You may spend a weekend

are the best dresses anyone could buy. Remember that it’s

tying little bows on favors, gluing ribbon on centerpieces or

her day to shine, not yours. She chose you to stand up beside

sorting through candy to find the right colors.

her because you support all of her choices in life and love, so

say “it’s great, it’s so different!” and be sure they’ll say “and you can totally wear it again”. I’ve been fortunate that the majority

support her dress choice too.

BOOZY SUZIE

At the wedding, let loose and have fun. But please, oh I beg you, don’t be the laughing stock of the wedding. Don’t be the one that aunts and uncles talk about at family gatherings for years to come. Drink water throughout the day and eat appropriately.

Enjoy the toonie or open bar, but respect that someone is paying for that tab at the end of the night. It’s one thing to drink a massive bottle of vodka in the limo with the wedding party during pictures & none of you recall half of the photos that were taken (ok so maybe that happened to me… don’t judge), at least we were all in it together. But please don’t get so drunk that you have to fling open the limo door mid highway and decorate the pavement (no, that did not happen to me- I’m a professional remember?). Be smart ladies, we’re not in high school anymore.

BUY HER A SHOT, SHE’S TYING THE KNOT

The bachelorette party should be something the bride will feel comfortable doing. Don’t push her outside her comfort zone simply because this is her last “fling before the ring”. If she isn’t the type of girl who laughs at a phallic straw, don’t have her drink out of one (side note: I’ve never understood those. Aren’t you going to see one anytime you want now, and even times when you don’t want to? Single ladies should have those party favors over soon-to-be-married ones… it’s not like you’ll never see one again! Well maybe some of my married friends would argue with me on that one.

I digress…). This event doesn’t need to be crazy and wild, filled with booze and a horrible headache the next day. The ones I’ve helped planned & attended have included the following events: trivia mini-golf, pole dancing, wine tours, line dancing class, art class, obstacle course, pubs/bars or surfing lessons to name a few. The key is to do something she would love and then everyone will be happy.

SHARE THE LOVE

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known the brideto-be, this is one of the biggest days in her life. Every bride wants to feel like a princess, so make her feel like one! Spoil the crap out of her! Send countdown texts leading up to the wedding and arrange to have rose pedals and champagne in the honeymoon suite.

These little things can only be done once in her life so make sure you take the opportunity while it exists.

Be sure to reminisce about the old times and help calm her nerves throughout the whole process. I

CHERRY ON TOP

My top piece of advice from this professional bridesmaid to

love taking a moment with her to reminisce about

you is to remember that this is their day, not yours. You may be

everything that has led her to this moment. I’m a big

envious, tempted to gossip, or not agree, but be honest and kind

believer that those who are in the wedding party

to your friend, after all there is a reason she asked you and not

should have contributed strongly to either the bride

some others. Take a deep breath and walk down the path with

or groom’s lives and also to continue to help them in

her, which will lead her to her best friend and a lifetime of bliss.

good times and bad.

SUMMER 2014

::

21

22

::

ADORE

ADORE stylized SHOOT

SUMMER 2014

::

23

24

::

ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

25

26

::

ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

27

28

::

ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

29

30

::

ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

31

32

::

ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

33

34

::

ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

35

36

::

ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

37

BRIDES DRESS Bliss Bridal // BRIDESMAID DRESS Gypsy Soul // CAKE Sweet On You // FLOWERS A New Leaf Floral Design HAIR Sabrina Nunes // JEWELLERY Gypsy Soul // MAKE UP Missy MacKintosh - Make Up Artist MODELS Vanessa Stroeder, Shalan Pozer, Katlyn Furman, Stephanie Wall // PHOTOGRAPHY White Linen Photography RENTALS & DECOR Vintage Origami - Wedding Rentals & Decorating, Gypsy Soul

CL A SS I C

C R EATI ONS

W RI TTE N

40

::

ADORE

BY

FLORA L

KRIST EN

WAGNER

DES I G N

VENDORS we ADORE

Florist Christina Jenion is in the business of milestones. And since opening Classic Creations Floral Design four years ago, she’s marked a few important milestones of her own.

Ever since she was a young girl she had been creating her own arrangements from her garden, and with Classic Creations she has turned a lifelong dream into a reality. Her first summer in business, she designed for eight weddings, assembling arrangements in her kitchen. The following year she completed twice as many weddings. Soon after, she moved operations from her kitchen to a shared studio in downtown Kelowna. Then this past March, Christina graduated to her own studio, a larger space with rustic wood furniture, barn doors, crystal chandeliers and plenty of natural light – a perfect space for inspiring and creating.

