I am so happy I got to be a part of Melissa and Rhys’s wedding. They are genuine, sweet and both have such a positive, peaceful energy about them. They had a beautiful, intimate backyard wedding with their immediate family. When they were trying to decide their wedding location, they wondered where they could get married that captured everything that was important to them. They said, “We realized, standing on our patio looking out at the lake, that HOME is were the HEART is, and with that the wedding location was chosen.” It really was the perfect spot with all its rustic charm that included a chicken coop, pond, small vineyard, and garden. When can I move in? We also lucked out with fantastic weather. It was a sunny, warm spring day in the middle of February and it ended up snowing the following morning so the timing was amazing.

Another plus of the day was that Stage Right Etc put their magic to work with the decor and florals. I loved all the colour and the unique mix of vintage and bohemian decor in a modern setting. And the candles… oh my goodness the candles! There were SO many and they created the most amazing romantic ambiance at night. Ria and Danielle are true artists at what they do! I know I’m going to put way too many decor photos in this post because I just can’t help myself. haha.

Melissa and Rhys have an interesting back story. They both grew up in other countries; Rhys is Australian and Melissa spent her childhood in the deserts of Saudi Arabia (wow!). They met in Canada through Melissa’s brother who was Rhys’s roommate (and soon his best friend) while he was in the country on a one year work visa. Melissa said, “Rhys left sadly a year later when his work visa ran out. We kept in touch when we could and two years later Rhys made a surprise return visit to Canada. At the very end of this 2 month visit we came to realize that our relationship was more than just friends. We had found a connection. We had found genuine love.” Then Rhys sadly had to return to Australia again. They didn’t let that stop them though and after filling out copious amount of paper work, Melissa was able to sponsor Rhys. He moved to Canada and Melissa finally got to keep him! : )

They have filled much of their time together with their mutual passions of world travel, Okanagan outdoor sports like snowboarding, hiking, biking, camping and kayaking among many others. A year ago, they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Mika, into the world. In a surprise turn of events, Melissa gave birth to Mika at their home so it’s only fitting that they added “wedding” to the list of special events that have happened in their home.

Thank you both again so much for letting me be a part of your truly special day!

And to all you other brides out there, Melissa is a very talented hair dresser/stylist in Kelowna who travels on site for weddings! She is a total natural with hair and I love to recommend her! : )

This neat vintage video camera belonged to Melissa’s grandfather’s.The left shot, below, was Melissa and Rhys’s idea and I love them for it. 😀Melissa cracked me up when she starting “whipping” Rhys when he gave her a piggy-back ride.Melissa & Rhys had private chef cater an intimate dinner with family. Campfire while dinner was being cooked.

Wedding Vendors:

Wedding planning/ decor/florals: Stage Right Etc, Kelowna, BC.

Catering: Chris Braun – Sous chef at the Vintage Room (Coast Capri Hotel ), Kelowna, B.C.

Mini cakes: Whisk Cakes, Kelowna, B.C.

Hair: Melissa Dacre, Kelowna, B.C.

Makeup: Bri Stein, Kelowna, B.C.

Melissa’s Dress: Stop Staring Clothing

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