Italian-Inspired Styled Shoot at Villa Marco Polo | Victoria BC Wedding Photographer

Last spring, I hired Jen Steele Photography to make a short promotional video for my photography business. Together, Jen and I talked about the elements we'd like to feature in the video, and decided to plan a styled shoot to best capture them. I knew I wanted to plan something that was gorgeous and insanely beautiful, and we decided that a 1950s-inspired Italian elopement wedding would fit this description.

The Villa Marco Polo Inn is a luxury bed and breakfast tucked away in the elegant Rockland neighborhood of Victoria with a classic Italiante garden that evokes images of Tuscany and Umbria. It was the perfect option in keeping with the theme and style of the shoot. I was inspired by the classic glamour of the 1950s and incorporated some key items into the shoot to reflect the period - a birdcage veil, lace gloves, winged eyeliner, and horn-rimmed glasses to name a few.

The stationary, with it's gorgeous floral print and beautiful script, the naked cake with floral accents, and the flowers in a soft colour palate with pops of the Pantone colour of 2015, Masala, invoked a feeling of classic elegance with a modern twist. The beautiful blush wedding dress with beaded bodice, the short white reception dress, as well as the navy blue suit and tan shoes, all had a lovely vintage feel. A beautiful lace arbour provided the perfect backdrop for the ceremony, and vintage chairs and china complemented the table setting. A red Vespa scooter whisked the couple away after the reception before they collapsed with a glass of prosecco after their big day.

I LOVE weddings, and I'd truly love to help document yours.  I have bookings available for 2016 and 2017.  Call me at 778-677-2789 or email me at sparkandwhimsy@gmail.com to book your complimentary consultation and chat about what you have in mind for your big day.  

Thanks for checking me out!

Sincerely, 

Juliana  

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This was truly a group effort.  I couldn't have done it without the support of these amazing local wedding professionals.  Check them out too.  They're the best!  

VENDOR Love: 
- Photography: Spark & Whimsy Photography - http://sparkandwhimsy.com/
- Videography: Jen Steele Photography - http://jensteele.com/
- Assistant: Geoff Robson/Lensflare Photography - http://lensflarephotography.ca/
- Venue: Villa Marco Polo Inn - http://villamarcopoloweddings.com/
- Dress: Blush Bridal Boutique - http://www.blushvictoria.com/
- Menswear: Outlooks for Men - http://www.outlooksformen.com/
- Hair and Makeup: Sharon Rai Hair and Makeup Artistry - http://www.sharonrai.com/
- Flowers: Platinum Floral Designs - http://www.platinumfloraldesigns.com/
- Decor and Tablescape: Designer Weddings - http://designerweddingsvictoria.com/
- Stationary: Tuktu Paper Co. - http://www.tuktupaperco.com/
- Models: Anika and Arlen from Coultish Management - http://www.barbaracoultish.ca/
- Cake: Ruth & Dean Baked Goods - http://www.ruthanddean.com/
- Glasses: Goo Goo Goggles - http://www.googoogogglesoptical.com/

Victoria Women of Weddings Event at the Parkside Hotel | Victoria BC Wedding Photographer

I had the pleasure of photographing a Victoria Women of Weddings event at the gorgeous Parkside Hotel in April.  The decor and presentation by Party Mood beautifully showcased the top wedding industry trends of 2015.  The food by Truffles Catering was sooooo delicious.  The presentation, by Dawn McCooey of the Women's Enterprise Centre BC, was fun and informative.  

As always, it was wonderful to chat with new and old friends in the Victoria Wedding Industry.  Women of Weddings is a great networking group in the Victoria area for wedding professionals, and I've truly enjoyed all the connections I've made through the group, the people I've met, the events I've had the opportunity to attend, and the valuable information I've learned from the presentations.  

If you're planning a wedding or event, I highly recommend all the vendors showcased in this post!  If your looking for a wedding photographer, I still have a few wedding dates available for 2015, and I'm booking into 2016.  Call, text or email if you want to chat about your wedding plans!  778-677-2789.  sparkandwhimsy@gmail.com.  

Thanks for dropping by!  Have a glorious day!

Butchart Gardens' "Spring Prelude Garden" redefines the Winter Wedding

What would you say if I told you you could not only visit and enjoy a lush, colourful Canadian garden between the months of January and March, but that you could actually get married there too? 

If it sounds too good to be true, don't worry, it isn't!  

The Butchart Gardens' artfully designed and meticulously cared for (did I already mention lush?) indoor "Spring Prelude Garden" totally redefined my idea of what a winter wedding looks like.  

I recently visited the Butchart Gardens for a Victoria Women of Weddings event, and was instantly captivated by the Spring Prelude Garden.  This bright and breathtakingly beautiful garden, which features a plethora of plants including flowering cherry trees, evergreen magnolias, daffodils, tulips, and wisteria, provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding.  

With options for an hors d'oeuvres reception or an exclusive dinner in the award-winning Dining Room Restaurant, the staff at the Butchart Gardens are ready to wow you with their impeccable service.      

Whether you're a Vancouver Island resident looking for a beautiful and unique local venue, or an out-of-towner searching for the perfect destination wedding spot, the Butchart Gardens is definitely worth considering.  To find out more, visit their website, or contact the lovely Alison Froom, Events Coordinator at the Butchart Gardens, by phone at 250-544-4478 or by email at weddings@butchartgardens.com.   

Butchart Gardens in March