Nicole + Jay were married at Kelowna’s iconic Hotel Eldorado this past August. It was a beautiful day with blue skies and vineyards and orchards and all things Okanagan. Their Bistro Chic wedding was full to the brim of juicy and fun details. Our hats are off to Nicole and her dream team of Kelowna wedding vendor super stars!
The Hotel Eldorado sits on the Okanagan Lake and is steeped in rich vintage history. Originally constructed in 1926, the Eldorado Arms was a luxurious Inn built by the Countess Bubna Litite of Austria. The entire Inn burned down in the late 20th century, but was rebuilt with historical accuracy and attention to detail, and is filled with the prettiest vintage details. The Hotel Eldorado was the perfect place for this Kelowna destination wedding, where all of their guests were able to see the best of Kelowna.
Nicole and Jay got ready in two beautiful suites at “The El” (Kelowna’s pet name for The Hotel Eldorado). The suites are modern with vintage flair, and the deep soaker bath tub is a must for any bride getting ready on her wedding day. Chocolate covered strawberries and mimosas filled the rooms, and while Nicole was getting her hair and makeup done by Melissa Craven and snacking on a yogurt parfait, Jay ordered room service and dined on Eggs Benedict with his brother.
Nicole and Jay wanted to see each other before the ceremony, so once they were ready we snuck around to the ivy wall to have a private First Look with just the two of them. Nicole paused in excitement as she saw the back of Jay, waiting for her arrival. As they shared their private moment, Nicole’s grandmother appeared from her window above to steal a peek. Keep a look out for that sweet moment.
Then off they went to an orchard to have a First Look with their precious 4 legged family member, Wrigley the Dog. Wrigley spent the weekend at a doggy B&B retreat center called The Spotted Spa, and they brought him to the Orchard to meet his mommy and daddy for family portraits. All dapper and dressed up in a bow-tie, the three spent a few minutes together.
In order to enjoy their ceremony and reception with their friends and family who had traveled to see them, Nicole and Jay decided to have all of their photos taken before their ceremony. We started at a beautiful Cherry Orchard, then spent time with their Maid of Honour and Best Man at Spierhead Winery amongst the purple Pinot Noir grape vines, and finished photos back at “The El” before the ceremony began.
The ceremony and reception were planned by Nicole with help from English Rose Weddings and brilliantly styled and decorated by Yuriko of Vintage Origami Wedding Decor in Bistro Chic charm and elegance. All of the floral arrangements and design in purple and succulents were done by the fabulous Christina of Classic Creations Floral Design. The stationery was done by Laura of Dandelion Willows (be sure to look for all of her cute chalk board details throughout the reception).
Following the rooftop ceremony, champagne cocktails and canapés were served as the couple spent time with their guests before the reception.
The reception was filled with laughter and beautiful details where the Bistro Chic theme really came to life in this candlelit white, black, and purple reception laced with succulents in the sweetest vintage cheese-boxes. Black paper covered the tables and at each place-setting there was a piece of chalk to draw with and add to the Bistro look of the evening. Nicole and Jay are doctors, and their wedding favours were so very “them”, as they had little pill bottles filled with a tylenol, breath mint, rolaid, etc. as a “Hangover Kit”. And of course, who could forget to take home the “Wrigley Jelly”.
After dinner and the touching speeches made by family and friends, we snuck Nicole + Jay out for Golden Hour Sunset Portraits on the boardwalk for a little romantic stroll.
The reception was brought to life by DJ John Byrne, who kept the dance floor poppin’ all night long.
Congratulations, Nicole + Jay!
