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Event Planning We know there is no one size fits all when it comes to wedding planning.
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At Rad Occasions, we make it our mission to help couples create signature celebrations that feel like an authentic reflection of themselves. From the first meeting to the exchange of vows, and beyond, our team is committed to helping bring your special story to life in an event that will be fondly remembered by you two, your family and your friends.

25/07/2024

A team that laughs together can do anything together. 😂

Something I value so much in our team is their ability to go with the flow, offer up solutions, and sometimes even have a good laugh about the situations we find ourselves in. I think, no actually I know, that this is what makes every wedding that much more enjoyable.

So here’s to the team, past and present, for making each day we spend together a rad one! 🎉🥳🎉

Photo:
Venue: .ca

22/07/2024

As I’ve been marking assignments for I’ve been noticing a few details that are commonly missed and I figured I might as well make a post about it! So what’s missing? Read on to find out:

✨seating chart: if you are having a cocktail style reception by all means skip this but if you’re having a seated dinner such as a buffet, family style, or plated dinner this is a must as it will easily guide guests to their tables/seats. This is also a great way to add a little drama like serving up a seat assignment with a glass of Prosecco or having your seating chart do double duty as a favour

✨place settings: you’ve got the centrepiece, the candles, the table number… but what are guests going to eat off of, eat/drink with, and wipe their hands with? Other items to think of are charger plates (yes they are more than just for show, more on this later though), place cards (especially important if you are having a plated dinner), and menus (can have one per table if you prefer to be eco-conscious). Again if you are having a more causal style of reception things like plates, glassware, etc can be placed at food/beverage stations or obtained at the bar

✨welcome table: this is one of those tables that can be multipurpose - you can place your guestbook, card box, and even pictures of family members and/or your engagement session here. It’s also a great place to repurpose a wedding party bouquet and add some colour/texture with a table cloth that suits your colour palette.

As always, you do you! 💛

Photo:
Venue:
Decor: combination of the couple’s own and
Catering:

18/07/2024

Such a pleasure to chat with Hope Mikal from Unicorn Marketing Co, comment below with your favourite take away from the episode!

12/07/2024

✨Save this post✨

We have started sending out what I call “final reminders” to our couples in the last couple of weeks before their wedding and why not share those reminders with you?

✨put aside some of the smaller details you would like your photographer to take photos of when they first arrive for getting ready photos. This could be your accessories, invitation suite, attire, etc

✨if applicable remember to bring your legal marriage any vows paperwork to the rehearsal. Your officiant or wedding planner can then take these items off your hands for the next day.

✨pass your rings to the people who will be responsible for them during the ceremony. If this person is a tiny human, their grown up is the best option for this.

✨remember to have plenty of light bites and hydration available throughout the morning/afternoon before the ceremony, you don’t want to be hangry once all the excitement of the ceremony has passed

✨if there is anyone left to be paid or any gratuities to pass on hand them to your wedding planner at the rehearsal with the exception of hair and makeup as they are usually on site with you while your planner is setting up your ceremony and reception

✨and as always, you do you! ☺️

Photo:

03/07/2024

A lot of what we do involves picking up the phone and interacting with vendors, our couples, their families, etc. Yesterday that meant using all of the tools at our disposal to help find our couple a new vendor at the 11th hour.

Cancellation doesn’t happen often but sometimes it does due to unforeseen circumstances like family emergencies or sickness. So, when you are booking with any vendor it’s important to find out about their back up plan. To learn more you can ask your vendors:

✨what is your contingency plan?

✨who will be responsible for finding a replacement?

✨how will the new vendor on site know what to do?

✨how quickly can the contingency plan be put into place?

✨have you had to cancel before and why did you have to cancel?

And because I’m all about transparency, check out my stories later today for more info about what our backup plan is for our couples.

As always, you do you and happy planning!

28/06/2024

So you’ve gotten everything to the venue, what happens after?

