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Some people have a crystal-clear vision of their wedding day. It’s a day they’ve dreamed about for a long time. They’ve worked out a lot of the details in their head; gone over guest lists and who will be in the wedding party; selected flowers, the band; and they’ve envisioned exactly where they will say “I do”. But for many couples, those details are hazy and it’s only after the excitement of their engagement has faded that they begin planning in earnest, setting a date, and considering a long list of details, including finding the perfect setting to say their vows and to celebrate with their nearest and dearest.
On Vancouver Island, wedding planners enjoy a whole range of options when it comes to choosing a venue. Sure, you can start with a backyard wedding, or one set at an exclusive golf club, perhaps a luxury hotel. Those are all within reach, but so is a wedding on a remote beach… in the middle of a farmers’ field… a ski resort. You could even get married on the grounds of a historic castle overlooking an Italianate garden.
Whether you choose your own location or need help to decide, in the end, finding a great setting is only the starting point. It takes more than a little organizational talent to stage a wedding celebration. Imagination, creativity, sometimes courage and a whole lot of know-how come into play too and the right team can transform just about any location into the wedding of your dreams.
For more than 30 years, Black & White Event Rentals has helped stage countless weddings and outdoor events in many different locations throughout Vancouver Island. They have worked directly with couples and their wedding parties, and they’ve partnered with some of the best wedding planners on the Island. Along the way, they’ve met with their share of interesting and challenging assignments.
At one waterfront Oak Bay “backyard”, they set up a raised 40-foot-long stage over the homeowners’ enormous fire bowl. On that raised platform, they laid a dance floor and built a clear-topped tent to house a replica of the wedding couple’s favourite New York City restaurant complete with open kitchen and custom furnishings.
Another occasion required the Black & White crew to hike down a narrow, wooded trail to a remote beach, transporting an 80-ft-long tent and all the trimmings, piece by piece, one post, one chair, one box of silver at a time. They’ve even loaded one of their jumbo tents onto a barge at high tide, timing the 20-mile trip to its destination for the calmest part of the day… to keep their tent from becoming the largest kite ever to ‘sail’ untethered across the Salish Sea.
Black & White has helped bridal parties celebrate in remote and unusual places, and they’ve helped to transform plain farmers’ fields, modest backyards, public parks (with the right permits) and all points in between into great wedding venues, going above and beyond what was considered doable to achieve what was at all possible.
Owner, Dave Willie and GM, Chris Vassallo, treat running the business the way they meet the challenge of staging events. Thinking outside the box, they continue to invest in their inventory of tents and other rental equipment, staying abreast of style trends and the changing demands of outdoor events. Gone are the days of theme weddings, patterned napkins, and big satin bow chair coverings. Now the mood is understated elegance, and an emphasis on natural luxury.
Black & White was the first in the region to add stylish Tidewater Sailcloth tents to their collection. With just slender posts as their internal structure, these tents offer voluminous, open interior spaces. A warm natural light filters through the translucent fabric throughout the day and then the peaks of these beautiful structures glow from within as day turns to evening.
For dancing the night away with the stars in view, clear topped tents, with and without solid or clear walls are the answer, along with sprung dance floors and strings of twinkly lights.
As the pandemic persisted, the management team ordered a small fleet of Executive Washroom Trailers. These two and three-stalled washrooms are safe, well-appointed, heated, and air-conditioned; and they offer guests a comfortable alternative to the host or homeowner’s private facilities. Post-pandemic, the Washroom Trailers are the company’s most sought-after items. One mother-of-the bride commented that the flowers and catering were lovely but after the wedding, it was overwhelmingly for the washrooms that she received the most thanks.
Even at a high-end hotel, small changes can make a big impact. Simply replacing basic ‘conference’ furnishings with something special can elevate a large ballroom space. Black & White’s acrylic Ghost chairs or their classic Chivaris can do the trick.
A lot goes into the planning of a wedding. Whether you are looking for help from an expert wedding planner, or you simply wish to enhance a space you’ve already booked that isn’t quite there, Black & White can point you in the right direction. Visit bwparty.com to browse their extensive catalogue of tents, furnishings, décor and rental equipment.
From Victoria to Port Hardy and across the rural Gulf Islands, Black & White has delivered the party to just about every place imaginable for over 30 years, helping couples take their vows and celebrate the next stage of their lives together, in their way.
Email Dave or Chris at info@bwparty.com or call them at 778-433-1282 to discuss how they can help you plan your day.