Archive for December, 2011

CLIENTS: USB instead of DVD

December 29, 2011

ATTENTION CLIENTS: this year we have had a lot of photo DVD’s leave our office working (on all of our computers) & yet, strangely, not play on our client’s computer. So for all future shoots/weddings, we are going to switch from offering a DVD with all of your wedding images, to a USB port instead (they read on any computer!). 

Please note that if you would prefer to receive your images on DVD instead of USB, please email & let us know.

**please note, that with any file storage that we send (DVD, USB), it is your responsibility to back up your precious wedding pictures/files. We strongly encourage that you burn multiple back up DVD’s & keep them in a fireproof safe. We also recommend that you back up your photos to both your laptop, desktop & an external harddrive. It is additionally wise (in case of fire, theft) to store your photos off site. This can be done by backing them up to a hard drive, DVD, USB or computer at your mother’s house, maid of honor’s house, or ideally, a few locations. These files are precious & they are your responsibility.

Much Love,

Radelle & Kari

We love weddings. We really honestly do. We feel blessed to have a career doing something that we absolutely love! However, after a crazy spring, summer & fall of busy back to back weddings & engagements…it is so nice to take (most of) December off & just be with our families. While we still have some incredibly fabulous New Years weddings coming up & a bunch of destination weddings (FUN!) around the corner, it was still fun to take a family ERP ski trip to Radium and just enjoy down time. Kari & I had an absolute blast. It wasn’t just us & our little families either, it was my mom…my other sisters, brother. The whole gang. One of the highlights of the trip was watching my little son for the first time on ski’s.

Here are a few pictures to show you the fun we had. Please excuse the quality of the photos, as this was down time for me, and most were taken with a point & shoot camera! It was a lovely break & I feel like my batteries are recharged. I love bunkering into a cozy cabin with those that I love most, playing games and listening to Christmas music.

xoxo
Radelle

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We hope this holiday season you all are taking time to relax with your loved ones.
We will be basking in the Christmas carols, chocolate and family.
Thank you to everyone who has made this 2011 season perfect in every way.

Much Love,
Kari & Radelle

(Styling by Rook & Rose Floral Design)

Victoria, British Columbia Brides! Planning your wedding are are stumped about Reception Venues.  Vancouver Island, in and around Victoria, offers a variety of  locations that will make your heart swoon! Grab a hot tea, a cozy blanket and snuggle in as you research reception venues for your fabulous wedding.
Enjoy!

The Latch

Tel: (250) 656 – 4015
Fax: (250) 656 – 4016
email:  info@latchinn.ca

Arbutus Ridge Golf & Country Club

The views must be seen to be believed. An elegant glass-fronted Clubhouse boasts magnificent views of the ocean and Mount Baker and can accommodate more than 200 guests. For those considering an outdoor ceremony, the Japanese garden is exquisite and can be customized to one’s exact needs. Arbutus Ridge Golf Club is located an easy 10-minute drive from Duncan, and 40 minutes from Victoria and Nanaimo.

Address: 3515 Telegraph Road | Cobble Hill, BC | V0R 1L4
Telephone: 1 250 743-5100 Extn: 34

Deep Cove Chalet
11190 Chalet Road, Sidney
(250) 656 2601

Temple Events & Catering Centre
525 Fort Street, Victoria
(778) 350-2211


Abigail’s Hotel

Located just three blocks from the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria, Abigail’s Hotel offers small wedding parties an intimate atmosphere surrounded by English Tudor architecture and a warm romantic setting. An in-house wedding planner is available to assist with or coordinate the details for a perfect ceremony or reception.

Address: 906 McClure Street | Victoria, BC | V8V 3E7
Telephone: 250 388-5363

English Inn

A wedding at the English Inn is a memorable and majestic experience. Choose from a ceremony inside Anne Hathaway’s 17th-century cottage, the Ivy Room or in one of the other locations found on-site. Receptions are held in a variety of venues on the resort’s property including the rose garden, the Rosemeade Dining Room and the cottage. On-site catering is available.

Address: 429 Lampson Street | Victoria, BC | V9A 5Y9
Telephone: 250 388-4353

The Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria

Rising regally on the banks of Victoria harbour stands The Fairmont Empress. Originally built in 1908, this beautiful hotel has been completely restored. Experience British tradition with The Fairmont Empress’ famous Afternoon Tea, engage in an exciting tour of the area, or stroll the city’s quaint shops.