I talked about just that with Sadie at on a sunny day right before wedding season kicked off. Her business specializes in helping companies with waste reduction and that inspired me to write this post. Some of the sustainable ways we can do this with a wedding are:

✨sending flowers home with guests or donating them to a senior’s home (something we can help with!)

✨composting any food waste and if using disposable items opting for paper (as it can be composted) but of course plates/glassware/flatware that can be washed would be preferred

✨renting decor or purchasing it like new from places like Facebook MarketPlace. If you do need to purchase new items, I encourage couples to buy local when possible and sell those items afterwards

As always, you do you and happy planning!

Photo:
Flowers:
Venue:

20/06/2024

Let’s talk about the part of the ceremony where the legal paperwork is signed. Usually it’s signed close to the middle of the ceremony but those are your only options:

✨if you prefer to not include this part in your ceremony you can choose to sign the paperwork before or after your ceremony with friends and family. You will need an officiant or commissioner present for this and recite a few lines that are legally required too. This is a great option if you would like a friend or family member to perform your ceremony. You could even incorporate the signing into your first look or a private ceremony just for your nearest and dearest

✨the paperwork can be signed right after the recessional aka when you are officially announced as married and complete your walk down the aisle. Please note that this option is best if you aren’t planning on a group photo right after the ceremony - I find that if there is even a 2 minute interruption in the flow then we can start to loose guests to cocktail hour 😉

As always, you do you and if you want more tips for your ceremony check out our ceremony guide (link in bio!)

Venue:
Photographer:

12/06/2024

These two lovely humans tied the knot 2 years ago and something that they said really got to me so I will share it here with you - “As a q***r couple in a VERY heteronormative wedding culture world, Rad always showed up for us and made us feel like we had a right to be where we were, and that we belonged.“

This still makes me tear up a bit because I realize that even though the wedding industry has made changes, those changes are coming slowly. The thing is it starts with us, the pros, because couples are leaning on us to the lead the charge in environments that sadly weren’t designed to include them.

So what can we do? We can:

✨educate ourselves through organizations like

✨change our language so it is inclusive of everyone and acknowledge pro-nouns

✨celebrate q***r love all year round and not just during pride month

✨be open to creating new traditions and maybe even updating old ones

As always, you do you do and happy planning!

Photo:
Venue:

10/06/2024

I had recently shared in my stories that I desperately tried to fit in when I first started in the wedding industry and how exhausting it was. So much so that I even considered quitting a few times. Don’t get me wrong I loved the couples I worked with but the vibe of “booked and busy” wasn’t setting my soul on fire and was leading to major burnout.

The pandemic put a lot of things in perspective for me and I realized that for my longevity in this industry I needed to stop being afraid to show my personality, needed to really dig into the core of why we do certain things, and take steps to create some balance. Once I did this I not only noticed that I was feeling much less burnt out but I was able to give each one of our couples the attention that I thought they deserved.

I received an overwhelming response to my story and connected with many people who had felt or were feeling the same way. I honestly had no idea that this was going to vibe with so many people so when I have time I’m going to share a little bit more of my journey with you but for now I will leave it at this: we all bring something special to the table and that is needed in this world so you do you, boo. 💛

Photo:

05/06/2024

We love a good lounge moment but lounges aren’t just for lounging 😅 If you are incorporating a lounge into your day here are a few other ways to use them:

✨use them as props for your wedding party photos or your couple’s portrait session on the day

✨set up a fun activity like board games, friendship bracelet station, or mad libs for guests to take part in when they are taking a break from the dance floor

✨create a backdrop with your lounge for a DIY Photo Booth moment

Whatever you end up doing, remember to do what feels best for you and your day. Happy planning!

