Northern Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it’s only natural people consider it as a wedding destination.
Helping make that more of a reality is Black Press Media’s annual Hitched Wedding and Events Affair, to be held Sunday, Jan. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Florence Filberg Centre in Comox.
“It’s exciting to highlight some of the most unique locations on the North Island at the event,” said Chrissie Bowker, director of development and organizer of the Island Hitched event.
Participating is a vendor from Telegraph Cove, as well as 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery from the Comox Valley, plus the Tofino Resort & Marina from the west coast – a sampling of the range of destinations available on this spectacular island.
“We’re presenting three really beautiful and diverse locations and they all have a land and sea connection,” Bowker said. “It really puts the North Island on the map as far as a wedding destination in B.C.”
READ MORE: More than 500 brides attend Hitched Okanagan
Vancouver Islanders have been getting married here for more than 150 years, but more and more couples from the mainland and Alberta are choosing to travel here as well.
The talent and expertise matches the scenery, and that’s gaining more and more recognition from further away.
Take, for example, three photographers participating in the event: Erin Wallis from Campbell River and Karen McKinnon and Ali Roddam from the Comox Valley
“They’re seeing more and more requests from Calgary, Vancouver, other markets from people coming here for destination weddings and corporate getaways,” Bowker said.
The word is getting around after the first Hitched Vancouver Island event last year was a big success with an “amazing” turnout, Bowker said.
A big draw was the locally made products and services, with many artisan vendors as well a bigger suppliers. This year will have that same feel.
As for entertainment, gracing the main stage will be Easy Street, a popular jazz duo from the Comox Valley, and Jilli Martini from Denman Island, both known all over the island and beyond.
The Hitched Wedding and Events Affair is not only focused on weddings, but also businesses and individuals looking for locations for all kinds of corporate events and celebrations. You can find the perfect location in the North Island, and the services to make it a spectacular event.
Corporate gatherings are no longer stuffy, business-suit gatherings around a conference table. Businesses inspire a great deal of creativity into their events as well and they’ll find plenty of ideas at Hitched.
There has been real growth in unique tailored services in the region, Bowker said, with everything from photo booths and decor right up to audio, photography and rental companies.
Weddings are still at the core of the event, and bride and bridesmaid models will be mingling in the crowd, showing wedding dresses and other attire, provided by Hairpins Salon and Wildflower Beauty who will be on scene.
Between 45 and 50 businesses will be participating. With the event running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you’ll have plenty of time to meet with vendors, discuss ideas and enjoy yourself, and not be overwhelmed by an all-day commitment.
“It should be full of energy and samples and all sorts of different ideas to inspire,” Bowker said.
Check out more information on the event Facebook page here.