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.How could I not use the bathtub for a shot? I mean really.I love the owl!This campfire surrounded with little lanterns hanging from the trees that Melissa and her family made together was so lovely!Whisk Cakes made these beautiful individual cakes for each guest. There was even one that said, “We missed you,” for all the members of their family that couldn’t be there because of distance or death.
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
Holy moley, I’m having trouble catching my breath!!! What a GORGEOUS wedding.
What a beautiful wedding. These photographs are gorg-wa !
WOW WOW WOW! Unreal. Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you Jessica the pictures are fantastic, you are very talented.
Beautiful Wedding…I love all their photos and decor
Stunning scenery…beautiful people. Everything about this event seems like a peek into a magical novel. Thank you for sharing such outstanding, creative work.
Thank you very much for all the nice comments everyone! : )
honestly. truly. we are spoiled to get to work with you. bravo lady.
standing o.
sitting o.
laying down o.
all of the above.
<3
Really fantastic. Very inspiring.
Danielle, you always crack me up. Thank you and right back atcha! ; ) <3
And thank you very much Josh!
Jaw dropping doesn’t even begin to describe how AMAZING these images are!
You are incredible!
Love them all!
WW
Aw, you are so sweet! Thank you so much! = )
jess your my favorite!! this shoot is unreal, such warm amazing light. The happy couple is STUNNING. Great work as always. <3
Aw shucks, thank you Erika! You’re the sweetest! <3
Jessica as the Bride in these shots I can say it was an honor and super fun to be photographed by you. You are a perfect peach and a gem to work with. It is impossible not to fall in love with you. Your The BOMB!! Thanks again for the amazing photos. Im touched by all the awesome comments. <3
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! G o r g e u s!! I’m in a fairy tale…all amazing .. and what about the campfire at night! And then the bride and groom … wonderful!
Absolutely beautiful wedding and photography! Great job by both the photographer and everyone who put the wedding together!
Lovely pictures! so romantic and the shot was very clear.
I wish to have that same pictures during my wedding day. I enjoyed viewing it!
I actually was hunting for creative concepts for my own web site and discovered
your own post, “Melissa & Rhys – Kelowna, BC Wedding
wow … wonderful photos … so natural and different 🙂