WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
fraser valley, bc wedding tips & inspiration
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRIDE
.COM
t h e u lt i m a t e
planning guide
for your
r o c k y m o u n ta i n w e d d i n g
TOP VENDORS + VENUES - LOCAL WEDDING GUIDES B E S T H O N E Y M O O N D E S T I N AT I O N S D O W N L O A D A B L E P D F s - T I P S , A D V I C E + I N S P I R AT I O N AUTHENTIC LOVE STORIES
congrats to our cover story!
Fraser Valley 2021 canadian editorial
& sales staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper
COPYWRITER Lily Harris
digital publication editor Savannah Reynolds
graphic designer Jessica Goldy
u.s. editorial
& sales staff
COLORADO & NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker-Kline IDAHO, MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens UTAH Heidi Zeh UTAH SALES Hannah Wollenzien
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DIGITAL EDITOR - Laura Osborn SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER - Bailey Jameson STYLE EDITOR - Tasha Tagliani CONTENT CURATOR - Lauren Phillips
operations ACCOUNTING Lynn Kieffer PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC
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to see more of this real wedding, visit page 8 photographer: taryn stare photography @tarynstare | tarynstare.com
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Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine is published by RMB Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publisher. We greatly appreciate those who have contributed to this publication. Contributors’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Rocky Mountain Bride. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Rocky Mountain Bride cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.
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Table of Contents LOVE STORIES beginnings
34.
jordie + colin -
Chilliwack
weddings
8.
lauren + patrick - Abbotsford
20.
megan + chance - Langley
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andrea + brandon - Agassiz
20.
I N S P I R AT I O N 38
bohemian blooms - Pitt Lake
INFO 16.
fraser valley 101 - Seasonal weather and activities
18.
make it official - Where to get your license
34.
rehearsal dinner spots
44.
venue guide - Where to tie the knot
clockwise from the top: julie jagt photography, taryn stare photography, carley and matt, fourth west photography, indy hunjan photography
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EDITOR’S LETTER HelloFriends, What a crazy time this has been! Even through all of the restrictions, postponements, loss and disappointments one thing remains unwavering - the love between Rocky Mountain couples like you. The resilience seen from the wedding community, as well as the brides and grooms who refused to let the circumstances diminish their love was and continues to be inspiring. These couples and vendors all demonstrated the power of love in a time when the world truly needed it most. If you are at the beginning of your planning journey, or patiently waiting for your dream day to come to fruition, these pages will allow you to step in to inspiring love stories, engagements and styled celebrations and ultimately press pause on the outside world for a few sweet moments. I pray this wedding guide allows you to dream of better days ahead and plan your perfect Fraser Valley wedding in some of the most beautiful locations this world has to offer.
grace gatto
xo
Celynn @celynn_rockymtnbride
TARA GLENN PHOTOGRAPHY
CAPTURING LOVE STORIES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA & BEYOND FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK: @TARAGLENNPHOTOGRAPHY
LEARN MORE AT: WWW.TARAGLENNPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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find the best wedding vendors + venues in the u.s. & canadian rockies ro cky m o untainbride.com/ vendors
Cover Story
Lauren + Patrick b o s e s tat e v i n e ya r d , a b b o t s f o r d
riverlands weddings and events
Patrick and Lauren first met at Fieldhouse Brewing Company, where Patrick was working at the time, except he doesn’t remember their first encounter. Lauren was enjoying dinner with her family when a power outage happened at the restaurant. She returned to the restaurant a few weeks later with a girlfriend, and the rest is history. They talked for four hours on their first official date about anything and everything. Instant connection and chemistry.
WED ON THE BRIGHT SIDE Planning a wedding during a worldwide pandemic was a rollercoaster. The biggest downside for Lauren and Patrick was that they couldn’t have as many guests as they wanted. An upside was that their dream venue and videographers suddenly became available because of cancellations. Everything came together in the end for their dream wedding.
- COVER STORY -
ADVICE FROM THE BRIDE
“Delegate! Holding tightly to every detail will take a toll on you, and it’s not worth it. As beautiful as your wedding will be, it won’t be the most important thing about your relationship. Driving off with the love of your life should be the best part of your wedding day!”
