FAQs
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
Our dress code is Garden Party Attire, which is light, cheerful, and outdoor-friendly. Women can wear dresses, skirts, or dressy pants, and men can wear a nice shirt or golf shirt, and dress pants, whatever makes you comfortable while keeping it colorful and polished!
Question
How far is the venue from the airport?
Answer
The venue (Prestige Oceanfront Resort) is about 45–60 minutes from Victoria International Airport ( YYJ). If you’re flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), you’ll need to take a ferry over to Vancouver Island and then drive to Sooke, so plan a little extra travel time! We definitely recommend renting a vehicle for getting around!
Question
Can I bring a plus one?
Answer
We kindly ask that you only bring a plus-one if one is specifically listed on your invitation. We’ve planned our celebration around the guests named on each invitation, including a plus-one where noted. Because of venue capacity and catering considerations, we’re unable to extend additional invitations. Thank you for understanding- we can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Question
What time should guests arrive?
Answer
We recommend arriving about 15(ish) minutes before the ceremony start time so everyone can mingle a little and be seated comfortably before things begin! Please do not arrive more than 30 minutes early as the bridal party will be taking photos until 5:00!
Question
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The ceremony will be outdoors, the reception will be indoors, and our evening send-off will be back outside!
Question
Will there be alcohol served at the wedding?
Answer
We’ll be having a dry wedding. We kindly ask that you do not bring your own alcohol. Thank you for respecting this!
Question
Should we bring gifts to the wedding?
Answer
Please do not bring physical gifts to the wedding! We won’t be able to take them home on the plane when we head back to school! If you’d like to bless us, you can contribute to our cash fund for furniture and household needs or visit our Amazon registry. We’re so grateful!
Question
Is this an unplugged wedding?
Answer
We kindly ask that you keep phones tucked away during the ceremony so our professional photographer can capture those moments without distractions (and so no phones appear in the photos!). After the ceremony, feel free to take pictures and videos. We’d especially love if you could capture moments like the speeches, first dance, and other special memories since we aren’t hiring a videographer. Just please be mindful of staying out of the way of our photographer. Thank you!
Question
Who should I contact if I have questions on the wedding day?
Answer
Please reach out to: Angela Winder (Mother of the Groom) – 613-698-2174 Felitia Truter (Mother of the Bride) – 250-686-7932 Anika Broadway (Maid of Honor) – 250-880-4585 They’ll be happy to help so the bride and groom can stay stress-free!
Question
Are we allowed to leave early?
Answer
We’d love for you to stay and celebrate with us! That said, we understand that life happens. If it’s getting late or you need to head out after dinner, that’s completely okay, just please don’t let good food go to waste!
Question
What's on the menu?
Answer
We’ll be serving a delicious buffet-style dinner featuring artisan rolls with whipped butter, a fresh salad bar with plenty of toppings and house dressings, seasonal vegetables, lemon roasted potatoes, spinach & artichoke penne, and slow-roasted AAA sliced beef with au jus, horseradish, Dijon, and Yorkshire pudding. For dessert, enjoy a seasonal lemon crème posset. Freshly roasted local coffee and a selection of Mighty Leaf teas will be available to finish the evening!
Question
Will there be transportation provided to and from the wedding venue?
Answer
We’re not able to provide transportation, so guests will need to arrange their own travel. Renting a car is recommended if you’re flying in!
Question
Is there a hotel discount?
Answer
Yes! Just contact the front desk of the Sooke Prestige Hotel and mention you’re on the wedding guest list. If rooms are available, you’ll receive 12% off one night or 17% off two or more nights.
Question
When will the reception end?
Answer
We love to go with the flow! Right now, we’re planning a 9:30 PM sparkler sunset send-off, but if the evening flies by, we may wrap up a little earlier around 9:00 PM.
Question
Will it be a religious ceremony?
Answer
Yes! The bride and groom are both professing Christians and their ceremony will be Christ-centered as they honor the Lord and the covenant of marriage.
Question
What is the weather like in July?
Answer
Early July is one of the loveliest times of year on Vancouver Island. You can usually expect comfortable summer weather with warm, bright days and cooler evenings. Daytime temperatures are typically around the upper 60s to low 70s °F (about 18–22°C). Evenings cool off quickly once the sun sets, so we recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater, especially because you’ll be near the water. Continue to monitor the weather reports leading up to the wedding as things can change quickly!
Question
What if I can't make it but I would still like to watch?
Answer
We are going to try to set up a Zoom call for friends and family who cannot make it to the wedding. Stay tuned for more info!
Question
What if I don't want to stay at any of the suggested hotels?
Answer
The hotels listed are simply suggestions! There are many wonderful places to stay in Victoria, and a quick search will show plenty of additional options. We also recommend checking Airbnb and VRBO for rentals that may be a great fit for your stay. Be sure to explore and choose the option that works best for you!
Question
Should I bring my dancing shoes?
Answer
To make the celebration enjoyable and inclusive for guests of all ages, we’ve decided not to have a traditional dance floor or group dancing at the wedding. Instead, we’re planning on doing some games and interactive activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the evening. Come ready to celebrate, laugh, and enjoy the time together!
Question
What is the address of the venue?
Answer
6929 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0V1