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…

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......

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......

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…

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 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?

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.

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 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.

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…

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..

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.”

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…

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...