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-VENDORSVenue: Bos Estate Vineyard | www.bosestatevineyard.com Photographer: Taryn Stare Photography | www.tarynstare.com Videographer: Matt and Morgan Photo and Film | www.mattandmorgan.ca Caterer: Didi’s Greek | www.didisgreek.com Cake: The Barker Bakehouse | @thebarkerbakehouse Florist: Confetti Floral | www.confettifloral.com Florist: Heirloom Florals | www.heirloom-florals.com Invitations: Lauren Amy Design | www.laurenamydesign.com Rentals: Valley Weddings | www.valleyweddings.ca Rentals: Woodpecker Rentals | www.woodpeckertables.com Rentals: Pretty Things Rentals | @prettythingsrentals Bridal Boutique: Champagne & Lace | www.champagneandlace.com Gown Designer: Willowby | www.watters.com/willowby Bride’s Jewellery: Made by Mary | www.madebymary.com Engagement Ring: Olive Avenue Jewelry | www.oliveavejewelry.com Bridesmaids Attire: Roolee | www.roolee.com Groom’s Suit, Shoes & Groomsmen Attire: ASOS | www.asos.com Groom’s Accessories: Le Château | www.lechateau.com Hair: Taylor Adriana Hairstylist | @ Tayloradrianahairstylist Makeup: Sydney Maxine Makeup | @sydneymaxinemakeup Officiant: Chris Luff Rehearsal Dinner: Brambles Bistro | www.tanglebank.com/bistro Honeymoon: Brentwood Bay Resort | www.brentwoodbayresort.com Donuts: Black Tiger Coffee | www.blacktigercoffee.com Vegan & Gluten Free Donuts: The Polly Fox | www.thepollyfox.com Beverages: Fieldhouse Brewing | www.fieldhousebrewing.com
indy hunjamn photography
Fraser Valley
F RA S E R VA LLE Y Advice for a perfect trip to Fraser Valley featuring favourite local spots from Abbotsford to Chilliwack to Maple Ridge. Like all of BC, the weather can change in the blink of an eye. Planning ahead can make all of the difference.
S E A S O N A L W E AT H E R If you want your big day near running water and cascading mountains, then Fraser Valley should be at the top of your list! This area describes the Fraser River basin that’s downstream of the Fraser Canyon, near the small town of Hope. The wide river valley is famous for being a patchwork of old barns and expansive fields. Here, you will find that everything is fresh, including the wineries, microbreweries, fruit, fish and the open air. The Fraser River, which is a well-known part of the Fraser River Valley, has been an important trading hub for First Nations people for many many years. Summers are warm and sometimes overcast, while winters are cold, wet and cloudy. Typically, the temperature ranges between 1°C and 26°C, making it fairly temperate year-round. If you’re planning on having your summer wedding in Abbotsford, Chilliwack or one of the surrounding locales, then you’ll want to aim for mid July to late August. The hottest day of the year is around August 1, which is a good date to aim for when planning! The clearer part of the year lasts from roughly June 22 to September 29, and the wet season spans from beginning of October to the end of April. If you’re a lover of the outdoors, then Fraser Valley is a great option for your wedding, especially during autumn when the trees show off their spectacular shades of red, orange and yellow.
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cara laywah photography
W H AT T O P A C K You guests will really appreciate your recommendations on what they should pack for your big weekend, as it’s not always easy packing for an event! To make it easy and streamlined, you can update the information to your wedding website or send out an email to all of your guests. For a Fraser Valley wedding, guests should bring a light jacket or parka, depending on the time of year! If they’re visiting the area during rainy season, it would be a good idea to have guests pack some rain boots or some waterproof gear. If you’re having a summer wedding, a light sweater will ensure that guests are comfortable when the temperature drops at night. Don’t forget to suggest packing a backpack and a water bottle, especially if your guests are planning on extending their trip to explore Vancouver, Whistler or Squamish. A good rule is to think about what you would bring on a trip to the area, and that’s what you should suggest to your guests.