03/06/2024

It’s June and in Canada that means that is not only Pride month but also National Indigenous History Month so I wanted to start off by providing some ways to help make whatever event you are hosting more inclusive:

✨include a land acknowledgment in your welcoming notes and if your are unsure which group to include check out Native Land, the have an incredible map that you can use( https://native-land.ca/). To take it one step further also consider making donations to Indigenous organizations like and

✨be mindful of preferred pronouns and gather these details from those involved in your event. A great place to add this information is in the contact sheet for your event

✨being inclusive also means considering different diets and preferences. For example, informing catering of any allergies/dietary restrictions and having non-alcoholic beverages available for those who don’t drink. You can even have mocktails on offer.

✨last but not least is considering an accessible space for everyone. This means that we are not only making sure everyone can get into the space but that they can also navigate and make use of the space with little to no assistance.

I know this is just scratching the surface so I will try my best to dedicate more posts to this topic but in the meantime I would love to hear your ideas too.

Happy planning!

Photo:
Venue:

27/05/2024

Rounding out the intros/re-intros today with me - Radhika (or Rad for short)!

I began working in the wedding industry almost a decade ago and in 2015, Rad Occasions was born! Over the years my focus has evolved into creating intentional and sustainable events, something that I saw a need for as couple after couple was coming to me looking for something different and unique to them.

As a certified planner with and a lifelong romantic, I pride myself on going the extra mile for the couples I work with – whether it’s folding 500+ paper cranes or running Olympic sprints in heels to save bouquets from stormy weather. Aside from planning weddings, I teach with the Wedding Planner’s Institute of Canada and am getting over my fear of public speaking by speaking in public, of course!

My team can attest that I:

✨adore eating a delicious piece of wedding cake

✨can’t help but tear up when listening to beautifully written vows

✨love spending time with my little family (Rob and the bean) whether it be checking out the newest restaurant (happy hour anyone?) or strolling the Songhees Walkway

Thank you all so much for your support over the years it means soooo much and I can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🥳

Photo:
Makeup:

24/05/2024

Happy Friday!

I am re-introducing Rob today who joined the team shortly after we started dating and is affectionately known as ‘The Muscle’ as he can often be found lugging many of the heavier items on wedding days. He is also the brains behind any carefully drawn out floor plan whether it be at a hotel or a private property, since I admit I’m a bit spatially challenged.

Now for some fun facts:

✨Rob grew up on Denman Island and with his parents still living there we get to visit quite often.

✨He was 100% on board for planning a triple surprise wedding, no convincing needed!

✨Rob’s day job is very far removed from weddings, as he puts it quite simply “he sells submarines”

✨When he isn’t working you can find Rob playing soccer, sipping a delicious glass of whiskey, or having a living room dance party with our little one.

Comment with the fact that surprised you the most!

Photo:

21/05/2024

Continuing our team intros today with Amanda! Amanda has worked in the service industry for many years and spent a season doing wedding décor set up and take down with , one of our preferred vendors.

She enjoyed her experience so much that upon returning to Victoria she joined our team in 2019. Amanda is social, out-going, and has a great eye for detail (I’m sensing a theme here 😉).

Outside of the world of weddings, Amanda works full time for a software company and is working towards her project management designation. 🤩

Some of her favourite things are:

✨taking walks in nature

✨enjoying a cold pint of craft beer

✨reading a good book

Like, comment, and share because we are so excited to have Amanda back for this wedding season! 🥳

Photo:

15/05/2024

Next up is Lindsay who also joined the team last year and she is also certified by , the organization that helped me get my start and that I teach with.

Lindsay brings with her a passion for small details and a drive to keeping things running smoothly - qualities that have also served her well in her management career in veterinary services and now with the University of Victoria.

Aside from her dedication to her career and weddings, Lindsay keeps herself busy with singing in a choir, watching TV with Gravy the cat, and learning Hungarian.

Some of her favourite things are:

✨ a perfectly golden grilled cheese

✨ starting a new book with a mug of tea

✨ making music

✨ baking

Let’s show Lindsay some love by liking this photo or sharing your favourite thing to bake! 🧁

13/05/2024

Kicking off our team intros with our newest team member - Kate!

