LOVE IS IN THE AIR!

Posted August 27, 2024

Well, it’s been just over a year since I had the pleasure of carrying out Todd & Keith’s oh so thoughtful destination wedding in Vernon, British Columbia. I typically don’t take this long to blog about a client’s wedding, but life has been busy and summers even busier. With Todd & Keith’s one year anniversary just behind us I couldn’t get these two wonderful, funny, and sweet humans out of my mind. As I reflected on our journey together I realized I had to share their wedding love story as beautifully documented by Royce Sihlis Photography and Memento Films. Love is in the Air is the perfect title as LOVE was what everyone could feel all around them the entire weekend.

These guys… this family… they will forever leave an imprint on my heart and mind. I admire the family’s commitment to supporting each other and their fierce passion for making those around them feel important. This kind of family support and sincere love is the most wonderful thing to witness and be a part of.

The path to Todd and Keith…

My journey with Todd and Keith began when I was introduced to them by my lovely client Robin Ducharme, founder of Real Love Ready and the In Bloom Summit which I have the ultimate pleasure of supporting each year here in Vancouver. When you describe a couple like Todd & Keith words like hilarious, compassionate, stylish, and high-spirited come to mind. Our planning journey was filled with the funniest conversations, playful road trips, delicious “best sandwich ever” lunches, and a few colourful deliberations as The Boys “enthusiatically discussed” the preferred direction of certain wedding decisions. Overall an entertaining and fullfilling collaboration in which Todd & Keith always made me feel like a lady whose opinion was important. Not a requirement as a planner, but certainly a lovely perk!

A dream of a theme…

The underlying theme for the wedding was “aviation” with references to airplanes throughout the design plan. This cute inclusion paid homage to Todd & Keith’s well rounded careers in the world of aviation. They actually met in a bar during a stopover over 25 years ago! As you can imagine there’s an adorable and funny story to go along with this first encounter, but one best kept for the family vault.

The Wedding Weekend ~ An Overview

This “Family Reunion” weekend celebration consisted of three fabulous days beginning with an intimate Family Feast Rehearsal Dinner at O’Rourke’s Log Home. The cabin is very private and majestic and overlooks the rolling hills with stunning views of Okanagan Lake. The next day an early afternoon ceremony held at a private family lakefront property under the family Willow Tree included a unique wedding party entrance. Champagne followed before guests were shuttled to Lakers Clubhouse for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and dancing. You’ve never seen a venue transformation like this!

To complete the weekend affair Todd and Keith hosted a super fun post wedding Family Appreciation BBQ. Back at Lakers Clubhouse, Sleight of Hand entertainment, a tattoo station, lawn games, ice cream and more, allowed guests to unwind and have some fun! They wanted a playful and relaxing end to an action packed and emotional weekend. A weekend celebration no one will soon forget.

Day One: The Welcome Rehearsal Dinner ~

Let’s begin with the Friday Night Welcome at O’Rourke’s Log Home overlooking the vineyards shall we?

Guests were shuttled everywhere the entire weekend as Todd & Keith wanted everyone to be safe and feel special. It was quite a feat from a planning perspective! Guests stayed at various locations, hotels, and private homes and there were many events, venues, and movements to accommodate. We couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of Brad and his awesome team at White Star Limo.

Keith & Todd awaiting their guests’ arrival at O’Rourke’s…

Bar Services were managed all weekend by the wonderful Bar Travelling Man himself Harry Dosanj. He got to the know all the faces and the preferred cocktails to go with them. It was an impressive touch!

Todd & Keith took the job of choosing their wines for the weekend very seriously. Even so much as ensuring that they had each of their VIP guests’ preferred varietals on hand. Now that’s attention to detail! A “fully loaded” Caesar Bar was a hit both at the Rehearsal Dinner and Sunday BBQ.

Keith LOVES hot pink, but “The Boys” wanted a more classic and elegant white look for the wedding so the Rehearsal Dinner was the perfect opportunity to incorporate the more dramatic hue into the wedding design. The entire weekend’s floral efforts exquisitely implemented by the lovely Connie Baker of Sweet Elegance Floral Design.

