This was the second time this year Derek & I found ourselves in gorgeous Kelowna, BC – home of wineries, expansive orchards and beautiful Lake Okanagan. We were super excited for everything Charmaine & Riley had planned for the day – including wedding portraits at the Okanagan Lavender & Herb farm and the celebration at the lakeside El Dorado Hotel. We had a chance to meet for engagement portraits at Fish Creek in Calgary earlier in the year and it was so cool to see the Moroccan blanket used during their portrait session as part of the ceremony. Charmaine has impeccable taste so I knew the wedding was going to be absolutely gorgeous. We started the day off at the Cove Resort in West Kelowna. I love a group of criers and this crowd didn’t disappoint! The tears started every time someone would look at Charmaine! Then Charmaine started when her family called her from South Africa… and the happy, verklemting tears never stopped throughout the day. We went next door to a beautiful shady tree for their adorable reveal. After portraits, the gang hung out at the El Dorado bar while guests found their seats on the rooftop. It was such a pretty site, with all the guests having white parasols to shade themselves. And, to make things even more perfect, a pair of butterflies flew overhead just before the couple walked down the isle. Since we already spent time for a portrait session, Riley and Charmaine were able to hang out with their guests and enjoy the cocktail hour. Guests were then brought to the reception room where everyone gasped at the gorgeous Boho-themed decor (which were put together both by the bride and Yuriko Larson of Vintage Origami in Kelowna). When the speeches were over the band Young’uns took the stage and wow!!! They played everything from old classics to disco to pop and metal, and everything in between. If you closed your eyes you would have thought you were hearing the original songs! They had everyone partying on the dance floor ALL. NIGHT. LONG. It was incredible! Charmaine & Riley, it was a huge honour to have been a part of your beautiful wedding day. Congratulations once again!
Photos by Christina & Derek
