The Okanagan has just been blessed with the soon to be opened,  stunning architectural design of Sparkling Hill Resort.  I was privileged to take a behind the scenes tour of this glamorous new world-class hotel venue with a destination wedding couple I was touring with last weekend.  The resort still in last minute construction phase is destined to open to the public on May 15th, 2010.  It is the first hotel in North America to incorporate Swarovski Crystal elements into every aspect of its design.  The resort will infuse crystals in waterfalls, in fireplaces and in overhead lighting.  They will dazzle and set the mood.

The guest rooms have complete floor to ceiling windows and sliding window panels can be opening to welcome the moonlight or by day affording you with the most stunning picturesque view of the shimmering blue waters of Kalamalka Lake.  

Incorporated design elements utilize a warm, natural palette of color, minimalistic style highlighted with many clean glass elements and a crystal fireplace that refracts light displays around the room,  when lit.  Subtle warmth and tranquility diffuse the spaces.

For wedding couples this is the ultimate glam experience.
A complimentary penthouse suite is provided for the wedding night.   While the bride and her girls indulge in hair and makeup packages complete with the appropriate sparkling refreshments, other wedding guests can experience one of the many unique European Spa treatments or amenities of the expansive resort.  Even the groom can indulge, after all it's his big day too!  

So whether you wish to have your ceremony on their outdoor terrace with blue lake waters as your background then dance at your reception to the glitz and shimmer of crystal chandeliers of their ballrooms, Sparkling Hills has the perfect space for a smaller intimate wedding or a large glitzy affair of 200 guests.  Get the celebration off to a good start by setting the mood with an intimate rehearsal dinner in "Barrique" lounge. 

Last phases of construction in the grand entry lobby!

Their very charming Reservations and Guest Relations representative Maaike Ammerlaan toured with us and assured me that their team at Sparkling Hill will work with each couple, on an individual basis, custom-designing your Sparkling Hill wedding, to ensure you have the ultimate wedding experience that the Okanagan has to offer.   From outstanding views and location, to extraordinary accommodation and spa amenities this resort can provide the ultimate experience in epicurean celebrations all under one roof.  Their lounge, rustic, intimate family private room and restaurant will be a must stop for locals as well.  

I can't wait for it to open and the young couple I was touring with are anxious to go back, to try out the food delights and see it in its finished magnificence.  It's on the top of their venue "wish list" for their wedding "I-dos".

This weekend I was privileged to assist with coordinating the event of the spring,  in Kelowna. The Cancer Society's  6th annual "Gala of Hope" fundraiser held this Saturday at the Delta Grand Hotel & Conference Centre.    A glitzy event attended by a who's who list,  all in honour of raising funds for our fight against cancer and  attended by close to 300 guests. 

The evenings festivities were opened with entertainment by Shawn Hlookoff - EMI Recording Artist.  Among the celebrities attending were the very charismatic Jon Montgomery - Olympian Gold Medalist and auctioneer who did an outstanding job of boosting fundraising with his fast paced auctioneering skills and later posed for photo opportunities with guests. 

The Kelowna "Lady of the Lake" Pooja Anand, and her princess Caitlin Hansum were proudly displaying the dazzling Hearts on Fire diamond pendant necklace valued at $10,000 which was the prize for the "Dipping for Diamonds" portion of the fundraising.

There wasn't a dry eye amongst the guests when the video marking the 25th anniversary of  "Camp Goodtimes" played, a camp bringing life-enhancing support to children and families who bravely fight cancer.  It touched everyone in the room in a most profound way.  

It was great to be part of the wow event of the spring and we all had the satisfaction of knowing our efforts were going to the most worthy of causes, since many of us have loved ones threatened by this terrible disease.

Posted by Agatha