Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
A bridal boutique where you can purchase your dress, his tuxedo, the bridal party’s tuxes and dresses, order your flowers, and plan out your décor? No, it’s not a fantasy… It’s Bird of Paradise Floral and Wedding Boutique in Campbell River. A bride can cross off many items on her to-do list at this boutique, never having to sacrifice a single detail of her wedding dream.
Owner, Lori Gooldrup, and her right hand man, Stephen Chapman, say they can singlehandedly lower a bride’s stress level while customizing her wedding day, no matter what the budget. As a North Island bride, planning your day can mean driving long distances to check out different venues and services, but Bird of Paradise wants you to stop driving and start planning. Here’s what we found when we went to visit their shop…
Personally speaking...
You could say that Lori had a date with her future when, at the age of 16, she saw a lovely fake floral shop while visiting Disneyland. “I thought how much I would like to have a flower shop!” But then life got in the way of that pleasant dream. However, after having worked in fine arts, an opportunity came for her to work in a flower shop and Lori was able to learn the craft. When the owner wanted to leave, Lori saw her chance to buy the shop.
Once that was accomplished, Lori realized that she wanted a little more than flowers with personality. So she started with just one dress in the window, and then slowly gathered more dresses, until seven bridal designers are now on the hangers in the shop. With all the other weddings services that the shop now offers, Lori had reached her goal of owning the one and only complete service wedding shop in Campbell River.
Bird of Paradise Floral and Bridal Designs now offers designer bridal gowns, floral design, invites, decor, tux rentals, favours, accessories, jewellery, cake toppers, guest books, knifes, bridal party gifts, rentals of decor, and pew bows. And when it is necessary, due to distance, Lori and Stephen will provide beautiful artificial flowers and decor. Last, but not least, she added an online ordering service. Bird of Paradise can take care of all, or just some of, your wedding needs. As Lori put it, “There is not much we can’t offer, except the ring and the music!”
Lori pointed out the need for this. “I felt this was a really important service for our area as so many brides come from more northern parts of the Island and they need to be able to find everything here in Campbell River.”
Then Lori had another serendipitous event – Stephen Chapman walked through her door! Up to this point, Lori was a one woman show. She was the designer, accountant, customer service and delivery person all rolled into one. Stephen, who is WPIC certified with 30 years of wedding expertise, was a perfect addition to the Bird of Paradise team.
As Stephen says, “even after so many years in the industry, he is still in love with the business of being in ‘Love’.” Stephen has owned his own wedding shops in the past and was a guest on such television shows as Canada AM and the Dini Petty Show. His work has been featured in Wedding Bells, Chatelaine and Country Life magazines. He has such varied experiences as planning a private party for the Honourable Jean Chretien to creating presentation flowers for H.R.H. Princess Diana. Having lately come to Campbell River after several years in the United Kingdom, Stephen looks forward to creating signature designs for brides.
Lori could now boast having the most experienced floral designer on the North Island! As she says, “I feel very fortunate to have him!”
Wishing, hoping, dreaming and planning...
Consultations are key for Lori and Stephen, as both are usually working on the wedding day. This is when they can meet the bridal couple and find out when, how many, style of dress, venue as well as budget. They prefer a bride and groom to bring pictures of what they want or doesn’t want on their day. Questions such as: How much decorating do you want? How much do you want us to do? How involved do you want us?
Who is their ideal bride? “Our ideal bride is one who is willing to give her ideas and let us give her the wedding she wants. Our style is to create what the bride wants, while trying not to impose our style on what they want.”
Before July 23rd 2011 bride, Annette Foster, went to Bird of Paradise, she already had ideas of her own - from browsing online and through a general bouquet listing, and then printed photos along with a photo of her dress. “I knew what I wanted for the most part, something green and earthy, with a splash of bright vibrant color, using orchids and mango calla lilies. My preference for the bridesmaid's bouquets was kissing balls and they were perfect. I wanted something very unique for the tables and Stephen suggested drift wood with wild Orchids attached, along with moss. I needed someone to bring my vision to life and Stephen did just that.”
Annette was also pleased with the extra mile that Stephen and Lori went for her. “Stephen did a sample drift wood display 1 month ahead, and went to Quadra Island with myself, and the Bird of Paradise owner, Lori, to see the room layout. It gave everyone a sense of direction.”
And Julie Billinghurst, a Sept 3, 2011 bride, was pleased with the design aspect. “I had an idea of what I wanted, but Stephen built on my ideas and made them better! They can create any style requested, from casual beach wedding to very formal church wedding. Stephen listens to what you want and the ideas start flowing!”
