March 06, 2014

yourday your C O M O X VA L L E Y

✲ WEDDINGS

your way

Wedding PHOTO LOCATIONS RECEPTION SITES GRAND IDEAS CAKE TRENDS AND MORE.

PHOTO BY MCKINNON PHOTOGRAPHY

COMOX VALLEY RE CO R D ~ 2 0 1 4

your day ✲ your way

W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4 | C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D

The

Perfect outdoor Wedding Venue

The Lodge, Tea House & Gift Shop are open seasonally Park Hours: 8am to dusk daily

T. 250-339-2715 61 Filberg Rd. Comox, BC V9M 2S7 www.filberg.com • www.filbergfestival.com

Comox Recreation

Come Play With Us C

Town of Comox~Recreation Department

“Wedding Specials” Call for more info 250-339-2255

or drop by 1855 Noel Ave Comox ~ www.comox.ca

C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D | W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4

your day ✲ your way

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TOP FIVE

PHOTO locations PHOTOS BY KAREN MCKINNON

✲ KINGFISHER OCEANSIDE RESORT AND SPA No matter what your wedding theme is, the Kingfisher has some eye-catching locations for photos, including the oceanside.

✲ SIMMS MILLENNIUM PARK Right in the heart of the Comox Valley, Simms has the ambience of a mighty forest.

✲ SHELTER POINT DISTILLERY If you hanker to be photographed as husband and wife in amber fields of grain, Shelter Point Distillery is for you.

✲ COASTAL BLACK ESTATE WINERY Looking for a wedding photo location that’s earthy with a full bouquet?

Try Coastal Black Estate Winery.

✲ CROWN ISLE RESORT AND GOLF COMMUNITY

Remember

The existing infrastructure at Crown Isle includes trees, lush grass and a classy gazebo.

A Day to

Let the timeless, graceful beauty of the guitar enchant you and your guests.

With a lifelong dedication to creating his repertoire including wedding standards, traditional jazz, original work and arrangements of your favourite love songs to make your day special.

Call or book online for a quote.

finding the perfect one for you

J•E•W•E•L•L•E•R•S

THE LOVE

Alan Jossul

250-897-4662 www.alanjossul.ca

D O W N T O W N C O U RT E N AY • 2 5 0 - 3 3 4 - 4 5 2 3

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your day ✲ your way

W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4 | C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D

grand

IDEAS

1

FAVOURS FOR GUESTS:

2 3 4

BOUQUETS FOR CENTREPIECES:

You can be creative. For an autumn-themed wedding, fill mason jars with the ingredients for a spiced cake and give the recipe directions on a tag. For a summer wedding, gift guests with a sun and surf survival bag, full of sunblock, a beach towel and sunglasses.

Simplicity will work best for the novice.

Think about grouping similar-hued calla lilies for a bridal bouquet. Hydrangea and peonies are larger flowers that can easily fill a vessel on a table as a centrepiece.

A ‘GUEST BOX:’

Instead of a guest book, offer guests the opportunity to record a message on video for you to enjoy for years to come.

AUDIENCE CUE CARDS:

A bride and groom with a sense of humour can assign a wedding party member to flash funny cue cards (i.e. requesting forced laughter) to keep the reception mood light.

✲ grand ideas…

C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D | W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4

your day ✲ your way

5

THE 5TH ANNUAL

wedding

SHOW

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! TAKING PLACE AT THE

SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH

FROM 2PM TO 6PM.

An open invitation to bridesto-be. Come out and see what the beautiful Comox Valley has to offer. Showcasing a large variety of products and services including: wedding planners, caterers, entertainment providers, florists, bridal fashion, stylists, photographers, printers, honeymoon specialists, and more!

Exhibitors will be set-up throughout the hotel and grounds and in their own private hotel room. This is a unique way to interact with local companies as it offers more variety that regular “booth space” as is common in other Wedding Shows.

PHOTO BY C. N. HUI PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT ONLINE

www.OldHouseVillage.com

Into its 5th successful year, this event offers good food, tasty refreshments and fun new friends.

