I just had to write about this ever so precious wedding that my newest clients (we'll call them appropriately Romeo and Juliette, as they prefer to stay anonymous) are planning with my assistance. Although I must say Juliette as with most brides, has a vivid vision of what her day will encompass. Just 4 months away and looking at an early fall date, they chose the Okanagan as their location since the couples families are divided between B.C.'s lower mainland and Alberta. Kelowna is a good meeting point and who wouldn't like to have a destination wedding in our little piece of paradise.

Now this is what excites me to no end. As a wedding planner I coordinate weddings in many different venues and with usual guest numbers ranging from 75-300, but my heart is with Juliette on this one. She's doing it very much like I myself did some years back for my own wedding. Here is how she has chosen to celebrate this very meaningful day.

• Surrounded by just her groom and 11 of their family members
• In a very intimate setting of a waterfront home
• Ceremony at the waters edge
• Wine and cheese tasting instead of a cocktail hour
• Tapas style reception choreographed by a Personal Chef, to top off their beautiful day
• Entertained by the melodies of guitar strings, played by Romeo's brother
• 3 family members children, to be flower girl and ring bearers

How SWEET IS THAT..... As sweet as the beloved fragrance of Lavender, prized for millenia, and a favorite of this bride. It is refreshing, clean and very soothing to the soul. We will showcase it throughout the day in various ways. Since it is both edible and fragrant, it will show up in surprising ways!

Her STYLE: It's a mix - Natural, Bohemian, Modern - they like the alternative, vintage and eco styles, but still loving modern

RECEPTION FEEL: Vineyard Vintage

COLOR Palette: Blue shades, Lavender, pink, purple

ELEMENTS repeated throughout the day: Lavender, specially selected old books, Hydrangea

VENUE chosen: "Casa Belle" - here is her modern choice, in it's natural design. I did a blog posting some time back on this exquisite property. Located 1/2 way between Vernon and Kelowna, past Coral beach and situated on Okanagan Lake. A multi million dollar property, spectacularly perfect for such an intimate wedding celebration. With it's modern West Coast feel, 9,000 sq.feet of multi levels, private beach and glass elevator it is a dream property for both a wedding and honeymoon stay-over.

CEREMONY: Under the flowing canopy of a bamboo structure on the dock, with the water as a backdrop. The private sandy beach will be thoughtfully strewn with lounge furniture. The bride will make her way down by glass elevator to the path leading to the beach. Once on the beach an aisle of shephard hooks with hanging mason jars filled with Lavender will guide her to the dock where Romeo and family members will be waiting. After the signing a leisurely respite to take in the moments just passed, while mingling with family at the beach side lounge area.

Casa Belle's beachfront and dock where the ceremony will take place

Inspirational visions of the ceremony location

COCKTAIL HOUR: A magnificent 2000sq.ft. covered Mediterranean patio wraps this home and even in September, this patio is perfect for a late afternoon indulgence. Again setup with relaxing lounge furniture, masses of candles, and lots of personal items in a vintage theme. For the children, I suggested lavender lemonade presented in a beautiful glass dispenser and maybe lavender martinis for the grown ups. It will be a self serve - make your own Martini bar - which will provide interest and amusement for the guests. After a photo session, relax time while taking in the lake breezes and languishing in the beauty surrounding them, they will then make their way inside where dinner awaits.

The grown ups, "Make Your Own" martini Bar....

Non-alcoholic choice of Lavender Lemonade ...

RECEPTION: Since in the early fall, the sun is warm but the nights can be cooler, they chose to have dinner in the dining room which has French doors opening to a marvelous patio, sitting at treetop height overlooking the lake. So while eating inside they can feel like they were outdoors in the open, dining Al fresco style. Juliette wished to keep this family style and a little more casual so they selected a Tapas Themed menu, but with a West Coast twist. Sharing superb small plates provides everyone an opportunity to try a little bit of everything. Of course to go along with the West Coast Tapas plates, they will serve Sangria, still keeping in the winery theme. Husband and wife personal chef team, from "Your Seasoned Chef" are busily preparing an elegant Tapas Style sit down dinner fare. Having the chefs on hand in the open kitchen is entertaining and indulgent at the same time. Of course well chosen wine pairings will be offered with the small plate choices as well.

To serenade the group into the evening, the sounds of a romantic guitar, plucked by non other than Romeo's brother.

DECOR: Keeping in mind that the home is modern, but they both like vintage, we have chosen to decorate minimally but with a vintage edge. The dining table will have a running centerpiece of vintage mementos from treasured old books and journals, glass mason or apothocary jars filled with Lavender laid on a mat of green moss or possibly a tastefully elegant runner. This is a painting still in progress. We are discussing at this time whether the elements should be shabby chic style, rustic vintage, or modern vintage. Juliette has picked out some wonderful vintage elements she especially likes, and it is just a matter of collecting all these items to see where we will place them effectively to best show them off within the decor stylings. We may go Modern vintage in the dining room and perhaps Rustic vintage elsewhere. This can be tastefully accomplished by our mixing elements with different styles, colors, textures and shapes and in doing so we will create something unique, different and beautiful. Unique to this particular couple.

PERSONAL TOUCHES:

Re-occuring theme of old books, lavender and family mementos

Hand crafted stationary and invitations (wait till you see these, in my next blog) - Gorgeous idea!

Elements of the day, decorated with sentimental vintage items

Scent of Lavender in the air

Personal Chef is a unique twist and works especially well for a small intimate group

So stay tuned to see what Romeo and Juliette have selected for their wedding cake, awe inspiring vintage invitations, unique personal touches and very creative DIY decor elements for this fabulously intimate vintage wedding.

Back to more planning!

Agatha