Dresses at Bride of Paradise
Lori finds that she is kept inspired by loving the hopefulness of young women who have their life unfolding in front of them. “I enjoy having a glimpse into their story and being a part of all the romance of the wedding day. And being a part of the beauty of it all. Making their day beautiful allows me to be a part of the story.”
Lori carries dresses from Allure, Bridalane, Allure Bridal, Paparazzi, Night Moves, Impression Bridal and Bridal Classics in the beautiful oak cupboards that line the walls. As well as the bridal gowns, there are also bridesmaid and prom selections from the same designer lines.
When you choose your dress at Bird of Paradise, Lori will carefully order the dress. Once your dress arrives, fittings take place and if alterations are required, Lori has a recommended seamstress. It takes at least three months for the dress to arrive but it is preferable to allow six months.
Bird of Paradise will sell off the rack or special order your gown in the size and colour you require. They also carry discontinued sample dresses and one-offs available at a discount, as well as a select collection of consignment gowns at a fraction of the new price.
As an authorized agent for Western Tux, Bird of Paradise also has the latest styles of Tuxedos and formal wear accessories for men. Lori laughingly explained to us that they prefer to have a fitting for the tuxes the week before the wedding to allow for any “expansion or contraction”!
Floral design and décor
Though the gowns in the shop are beautiful, Bird of Paradise is most famous for their fabulous floral design. Lori and Stephen work hard to create floral design that surpasses expectations within a realistic budget. Their aim is to please the bride no matter what it takes!
Often, their reputation in the community for floral design brings them brides. This was the case for Annette. “I received several exotic floral arrangements from them over the years, and was impressed with the originality and freshness of the flowers. I did not go anywhere else. They are known for their beautiful exotic flowers in Campbell River. Their shop was also recommended by April Point Resort, where our wedding was held.”
Sherry McCutcheon, Event Coordinator for Anchors Inn, has worked extensively with Lori and Stephen and feels that their work is the reason bridal couples continue to go to Bird of Paradise. “They are so reliable and yet adjustable. I have always noticed that the small budget or the luxury wedding get the same exact attention from them. All aspects of the wedding are delivered exactly as they promise.”
Quality service
The service that Lori and Stephen offer does not go unnoticed. Annette, a July bride, was very happy! “Stephen went to Quadra Island and set up all the flowers, table linens, etc, the morning of the wedding. It took the pressure off me and my bridal party the day of, and the day before the wedding. The head table arrangement was spectacular, laying low so it would not block any picture taking. I did not see the wedding banquet room until our official entrance the day of the wedding, it was amazing.”
Julie appreciated the freedom from worry that Stephen and Lori provided. “The service and attention to detail are amazing! Plus Stephen and Lori are just FUN! I was in a pinch and needed a flower topper for the cake. Stephen made something amazing and the flowers/arrangement completely suited the cake and the wedding. They truly made it an experience; I felt taken care of and had complete faith everything would be perfect and beautiful. You can’t put a price on that.”
Cathy was also pleased with her experience. “I was SO happy with the flowers from our wedding August 2010 that Bird of Paradise Floral and Bridal Boutique did for us!! Much thought and creativity was put into the bouquets and all the staff were wonderful to deal with!”
A few of our favourite things…
• Hearing about Stephen and Lori putting a whole wedding onto a plane and having it fly off to the bridal couple’s wedding venue north of Campbell River! That’s just neat!
• Great selection of rental items! The selection includes luxury tables, chairs, linens, vases, cake stands and much more.
• The fun Prom Bookings. On Sunday afternoons, Bird of Paradise will book parties for up to 6 girls and their moms to try on a variety of styles and colours, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. You can get your best friends together and book a party!
• Support for various charities including Cameryn’s Cause for Kids gala and Communities in Bloom.
• Bird of Paradise looks forward to helping a DIY bride through the experience, making sure she has a quality product for her day.
• Value: Bird of Paradise has set up an arrangement where you save based on each service that you add to your package. Annette felt the value was great. “Once I saw the drift wood and orchid sample I felt good. The arrangements were gorgeous and worth every penny. The price also included the set up, and a ferry ride to Quadra Island.”
Details, details, details...
• Average bride spends – $500.00
• Don’t forget the Value Added program – The more you spend the more you save!
• Lori suggests three months in advance for decor and six months in advance for gowns. Appointments are preferable!