ACTIVITIES Whether you have a week or just a few days to explore the Fraser Valley region, there are enough area activities to accommodate any guest. Located outside of Vancouver, Fraser Valley is an area best known for its slow pace of life and stunning scenery. Enjoy the Rocky Mountains with hiking, biking and other outdoor activities at this destination wedding location. Head outdoors for some fishing in the Fraser River where you might catch a fish that’s survived since prehistoric times or try exploring the Othello Caves for a little adventure. With multiple tulip fields in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, the Instagram opportunities are endless! Enjoy some delicious eats and craft beer on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail. If you’re wanting more of a city feel, head into downtown Vancouver for city lights and the metropolitan feel. The options are endless when it comes to exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Fraser River Valley.
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Make it official In British Columbia, you can get your marriage license within three months of your wedding date, at any marriage license issuer or Service BC location only. Only one member of the couple is required to be present when applying for the marriage license, but they must apply in person and show proper identification for both parties. Examples of proper identification include: a birth certificate, IMM/immigration form, permanent resident or citizenship card. A passport or driver’s license is only acceptable in some cases. Your license will cost $100, and is nonrefundable. You must have at least two witnesses at your ceremony, in addition to the commissioner or religious official. U.S. citizen? No problem! Canada, like the United States, has no legal residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license.
To find your closest Service BC location, visit : www2.ca.bc.gov
taryn stare photography
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Local Wedding Inspiration
Megan + Chance p r i vat e r e s i d e n c e , l a n g l e y
riverlands weddings and events
Megan and Chance met volunteering with the youth group at their church, North Langley Community Church. Megan noticed that Chance was a handsome guy with a good sense of humor, and that drew her to him. However, it was a year and half before they started dating. They started texting when she asked him to build her something for her mom’s Christmas present, despite it being about 10 months away, and Chance picked up that Megan only wanted a reason to talk with him.
- REAL WEDDING -
I T TA K E S A V I L L A G E
The overall experience of planning their dream wedding was very fun with the reality that it takes work to plan such a special day. Tying on the dress that you will choose to marry the love of your life in is such a precious memory for Megan. She had help from family, especially her parents, who aided in creating the tiny details of her day that made the planning process more enjoyable and less stressful. Her Maid of Honour and bridesmaids were always helpful and willing to cheer Megan on whenever she needed it.
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- REAL WEDDING -
central alberta wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
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- REAL WEDDING -
MEMORIES
“One of my favourite things about the ceremony was that it overlooked Mount Baker. It really gave Chance and I the opportunity to connect with our religion and each other on the mountains.”
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-VENDORSPlanner: Bride and her mom! Photographer: Carley & Matt Photo Co. | www.carleyandmatt.com Caterer: Dutchman’s Caterers | www.dutchmanscaterers.com Cake/Desserts: Kathy Wiebe | @loves_to_bake_4_u Florist: Heirloom Florals | www.heirloom-florals.com Invitations: Paperless Post | www.paperlesspost.com Rentals: Woodpecker Tables | www.woodpeckertables.com Bridal Boutique: Champagne & Lace | www.champagneandlace.com Gown Designer: Wilderly Bride | www.allurebridals.com Bride’s Shoes: Lulus | www.lulus.com Bride’s Jewelry: Bride’s mother! Bride’s Jewelry: Lisa’s Bridal | www.lisasbridal.com Bride’s Ring Designer: Calico Jewellers | www.callicojewellers.com Bridesmaids’ Attire: Azazie | www.azazie.com Groom’s Suit: Black & Lee Langley | www.blackandlee.com Hair: Alyssa Penner Makeup: RW Artistry | @rw.artistry Rentals: A1 Tent Rentals | www.a1tentrentals.com Rentals: Full Moon Rentals| www.fullmoonrentals.com Officiant: Kevin Schultz
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real wedding
Andrea + Brandon fraser river lodge, agassiz
Destined to be together, Andrea’s father and Brandon’s mother attended high school together. Their families have always been very close and stayed in touch throughout the years. Brandon moved to British Columbia and Andrea stayed in Alberta, which meant the distance between the two made it difficult to start a relationship. They rekindled in 2016 when Andrea went to visit and the rest is history. Naturally, both sides of their families were thrilled to hear they found their way to each other.