Wedding planning made easy...

For

THE MOST MEMORABLE

day of your life.

Custom Cakes Wedding Favours and Gifts

Contact us to book a consultation 368 Fifth Street, Downtown Courtenay Telephone: 250-338-8211 www.cakebread.ca ~ www.hotchocolates.ca Find us on Facebook

event rentals

The Comox Valley’s party rental headquarters

www.relayevents.ca

1255 McPhee Ave., Courtenay 250-871-4646

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your day ✲ your way

tips for

W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4 | C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D

catering

The first meal you and your new spouse share with all of your family and friends is an important part of your special day.

quality that you want to serve your guests, because it is a big part of your wedding and you want to make sure that it is memorable.”

Custom Gourmet Catering and Personal Chef Services owner Dawn McRae, who has more than 17 years of experience, gives some tips to keep in mind when deciding what you want for your wedding feast.

Consider food service when you choose your location.

Develop a budget and be realistic when thinking about what style you’re going for.

“If you want a big, elegant event, it’s going to cost a little bit more than a backyard barbecue, for instance,” says McRae, as she stresses the importance of sticking to your budget.

Remember, not all caterers are the same.

“Even though you’re asking for a quote for roast beef dinner from 10 different caterers it doesn’t mean that quality of the roast beef is going to be the same across the whole board,” says McRae, adding this tip is important to keep in mind when choosing your caterer, and when considering prices.

“Price is not necessarily your deciding factor sometimes — you need to also look at the

Some places come with dishes, some don’t. Some have great setups for food service, some don’t.

“Is there a kitchen available or are you asking a caterer to show up and work in the backyard?” continues McRae, adding a backyard will work just fine for some meals and some caterers, but not for others. “Just making sure that your venue is set up to allow whatever meal that you want to have there — that’s a big one.”

Book early, especially if you desire a specific date in the summer.

If you plan to marry your true love in the summer it’s very important to book early if you want to ensure the caterer of your choice is available on the date of your choice.

“Most people start calling the fall before or the summer before, even, which is great from a caterer standpoint,” says McRae. “Earlier is better.”

By Renee Andor | Record Staff | reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com

The Comox Valley’s Friendly, Reliable & Safe Door-to-Door Shuttle Service

Your trusted Wedding Shuttle Service to get your guests there

in style and on time. www.ambassadorshuttleservice.ca

PH. (250) 339-5252 TF 1-877-339-5252

AIRPORT • FERRIES • RESORTS • WEDDINGS • TOURS • SPECIAL OCCASSIONS

your day ✲ your way

C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D | W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4

CAKE trends 2014

P

R

O

F

E

S

S

I

O

N

A

7

L

BRIDAL WINE TASTING to suit all your needs.

Flowers, such as orchids, are very popular, but depending on the wedding theme, anything goes.

Call for an appointment.

On the Dyke Road • 100% Island Owned

Our Liquor Store Features the area’s Largest Wine Selection!

3080 Comox Rd., Courtenay • 250-941-0066 • liquorexpresscomox1@gmail.com

✲ cake trends Simple, classic wedding cakes and cupcake towers are popular for 2014, say Cakebread Artisan Bakery’s cake experts, head baker Ian Harris and pastry chef Kate Herring.

“People are going for cakes that have smooth, clean lines, nice tight edges, something that looks like a perfect photographed cake,” continues Herring.

Harris says about half of the wedding cakes he’s got on order so far this year are cupcake towers, as Herring points out the towers make things easy on your big day.

People then add on decorations to personalize their cake and add a punch of colour. Flowers, such as orchids, are very popular, but depending on the wedding theme, anything goes.

“It’s easy for the people that are having the wedding to portion out pieces without having to slice into anything, but they still get that six-inch showpiece cake to cut into for their photos,” says Herring.

Meanwhile, classic cake styles, with simple, clean lines and understated colours are also popular for 2014.

For summer wedding dates, early booking is strongly advised, as certain dates book up more than one year in advance.

To set up a cake tasting at Cakebread Artisan Bakery, e-mail baker@cakebread.ca.