Kate joined us last season but already had a trip planned so we were only able to get her into the studio this year and it was so worth the wait!

When Kate isn’t being an amazing elementary school teacher librarian she is bringing her calm and level headed approach to each beautiful wedding day. Like me, she enjoys seeing all the pieces come together to create the big picture aka when the magic really happens.

She loves:

✨a cozy read

✨a drizzly walk in the forest

✨finding the perfect match latte

Please help us welcome Kate to the team with a like or comment with your favourite place to grab a matcha latte!

Photo:

08/05/2024

I was drafting up some wording for save the dates and I found myself thinking of this beautiful custom suite created and photographed by .

Speaking of save the dates, do you know what you need to include? Here are the basics:

✨the date and whether guests should save the weekend or just one day - this is really important if you are having a destination wedding and if guests are invited to all of the events taking place.

✨the names of the happy couple, you can choose to include your last names or just your first names

✨the location of the event which can simply be the city and province/state or you can include the name of the venue as well

✨be clear that a formal invitation will follow and if there are many details your guests may need to know in advance of the invitation being sent out include your wedding website details too.

As always you do you and happy planning!

06/05/2024

✨The Team✨

I am so glad I have all of these amazing, hard working, and thoughtful people by side not only for each wedding day but also through life as well. I will be posting team intros (or re-intros shortly but for now here’s the team in more of a big picture kind of way. 🥳

Photo:
Studio:
Makeup for Rad:

01/05/2024

We love having live musicians at a wedding but there are a few things to consider:

✨provide some cover, rain or shine, as well as armless chairs

✨plan for your musician(s) to be on site for an hour at the least to provide music as guests arrive, during the ceremony, and after the ceremony concludes. If possible consider having your musicians play through your cocktail hour as well.

✨ double check your contracts to determine if any breaks will be needed and if yes, plan for this break to take place during any group or family photos or the transition between ceremony and cocktail hour

Happy planning!

Photo:
Harpist: Mckenna Jennings

26/04/2024

Who doesn’t love a grazing board? And the nice thing is you don’t have to limit it to just cheese and charcuterie, so what else can guests nibble on? I’m glad you asked!

Some other options to consider are:

✨a crudité platter with veggies (raw or roasted) and a variety of dips like hummus and baba ghanoush

✨a dessert board with a variety of squares, macarons, churros…maybe even some chocolate strawberries (we know that .and.spade and have some excellent options!)

✨a breakfast board, the perfect way to display bagels and waffles with all of the toppings, a great option for the morning if the wedding or even the day after brunch!

What are some of your favourite board options?

Catering: .ooms
Photographer: .durkan.photography
Venue:

16/04/2024

✨The moments before✨

This is one of my favourite moments on a wedding day, when a couple arrives at their venue all excitement and nerves. It’s in these moments I may crack a joke or two, get you to take some big deep breaths, and take some things off your hands so you don’t have to worry about juggling all of the things at once.

I am not here to tell you that you NEED a wedding planner on your team but it certainly doesn’t hurt. 😉

Photo:

12/04/2024

Something that isn’t talked about often is how there is so much pressure placed on a couple to follow etiquette, some of which is outdated in our more current times.

One of those pieces of etiquette are around hosting drinks and in some situations couples are looking for the best way to manage the cost that comes along with it…and of course I have suggestions:

✨Limited bar: when it comes to your offering have a limited amount available to guests. For example, you could choose to serve only wine, beer, and cider instead of having a range of options.

✨Signature cocktails: opt for one or two signature cocktails in addition to wine, beer, and cider instead of offering a full bar menu

✨Non-alcoholic options: with mocktails and even N/A wine and bubbly becoming more common explore these options to include with your bar or you could even opt for a dry wedding

✨Location: if budget is a priority, try selecting a venue where you can bring in your own alcohol instead of purchasing it through the venue which can often be at a premium.