Address: 721 Government St. | Victoria, BC | V8W 1W5
Telephone: 1 250 384-8111

Villa Marco Polo Inn Victoria

The Villa Marco Polo Inn is an Italian Renaissance mansion offering bed and breakfast-style accommodation in luxurious rooms as well as being available for special events and celebrations. A reflecting pool with fountains is the focal point of the classical Italianate garden while guest suites feature double soaker tubs, fireplaces, hardwood floors and Persian carpets.

Address: 1524 Shasta Pl. | Victoria, BC | V8S 1X9
Telephone: 1 250 370-1524

The Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa

Set against the stunning backdrop of the golf course, The Westin Bear Mountain Resort offers a 6,000 sq ft (557.4 sq m) event facility that can accommodate up to 330 guests in a banquet-style setups. Receptions of up to 800 can also be held in this beautiful facility.

Address: 1999 Country Club Way | Victoria, BC | V9B 6R3
Telephone: 1 250 391-7160

Butchart Gardens National Historic Site

Featuring 55 acres of floral finery and spectacular views along the paths and expansive lawns, the Butchart Gardens are a Victoria landmark and as of 2004, a National Historic Site of Canada. In 1904, the Butchart Gardens began as an effort by Jennie Butchart to beautify a worked-out quarry site on the 130-acre estate of her husband, industrial pioneer R.P. Butchart. The gardens are now open to the public and are one of Victoria’s most popular attractions and with the creation of a Wedding Season, now a sought after venue for spring ceremonies and receptions.

Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave. | Brentwood Bay, BC | V8M 1J8
Telephone: 1 250 652-4422

Hatley Park Castle and Museum

A national historic site and now the campus of Royal Roads University, this castle and estate was one the private residence of James Dunsmuir, son of Robert Dunsmuir who built Craigdarroch Castle. The estate features three distinctive beautiful gardens and parkland for a scenic stroll and the spectacular setting and surroundings of the estate make it a popular venue for weddings, corporate events and private functions.

Address: 2005 Sooke Rd. | Victoria, BC | V9B 5Y2
Telephone: 1 250 391-2666

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
full service venue and we pride ourselves in our professional planning services, our stylish Ciderhouse, and our delectable food and beverage options.  Our premises are fully wheelchair accessible and can accommodate a range of guest numbers.  Year round, the Ciderhouse can accommodate up to 64 people for a seated dinner or up to 100 for a stand up reception.  During spring, summer, and fall, our heated tent allows for up to 120 people for a seated dinner or up to 160 people for a cocktail style reception. Centrally located between Victoria and Sidney
Phone (250) 544-4824 or email info@seacider.ca | Event inquiries: events@seacider.ca

Starling Lane Winery
This enchanting old setting is Victoria’s most sought after wedding or event venue. Plan to make your special day uniquely yours with casual elegance, dignity, beauty and happiness. Beautiful facilities, many extras, advice, friendly experienced service where every effort is made to make your day memorable. All funds raised are for heritage restoration of this charming old site.

Jackie Wrinch at 250-479-4769 or email jackie.wrinch@shaw.ca.

Sleeping Dog Farm

host intimate weddings at Sleeping Dog Farm. We host up to 8 weddings a year in order to assist us in maintaining affordable rates for our retreats. While our prices are competitive with other farm wedding sites, it may be an added bonus to know that your wedding is helping others to access our farm for their workshops. We host one wedding per weekend and during the time of your booking the farm will be completely available to you and your guests. There are a variety of garden spaces in which to consider having your ceremony, as well as the Sanctuary for an indoor site.
info@sleepingdogfarm.ca
Bookings:
bookings@sleepingdogfarm.ca
Telephone
250-744-4341

Sooke Harbour House
One of Vancouver Island’s most spectacular wedding venues, only minutes from Victoria, located in Sooke BC, right on the beach facing Olympic mountains and strait of Juan de Fuca. Our wedding location offers multiple indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony sites as well as several reception sites that will accommodate a range of groups from small intimate gathering to a large celebration.
Ebony Aitken
Tel: 250-642-3421 Ext 307
functions@sookeharbourhouse.com

Swan’s Hotel

“I DO!” It is one of the most important days of your life and Swans is here to make your wedding day perfect. Our professional events team will happily polish every detail, encouraging you to relax and enjoy time with your guests. Choose from one of our distinctly unique venues to celebrate your wedding day with family and friends.

If you are looking for old world elegance, Swans is also the ideal location for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and out of town guest accommodations. And of course, the perfect Victoria honeymoon getaway.
Penthouse reception holds up to 100 guests; Marquee room reception holds up to 200 guests
General : 250-361-3310
Fax: 250-361-3491
Email: info@swanshotel.comJill Olson, Catering & Events Coordinatorcatering@swanshotel.com

Brentwood Bay Resort

Victoria’s only five-star oceanfront resort, Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa is a west coast contemporary boutique spa and conference resort with 33 luxuriously appointed OceanSuites. Conveniently located just 20 minutes to Downtown Victoria’s attractions and shopping and just 15 minutes to the BC and Washington ferry terminals. Set on a pristine inlet in the heart of wine country just 10 minutes from the Victoria International Airport and the world famous Butchart Gardens and only minutes to many recreational activities, attractions, golf courses and wineries.