Photo By : Katie Nugent Photograph

SUMMER 2014

::

41

As her business has grown, Christina

from large growers, which ship their blooms

Sourcing flowers locally also helps Christina

has had more opportunities to work

all over the world. In Kelowna, most florists

get exactly what she wants, making it easier

with other vendors in Kelowna’s thriving

use flowers delivered from Vancouver. But

to cater to the visions of her clients. “I get

wedding industry. The Okanagan is fast

by incorporating locally grown blossoms,

specific flowers planted here – very specific

becoming Canada’s wedding Mecca, and

including popular varieties like dahlias,

colours – that I wouldn’t be able to get from

it’s not hard to see why – the rolling hills,

lavender, poppy pods, and Dusty Miller

growers,” she explains. “It allows my brides

pristine sapphire lake, temperate climate

greenery, Christina is able to give her

to have something a little more unique;

and stunning venues make it the perfect

creations a unique local touch.

something not everyone else can get.”

backdrop to that memorable day. Christina and Kelowna’s other vendors are all busy, but by bouncing ideas off of one another, they’re able to help make each event one-of-a-kind. “The best weddings, shoots and events come from collaborations with amazing vendors,” Christina says, “and the Okanagan has so many incredible vendors to choose from!”

Christina strives to maintain a local focus in other ways too – like by sourcing flowers locally whenever she can. Nowadays florists aren’t limited to what’s in their gardens, or what’s in season. Many source their flowers

Photo By : Katie Nugent Photograph 42

::

ADORE

Photo By : Janelle Photography

Christina takes the time to meet with each client—in person, on the phone or over Skype—to discuss their vision, wants, needs and budget. “Every wedding I create is custom designed for each client based on her personality, and the consultation is where it all starts,” she says. “Weddings are one of the most important milestones in our lives, and I love to be able to make that day even more special by creating the perfect floral accents.”

Not any bouquet will work with any dress; the styles should complement one another to help the bride look her best, Christina explains. If the dress has more complicated embroidery, Photo By : Katie Nugent Photograph

you don’t want to cover it up with a big bouquet. If it’s a modern, streamlined style of dress, very modern flowers will fit best—

Going local also helps floral creations stay fresher, longer.

something like calla lilies. “And if the bride is funkier or edgier,

Christina picks her local blooms the day before a wedding,

you may want to do something cascading, or something else

which improves their quality and life span. “Certain flowers, like

completely off the wall,” she adds. Flowers can be a great way

dahlias, do not ship well,” she explains. “When you’re getting

for a bride to show off her personality and insert some colour

them from the grower in Vancouver, by the time you get them

into her day, and Christina works with each client to ensure that

here the quality has decreased a bit. Getting flowers locally helps

objective is achieved.

the arrangements last longer – up to a week.”

Part of what makes a milestone so important is the fact that

Knowing the benefits of sourcing locally, Christina hopes to

you’ll look back on it for the rest of your life. In the case of a

one day grow her own flowers – “Or half my own flowers,” she

wedding, flowers can play an important role simply because

corrects. “It takes a lot of time to grow your own flowers, and

the sense of smell can help unlock the memory and provide a

many varieties must be outsourced because they don’t grow

stronger impression of the day than even a photograph. “I find

well in our dry climate. And I want to focus on my brides.”

that smells bring back memories,” Christina says. “I want to be

That client relationship is the most crucial part of Classic

able to provide that memory for the brides.”

Creations. Christina has two main sources of inspiration: first is

She hopes that as each of her brides progresses through the

the flowers themselves – “I can be inspired by a single bloom,”

rest of life’s milestones – motherhood, retirement, grandchildren

she says. The second is the bride: her likes and dislikes, her ideas,

– she will catch the aroma of roses, or freesia, or rosemary, and

and most importantly, her dress.

remember the excitement and joy of her own wedding day.

SUMMER 2014

::

43

44

::

ADORE

REAL adore WEDDINGS

PHOTOS BY KARLA ROSALIN PHOTOGRAPHY Spending time on and around Lake Okanagan is a favorite pastime of Shawna and Randall so it was only natural to choose a beautiful lakeside location to host their wedding celebration.

