The Wedding Ring VANCOUVER ISLAND Fall Winter 2013

WEDDING GOES PUBLIC AT MODERN BRIDE SHOW

KEEPING OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS BUSY ISLAND STYLE!

PHOTO, BELOW: www.kristopherjamesphotography.com

p34&35 PHOTO, BELOW: www.mckinnonphotography.com

p7 to 11 PHOTO, BELOW: www.brawns.ca

p31 to 33

The Wedding Ring VANCOUVER ISLAND is sponsored in part by

GET LOCAL. PLAN FABULOUS! • 5

The Modern Bride Show is run by Just Love Animals Society (www.jlasociety. com), an independent, non-profit organization of dedicated volunteers with the mission of helping animals.

The dinner was catered using local, organic, sustainable ingredients as well as vegan items, which was important to Bryan and Kirsten. Instead of a cake, they decided to have friends and Gourmet Girls Global Catering provide lots of little desserts that would satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Bryan says one of their favorite things was their signature cocktail.

Kirsten’s sister brought Mezcal from Mexico and ‘Mezcal Martini’s’ were a big hit throughout the night!

FINDING THE DRESS: Brandy found her dress when shopping in Victoria with her sister and best friend. “As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one. I cried... and I am not a crier!� Since her bridesmaids were of varying sizes- especially her sister who was nearly nine months pregnant - she let her bridesmaids choose black dresses for themselves. Chris and his entourage bought black suits to complete the wedding party fashion statement.

“Theday of the wedding turned out to be gorgeous and sunny. The bridal party got ready at the respective parents’ homes in a ‘super relaxing’ atmosphere. As alumni, Tamara and Brock had decided to marry at the UVic Interfaith Chapel. “The large open windows looking out into the garden and the simplicity of the room were just what we wanted,” says Tamara.

“We wanted our wedding day to be like our love for one another... simple and magical. We are close to our families so we wanted them to be a part of this beautiful day. We also love nature, so we wanted to be surrounded by natural beauty. We were married on the private beach facing the sunset on the Pacific Coast, surrounded by the magical rain forest. It felt just like a dream to us.�

resident

bride

bridal show SURVIVAL TIPS

1. PRINT PERSONALIZED LABELS

Shows are home to some of the best giveaways of the year. You have the chance to win items such as honeymoon getaways and huge online shopping sprees. Save yourself from hand cramps by printing labels at home. When you circulate through the various booths at the show, just stick your labels onto the many ballots you’d otherwise have to fill out by hand!

On your labels, include... • bride’s name • groom’s name • wedding date • address & phone number • email address 2. PREPARE TO CARRY ON Be sure to bring a bag with a comfortable shoulder strap, a backpack, or better yet, a bridal party (or the groom!) to help carry things. You’ll be given countless brochures, gifts and magazines and you won’t want to be left juggling them for hours.