By Renee Andor | Record Staff | reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com

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your day ✲ your way

12

MONTH

W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4 | C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D

planning

CALENDAR

✲ ___SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Select a Wedding Date and Time Announce your engagement in the paper Plan an engagement party with family and friends Talk with a bridal consultant or wedding coordinator Find out what bridal shows are in the area and plan on attending Agree on a preliminary budget Decide who will pay for what and how expenses will be shared Call your church for an appointment with the officiant Ask friends and family to serve as wedding attendants Start a “planning systems” and system of organization Start your wedding guest list Start ideas for your reception and catering plans Determine what type of entertainment you want to have for your reception Decide the type of wedding you would like to have (size, formality, and setting) Explore colour schemes Consider pre-marital counseling Select your reception location Select your professional photographer Select your videographer Select professional caterer (if necessary) Select musician or disc jockey Select your florist Shop together for your wedding rings Select wedding dress and headpiece and set a date for fittings and delivery Select your bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories It’s time to choose a honeymoon and location

✲ ___FOUR TO SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO THE WEDDING

___ Check the requirements for a marriage license Select and discuss colour schemes ___ with the florist/decorator of choice ___ Again consider pre-marital counseling ___ Reserve your wedding day rental equipment ___ Decide upon a gift registry and select your gift choices ___ Start shopping for the men’s wedding attire ___ Reserve your wedding day transportation ___ Research and select readings for the ceremony ___ Make music selections for ceremony and reception ___ Decide upon and order favours ___ Select your baker, choose your cake & groom’s cake ___ Help both mothers co-ordinate and find their dresses/suits Review your contracts with all your service providers

✲ ___TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

If you can, take the week, or part of it, off from work!

Have engagement portraits taken Place your engagement announcement in the newspaper Mail out invitations and announcements Decide on men’s wedding attire Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner

___ ___ Purchase your wedding day accessories ___ Arrange attendants parties Prepare accomodations for ___ out-of-town attendants and guests Consider a hairdressor and/or makeup artist ___ and book appointments Finalize all honeymoon plans

✲ ___ONE MONTH LEFT! ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Final wedding dress fitting Final fitting for your wedding attendants Obtain marriage license Have your attendants’ parties Creat a calendar of events for the wedding day Make sure your accessories are in order (rings, pillow, garter, etc.)

✲ ___TWO WEEKS REMAINING!

___ Finalize arrangements with the entertainer(s) ___ Provide a list of music you would like played Finalize music during special events ___ such as first dance, dance with dad, etc.

Pick up your wedding rings, make sure that the engravings are correct Make sure they fit!

✲ ___ONE WEEK TO GO! ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Make sure your marriage license is in order Prepare seating arrangements if necessary Confirm honeymoon reservations Pack your baggage for your honeymoon Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal Instruct your wedding party on what they will be doing on the day of the wedding Have your rehearsal dinner Make sure all your wedding attire fits properly Give your best man the amounts your vendors are to be paid on the day of the wedding Inform your caterer of the total guest count Confirm out-of-town guests have transportation and sleeping accomodations.

Check with your florist to make sure they will arrive when scheduled

✲ ___YOUR WEDDING DAY

___ Allow at least two hours for dressing Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup ___ and style your hair If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, ___ determine the time they need If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, ___ allow plenty of time for that ___ Remember to bring rings and marriage license ___ Seat guests as they arrive The groom’s parents should be seated ___ at least five minutes before start time ___ Mother of the bride is normally seated last Take a deep breath, don’t worry, be HAPPY and SMILE!