The color palette of pale blush pinks, pastel blues, and ivory helped to make their day stunningly beautiful and classically elegant. With Lake Okanagan as a backdrop, their closest family and friends were treated to live acoustic guitar music prior to the wedding ceremony.

The reception took place under a tent at The Manteo Resort as a wonderful summer evening unfolded. The tables were dressed with hand made barn board containers as the centrepieces, filled with gorgeous flowers.

SUMMER 2014

::

45

46

::

ADORE

SUMMER 2014

::

47

48

::

ADORE

CAKE & CUPCAKES Whisk Cake Company FLOWERS Debra Olstad Flowers INVITATIONS & DAY-OF-STATIONARY Dandelion Willows MAKE UP Melanie Feeny MUSIC Airwaves Music OFFICIANT Airlie Pinkerton PHOTOGRAPHER Karla Rosalin TENT & RENTALS All Ocassions Party Rentals VENUE Manteo Resort WEDDING PLANNER & DAY-OF COORDINATOR White Orchid Wedding Consulting

SUMMER 2014

::

49

RYAN & LOGAN

REAL adore WEDDINGS

PHOTOS BY ELEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

SUMMER 2014

::

51

F IR ST ME E TI NG It was in late January- early February in 2006 and I had just found out my junior hockey season was over as I broke my hand. I moved home and was spending lots of time watching hockey in Osoyoos and hanging out with my friend Tory. He and I had been goofing off, making fun of each other, when this girl I had never met before interjected with some pretty heavy weighted one liners of her own. At first I was “shocked” but secretly loved it as I had never heard one of the girls go toe to toe with any of us before.

Oddly enough we spent the whole night making fun of each other, but lots of laughs were shared amongst us. The rest of the evening saw us “stealing” another friends truck, making a pit stop at Logan’s house which lead to me meeting her family, and I took that opportunity to leave my phone number with Mrs. Coutu to come back and play the Mexican Train dominoes game when ever she felt like calling me back. Funny

Ryan and I met when we were 17, we met at a hockey game. Ryan was supposed to be

enough, that number found its way to

playing in the game but he had hurt his hand and was sitting a few bleachers in front

Logan and we ending up spending all of

of me talking to one of our mutual friends. I had never met Ryan before as he lived in

the time we could find together from

another small town 20 minutes away and our paths had never crossed. For some reason I

then on.

just had to talk to him. After the game all my friends and Ryan came back to my house to hangout and my mother for some reason thought it was game night and invited everyone to play a board game. Ryan being the kind guy that he was gave my mom his phone number so that he could come over and play a game another time.

52

::

ADORE

F IR ST DATE Our first date was shared with our friends who also happened to be dating at the time. Sarah & Logan made their way down to see Dave & I, and we took in a romantic comedy, Final Destination! I can’t say either of us cared much for the movie, but the Oliver theatre was the perfect setting for our first outing followed

Our first date was at the Oliver theater we

by classic much music video countdowns afterwards.

went to see Final Destination 3 and ate pop corn and skittles.

SUMMER 2014

::

53

54

::

ADORE

FIR ST K ISS First kiss was practically beaten out of me! Just kidding, but it did happen to the sweet sounds of Chris Brown’s hit single “Yo”. We were at a complete standoff for a lengthy period of time when the beat dropped and Logan literally said, “wow this is so Yo!”. And I basically thought to myself “I’m out of time, She’s out the door I got to go for mine” and so I said “yo!”. And then doves appeared, fireworks exploded and bells rang or something like that.

It its quirky little way, just like the two of us, it was perfect and it just simply made sense.

Our first kiss was on the same night Ryan asked me to be his girlfriend, it was March 17th Saint Patricks day. I had to ask him if he was going to kiss me because he was a tad shy and too sweet!

SUMMER 2014

::

55

FIR ST I LOV E YOU I had been hanging out with friends for most of the night while Logan was slaving away at McDonalds. When she finally got off work, I picked her to bring her back to hang out with us, full styled in her black dress pants and solid blue McDonalds standard issue uniform! I am not sure if it was the fact that she smelled like a Big Mac or the over sized clothes, but something just kept drawing me to her! She quickly decided that it would probably be best if we called it a night so I took her home for the evening and we visited an undeveloped section of real estate above the golf course in Osoyoos. Trip by Hedley was rocking in the background (I know its hard to believe that yet another song tied in), but Jacob Hoggard dropped his classic “I’ve fallen for you” line which I then added to and stated that I have continued to fall and loved her. Luckily for me, the feelings were mutual and things continued to develop each day there after.