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- REAL WEDDING -
M O U N TA I N M A G I C
Both Andrea and Brandon share the same favourite moment of their intimate Fraser River elopement: the scenery and serenity during the ceremony. The whimsical feel over the Rocky Mountains are special to both of them, so when planning their wedding, both Brandon and Andrea imagined mountains framing them in the background.
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- REAL WEDDING -
ADVICE FROM THE BRIDE
“You can stay true to yourself and still have a healthy relationship by making sure your communication is always healthy and productive.”
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-VENDORS Venue: Fraser River Lodge | www.fraserriverlodge.com Photographer: Fourth West Photography www.fourthwestphotography.com Florals: The Bouquet Farm | www.thebouquetfarm.com Lodging: The Royal Kelowna | www.theroyalkelowna.com
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rehearsal dinner spots
R E S TA U R A N T 6 2 When looking up the best Fraser Valley restaurants, Restaurant 62 takes the number one spot on almost every single list. This locale has a colourful and healthy lunch, dinner and provisions menu that anyone will want to get their eyes on. As the area’s number one farm-to-table restaurant, the staff here aim to please with each and every experience. The Maple Hill Farm Chicken Breast, Pacific Octopus, Apple Salad and Dark Chocolate Brownie look like some of the best things on the menu! If you want an upscale and modern environment for your rehearsal dinner, then look no further than Restaurant 62.
110-33559 Marshall Rd., Abbotsford | 604-855-3545 | www.restaurant62.ca FIELD HOUSE BREWING CO. This is the ideal rehearsal dinner location for the unconventional couple who loves beer and wide open spaces. Their motto is “good beers + good times,” something that will most definitely go hand-in-hand during your wedding weekend. While Field House Brewing Co. is a patio and beer lawn, your guests will love the relaxed and fun atmosphere. From their Passionfruit Lime Sour to their Foeder Blend with Farm Rhubarb, this gin joint has a little bit of something for everyone. They also have libations for non-beer lovers, making sure that everyone is taken care of. Don’t forget to try the pizza, spicy mac ’n’ cheese and charcuterie board!
2281 W Railway St., Abbotsford | 604-776-2739 | www.fieldhousebrewing.com BOW & STERM With a cozy and inviting atmosphere, Bow & Stern brings quality seafood to the Fraser Valley area. Your guests will love having the ability to choose from a diverse menu filled with fresh seafood, tasty tacos, colourful salads and great burgers. We can almost guarantee that your wedding party will have trouble deciding between the amazing plates! This is the perfect rehearsal dinner option for those who want a fine dining atmosphere with a casual elemen
46130 Yale Rd, Chilliwack | 604-392-5989 | www.bowandstern.ca
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A N N O R A R E S TA U R A N T Annora Restaurant offers well-plated and fresh local food for locals. Rooted in the word Annora, which translates to honour, the restaurant’s goal is to procure top quality ingredients that showcaseWest Coast cuisine. The locale’s chef and creator, Aaron, has been cooking for over 15 years in restaurants across B.C. Fun fact: Aaron actually worked at Restaurant 62, one of the rehearsal dinner locations mentioned in this guide. The Truffled Beef Short Rib and Maple Sablefish dishes sound especially delicious, and you’ll just love this friendly locale.
5572 204 St., Langley City | 778-366-6708 | www.annorarestaurant.com F R A N K I E ’ S I TA L I A N K I T C H E N & B A R Every list needs a great Italian rehearsal dinner spot, which is why we’ve included Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar. With a beautiful main room with large wooden beans, warm lighting and a modern concept, Frankie’s makes guests feel distinguished and comfortable. On top of it all, the restaurant’s menu boasts healthy, delicious and vegetarian-friendly options for everyone. The Beet & Steak Salad looks particularly incredible, along with the Shrimp Scampi Tagliatelle. This rehearsal dinner location is for the many lovers of Italian food!
7350 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack | 604-705-4222 | www.chilliwack.frankiesitaliankitchen.ca THE BLACKBERRY KITCHEN Located in a cozy log building with incredible views of Fraser Valley, The Blackberry Kitchen merges inventive food with a sweet starter story. This is a rehearsal dinner spot that creates delicious city-style dishes with a valley-casual feel, inspired by Chef Kerry’s passion for food. Every single one of your guests will feel right at home when you choose The Blackberry Kitchen as your event space. Its signature dishes include Lamb Sirloin Provencal, an 8 oz. Baseball Cut New York Steak, Banana Foster and New York Cheesecake. Everything sounds to-die-for!