✲ planning

calendar

C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D | W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4

Maximum Guests

Exclusive Caterer

Outdoor Party Area

reception

50

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

✲ COMOX COMMUNITY CENTRE 1855 Noel Ave, Comox, V9M 2H4 250-339-2255 www.comox.ca

200 No

No

✲ FLORENCE FILBERG CENTRE 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay 250-338-1000 www.courtenay.ca

250 No

No

✲ NATIVE SONS HALL 360 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay 250-338-1000 www.courtenay.ca

250 No

No

SITES

✲ THE FILBERG HERITAGE LODGE AND PARK 61 Filberg Rd. Comox BC V9M 2S7 250-339-2715 www.filberg.com ✲ OLD HOUSE VILLAGE HOTEL AND SPA 1730 Riverside Lane, Courtenay, BC, V9N 8C7 250-703-0202 www.oldhousevillage.com

indoor

150

outdoor

50

indoor

125

outdoor

your day ✲ your way

2014 TOP

SONGS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

You Are The Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley The Way You Look Tonight - Michael Bublé The Wedding Song - Paul Stookey I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston Roll Away Your Stone - Mumford and Sons Maybe I’m Amazed - Paul McCartney I’ve Had The Time of My Life - Dirty Dancing Make You Feel My Love - Adele I Only Have Eyes For You - The Flamingos You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker At Last - Beyonce Making Memories of Us - Keith Urban A Moment Like This - Kelly Clarkson When I Fall in Love - Nat King Cole

Say it with

Canadian Diamonds

made by

ALFRED SUNG

Exclusively at Francis Jewellers.

320 - 5th Street, Courtenay 250-334-2611

Classical Guitar for yourWedding …the perfect choice of live music!

Larry Ayre

Ceremonies • Receptions • Dinner Music Larry playing a wedding on Long Beach

250.338.6478

www.larryayreguitarist.com

MAY YOUR FIRST DANCE LAST A LIFETIME.

ValDance Studio BALLROOM • LATIN • SWING

ValDance.com info@valdance.com 250-338-9279

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your day ✲ your way

W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4 | C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D

the perfect

GOWN Grooms will never understand how important finding the perfect wedding gown is to a bride — but it is.

Here’s some advice about what to do, and not do:

WeddingWine

✲ BEGIN YOUR SEARCH

WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. If you begin your hunt thinking you will not find the perfect dress, that you won’t be able to afford it, or that nothing will flatter you, it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

✲ DECIDE WHO “Helping people make better wine & beer SINCE 1983.”

2440 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay • 250-334-3055

WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING WINE …EXCEPT HIGH COSTS!

PROFESSIONALLY FITTED

TUXEDOS &SUITS CLOTHES CLOSET DOWNTOWN COURTENAY

FOR MEN OF ALL AGES

www.jimsclothescloset.com

Celebrate with song...

Rent a

Wedding Package from

www.soundadvice.bc.ca

✲ FIND OUT WHAT FLATTERS YOU.

If you aren’t built like a model (six feet tall and extremely skinny), for example, the dress is unlikely to look the same on you as it did on the model. Also, plus-size women must cope with fashion restrictions. They should not wear mermaid dresses and certain types of ball gowns tend to add more bulk. Ensure you choose a dress that suits your personality and your theme.

✲ DO NOT BELIEVE

PORT ALBERNI CAMPBELL RIVER

YOU’RE TAKING WITH YOU. You want loved ones who will support you and help you make the right decision. But don’t choose just anyone. You are going to want people who will be supportive and honest. You also must decide how big your entourage will be. Two to five people is a good number.

250-871-2731 1-800-667-0689

EVERYTHING YOU SEE ON TV. Don’t worry if you find The Dress and aren’t overwhelmed with emotion as brides-to-be are on the many weddingoriented shows. Just because tears don’t flow, it doesn’t mean it’s not right for you.

You should not second-guess for that reason.

✲ DO NOT BE IN A HURRY TO BUY.

Buyer’s remorse is one thing. Finding the perfect dress for a lower price than what you already paid for another, less-suitable, one is worse. Also watch changing trends from year to year if you have a long engagement.

✲ the wedding gown

C O M O X VA L L E Y R E C O R D | W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 4

your day ✲ your way

Our luxury village hotel and spa offers:

weddings suites dine & drink

lodging

spa

adventure packages studios

Register online for a chance to win: www.oldhousevillage.com/weddings 1730 Riverside Lane, Courtenay, BC V9N 8C7 | 250.703.0202