EMAIL: info@brentwoodbayresort.com
TOLL FREE: 1.888.544.2079


Parkside Victoria Resort and Spa

For special events and group functions, Parkside offers a variety of options in a stunning and luxurious urban setting, customizing each event to suit our guests’ individual needs. Let us take care of all the details for you.

Phone: 250.361.1999 ext. 8432
Email: events@parksidevictoria.com

Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

Located on Victoria’s breathtaking Inner Harbour, the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa is beckoning you.

We have dinner venues for small & intimate weddings (up to 50 guests) which offer spectacular Inner Harbour, city, and mountain views; a seaside level, waterfront Harbour Room with outdoor patio that can accommodate up to 120 guests; and an elegant Ballroom with dining capacity of 250.
To arrange a private consultation, please contact Conference Services:
Office Direct (250) 360-5900
E-mail: vic.conferenceservices@deltahotels.com

Oswego Hotel

It’s one of the most wonderful events of your life and a reception at the stylish, modern Oswego Hotel will create unforgettable memories for you and your family and friends. The O Bistro + Lounge (and patio) can accommodate up to 90 people for a reception, or 20 people for a sit-down dinner. Our chef will work with you in customizing menu options to suit your requirements.

For more intimate catered receptions of up to 25 people, our luxurious two-bedroom Penthouse Suites can be booked. They feature large balconies offering spectacular views of the city, ocean and Olympic Mountains.

For more information or to make a booking, contact:

Vanessa Pennington

250.294.7511

vpennington@oswegovictoria.com
Inn at Laurel Point

Downtown Victoria hotel featuring spectacular harbour ocean views.  Inn at Laurel Point hotel is an exquisite setting for weddings and celebrations.

Ensure your once upon a time gets off to a beautiful start. And that it will in the exquisite setting at the Inn at Laurel Point hotel located in Victoria BC.

For a customized Victoria wedding venue that reflects your uniqueness as a couple and your ingenuity of style… the Inn at Laurel Point is your castle.

Your setting is an architectural masterpiece, with in this Victoria BC hotel: a great glass walled atrium overlooking lush Japanese gardens, a waterfall and the Harbour. Adjoining rooms for dancing and banquets offer plenty of space and configuration options.

Our Victoria, BC hotel is the dream wedding venue.

Inn at Laurel Point | email
T: 250.386.8721 or 1.800.663.7667

Four Points Sheraton Ballroom

hatever you’re planning, we’re here to help. From a business meeting to a family event, our naturally-lit meeting space will make every gathering just a bit brighter. With over 5,100 square feet of meeting space, we can help make every event a memorable success. From stunning buffets to elegant a la carte, we offer it all – at competitive rates.

University Club at University of Victoria

The University Club hosts teas, luncheons, dinner banquets, weddings, dances and meetings for groups of 10 to 250. Our professional staff will work enthusiastically to make your occasion a resounding success.
250.721.6604
or email your information to Lauren Dwornik: ldwornik@uvic.ca

Royal Victoria Yacht Club

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club has a number of rooms available for rent for functions of different sizes.  A variety of catering options is available.

Send us an email to request further information about hosting your function.

|Victoria, British Columbia wedding photography reception venues for Vancouver Island Brides|

I had the chance to work with Sharon Rai from Sharon Rai Hair and Makeup Artistry. She is located in Victoria and does work that gives you goosebumps (in a good way!)
She is glam and chic all in one.
The Sharon Rai team specializes in Luxury Bridal, Fashion & Editorial Services on all of Vancouver Island and Vancouver BC!!

Not only is she super cute but she understands how to bring out the best features in her clients!

One morning I woke up with the brilliant idea of educating our brides regarding their makeup and who better to interview than one of Victoria’s BC best- Sharon Rai herself!


(Photo taken from her website)

1) How long have you been in the business?
7.5 years, almost 8 years now!

2) How do you get your inspiration?
Styles and trends are ever evolving, new trends, new formulas and new technologies allow me to
continue learning fresh techniques. I find inspiration in everything from my brides that I work so
closely with to the trends you find walking the runways.


3) What do you love most about what you do?

I love working with women to enhance their natural beauty, I love bringing a vision to life by
creating a customized look with hair, makeup & styling!


