little honeymoon adventures: British Columbia part 2

Vancouver Island

Today, I give you part 2 of little honeymoon adventures in British Columbia.
I am whisking you away from the mountains to a little enchanting town called, Tofino, located in the Pacific Rim region of Vancouver Island.
Life here revolves around the arts, outdoor adventure and the spectacular nature.
This spot is the perfect setting for that couple looking for a bit of wilderness and luxury. For a secluded and romantic getaway go here and those looking for something a bit more rustic with a hint of ultra luxury go here.
Need I say more?


SLEEP in Tofino

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Long Beach Lodge
The Wickaninnish Inn
Cable Cove Inn
Pacific Sands

ACTIVITIES around Vancouver Island
Hiking
Whale Watching
Bear Watching
Sunset tours
Gardens
Sea Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Surfing in Tofino
Pacific Rim Parks

more travel information check out this blog here

Sunken Garden at Butchchart

EATS
The Point
Long Beach Lodge Resort restaurant
Rain Coast
Blue Heron Restaurant
Shelter
Sea Shanty
for more listings go here

Oyster guides can be found here
and here

How to get there go here
here and here
for more information on Tofino go here and for Vancouver Island here

Love Bird Cake Topper

{images via Bills Flower Market}

Still on the hunt for cake toppers? These adorable love birds could do the trick, not to mention they're budget friendly! More of these little creatures can be found here at Bill's Flower Market, located in the heart of the NYC Flower Market. There you will find a wide selection of glass vases, plastic containers, artificial birds & butterflies, ribbon, feathers, candles, floral supplies and fresh flowers for all those DIY wedding projects you plan to do.

Archive Vintage

{images via Archive Vintage}

Archive Vintage is a Dallas-based web site filled with beautiful vintage fashion.

How about these little accessories, a delicate Victorian top and a rare 1940's Alencon lace veil, perfect for any vintaged inspired wedding. For more fashion treasures go here

Destination Wedding Venue: Villa Arconati

Thought I'd share this beautiful venue called, Villa Arconati.

I had the pleasure of visiting this dreamy little place while attending this concert. It's about 20 minutes outside of Milan and holds all types of events, including pretty little weddings......
So, for any "destination" brides out there,  this is a must!

Find out how to make this place your wedding spot, here

{photography by deirdre quinn}

DVF for your Bridesmaids

So, you've picked your dress; now it's time to style your little ladies in waiting a.k.a. bridesmaids or as I like to say, "testimone"

I'm not the traditional type when it comes to the wedding party nor am I one for matching hemlines, colors or material. I personally like to mix it up. We've all seen 27 dresses, and instead filling your dear friends closets with one more dress they will never wear again, why not dress them in a something they WILL wear again and again, like these Diane Von Furstenberg beauties pictured below from ZOE, a cute little store in DUMBO/brklyn and Princeton NJ. I know, I know, the price tag on these fancy little things can be steep but so can a typical bridesmaid dress. Think about it this way, it's an investment for all those fabulous festivities they will attend in the future not to mention, a timeless and elegant piece for their wardrobe.

Bennett Dress, $365

Bowenia Bustier Dress, $395

Arianna Wrap Dress, $385

{images via ZOE}

p.s. a DVF classic wrap dress looks FAB on anyone!
for more places where you can find DVF dresses go here
and here oh and here

Dorothea's Vintage Closet

{photography via Doreatha Closet Vintage}

Doreatha's Closet Vintage, is a collection fabulous vintage find 1920's - 1970's. Check out the fantastic a assortment of gowns, coats, shoes and more, here.

little mix tapes

little honeymoon adventures: British Columbia part 1

Whistler/Blackcomb

whistler cedars in the fog

on top of Blackcomb Glacier

Winter brides, looking for a little honeymoon adventure? Why not skip the island route and head straight to the mountains, for a cozy, romantic ski adventure at Whistler/Blackcomb, located in British Columbia, Canada. Whistler is one of the largest ski resorts in North America and home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. You will find a wide range of activities, from the tranquility of cross-country ski trek through the forest to that perfect powder slope on one of the 200 marked trails and 12 bowels. It a winter land paradise.

SLEEP

Four Seasons
Fairmont
Summit Lodge
Adara Hotel
Nita Lake Lodge


SPA
Royal treatment can be found at any of Whistlers fabulous spas, but for the ultimate, head over to the Four Seasons where you can choose from assortment of relaxing delights ranging from a Apres-Ski Massage to the British Columbia glacial clay body treatment. The wild seaweed they use in body scrubs is indigenous to British Columbia, which they purchase from the Seaweed lady here and here.
Four Seasons
Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa
Solarice

The Lake around Nicklaus North Golf Course

EATS
A day spent out in the fresh air on the slopes can certainly inspire a mountain sized appetite, so head for the village for some delicious local grub.
*some local/regional fish I highly recommend, Sable Fish
*local oysters that are delish! Kusshi & Kumamoto
Fifty Two 80 Bistro
Edgewater Restaurant - Lodge
The Den Restaurant make sure you ask about the horse drawn sleigh ride around the Green Lake and after warm up with a fondue dinner and a glass of vino.
Urban Tapas Parlour
Milestones
BrewHouse

dog sled teams

back country heli skiing

ACTIVITIES
dog sled tours
sleigh rides
skiing & snowboarding
cross country skiing
heli skiing
I highly recommend Coast Range helicopter skiing, located in Pemberton (about 20-30 minutes away from the Whistler village)
snow shoe tours
zip trek
For more outdoor activities go here
For more information on how to get there go here

(photography by deirdre quinn)

Windy Freda accessories

{images via Windy Freda}

Looking for alternative to the traditional veil?
Look no further, Windy Freda's ethereal headpieces, will certainly do the trick
To see more go here and here

Real Wedding Spotlight: Aleksandra and Nathan

This picturesque winter wedding gives a new meaning to"white wedding"

{all photography by Calla Evans Photography}

My jaw dropped when I discovered, Aleksandra and Nathan's, unique December wedding. This beautiful, small affair was held at The Coach House at SunnyBrook Estates, in Toronto, Canada.
Calla Evans, the ever so talented, Toronto based photographer (who happens to be wedding photography business partners with Aleksandra) was kind enough to share some of most stunning photos of what I think is, a picture perfect, white wedding.
There are so many wonderful elements to this wedding, the winter snow, simple white with hints of purple bouquet, the warmth, the pretty little cake, and not to mention the photography.
But my all time favorite element is the brides outfit. Since the brides attire can be a hefty cost when planning, this creative little bride decided to design something she could wear again. The outfit was inspired by the brides favorite fashion period Dior New Look circa 1947 and constructed by her seamstress, Natasha. The bride also wore two hats: one for the ceremony and one for the reception.
How fabulous and chic does she look? love it! Creative, budget savvy, chic alternative for bridal attire. Instead of spending oodles on something you will never wear again, how about spending it on something extra special that you can wear again and again?

For more details on this spectacular wedding, go here and for more beautiful weddings shot by Calla Evans Photography go here and here