Below are some vendors I have worked with and love. Many like me have an emphasis on quality, creativity, the natural beauty of the island, and a commitment to make the world better in whatever way they can. Others I happen to have noticed are just crazy talented and super reliable!
Vendor Crushes.
Ultra Unique and Uber Cool
Unique vendors you have maybe never even heard or thought of!
Ahola Friday - VW Van rental bus and photobooth
North 49 Helicopters - Quick jaunt up a mountain anybody? Based in Campell River.
Alteo River Air Service - Flights! Flights! Flights! (Tofino area)
Wild Pod - Pods in Tofino that are ultra lux and as cool as they sound.
Amble and Sip - a mobile cocktail bar out of an adorable trailer. I don’t know where to put this one because they also offer decor and furniture now!
Jill Cooper Music - The first time I heard Jill sing, I literally froze. It was a song I knew but I’d never ever heard it sung that way. Jill’s ability to take familiar songs and add a unique and beautiful twist is unlike other musicians I’ve ever met. Jill also DJs and is just a super cool human!
Officiants and Celebrants
You can find a JOP on the government websites but if you want something with more oomph, more heart, more flare, consider a celebrant or officiant. All are lgtbqt2i affirming.
Barbara Densmore - the queen of misty-eyed, heartfelt, laugh-filled, incredibly personalized ceremonies
Chris-Ann Lake (Currently Abroad)
Cecilia Penner - quirky, unconventional, uplifting ceremonies
Sage Goode - Spiritual, kind-hearted, and grounded ceremonies
Jane Good - warm, meaningful ceremonies with lots of personalization
Hair and Make Up
All of these HMUAs are based in Victoria and excel at their work, promptness, and attitude!
Wedding Attire
Blush Bridal - Posh and lovely, size-inclusive bridal and formal wear. Often has sales!
Serendipity Bridal - Consignment! A fabulous shop to see gorgeous gowns live to get another chance, reduce waste, reduce footprints, and save money at the same time.
Reclaimation Design - reclaimed vintage lace gowns. Boho but modern, one-of-a-kind, world-renowned but Victoria-based.
Unbridled - Based in Courtenay, for the non-traditional couples out there
Wedding Planners, Coordinators, Decor
The Good Party - creative, colourful, fun
Rock, Paper, Square - Modern, trendy, chic
Rad Occasions - Elegant, thorough, and fabulous. BIPOC owned
Florists / Floral Arts
Bezaire Floral - A queen florist working central island and beyond. Dramatic, bold, often large bouquets to make a statement.
Persephone Bloom - Based in Courtenay/Comox. Gorgeous work!
Bespoke Blossoms - A Victoria based heavy-hitter for those wanting really full, lush, jaw-dropping bouquets.
Kenmar Flower Farm - Based in Victoria. Don’t be put off by the simple website, she does outstanding work at really reasonable prices!
Meagan Murtonen Flowers (Formerly Botanica and Bloom) Based in Cowichan Valley with massive bouquets and heaps of texture, details, and eye-catching arrangements.
Micro and Small Venues
These venues are focused on small weddings and elopements! For this reason they might be lesser known but absolutely worth a look if planning a smaller wedding or elopement!
The Vow Cabin (Sooke) - Cabins in the woods, rustic and fabulous
Noisy Acres (Ladysmith) - a lush farm that focuses on intimate weddings
Summit House (Malahat) - private rental on many acres for small weddings with Malahat views and accom for the couple on sight.
Anderson Lane (Malahat) - a luxury private rental near Mill Bay for elopements and small weddings
Bilston Creek (Metchosin) - a lavender farm that can hold a lot, or a little! Dine al fresco in the lavender.
Point no Point (Sooke) - Small-scale lux resort on the wild sooke coastline
Saseenos Oceanside Cottages (Sooke/Saseenos) - a series of 6 renovated cottages on private property, and a beach.
Songhees Wellness Center (Victoria) - Has a beautiful patio with twinkle lights for smaller, intimate weddings. Can be catered with locally sourced modern indigenous foods. Indigenous-owned and run.
Perro Negro (Victoria)- A brick and candlelight tapas bar in downtown Victoria
Mid-Sized Venues (with lots of Heart and Nature)
These venues can hold small to medium weddings depending, even large weddings in some cases. Many of these are very well-known, established venues, but for me they still have a focus on feeling intimate and a big emphasis on the natural beauty of the island.
HCP Gardens (Victoria)
The Fort Commons (Victoria)
Sea Cider (Saanich)
Cedar Haven (Sooke)
Birds Eye Cove (Maple Bay)
Keating Farm (Duncan)
The Wikkaninish Inn (Tofino)
Raven Lodge (Mount Washington)
Hatley Castle (Victoria)
The Empress Hotel (Victoria)
The Oswego Hotel (Victoria)
The Parkside Hotel (Victoria)
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (30 minutes by boat from Tofino)
Villa Eyrie (Malahat)
Starling Vineyards (Saanich)
Prospect Lake Hall (Saanich)
Bodega Ridge (Galiano Island)
Gowlland Resort (Quadra Island)
Stonebridge Island Farm (Salt Spring Island)
Videographers
these videographers are masters of their crafts and a joy to work alongside.
Painted Sky Films (Victoria)
Paper Heart Films (Victoria)
Paige Cordeiro (Mid-Island)
Classic Catering
Truffles Catering (Victoria) - I am always stoked to see Truffles around. Delicious, creative, and attention to detail.
Little Piggy Catering (Victoria) - LPC offers affordable menus and are focused on ethical and sustainable offerings
Mensch Kitchen - bespoke menus and lots of attention to you as a couple and the details of the food. Canapes, family-style meals, buffet, or service. Sustainable and ethical options available too!
House of Boateng - Unreal! Original and unique foods, amazing flavours, BIPOC owned.
Creative Catering
Taco Revolution Truck - As it sounds! Awesome tacos straight from a truck to your guests.
Kith and Kin - Outrageously gorgeous charcuterie and grazing boards
Twist of Fate Cocktails - Unreal cocktails and alcohol-free cocktails too. Classic AF and delicious!