500 Timberlands Dr. #110, Red Deer | 604-826-0210 | www.theblackberrykitchen.ca
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Jordie + Colin jones lake, chilliwack
Colin and Jordie met at a weekly Christian young adult group in the city where Jordie studied for her undergrad. Right after graduation, Jordie moved a few hours away for a summer internship when Colin officially asked her out and they began, what they thought, was a summer of long distance dating. Jordie eventually moved across the country, from Ontario to British Columbia, for grad school. Over the next few years, they moved across continents, but their relationship only grew stronger. They’re grateful for the season of long-distance that strengthened their communication and made them both intentional in loving one another, but now, they’ll never take being in the same place for granted!
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- ENGAGEMENT -
“YES!” Colin proposed on a beautiful August summer evening at golden hour in Stanley Park. On their first date, they went geocaching, and Jordie talked about how they should go again. Colin planned another geocaching date that led right to the proposal spot, overlooking the ocean. They celebrated their engagement with gorgeous oceanfront photos.
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Photographer: Indy Hunjan | @indyhunjanphotography
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Bohemian Blooms
This romantic and bohemian elopement styled shoot captures the stunning British Columbia mountainscape with a fun and fresh bohemian style. Pitt Lake offered the most picturesque mountain view with a beautiful overcast sunset. The model, Taylor Hui, donned a Karen Willis Holms gown, from Union Bridal, with the perfect amount of sparkle. Her soft and romantic updo by Glam by Sarrah, and golden makeup by Paige Griffith accentuated the champagne wedding dress.
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- INSPIRATION -
DELICIOUS HUES
Katrina from Brock Cart Floral brought along her flower cart and bike, adorned with garden roses, pampas grass and dried palm leaves in the most delicious hues of pink, peach and cream. This local team of vendors filled the flower cart with gourmet treats from Cartems Donuts and Sugarfina with the most beautiful bottle of rosé from Saintly Wines.
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C R E AT I V E T E A M Planning: Chiantelle Nicole Events and Weddings www.chiantellenicoleevents.com Photographer: Julie Jagt Photography | www.juliejagt.com Florist: Brock Floral Cart | www.brockfloralcart.com Bridal Boutique: Union Bridal | www.unionbridal.com Gown Designer: Karen Willis Holmes | www.karenwillisholmes.com Bride’s Jewellery: Statement Grey | www.statementgrey.com Hair: Glam by Sarrah | @glambysarrah Makeup: Paige Griffith Makeup | www.paigegriffithmakeup.com Donuts: Cartems Donuts | www.cartems.com Sweets: Sugarfina | www.sugarfina.com Invitations: Emily Cuthbert Designs | www.emilycuthbert.com Drinks: Saintly Wine | www.saintlywine.com Model: Taylor Hui
fraser valley V E N U E S
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fraser river lodge
heronsbridge
7984 mcdonald rd s agassiz, british columbia fraserriverlodge.com
30140 nicholson ave abbotsford, british columbia heronsbridge.wixsite.com
rowena’s inn on the river
14282 morris valley rd harrison mills, british columbia rowenasinnontheriver.com
248 venue 3834 248 st langley city, british columbia poppygolf.ca
the little white chapel
saar bank farms
42415 adams rd chilliwack, british columbia thelittlewhitechapelweddings.com
37523 maher rd abbotsford, british columbia saarbankfarms.com
highgate hills retreat
bos estates vineyard
5442 extrom rd chilliwack, british columbia highgatehills.ca
4986 beharrell rd abbotsford, british columbia bosestatevineyard.com
rockymountainbride.com / central alberta wedding guide 2020
estate
FRASER VALLEY
Rowena’s Inn on the River
Fraser River Lodge
Heronsbridge Estate 248 Venue
Bos Estates Vineyard Highw ay 1
Highgate The Little Hills Retreat White Chapel
Saar Bank Farms
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