As always, you do you and happy planning!

Photographer:
Bar:
Venue:

04/04/2024

It’s always an honour when we get asked to coordinate a wedding for friend-or and it’s an even bigger honour when those friends have been in your life for 10+ years! 🥺

So this got me thinking, if your friends are helping you out in your special day what do you need to consider?

✨ friend vs. pro: it’s always nice to have help, especially when you are on a budget but if your friend isn’t a pro in the field you need help with and you have a time crunch on the day a pro is the way to go. Of course, if your friend is a pro then it’s the best of both worlds but…

✨will they be able to enjoy your day with you or will they be working the whole time? For example, for J&K’s day I was involved in the lead up to their day but we had other team members handle everything on the day of the wedding so I could be fully present for the festivities.

✨Lastly, always have a back up plan because life happens and sometimes a friend may not be able to help out because of something out of their control. Hopefully you don’t have to use your backup plan but at least there will be an easy solution readily available.

Happy planning!

Photo: .photography

25/03/2024

✨Birthdays✨

I have been brainstorming ideas for one of my couples on how to celebrate their birthdays during their wedding because they will have all of their special people in one place. So aside from cake, here are a few ideas I jotted down for them:

✨A walk down memory lane: display photos that mark each decade leading up to the current birthday. Guests can send their photos in advance to add to the display.

✨ Something special: special decorations at their seat or table, a toast from you or someone else, or special favour that reflects their hobbies/interests.

✨Get interactive: you can sing happy birthday, pre-arrange a speech, or even add a small quiz if the birthday person is someone that most of your guests know well

It will take some organization but whatever you do will be so appreciated by the birthday person! Happy planning!

Photo:

18/03/2024

Hello, I'm Rad! Since it's my birthday and I have been meeting so many amazing people at I thought it was time for a re-introduction.

So a little bit about me:

✨ I have been in the wedding industry for 11 years - 2 years as an assistant and 9 years with my own business. When I started the business I finally felt like I had figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up 😅

✨ I can only manage one cup of coffee a day or else I get super jittery so even if I suggest we go for coffee in the afternoon I will most likely get tea (and a treat!) 🍰

✨This time last year I was preparing to go to the Agafay Desert and ride a camel. When we finally got there I was very nervous because I didn't fully comprehend how big they were in person! 🐪

Happy birthday to anyone else celebrating today and here's to another memorable year!

PS - Can't wait to chat about work/life balance on Wednesday at the Roundtable sessions!

Photo: at

14/03/2024

One question that I am always asked, whether someone is planning a wedding or not, is the average cost of a wedding. This question is hard for me to answer as so many factors influence the budget for each wedding. Some of these factors are:

✨Location, location, location: often said in real estate, this applies to weddings too! Your venue selection will influence everything from the cost of food & beverage to decor to transportation.

✨Menu: indulge or keep it simple? Food and Beverage is typically the bulk of the budget and even if your guest list is small you could end up spending the same as someone with a bigger guest list - it really just depends on what is being served.

✨Time of Day/format: If you opt for a morning ceremony followed by lunch reception or a sunset wedding with cocktail style reception your costs will be different from someone having a plated dinner.

My best advice to you if you are struggling with your budget is to figure out what your three priorities are separately and then come together to see how the align. From there you can start chatting budget, keep the focus on what is most important to you, and enjoy your day as much as our couple in this photo.🥰

As always you do you and happy planning!

Photo:

12/03/2024

Sometimes couples don't want all eyes on them so a traditional grand entrance isn't the way to go. If you are one of those couples, here are some alternatives:

✨ If all of your wedding day events are taking place in the same location join your guests as soon as any formal family portraits are finished.

✨ If you are having your ceremony and reception at different locations join your guests 15 to 30 minutes into the start of the cocktail hour but ask your MC to not make any announcements.