4) How important is a makeup consultation/trial ?

Peace of mind is very powerful, knowing what your look will be on your big day takes away the
anxiousness & stress, allowing you to enjoy your day the way you were meant to. When we
work with our brides on their wedding day preview, we create their dream vision, as it would be
on their wedding day.

5)Do brides need to bring anything (makeup related) on the day of their wedding?
We like for our brides to be able to relax on their big day, that is why we provide many products
and style choices. If you have a product that you love to use or any allergies then bring anything
along that may help put the total package together.

6)Airbrush Foundation vs. Traditional Foundation? And why?
Airbrush makeup has gained popularity with brides, and there are pros and cons to this
technique. There are two basic formulas, water-based or silicone.

A water-based formula feels
very light on the skin, and looks quite natural.

The silicone finish illustrates the “flawless” face
that many see in magazines, but it has a plastic appearance in person, and you can feel it, so it
doesn’t really translate well for bridal makeup. You will enjoy your day and remember the
pictures for what they were and image of the perfect feeling.

However, a highly skilled artist can
provide beautiful results through traditional makeup methods just as easily.
Airbrush is a method of applying makeup base, just as sponges, brushes and fingers are. What
matters most is which makeup base is being used, and is it the best one for your skin type.
I prefer to use traditional makeup applications on my SR Brides. Generally, this is a case-bycase
decision that is discussed during the wedding day preview. Airbrush is a great option for a
bride who has problem skin, and needs a waterproof option with full coverage. The other
technique is a custom blended method that can be modified to accommodate for skin type, color,
and texture. Both are great, and both are available!


7)What advice do you have for brides for ‘pre wedding care’ so that their face is glowing and
ready for their wedding day?

The best tip I can give is to take care of your skin, exfoliation and hydration make a huge impact
on the surface quality of the skin, which directly affects how your makeup will look on your
wedding day. Remember to also exfoliate and moisturize your elbows, feet, hands, legs and
shoulders, these areas of your body may be on show depending on the style of your wedding
dress. You really need to start paying extra attention to your skin-care routine at least six months
prior to your big day.

8)What can brides do, throughout their wedding day to make sure their make up lasts?
Avoid makeup transfer by avoiding contact with your face throughout your day, for example
hugging relatives cheek to cheek, if you cry – pat your tears, try not to wipe your face. Once your
makeup is complete try to eat with a fork and knife and drink with a straw to ensure your
makeup lasts.

9)What is going to be the ‘trend’ for weddings (makeup related) in 2012?
Your bridal makeup look this year, should be all about bringing out your best feature in your
face. As always, a bride’s skin should look flawless, fresh and glowing. The warmer season
brings warm, luminous faces with just a hint of color, bronzer for a sun-kissed glow on the
cheeks and on eyes, metallic and sparkling shadows in lighter shades paired with soft pink, coral
or nude shades on the lips.

Classic Bridal: bright red lips, colors varied from subtle to striking pinks, oranges through to
tomato reds, a rosy pink blush, and black liquid eyeliner.

Traditional Bridal: a clean natural looking makeup with warm and natural shades, nude lips,
beige cheeks, but still bold enough to pop in photos.

Outdoor Bride: fresh & romantic look, berry-stained lips, rosy cheeks, and soft eyes.

Chic Bride: a pop of silver iridescent powder on the eyelids, lined with pastel shades of green, lavender, silver and soft baby blues. For a sophisticated look, use shades of yellow, copper, and
gold on eyes, with a wine-color on lips.

10) Brides are always a little bit nervous trying false eyelashes- do you have any advice for them
regarding this?

To make your eyes standout you should definitely consider false eyelashes, either strips or
individuals, to make those lashes flutter. Try the lashes on at your preview, and see how they
feel and how they look, we can customize them to suite your eye-shape, and makeup style.

11) Wedding day beauty timeline- how much time is needed?
A full bridal look, with hair, makeup & styling takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on
the customized look created.

12) One thing a bride should consider on her wedding day (makeup related) is ______?
To change her look for the reception, this has been popular with our 2012 brides, going from a
day to evening makeup look, and an up-do to a down style. We offer a same day reception look,
and we create an evening look working with your existing look.

13) Do you have any other tips/tricks that you would like to share with our brides?
The most important advice that I can give to women is make sure your brows are neat and
groomed, tweeze any stray hairs, and define your arches.

Thank you SO much Sharon sharing your knowledge with us!!
xoxo
Be sure to follow Sharon’s Facebook Page to keep up to date with all her ventures!

WANT TO CONTACT SHARON?

Email
info@sharonrai.com
Phone
Website