We have been inundated with calls from brides in the last couple of days, who are eagerly beginning the planning of their 2012 weddings! Did they all get engaged over Christmas, or were they purposed to at the stroke of midnight on New Years? Whatever the reason, it looks like it is about to be a very busy wedding season! We thought that we would put together a listing for all of the local Cranbrook B.C. amenities that would help one of these glittery eyed brides plan their weddings. Since we have been in the wedding business for a while now, and I for years, we have a lot of contact with some pretty amazing people and we are happy to send work their way. Unfortunately, one of our favourite photographers of Ryckman Photography recently put the lens away and has moved on with a different focus (check out Micheline’s NEW blog here). To all of the 2012 (and 2013) brides we have met and talked to, Congratulations! We hope this helps. If you are from Fernie, or Invermere, upcoming posts will be about your beautiful areas too!
Wedding Ceremony Locations in or near Cranbrook:
Fort Steele Heritage Park (http://www.fortsteele.ca):
Fort Steele holds a special place in my heart as I was an employee for a number of years. In fact, working my summers at the Fort financially funded my working holiday in London England! Fort Steele is also where I first got my feet wet with wedding planning. When Shauna, wedding coordinator extraordinaire (she has done over 100 weddings!), went off on maternity leave, I was left with her 1895 shoes to fill. I remember the job extremely fondly, and still like to say “Hello” to brides that I run into on the street. IF we are to ever get married (and that’s a HUGE IF . . . why fix what’s not broken) Fort Steele will definitely be the place for us. If you’re thinking of booking the Fort, make sure you do it early as it is one of the most popular spots in all of the Kootenay’s.
Celebrate a tradition as old as time in a venue that reflects the simple beauty of days gone by. Couples say their vows in the old-fashioned gazebo, enjoy themselves on a horse-drawn carriage ride and commemorate their marriage in the elegant hotel restaurant. Wedding packages are available.
St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino (http://www.steugene.ca/groups/weddings):
It is hard to beat the stunning views that the St Eugene offers for weddings, or just simply for visitors to the area. We always like to bring out of town guests out to the Mission, as the view of Fisher Peak and the Rockies is simply amazing.
When looking for the perfect outdoor location for a memorable wedding ceremony, the front of the historic Mission building at the St. Eugene Resort & Casino provides a picturesque background. The Chief David room provides the ideal setting for any wedding reception with a stunning view of the St. Eugene golf course on its large adjoining terrace and plenty of natural light within the room. The maximum capacity for this room is 80 people, but during the warm summer months the area can be extended by using the terrace or even the grass area below and can accommodate up to 150 guests. The St Eugene has recently constructed an outdoor pavilion and it is rumoured to be able to fit 350-380 guests! Check out their website for more information on the pavilion (as it is brand spanking new right now . . . I’m not even sure it’s open yet, but I have heard it is taking bookings for 2012 already).
Kimberley Alpine Resort / Trickle Creek Lodge (http://www.tricklecreeklodge.com):
Located in the Kimberley B.C., and surrounded by the natural beauty of pristine mountain wilderness, this premiere resort offers a superb venue.
I have personally attended a wedding at the Stemwinder, which is a pub by day at the base of the ski hill, and it is perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings. The backdrop is the beautiful hills and chalets, while inside is a rustic, homey place to gather.
Kimberley Conference & Athlete Training Centre (http://meetkimberley.ca):
Situated in the heart of Kimberley Alpine Resort, the 24,000 square foot Kimberley Conference & Athlete Training Centre provides a glamorous venue in a most beautiful mountain setting.
If you are in the area, and haven’t checked out this beautiful new facility, you are in for a real treat! It is a fabulous, modern building, able to hold large crowds . . . and best of all it has a TON of bathrooms!! Ladies, NO WAITING IN LINE!
We attended a Bridal Fair in 2011 at the Kimberley Conference centre and have to say that the staff, management and service was excellent. We would recommend this facility to everyone!
Wedding Reception Locations in or near Cranbrook:
If you’re looking to go a more traditional route of having your reception at a hotel venue, Cranbrook offers up a couple of business that can do just that!
Heritage Inn Cranbrook (http://www.heritageinn.net):
This hotel has facilities that can accommodate up to 350 guests. Customized menus are available. Brendan is a helpful (willing to stay WAY late into the night to help you out!), organized Events Coordinator! We have worked with him a couple of times, and we have nothing but positive things to say.
Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort & Convention Centre (http://www.prestigeinn.com):
Prestige Hotels & Resorts offer distinguished facilities for weddings and banquets ranging from a casual luncheon to a 350 delegate convention. Hersh is your man to contact at the Prestige and he will guide you through the various options of venue space that the Prestige can offer you. They have quite a few smaller rooms if you are having a more intimate wedding.
Days Inn (http://www.daysinn.com):
The Days Inn is catered by the restaurant inside, which is one of the many German influenced restaurants in Cranbrook- The Bavarian Chalet. Your event can be catered by The Bavarian Chalet, and the sisters that run the restaurant will provide your guests with full stomachs!
Bridal Dress and Wedding Boutiques:
Tara’s Boutique (http://www.tarasboutique.ca):
“Tara’s is your one stop Bridal and Grad Shop, as we have every thing that a bride will need to make her day special. From that special dress to decorating needs, we can outfit the entire wedding party from brides to bridesmaids, moms and grandmas, flower girl and ring bearers. We can also make the men look stunning for the special day grads can also get every thing that they need to make their day special.”
Tammy, who is the owner and the face that you will encounter as soon as you step through the doors! She is extremely knowledgeable, and is an excellent source for beauty! I purchased one of my (many) bridesmaids dresses from Tars’s Boutique, and her prices are reasonable, and the dresses are beautiful!
Florists:
MJ’s Floral Design (http://www.mjsfloral.com/):
MJ’s Floral Design is family-owned and operated, providing colourful and fragrant floral arrangements for Cranbrook and the surrounding area. They are able to cater to your specific needs, and create stunning arrangements that are bound to impress everyone. If you are having troubles narrowing down your flower choices, they have many books and magazines that you can look at in the store. Becky and Robyn, the owners, know their flowers, and can help you at every step of the way!
Wedding Hair Salons & Esthetics
Elements of Life (http://foodformyskin.com):
A health and wellness spa in Cranbrook located in the Kootenay Health Centre. Offering some very unique services as well as regular services such as facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing etc. Please see the individual pages for more info on their services and products. I can speak from personal experience, Sarah is the best esthetician that I have ever had the fortune of going to. I am a regular client of hers, and would recommend her to every bride who wants to be fully pampered!
Wedding Chocolates:
Sweet Gestures (http://sweetgestures.ca): Nestled below the Canadian Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, award winning Sweet Gestures Chocolate Shoppe’s specialities are beautiful hand dipped Belgian chocolate truffles elegantly gift boxed or sold by the piece, decadent fudge creamed on a marble slab, brittle and sponge toffee, gourmet gift baskets and more. I personally recommend the caramel and chocolate covered marshmallows! So good!
Designers and Decorators:
Wedding and Special Occasion Decor. Sue and Nadine can make your wedding dreams come into fruition! Working within your budget, they will decorate your wedding in a unique and custom design.
Candi says “. . . as a family (we) do our very best to provide you with a signature creation with every wedding or event you book. We have beautiful decor and we can help you in booking the perfect vendors for your taste and budget. We can offer you the modern “WOW” factor you are looking for, with little or no stress at all.”
Event Planning
Tryna’s Eventz (http://trynaseventz.weebly.com):
What type of event are you planning to host? A party to wow your friends and family? An intimate event for a few close people? A school, company or family reunion? Whether you are planning a party for 10 or 100 people, I have ideas that will help you plan the perfect event within any budget. Facebook Page
Disc Jockeys
Just Music DJ Service (http://justmusic.ca):
DJ services complete with light show capabilities and large video screens
Photographers
Frida Viklund Photography (http://www.fridaviklund.com):
Frida Viklund Photography is located in Kimberley B.C. and serves the East and West Kootenays with wedding, portrait and commercial photography.
Krevan Photography (http://www.krevanphotography.ca):
Serves the West Coast and abroad. They specialize it Wedding, Newborn, Family and commercial Photography
Wedding Cakes and Cupcakes:
JJ’s Custom Cakery (http://www.jjscustomcakery.com):
Time for some shameless promotions here … If you need a wedding cake, wedding cupcakes , bridal shower cake or any other treat for your wedding, please let me know! You can find out more about following the above link to our business site.
Great guide, I’m seeing more and more brides choose lodges and vineyards for their wedding venues, theses locations often provide stunning scenery and photo opportunities on the day.