Wanting a destination wedding, Aja and Miranda chose Tofino, where they first met, as the perfect location for their big day. Their ceremony was held on Chesterman Beach and the couple exchanged their vows by the sea in front of 75 of their closest friends and family. Following the ceremony, the brides and their guests headed over to the Tofino Botanical Gardens for a beautiful outdoor reception.
Special thanks to the talented duo at Ameris Photography for sharing the gorgeous photos with us!
Aja & Miranda
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
Wedding Date: August 3, 2013
Number of Guests: 75
Wedding Cost: $25,000 + donations
Wedding Ceremony Location: South Chesterman Beach, Tofino, BC
Wedding Reception Location: Tofino Botanical Gardens
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
We wanted a destination wedding so we knew we had to try to keep it small. Most of my family came from California and Miranda’s from Ontario. Because we met in Tofino about 40 of our guests were local.
What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
The remoteness of the location was our biggest challenge.
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
No.
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
No.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
Walking onto the beach for the first time, seeing the site and bursting into tears – it was like a dream.
What were the highlights of the reception?
We did our welcome toast down away from where the main part of the reception was. Everyone crammed into a bit of a tight area and I loved that, forcing people to meet and mingle. There was also an amazing charcuterie board down there.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
Having everyone feel like they were really a part of the day.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
The more intimate, the better. I found even with 75, I was not able to see everyone. I feel like 50 would have been a better number.
Vendors:
Photography: Ameris Photography assisted by Szymon Szymczakowski Photography
Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero
The Bride w/ Pants Attire: Forever 21 & alterations by George @ Main St. Tailors
Ceremony Location: South Chesterman Beach
Reception Location: Tofino Botanical Gardens
Cake: Friend of the couple
Caterer: Mare Bruce, Schooner Restaurant
Favors: Custom Ink
Hair: Studio One
Makeup: Tara Yamila Halil
Flowers: Sarah Hughes, Fresh View Events
Stationery: Aja Kai Rowley (Bride)
Planner: Rare Earth Weddings
Decor: Cheryl Rowley (Mother of the Bride)
Officiant: Rene Gibson
Sound/PA: Geoff Johnson
Band: Oliver McKee-Reid & Driftwood Geometry,