I knew when Ryan said “I love you” that he meant it, he had picked me up from my wonderful high school job at McDonalds.

I smelled like big macs and french fries and was wearing my super cute uniform pleated pants and golf shirt. We stopped on the way home to chat and catch up on the day star gaze and hangout and he simply just leaned over and told me he loved me.

56

::

ADORE

REAL adore WEDDINGS

T HE ONE

I knew she was the one when I decided that I didn’t have to spend my time with her, but I wanted to. She stopped being

I knew Ryan was the one when I graduated and headed off to Brasil for a year away on

that high school girl I was attached to,

a Rotary Youth Exchange program. The day I had to say goodbye to Ryan was so hard

and became my best friend. She has

and so sad. We cried and sat on my bed until my mom pulled us apart and put me in the

instilled adventure & excitement into

car to head to the airport in Vancouver. I knew then that he would always be in my life

my life and never ceases to make me laugh. I can’t say there has been just

and one day I would marry him.

one moment, but a series of them over the course of our relationship. We just always seem to have fun together and I look forward to spending every day with her!

SUMMER 2014

::

57

58

::

ADORE

T HE PROP OSA L

The Proposal was everything I had dreamed of, Ryan and I lived in Osoyoos

I had secretly purchased a ring from Phoenix that she had

for a few summers and we loved having our

personally picked out and dreamed of having and had it in

Thursdays off together. Every Thursday

my possession for sometime before proposing. It became

we would go on some kind of awesome

a fun sort of game for my family as Logan would regularly

adventure. The Thursday of our engagement

tie into me about “the next step” and would comment on

Ryan and I planned to go wine tasting and

proposal videos quite regularly and my family had great

explore Naramata and Ryan had planned

fun in joking with her about it. When I decided it was time, I wanted to make sure I first had her fathers blessing so I made a point of having that extremely easy conversation the day of the proposal over breakfast. Oddly enough, this was the only stress/anxiety/nervousness that I felt all day, as I felt that Logan was going to say Yes based on our relationship,

for us to go to the Penticton Japanese Garden (where we had one of our first dates when we got our drivers licences) We had planned to go to 4 different wineries but only made it to 1 as Ryan was super eager

but her Dad could very well turn me down! After making 2

to get to the Japanese Garden, but i first

trips to get coffee and 1 to get water within a 15 minute time

made him take me to a few of my favorite

span (and 3 full glasses sitting n front of me) I finally had talk

shops and to eat a desert waffle and then

and was re-leaved to find out I would be a suitable match for

We stopped and got Starbucks, Ryan was

his daughter.

acting a little off, but we headed to the

With the hard part out of the way, I took Logan up to

gardens when we got out of the car Ryan

Penticton for a quick lunch followed by what was supposed

grabbed his 2 drinks his camera around

to be an afternoon of wine tasting. This quickly turned

his neck his camera case and I remember

into one winery stop at Pink Elephant in Naramata where I

looking at him and being like “dude were

purchased champagne for the celebration that was to follow

only going be here for a little bit what

(hopefully). We then stopped off at the Japanese gardens

are you doing?” But he just brushed it off

where we had spent lots of time throughout the early years

and continued into the gardens. As we sat

of our relationship and reflected on Prom and other events

admiring the amazing view Ryan started

that we had celebrated together. I pointed off to a boat in

to reminisce about the past 7 years of our

the distance to distract her while I pulled her ring out of my

relationship the great times we had, and

camera case and got down on one knee in the comforts of

he got down on his knee and pulled out the

crushed rock and shale. I then asked, 3 times, as the I could

ring. I was completely shocked and cried

not make out the answer through her sobbing but on the

and well I didn't say anything just hugged

final response I heard the answer I was hoping for! We then spent the rest of the day announcing our news, surprising those that didn’t know and celebrating with family all together. As they say, the rest is history!

him and kissed him and he said “I guess that’s a yes?” . Of course it was a YES he was my dream guy and to be able to spend my life with Ryan my best friend was simply a dream come true.