Family Favourites always on their mind…

The rehearsal dinner menu consisted of nostalgic “family favorites” including Caesar Salad, Jumbo Garlic Shrimp, Grilled Striploin, and Creme Brulee. Prepared tableside by the exemplary O’Rourke’s culinary team.

Day Two: Ceremony & Reception

In early discussions Todd & Keith planned to only have around 30 guests attend the lakefront ceremony as they wanted to keep the moment quite intimate. As time went on, they realized deciding who would attend the ceremony and who would only attend the post ceremony festivities was an impossible job. In the end, it made more sense to involve everyone in everything and so we did!

The stunning ceremony floral installation dreamed up by Keith and masterfully implemented by Connie Baker and her dedicated team at Sweet Elegance Floral Design was something to behold! The family Willow Tree honoured in the most beautiful sweet smelling way.

Getting Ready…

It was very important to Todd & Keith that all the most “important ladies in their lives” including members of the wedding party and close family felt beautiful and pampered on their wedding day so they enlisted the wonderful team at Be Flawless Beauty Bar to rise to the occasion and help beautify the clan! Todd and Keith may have ended up in the chairs for a little coiffing too!

Dapper tuxedos provided by The Tux Store in Vancouver. Todd & Keith had custom pocket squares made to compliment the theme!

Todd & Keith’s GORGEOUS custom statement wedding bands were masterfully designed by Vancouver’s renowned Cavalier in Gastown. They were quite the conversation piece!

The Boys had a vision for a very unique wedding party arrival… They arranged to use one of the family boats to fullfill that vision! The Boys’ charming cousin Blake Ducharme made for the perfect Captain!

Meanwhile back at the Ceremony House…

Black & White photos of Todd & Keith’s parents on their wedding days displayed in classic crystal frames was very special.

In keeping with the theme, Pilot Log Books were used as the Guestbooks and also acted as their Something Blue.

Happy little airplanes were provided to all guests as their “confetti” to throw after the pronouncement.

Let’s do this! And here come the Grooms…

Getting Closer…

The ride over from across the lake was slow and steady, but so much fun! Offering time to reflect, laugh, and take in the signficance of the moment.

The Wedding Party

The wedding party included Keith’s niece Shelby and nephew Ty as Maid of Honour and Bestman, Todd’s niece Cali as Jr. Bridemaid, and second cousins Maya and Sadie as Ring Bearers. Black satin pillows adorned with trailing orchids and white ribbon held the rings.

The Ceremony was lovingly officiated by the delightful Nadene Rogers of Life Ceremonies. Not only did we get an officiant out of the collaboration, but quite pleasantly also a performer! Nadene sang the processional “I Just Called to Say I love You” with instrumental stylings by Loni Moger as the wedding party walked up the dock. Midway through the ceremony Nadene sang “One Hand, One Heart” from the musical West Side Story as an Acapella interlude. It was beautiful and made for a very personal exchange.

The Willow Tree holds great significance for Todd & Keith. The family’s affinity for the “Tree of Life” poem symbolizing their strong family unit, and in remembering the ones who are no longer present, added a beautiful layer to the structure and thought behind the ceremony and wedding weekend. The poem, beautifully narrated by cousin Jennifer during the ceremony.

Guests were asked to “think happy thoughts” as they sent their little aiplanes into the air upon Todd & Keith’s pronouncement. The safety goggles added for protection and a bit of humour!

Stephen Buck on Sax serenaded everyone with his rendition of Here Comes the Bride transitioning into “Islands in the Stream” as Todd & Keith made the union official with the signing of the registry. Guests then enjoyed mini bottles of Champagne to mark the celebration!

Guests were whisked off in private Vehicles and Shuttles as supported by White Star Limo to Lakers Clubhouse for a fantastic line up of food and fun.

Classically elegant escort cards with custom black T|K Wax Seals showed guests where to sit! All stationery was masterfully designed and produced by the wonderful Tara Thorp of Violet Grey Creative. With the multiple events and high expectations involved with this wedding the stationery commitment was intense, but the end result oh so rewarding and impressive!

