COVID is changing weddings, but weddings will continue. Take Helen and Gord… they planned their lakeside wedding in Nelson BC in only a few weeks! But I’ll let her tell you all about it…
How did you decide to get married during COVID?
I knew Gordie was the one six weeks after I met him but it took him three years to propose. He did it on a snowy mountain top and we always thought we would have a winter wedding. Problem is we couldn’t figure out how to manage to get our family and friends together from New Zealand for a Canadian wedding and didn’t want to go home so for three years we weren’t sure it was going to happen. Then COVID hit and we realized two weddings is better than one and all the best local vendors were now available at short notice. From start to finish the wedding took seven weeks to plan and for the most part it was stress free and we couldn’t have been happier to finally get to say ‘I do’.
Planning a Lakeside Wedding in Nelson BC
Finding the venue was the hardest part; especially during covid and especially with a small budget. We lucked out on the Whistlestop Campground by chance, which happened to be our dream wedding location – private, low-key, rustic, waterfront, beautiful, close to town and with overnight camping.
On top of that we got Bobbi as our wedding photographer, her photos speak for themselves but after meeting and chatting with her it was immediately apparent that she was so down to earth and friendly and was going to make everyone else comfortable as well.
Then we had Alligator Pie Catering who are absolute professionals, the food was super delicious and delivery couldn’t have gone any smoother.
Posies did a wonderful job of the flower crown, bouquet and boutonnière, excellent hair from Alex at Lokel, absolutely loved loved loved my make-up done by Jennifermcloriemakeup. Gordie’s kilt came from Affordable Kilts in Vancouver and his shirt from Baker St Menswear.
I purchased my dress (Allure Bridals, Ivory, Lace, Sheath) from Stillwhite. It was second hand so got it for an absolute bargain. Buying online was nervewracking but the bride selling it had the same measurements so when it arrived it fit like a glove and was so much better than I could have hoped.
The altar Gordie made for us was pretty special. [It’s their canoe!]
What was your favourite part of your lakeside wedding?
My favourite part of the day was when Gordie and I went off to take photos together, it was the first time I was able to relax and enjoy the moment clambering over rocks, wandering hand in hand, swimming in our kit in the lake and just enjoying spending time with my man. Bobbi made it so fun, there were so many laughs. Gordie’s favourite moment was seeing me walk down the aisle ❤️
Advice for Couples
If I have one small piece of advice for future couples, have a shot to calm your nerves! There is so much going on in those last few days and morning off, best to find some way to unwind before meeting at the altar. I forgot and it took hours for me to relax.
To see more of Helen and Gord’s lakeside wedding in Nelson BC, watch their slideshow! Then contact me here. I look forward to helping you plan your COVID-safe wedding.