✨ If you are having a seated dinner, take your seats before your guests, this is especially wonderful if you have not seen your reception space yet.

No matter what you choose remember to do what you feel is going to be the most comfortable option for you.

Happy planning!

Photo:

06/03/2024

We believe your big day should be as unique as your love story, and what's more special than involving your community?

We are all about creating moments that not only you'll cherish but also your loved ones will remember forever!

✨Set up a 'wisdom tree' where guests can hang their advice for your journey together

✨Why not include a community vow? A moment where your guests pledge their support and love to your union

✨ Incorporate a ring warming ritual into your ceremony where your rings are passed between guests to be infused with their well wishes for your marriage.

Have any ideas to share? Drop them in the comments - let's inspire each other!

Photo:

05/03/2024

Many couples believe they can hire a planner just for the wedding day to manage everything BUT there's no magic wand for a planner to instantly understand all your months of planning in just one day.

It also doesn't help that many in the wedding industry call the service "day of" instead of "month of" coordination. So let's talk about why day of coordination is a myth (like a unicorn):

✨Understanding Your Vision: it takes time for a coordinator to fully grasp your wedding day vision and all the small but significant details you've dreamed of so we will typically meet with you two to three times in the last couple of months before your day

✨Vendor Coordination: your coordinator will reach out to your vendors to confirm arrival/departure times, set up/take down time frames, and anything else that they may need.

✨Timeline Creation: creating a timeline that takes into accounts all the ins/outs and major events isn't something that can be done in one day and needs time, communication, and planning.

✨Problem-Solving: Anticipating and solving last-minute hiccups needs an understanding of all of the dynamics for the day, something that can't be developed overnight.

Remember, your day deserves more than a day's attention for coordination. Happy planning!

Photo: at with

26/02/2024

Two different styles but the same sentiment 🥰

We’re really loving personal notes written to guests and I’m hoping this is something that we see more of in the future. If you’re considering this for your day and are not sure what to include with your notes here are a few ideas:

✨Pour your heart into the notes. Share specific memories, kind words, and let each guest know how much their presence meant.

✨Include a personal touch, whether it’s a small doodle, a pressed flower, or photos taken from special moments

✨ Use the opportunity to let your notes do double duty as a seating chart, place cards, or another decor element for your day.

As always, you do you and happy planning!

Photo 1: at
Photo 2: at

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Opening Hours

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+12505163770

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http://www.radoccasions.ca/

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Yup, we all have them! At first I thought we had no regrets but it turns out these spray painted pineapples are what haunts my dreams (well not really, just being a bit dramatic) and this is why: ✨ Pinterest should be used wisely and definitely not late at night when you can’t fall asleep. 😅 ✨We didn’t quite think through the environmental impact like we did with many other aspects of our day(sourcing locally, renting, travel). In hindsight, I’m thinking it might have been because we didn’t make the time to do the research and got caught up in how great it would fit the aesthetic. At the end of the day, we still look back on the all the memories from our day with so much happiness BUT we remember to be more mindful in the decisions we make going forward. Remember to not to be too hard on yourself when it comes to making your day sustainable, it’s already a great start to even be taking into consideration the environmental impact your day could have. As always, you do you and happy planning! Photos: @summerraynephoto . . . #radoccasions #lifeofwpicweddingplanner #vendorsofcolor #pnwedding #yyjweddings #surprisewedding #yyj #victoriabc #weddingregrets #goldpineapple #pineapple #bipocbusiness #sustainableweddings #sustainablewedding

Took a little field trip to @esqparksandrec’s Gorge Park Pavillion and we can’t wait to plan a wedding here! Now for some fun facts: ✨ there are two floors, each 3 000 square feet and each with kitchen space. You can seat 120 guests on each floor! ✨the main floor has a dedicated loading dock ✨ not only is there an elevator for guests but there is a service elevator as well! ✨ the parking lot not only has designated spaces for food trucks but there are even 4 EV charging spots and 10 accessible parking stalls. All in all, we were very impressed with how so much thought was to the layout not only from a guest experience perspective but also for vendors when it comes to loading in/out. . . . #yyjvenue #radoccasions #lifeofawpicweddingplanner #celebrations #yyjweddings #yyjevents #yyj #victoriabc #explorevictoria #gorge #explorebc #vancouverisland

✨GIVEAWAY✨ When I first heard about sand candles I was a bit skeptical but after learning about the long burn time, easy clean up, and versatility I was convinced! Not only are they sustainable and practical but they are self extinguishing if they are knocked over. I am so impressed by the candles, that @livingwithcandella and I want to give one of you: 🕯️One 20oz bag of the eco-friendly sand candles + wicks 🕯️A small Candella carry tote 🕯️A 30 minute consultation with me to ask all your burning (pun intended) wedding/event planning questions (and yes you can gift this session to a friend if you aren’t planning a wedding/event) All you have to do is: 1. Follow @radoccasions and @livingwithcandella 2. Like this post 3. Tag your friends in the comment section (each tag counts as one entry) 4. BONUS: Share in your stories and don’t forget to tag @radoccasions and @livingwithcandella so we can see that you shared - if your profile is private please send me a screenshot (each share = 5 entries) Our giveaway is open to residents of Vancouver Island. The giveaway will run from now until December 15, 2023 at 11:59pm and the winner will be announced on my stories on December 18, 2023 - good luck! 🥳 Per Instagram rules, this promotion is no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram Inc. By entering, entrants confirm they are 19+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use. . . . #yyj #yyjweddings #yyjwedding #yyjgiveaway #victoriabc #giveaway #december2023 #decembergiveaway #ecofriendlyliving #sustainableweddings #sustainabilitymatters #radoccasions #livingwithcandella #sandcandles #lifeofawpicweddingplanner #weddinggiveaway

Feeling thankful today and every day 🥰 A huge thank you to everyone who trusted us with their event/wedding, all the wonderful vendors we worked with, our magical/amazing team, and our family/friends for all their support. I couldn’t have done any of this without you - it literally takes a village! . . . #radoccasions #lifeofawpicweddingplanner #yyjweddings #yyjevents #2023 #thatsawrap #eventplannerlife

Planning a wedding/event? Here are 3 things to consider when inquiring with vendors: ✨Time: it’s our biggest non-renewable resource and depending on the type of vendor you are inquiring with it can take hours to get to know what you are looking for and create a quote based on those details. A lot of the time we are even offering to chat with you for 30 to 60 minutes to answer any questions. ✨ Dates are our inventory: when we say we are holding a date for you, we really are and many of us can only take on one wedding a day or weekend. For myself, I do the courtesy of letting you know that your date will be released within a certain amount of time but some vendors will continue to hold your date until they hear from you which means that they are potentially losing out on other opportunities. ✨ Our feelings won’t be hurt: if you decide to go with someone else, can’t justify the cost with your budget, if you have decided to elope etc please let us know. I promise our feelings won’t be hurt and we just want what’s best for everyone! After all, that is why there are so many vendors in certain categories because one size doesn’t fit all and that’s totally ok. 😎 If you don’t know what to say, here’s a template: “Hi *vendor name*, Thank you for taking the time to share with me the details of your services and discuss our day in more detail. We have decided to go in another direction because *insert reason here.* Thanks again, *signed your and your fiancé’s name* Thanks for listening to my wed-talk! ✌🏽

I was given the opportunity to chat with @ctvnewsvi yesterday about how inflation is impacting weddings so I wanted to share a few other tips to help with budgeting: ✨ Support local whenever possible, not only are you keeping the money within the community but in many cases your costs will be lessened as you aren’t paying for travel fees for a vendor to come in from outside of the area you are having your wedding/event ✨Consider in season florals and menu. Your florist and caterer can help guide you with both as they will be familiar with what is in season around the time of your wedding/went ✨ Really get into why you want to have a wedding/event and what you want it to look like. When you examine this you can get a better understanding of where you are willing to splurge and where you are willing to cutback or compromise. If you need more help planning check out our handy guides or get in touch - link in bio!

Well it’s about damn time! We will be out of the office and away from emails from October 8 to 16, 2022. Catch our adventures on my personal account (@radgraham) ✌🏽

Sometimes there is as bike race on your wedding day and it takes about 3x as long to make it your first look but it’s all worth it 💛 For KC & F’s day I had to get a little creative with getting our couple to their first look location because in typical Victoria fashion there was a bike race on one of the busiest wedding days of the year! After spending hours on Google Maps and cross referencing routes on the @tourdevictoria website I was able to find a route that would work the only catch was that KC would have to leave for her destination about 20 minutes earlier than planned. So basically reason #345 to hire a wedding planner 😅 . . . Month Of Coordination & beyond: @radgraham for @radoccasions Day of assistants: @robertogrhm85 @ajlunny @_kevin.korpa Venue: Private Property Catering: @truffles_catering Bartenders: Friends of the Bride’s Family Beverages: @cascadialiquor Ice Cream: @hazels.icecream Decor: Couple’s own Flowers: @poppiesfloralart Hair: Groom’s sister Makeup: @costa_chic Photographer: @smcintoshphoto Guest Transportation: @wilsons_group Rentals: @longandmcquade @globaltents Late night pizza: @pizza_with_attitude Desserts: Couple & Mother of the Groom

Happy ❤️ Day! Thought it very appropriate to share A&J’s beautiful day after they rescheduled 3 times (@acstlo_ correct me if I’m wrong!), several venue changes, and re-envisioning the day to fit the restrictions at the time. Looks like everyone thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the love these two have for each other! 🥳 Lead planner: @nikkitasky_ Venue & Catering: @innatlaurelpoint Photography: @evergreyphotography Videography: @husselmedia Makeup: @glam.by.lisa Hair: @urbanhairitage Flowers: @apothecaryfloral Decor: @designerweddingsvictoria and @trenddecoreventdesign Music: @capitalcitydjs Officiant: @vancouverislandweddinglady Photo booth: @fourframesphoto

First, thank you @richardzussman of @globalnews for bringing the question that many of us in the event industry are asking - how is being at a hockey game safer than being at a wedding? Dr. Henry herself said that the c*vid restrictions are dependent on the risk setting and there are different gradients to this. She goes on to say that they are seeing transmission in some but not all event settings. This is disheartening as many event businesses, mine included, have come forward stating that none of their events have had c*vid spread. So that begs the question - where is the proof and why can we not continue to have seated receptions with event professionals ensuring all safety guidelines are being followed? The wedding and event industry can’t survive with so much uncertainty for another year. We aren’t asking for weddings like we had in 2019, we are asking for a clear plan so communities can safely come together to celebrate life’s milestones. Please continue to spread the message until we are heard. #reopenbcweddings

We get to work with some amazing and talented vendors with lots of heart! Chelsea and Bryan of Paper Heart are all these things (and more) and its been an honour to have gotten to know them not just as vendors but as friends as well. Check out their take on N&C’s wedding day! Planning & Design: @radoccasions Event Day Team: @robertogrhm85, @ajlunny, & @nikkitasky_ Venue: @sealionestate Photo: @nicole.durkan.photography Video: @paperheartfilms Catering: @chefm.ooms Transportation: @l.a._limousines Cake: @larouxlarouxlaroux Hair: @jeddulin Makeup: @makeup_by_erica_harris Stationery: @aylapena Flowers: @bespokeblossoms DJ: @capitalcitydjs Rentals: @bashspecialty, @gflenvironmental @blackandwhiteeventrentals, @tabletopcuratedrentals, & @designerweddingsvictoria

S&J - May 19, 2018

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