A bridal boutique where you can purchase your dress, his tuxedo, the bridal party’s tuxes and dresses, order your flowers, and plan out your décor? No, it’s not a fantasy… It’s Bird of Paradise Floral and Wedding Boutique in Campbell River. A bride can cross off many items on her to-do list at this boutique, never having to sacrifice a single detail of her wedding dream.
Owner, Lori Gooldrup, and her right hand man, Stephen Chapman, say they can singlehandedly lower a bride’s stress level while customizing her wedding day, no matter what the budget. As a North Island bride, planning your day can mean driving long distances to check out different venues and services, but Bird of Paradise wants you to stop driving and start planning. Here’s what we found when we went to visit their shop…
Personally speaking...
You could say that Lori had a date with her future when, at the age of 16, she saw a lovely fake floral shop while visiting Disneyland. “I thought how much I would like to have a flower shop!” But then life got in the way of that pleasant dream. However, after having worked in fine arts, an opportunity came for her to work in a flower shop and Lori was able to learn the craft. When the owner wanted to leave, Lori saw her chance to buy the shop.
Once that was accomplished, Lori realized that she wanted a little more than flowers with personality. So she started with just one dress in the window, and then slowly gathered more dresses, until seven bridal designers are now on the hangers in the shop. With all the other weddings services that the shop now offers, Lori had reached her goal of owning the one and only complete service wedding shop in Campbell River.
Bird of Paradise Floral and Bridal Designs now offers designer bridal gowns, floral design, invites, decor, tux rentals, favours, accessories, jewellery, cake toppers, guest books, knifes, bridal party gifts, rentals of decor, and pew bows. And when it is necessary, due to distance, Lori and Stephen will provide beautiful artificial flowers and decor. Last, but not least, she added an online ordering service. Bird of Paradise can take care of all, or just some of, your wedding needs. As Lori put it, “There is not much we can’t offer, except the ring and the music!”
Lori pointed out the need for this. “I felt this was a really important service for our area as so many brides come from more northern parts of the Island and they need to be able to find everything here in Campbell River.”
Then Lori had another serendipitous event – Stephen Chapman walked through her door! Up to this point, Lori was a one woman show. She was the designer, accountant, customer service and delivery person all rolled into one. Stephen, who is WPIC certified with 30 years of wedding expertise, was a perfect addition to the Bird of Paradise team.
As Stephen says, “even after so many years in the industry, he is still in love with the business of being in ‘Love’.” Stephen has owned his own wedding shops in the past and was a guest on such television shows as Canada AM and the Dini Petty Show. His work has been featured in Wedding Bells, Chatelaine and Country Life magazines. He has such varied experiences as planning a private party for the Honourable Jean Chretien to creating presentation flowers for H.R.H. Princess Diana. Having lately come to Campbell River after several years in the United Kingdom, Stephen looks forward to creating signature designs for brides.
Lori could now boast having the most experienced floral designer on the North Island! As she says, “I feel very fortunate to have him!”
Wishing, hoping, dreaming and planning...
Consultations are key for Lori and Stephen, as both are usually working on the wedding day. This is when they can meet the bridal couple and find out when, how many, style of dress, venue as well as budget. They prefer a bride and groom to bring pictures of what they want or doesn’t want on their day. Questions such as: How much decorating do you want? How much do you want us to do? How involved do you want us?
Who is their ideal bride? “Our ideal bride is one who is willing to give her ideas and let us give her the wedding she wants. Our style is to create what the bride wants, while trying not to impose our style on what they want.”
Before July 23rd 2011 bride, Annette Foster, went to Bird of Paradise, she already had ideas of her own - from browsing online and through a general bouquet listing, and then printed photos along with a photo of her dress. “I knew what I wanted for the most part, something green and earthy, with a splash of bright vibrant color, using orchids and mango calla lilies. My preference for the bridesmaid's bouquets was kissing balls and they were perfect. I wanted something very unique for the tables and Stephen suggested drift wood with wild Orchids attached, along with moss. I needed someone to bring my vision to life and Stephen did just that.”
Annette was also pleased with the extra mile that Stephen and Lori went for her. “Stephen did a sample drift wood display 1 month ahead, and went to Quadra Island with myself, and the Bird of Paradise owner, Lori, to see the room layout. It gave everyone a sense of direction.”
And Julie Billinghurst, a Sept 3, 2011 bride, was pleased with the design aspect. “I had an idea of what I wanted, but Stephen built on my ideas and made them better! They can create any style requested, from casual beach wedding to very formal church wedding. Stephen listens to what you want and the ideas start flowing!”
