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Who does what, for how much, and why a bride would book them for their wedding...

Photos courtesy of Nichole Taylor Photography: www.nicholetaylorphotography.com

Latest reviews on Vancouver Island wedding experts...

Best Western Premier Prestige Oceanfront Resort offers high style weddings for local and destination couples

Having just celebrated its Grand Opening in June of 2011, The Best Western Premier Prestige Oceanfront Resort is already a sought-after location for the high style weddings of both local and destination couples. The Prestige offers everything a bride could want in her wedding experience; gorgeous ocean and mountain views, seaside ceremonies, fabulous ballrooms, upscale accommodations for guests, and a spa that everyone should have a chance to experience at least once. The team at The Ring had the opportunity to tour the spaces, be treated in the spa, and stay overnight in the gorgeous guest rooms. Here’s just a few of the reasons why so many brides are adding Prestige to their must-see lists…

The Butchart Gardens offers a one-of-a-kind venue for couples who dream of a beautiful garden wedding

When we walked through the gates of The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, it was easy to understand why couples from all over the world dream of a Butchart wedding. It's almost impossible to truly do justice to one of the world’s most beautiful gardens without experiencing it for yourself!We love what The Butchart Gardens can offer a couple on their wedding day. As Owner, Robin Clarke commented, “We have been asked by many people over the years to hold weddings in our garden, and we feel that, at this time of year, one could not find a more beautiful indoor venue......

Victoria Bridal Boutique provides a relaxed bridal experience - no matter the budget!

At Victoria Bridal Boutique, it isn’t just about helping a bride find her special dress. For owner, Sherrie Galey-Creasser, and her Bridal Consultants, it’s about listening to each bride’s love story, wedding details, and style, and then using that knowledge to make sure they find their dream wedding gown that fits the personality of both the bride and her wedding day. So, for brides who wants to add creative and personal flare to their wedding dresses, this is one location that should be added to the must-see list......

Deanna McCollum Photography offers romantic photojournalism, unique portraits and a personality that couples can love

When you’re browsing Deanna McCollum Photography’s images, you’ll find romantic photojournalistic images mixed with creative twists on the traditional bride and groom poses. Deanna’s brides will tell you that she brings more than just fantastic photos to the table, but also a warm personality you can’t help but feel comfortable around. She’s about attention to detail and playing multiple parts - wedding planner, assistant, best friend and photographer (among others) - in order to help make the day perfect.Having worked with Deanna on photo shoots for Vancouver Island’s launch issue of The Wedding Ring Magazine, and then following that up with interviews with the brides that love her, staff at The Ring found countless reasons to love this wedding photographer. Let us explain…

Old school romantic and pro photographer, Szymon Szymczakowski, focuses on capturing your precious wedding moments for a lifetime

Szymon Szymczakowski admits he is an old school romantic. And there isn't anything more romantic or heart-filled than photos of the people and events that mean the most. "Our moments are precious. They only happen once. To capture them, you need someone who will take the time to know you, someone who will pour his heart and soul into creating photographers that will move you."The team at The Ring love Szymon's ability to capture the essence of the people he photographs. He says he takes the time to truly get to know who you are, and that this is how he translates that connection and your personality into images that you'll appreciate for life. With his gentle, unobtrusive approach to your wedding day and genuine care for the couples he shoots, Szymon is quickly on his way to becoming one of the 'must meet' photographers on the island.Here's more on Szymon...

If you’re looking for THE dress, there’s a good bet its right inside The Bride’s Closet, Nanaimo

If customer service, selection of high quality gowns and intimate setting are important to your decision making process when buying a gown...look no further! When the Ring talked with brides who purchased their gowns at The Bride’s Closet in Nanaimo, we found that they all agreed that owner, Fern Descoteau, and her team of ladies made a big impression with their service and the huge amount of dresses in stock. This was where they found THE dress! How did Fern begin helping brides make that special purchase?

Vivid Photography offers artistic, edgy photography for stand-out wedding photos

When we met Neil Gaudet and Adam Collishaw, of Vivid Photography, we couldn't believe how polar opposite they are – the yin and the yang. It might be part of the reason why brides rave about their photography, describing it simply as "epic". We were blown away when Neil and Adam showed us some of their most physical shots to date (lying on the ground and climbing up trees seems to be the norm!). It was obvious how much they enjoy the new challenges that each couple brings. The results are some truly iconic photography and a lot of delighted brides and grooms.

Victoria wedding florist, Platinum Floral Designs, earns brides’ attention with ideas, flexibility, gorgeous designs, and a passion for taking on a challenge

There aren’t too many floral designers who can boast a diploma in Interior Design. But for Tina Barabonoff, owner of Platinum Floral Design, it’s likely this background that helps her create a unique sense of style, harmony, texture and balance in each of her creative pieces. Tina is also what the team at The Ring loves to see – she’s involved in community charity work, she lives for weddings and she’s a supporter of the wedding experts that work with and around her. Katie, a local wedding planner, said “We love her and we love her work!”.......

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort offers an incredible backdrop for your wedding day

Black Rock Resort is simply a stunning example of architecture set off by nature. The waves crash against the glass lobby reminding everyone who stands there of the forces that lie just beyond our control. And it makes for some once in a lifetime wedding photography! But Black Rock Resort doesn’t sit back on its laurels of spectacular views – they work tirelessly to provide a wedding couple and their guests with top notch service and nary a worry on your wedding day.