SUMMER 2014

::

59

ATTIRE BLISS BRIDAL With the finest selection in the interior from the best Designers, our professional bridal consultants will bring your vision to life. w :: blissbridal.ca e :: info@blissbridal.ca p :: 250.860.7766

CAKE WHISK CAKE COMPANY Whisk Cake Company was the 2012 Finalist & 2013 Winner for Best Wedding Cake in BC. We are the only Red Seal Chef-run store-front Cake Designers in the Okanagan. Using only local, organic ingredients we create scratch made, custom cakes and sweet tables perfect for your special day. w :: whiskcakes.com e :: tanya@whiskcakes.com p :: 778.753.5678

DJ SERVICES OKANGAN WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT GROUP Providing your special wedding day with an experience at the highest level, for a price that is right. w :: OKWeddingGroup.ca e :: OKWeddingGroup@live.com

FLOWERS A NEW LEAF FLORAL DESIGNS Transforming your ideas into beautiful and personal realities from proposal to event. w :: anewleaffloral.ca e :: melinda@anewleaffloral.ca p :: 250.470.8398

INVITATIONS GINGER CREATIVE Helping you translate your unique love story, social event and exciting life moments into original invitations and stationery. w :: gingercreative.ca e :: carrie@gingercreative.ca p :: 778.215.0159

60

::

ADORE

VENDORS we ADORE

MAKE UP MISSY MACKINTOSH - MAKE UP ARTIST

To strive to provide the most professional and personal makeup service possible to bring out the creative beauty in each and every client. w :: facebook.com/MissyMacKintoshMakeUpArtist e :: missymackintosh@gmail.com p :: 250.517.8300

PHOTOGRAPHERS BARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY It’s our dream job to capture your romance and who you are together, on the most important day of your life. w :: barnettphotography.ca e :: BarnettPhotography@gmail.com p :: 250.860.4116

HEATHERLY Photography for the cozy, affectionate, “I love you so much I want to pinch you” couples. w :: heatherly.ca/blog e :: heather@heatherly.ca p :: 250.808.9915

RENTALS & DECOR VINTAGE ORIGAMI - WEDDING RENTALS & DECORATING We offer rentals of unique vintage decor, props and furniture for DIY brides and full decor service packages, we’ll take care of all the little details. w :: vintageorigami.com e :: yuriko@vintageorigami.com

VENUES SANCTUARY GARDENS ~ Inspired By Love ~ Built With Love ~ To Celebrate Love ~ Sanctuary Gardens and its surrounding gardens can be rented for outdoor wedding ceremonies, vow renewals and photo sessions. The chapel inspired gazebo offers an intimate, private setting overlooking Okanagan Lake. w :: sanctuarygardens.ca e :: info@sanctuarygardens.ca p :: 250.878.2116

WEDDING PLANNERS TOP KNOT EVENTS The Okanagan’s wittiest and most recognizable wedding planner. w :: topknot.ca e :: hello@topknot.ca p :: 250.308.8175

SUMMER 2014

::

61

THESE BRIDESMAID BOXES ARE DESIGNED TO LET YOUR BESTIES KNOW HOW SPECIAL AND IMPORTANT THEY ARE TO YOU. CREATE THESE BOXES TO CELEBRATE AND MATCH YOUR WEDDING THEME. AFTER RECEIVING A BOX LIKE THIS, YOUR GIRLS WILL BE AS EXCITED ABOUT KICKING OFF YOUR WEDDING FESTIVITIES AS YOU ARE!

62

::

ADORE

· Scissors

· Ruler

· Box (Size is your choice)

· Ribbon /Twine

· Glue Pen

· Paint Brush

· Clothing Pin

· Paper Crinkle

· Mod Podge

· Transparent Cardstock

· Gold Glitter

· Card

DIY with ADORE

Measure out the inside of the box lid. In this

Create a graphic and print it on cardstock

Using the glue pen, color in the heart of the

case it's 3.75" x 3.75".

of your choice. Once printed, cut out the

graphic and add gold glitter. At this point you

graphics and get ready to jazz it up with a

can also get your Mod Podge and paint the top

little sparkle.

of your clothes pin and cover with gold glitter.

Let dry before you shake off any excess glitter.

Adhere your cardstock graphic to the top of

Now you can add in the crinkle paper to the

Wrap the box with a ribbon and write a

the box.

bottom of the box and fill it with all of the

heartfelt note to your bridesmaid - this is a

goodies - nail polish, bracelets, and color

great moment to let her know how much her

inspiration for your big day.

friendship means to you and how excited you are to go through this major life event with her by your side.

SUMMER 2014

::

63

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT WE’LL SEE YOU IN FALL 2014

adoremag.com // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram