FloristFlowers by Arrangement, a Salt Spring institution since 1993, offers a full range of personalized floral design. “Our theme is personal service,” says owner Beth Cherneff. “We don’t just drop off the flowers. We take time with the bride and groom, give a full consultation and a detailed quote. We’re full-service.” That includes assisting couples with planning; handling the set-up and take-down of rentals, containers and arches; even transporting boutonnieres and corsages.
250 537-9252
www.flowersbyarrangement.ca
Reception Facilities
Hastings House, a luxury resort on Ganges Harbour with a hotel, spa and restaurant, is a magical place echoing a bygone era. “Our staff has years of experience with weddings,” says Chris Parks, Director of Sales & Marketing, “and includes an on-staff wedding planner.” Set on 22 acres of landscaped grounds and rolling meadows, Hastings House offers 18 suites to accommodate guests, and the verandah, overlooking the gardens and harbour, hosts dinner for up to 60.
250 537-2362, toll-free 1 800 661-9255
www.hastingshouse.com
The 36-room Harbour House Hotel at the head of Ganges Harbour offers amenities such as its own hairdressing salon, full service restaurant and cold beer and wine store. “We offer full catering, and can accommodate 120 people in our banquet room (with a dance floor, a stage and a full bar) or 30 in our Crofton Room,” says Harbour House’s Glenda Woodward. “And the organic farm in our back yard is perfect for photos.”
250 537-5571
www.Saltspringharbourhouse.com
Stowel Lake Farm offers a beautiful setting for a ceremony, with stunning photography sites and a picturesque reception venue. “It has that rustic, natural charm that is adaptable to wide varieties of wedding styles from casual to formal,” says codirector Elizabeth Young. “There’s ample space to wander, relax, play with children.” The perennial garden is ideal for outdoor ceremonies, while the converted barn offers a bright, open studio space perfect for dining and celebrating.
250 653-4308
www.stowellakefarm.com
Catering
Christine Godlonton, founder of Dinners Ready, brings 15 years’ experience to each wedding she caters. “We’ve catered over 100 weddings,” she says, “and use local product as much as possible.” They have several ‘starting point’ menus which can be customized to a couple’s tastes. From traditional favorites to inspired new creations, Dinners Ready serves up innovative menu planning for any style reception: small or large, intimate or casual, formal or romantic, and provides bartenders and wait staff.
250 537-0867
www.dinnersreadyonsaltspring.com
Photographer
“My whole take on weddings is laid-back,” says photographer Jen Steele. “I want to let people have fun and
relax and not be aware that I’m taking their photos.” She
combines this casual approach with focused organization
to get the best out of her subjects. “I like to approach
weddings as a fashion shoot sometimes, since everyone’s
so nicely dressed up. Why not let them feel like they’re
rock stars and enjoy it?”250 812-0006
www.jensteele.com
Rentals
Rental Stop carries everything you’d need for a Salt
Spring reception: cutlery, chairs, portable dance floors,
tents, linens and more. “The selection we offer is pretty
impressive,” says owner Dan Kent. “And it’s quality
material. Our pricing is the same as other large event
rental places in the Lower Mainland and Victoria. We
can put together a package for all the things you need,
and refer you to other vendors for anything we don’t
offer.”1 866 538-0388
www.rentalstop.ca
Bridal Consultant & Planner
Kirsty Oliveira, owner of Easy Elegance, is a Certified Wedding Specialist who has coordinated Salt Spring weddings for over 11 years. “I know the local vendors, can anticipate issues and challenges and have the experience and resources to respond to them,” she says. “I live and work here and have local contacts that people offisland don’t have.” She’s planned everything from small weddings for two guests, to large three-day celebrations with over 200 guests.
250 537-1318
www.weddingsonsaltspring.com