The Bar is Open!

Pink Neon HEARTS adorned the bar front provided by Steveston Creative of course!

One of the really fun elements included was the Teleguestbook service allowing guests to leave lovely little messages for The Boys all weekend long. After the wedding they received a digital file including all those heartfelt (and some REALLY funny) messages compiled for them to enjoy for years to come.

Todd & Keith’s GORGEOUS diamond studded wedding bands were designed and created by the esteemed Cavalier in Gastown. These rings are something to see! Statement rings is an understatement!

Planner Genève grabbing a quick photo with The Boys. And a few words post wedding that mean so much…

Geneve ~

We cannot thank you enough for your unwavering dedication and commitment to our dream for the perfect wedding weekend. Our vision for the perfect wedding became a reality because of your hard work and willingness to be flexible and open to new ideas. It was with your guidance and many years of experience that we always felt completely comfortable and confident and knew that our experience would end in a positive way! We recognize that it was a very complex and challenging event weekend to plan. You never stopped impressing us over the three events you helped curate. The exemplary service provided by you and your team will never be forgotten. As the Teleguestbook messages said… “Most Incredible Wedding” and “Best Wedding Ever” – You nailed it…. you knocked it out of the park!

With all our Love and Appreciation,
Keith + Todd

“Room reveals are THE BEST! It’s probably my favourite part of the day after the ceremony exchange.” ~ Genève McNally

Room design was masterfully brought to life by Lauren and her amazing crew at Perspective Events. These types of transformational celebrations can’t happen without the creativity and skill they brought to the table! Statement shiny black Chivari Chairs were rented in Vancouver and driven to Okanagan for the occasion by the team at Elite Transport! Special thanks to Marcus & Brett for their care and attention.

All the little details came together so exquisitely! Custom stirstick place cards with “Love is in the air” inscribed on the stems were so unique and right on theme! Custom menus by Violet Grey Creative were highlighted by pewter airplane keepsake favors complete with TD + KC engraved on the wings. And because two favors are always better than one, custom THICK black leather coasters engraved with the “wedding logo” provided the perfect base layer. Every thoughtful inclusion helped to round out the overall vision.

A decadent sweetheart table — aka Flight Deck — provided the perfect anchor point for The Boys to enjoy their dinner and take in all the love in the room. Ornate Black Cutlery from Bespoke Decor offered the PERFECT balance of “cool” and “elegant”.

A delicious multi-course dinner lovingly prepared and executed by the super detail oriented and hilarious Chef Christine Rondeau of Bonne Bouche Weddings and Event Catering. Glassware and rental support from All Occasions Party & Event Rentals.

Todd’s cousins Robin & Sheri were the most delightful Emcees leading the night off with some beautiful stories that had guests in stitches!

Keith’s Dad, Doug, gave the most beautiful speech of all stating with heartfelt sincerity and emotion how truly proud and happy he was that his son found such a wonderful partner in Todd to spend his life with. It was evident where Keith got his charisma and compassion from!

“Chocolate Cake like Mom used to make.”

A very special “family recipe” chocolate cake was lovingly recreated by Christine of Bonne Bouche. Every table received their own cake and Todd & Keith used it as an opportunity to walk around and perform a private “cake cutting ceremony” with their guests.

Todd & Keith sharing their genuine thanks and appreciation with their family and friends and preparing everyone for the dancing and party to follow!

And Now We Party!

Music was a huge part of the weekend’s plans and DJ Lance Souter kept the dance floor bumpin’ and his impressive indoor Sparklurs were a fun and unexpected surprise!

Even the bartenders from Bar Travelling Man were enjoying the tunes!

Parting cookies by Bonne Bouche were distributed by Keith as guests departed. A perfectly sweet end to a perfectly sweet day!

Day Three: The Family Appreciation BBQ

Interactive sleight of hand magic was a highlight with Justin “Bro” Gilbert of the Astonishment Academy. He amazed guests, both big and small, with his talents!