Real Weddings: Why Choose Between a Winter Wedding and a Beach Wedding When You Can Get Married in the Tofino Snow?

They say you can’t have it all… but no one told Olivia and Brett Neron. “I’d always dreamed of a winter wedding but also loved the idea of a beach wedding,” explains Olivia. “Tofino captured both of those elements.”

After meeting at a beach volleyball charity event (“Our teams never overlapped, but we met because his roommate was hitting on my roommate, and the rest is history,” laughs Olivia), the Ottawa-based couple dated for three years before planning a special destination wedding on the West Coast.

An intimate group of 14 guests bundled up and made the trek to Chesterman Beach to witness Brett (a heavy civil engineer) and Olivia (a dental hygienist) exchange vows on a shimmering December day. Afterward, the party gathered in the cozy, candlelit wine cellar of the Wickaninnish Inn for dinner, speeches and champagne-flavoured cake.

While the snow on the beach that day may have been unexpected, one key detail of this beautiful day wasn’t a surprise at all: “We never left each other’s side all night,” says Olivia.

Beauty and the Beads

Olivia wore a long-sleeved crepe Condesa wedding dress by Atelier Pronovias; the beaded panels depict an intricate pattern of sunflowers and vines. Brett’s slim-cut Tiger of Sweden suit was sourced from Nordstrom. His loafers are from Aldo.

Get Inn to It

Olivia’s parents travelled to Tofino the summer before the wedding to scope out the Wickaninnish Inn for their daughter. “They were taken aback by its serene beauty and history,” says Olivia. The five-star hospitality at the iconic hotel didn’t hurt, either. (“The staff was as exceptional as everyone raves about.”)

The Morning After

Photographer Ronnie Lee Hill did a day-after photo shoot with Olivia and Brett in Ucluelet. “I think day-after sessions are a fun option most couples don’t consider, but it reduces the stress of portraits on the wedding day,” says Hill.

Tabel Manners

Bespoke Decor curated the tabletop look for the cozy long-table dinner in the Wick’s wine cellar. Black taper candles, brass candleholders, linen napkins and matte-black chargers emphasize the elegance of the space.

VIP Room

Including the bride and groom, there were only 16 people in attendance at Olivia and Brett’s wedding—a size that Olivia heartily recommends. “We truly had so much quality time with each and every one of our guests.”

White Now

The all-white bouquet from Tofino florist Pollen and Co included ranunculus and roses. Pollen also brought greenery to hang from the chandelier over the table (made by Indigenous master carver Henry Nolla) in the wine cellar.

 

Glam Gear

Olivia’s sister acted as the couple’s matron of honour and wore an Antonio Melani dress; the best man donned a Grafton suit.

 

Popping Off

The Wickaninnish Inn’s pastry chef took charge of dessert: a champagne-flavoured white cake with Pop Rocks in the icing.