Dresses at Bride of Paradise
Lori finds that she is kept inspired by loving the hopefulness of young women who have their life unfolding in front of them. “I enjoy having a glimpse into their story and being a part of all the romance of the wedding day. And being a part of the beauty of it all. Making their day beautiful allows me to be a part of the story.”
Lori carries dresses from Allure, Bridalane, Allure Bridal, Paparazzi, Night Moves, Impression Bridal and Bridal Classics in the beautiful oak cupboards that line the walls. As well as the bridal gowns, there are also bridesmaid and prom selections from the same designer lines.
When you choose your dress at Bird of Paradise, Lori will carefully order the dress. Once your dress arrives, fittings take place and if alterations are required, Lori has a recommended seamstress. It takes at least three months for the dress to arrive but it is preferable to allow six months.
Bird of Paradise will sell off the rack or special order your gown in the size and colour you require. They also carry discontinued sample dresses and one-offs available at a discount, as well as a select collection of consignment gowns at a fraction of the new price.
As an authorized agent for Western Tux, Bird of Paradise also has the latest styles of Tuxedos and formal wear accessories for men. Lori laughingly explained to us that they prefer to have a fitting for the tuxes the week before the wedding to allow for any “expansion or contraction”!
Floral design and décor
Though the gowns in the shop are beautiful, Bird of Paradise is most famous for their fabulous floral design. Lori and Stephen work hard to create floral design that surpasses expectations within a realistic budget. Their aim is to please the bride no matter what it takes!
Often, their reputation in the community for floral design brings them brides. This was the case for Annette. “I received several exotic floral arrangements from them over the years, and was impressed with the originality and freshness of the flowers. I did not go anywhere else. They are known for their beautiful exotic flowers in Campbell River. Their shop was also recommended by April Point Resort, where our wedding was held.”
Sherry McCutcheon, Event Coordinator for Anchors Inn, has worked extensively with Lori and Stephen and feels that their work is the reason bridal couples continue to go to Bird of Paradise. “They are so reliable and yet adjustable. I have always noticed that the small budget or the luxury wedding get the same exact attention from them. All aspects of the wedding are delivered exactly as they promise.”
Quality service
The service that Lori and Stephen offer does not go unnoticed. Annette, a July bride, was very happy! “Stephen went to Quadra Island and set up all the flowers, table linens, etc, the morning of the wedding. It took the pressure off me and my bridal party the day of, and the day before the wedding. The head table arrangement was spectacular, laying low so it would not block any picture taking. I did not see the wedding banquet room until our official entrance the day of the wedding, it was amazing.”
Julie appreciated the freedom from worry that Stephen and Lori provided. “The service and attention to detail are amazing! Plus Stephen and Lori are just FUN! I was in a pinch and needed a flower topper for the cake. Stephen made something amazing and the flowers/arrangement completely suited the cake and the wedding. They truly made it an experience; I felt taken care of and had complete faith everything would be perfect and beautiful. You can’t put a price on that.”
Cathy was also pleased with her experience. “I was SO happy with the flowers from our wedding August 2010 that Bird of Paradise Floral and Bridal Boutique did for us!! Much thought and creativity was put into the bouquets and all the staff were wonderful to deal with!”
A few of our favourite things…
• Hearing about Stephen and Lori putting a whole wedding onto a plane and having it fly off to the bridal couple’s wedding venue north of Campbell River! That’s just neat!
• Great selection of rental items! The selection includes luxury tables, chairs, linens, vases, cake stands and much more.
• The fun Prom Bookings. On Sunday afternoons, Bird of Paradise will book parties for up to 6 girls and their moms to try on a variety of styles and colours, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. You can get your best friends together and book a party!
• Support for various charities including Cameryn’s Cause for Kids gala and Communities in Bloom.
• Bird of Paradise looks forward to helping a DIY bride through the experience, making sure she has a quality product for her day.
• Value: Bird of Paradise has set up an arrangement where you save based on each service that you add to your package. Annette felt the value was great. “Once I saw the drift wood and orchid sample I felt good. The arrangements were gorgeous and worth every penny. The price also included the set up, and a ferry ride to Quadra Island.”
Details, details, details...
• Average bride spends – $500.00
• Don’t forget the Value Added program – The more you spend the more you save!
• Lori suggests three months in advance for decor and six months in advance for gowns. Appointments are preferable!