North island brides find one-stop shopping for the entire wedding, all at Bird of Paradise Floral and Wedding Boutique

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…

Foxgloves Flowers mixes inspiration with beautiful blooms to create lush, fabulous gorgeous wedding floral designs

The Wedding Ring is extremely proud to count Colleen O’Farrell, of Foxgloves Flowers in Victoria, among our Wedding Experts. Colleen has a Visual arts degree from Camosun College, a BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and won top honours at the Victoria Flower and Garden Show in 2002 and 2003. She has also won numerous FTD bridal competitions over the years, been published in numerous news papers, and magazines such as Wedding Bells, Real Weddings, Bliss Victoria and Style at Home, the cover of Island Bride on 2 occasions. Wow!Colleen believes in the, “if you want it done right, do it yourself” adage and can be found playing a role in every order, big or small, wedding or otherwise. We wandered into her lovely studio and were overwhelmed with the sights and scents of flowers being vibrantly arranged. Scattered about were photos of her latest triumphs and we were happy to flip through and admire! Colleen’s creations are, as bride Kristen put it, “Unique, romantic, classy and sophisticated.”All of this made us eager to know even more about Colleen and her floral style..

5 star Georgian mansion, Villa Marco Polo Inn, offers old world charm, renaissance architecture, and many, many options for an elegant wedding

It doesn’t get any better for the bride looking for a classic, old-world venue for her wedding day. When we recently visited the historic Villa Marco Polo Inn, located in Victoria’s Rockland neighbourhood, we had to share this find with brides in The Ring. We absolutely love this spectacular Inn with its Italian Renaissance architecture and magnificent gardens. The perfect site for a romantic, intimate wedding! While touring this five-star, elegant property, thoughts of turn-of-the-century celebrations or the days of Great Gatsby’s galas come to mind.As you walk into the Heritage mansion, you’ll see that you can host your entire wedding at the Inn, making it possible for your closest family and friends to stay with you as the wedding of your dreams unfolds over a few days. Liam Morton and Eliza Livingston, owners, have created an exquisite atmosphere to bring that dream to a reality. “We offer a romantic backdrop to the union of two families, and the beginning of another.”

Victoria’s four Ooh La La locations offers cupcakes and cakes that are as sweet as their name

When you walk through the doors of one of the four fabulous Ooh La La Cupcakes locations in Victoria, it’s hard to believe that owner, Sherryl Andrews, was a nurse for 34 years. Because surely, this was exactly what she was meant to do.Yet, luckily for island brides, it’s true. After a ‘now or never’ moment in her life, Sherryl opted to reinvent herself by taking the plunge into the world of weddings.So with the sweetest name in the business, and some of the best cupcakes (and cakes) we’ve ever tasted, what more is there to say about this locally owned and operated boutique cupcake bakery? Plenty, as we found out…

Nichole Taylor Photography offers incredible candid and fashion style images, as much coverage as you can handle & more than a few laughs on set

When we met Nichole, of Nichole Taylor Photography, we instantly fell in love. Not only were we impressed with an incredible portfolio of work, but we love Nichole’s sense of humour as well (her bio on her website had us LOL....).The Ring recently had the opportunity to work with her on a fashion shoot where we got to see her skills as a photographer firsthand. And, staying true to her personality, her instructions to the model had everyone in giggles. Nichole manages to spread the fun while creating some of the best shots a couple could wish for.It’s no wonder brides like Emily Lewis told us, “We LOVE Nichole – love! She is very laid back and is more than willing to listen to ideas, and always has great ideas of her own to add!” Here’s more on this fun and fabulous photographer...

Karen McNeil Photography - Victoria BC Nanaimo BC Wedding Photography

Latest reviews on wedding experts

in Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay/Comox and Vancouver Island area

GET LOCAL. PLAN FABULOUS! Reviews on everything from the best halls and resorts for reception to the ultimate in stylish florists, designers and gown shops, you'll find it right here in The Ring. Over the course of the next few months, the team at The Ring will be interviewing, researching and reviewing the wedding experts that local brides love best in preparation for our official launch, January 1st 2012. Want to help? Email your vendor recommendations and feedback to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Why The Ring? What are reviews all about? Who pays? How do we know who brides love? These questions and more are answered here.

Wedding experts come together to help build a community for Vancouver Island brides

January 2012 | The Vancouver Island wedding community is home to some of the industry's most fabulous and trend setting wedding experts in all of Canada. There are options for every style, size and budget of wedding. That leaves brides wondering how and where to start.

Where do you find the perfect gown? Where can you afford to host your 250 guests? Which resort offerts seaside ceremonies for 150 guests? How far ahead do you have to book at one of the most sought-after destination locations in Canada?

One of The Wedding Ring's 2012 resolutions was to interview, research, review and report on on everything a Vancouver Island bride needs to know to plan her wedding - to change the way Island brides plan weddings. (And by 'change', we mean 'pitch-all-the-to-do lists-because-we've-just-done-all-research-for-you'.)

Vancouver Island brides unite!

If you are or have been a Vancouver Island bride, we need your help! Join the Vancouver Island team and help us unite brides together with the information, reviews and brides that will change the way they plan their weddings, please contact us!

We want to know...
- Who's hot and who's not?
- What are your top 3 favourite wedding venues?
- Where are you considering having your photo shoot?
- What are you planning to spend on your wedding?
- What bridal show do you think is the best?
- What florist offers the most creative designs?
- Who have you hired?
- Who do you wish you'd hired?
- What is your wedding style?
- What's your theme & colours?

How?
Email vancouverisland@theweddingring.ca with your name, wedding date, and any feedback you have that could help other brides in your community.