Nelson House Bed and Breakfast
977 Broughton St, Vancouver, British Columbia,
downtownbandb.com
I had the good fortune to play a wedding at the Nelson House for the first time this past Saturday. The wedding couple, Thomas and Ryan and their guests, less than ten in total, were a wonderful group to play for. They flew in from Palm Springs to have their ceremony here in Vancouver, as do many American same-sex couples.
They held their short ceremony in the front room of the B & B; a little cozy perhaps, but perfect for a smaller group. I played the ceremony from the kitchen which functioned well as an alcove.
The wedding couple eschewed a traditional processional, instead choosing to mark the beginning of the service with a Candle Lighting ceremony. Following greetings and a few readings was a Ring Warming ceremony, I played the Pachelbel Canon and Amazing Grace during these two points. The Ring Warming was especially touching, as the couple's wedding rings were passed to each of the guests so they could add their personal blessings.
Nelson House is located in the heart of Vancouver's West End, giving you easy access to Stanley Park, North Vancouver, and the Whistler/Squamish area. An intimate Bed and Breakfast that works well for just visiting the city, or perhaps holding a small wedding ceremony.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wedding Venues: The Brew Creek Centre
The Brew Creek Centre
1 Brew Creek Road
Whistler, BC V0N 1B1, Canada
(604) 932-7210
thebrewcreekcentre.com
Even though I've only played a couple of weddings at the Brew Creek Centre, is really has to be one of my favourite venues. It has a beautiful location set back about a kilometer or so from Highway 99 about twenty minutes south of Whistler. The lodge used for weddings is perfect for a smaller group, and with the wood interior, the sound of the guitar is excellent. No amplification needed here! Nice.
I found the staff and organizers at Brew Creek very easy to work with, and very gracious hosts. They really understand that a truly first class venue can employ subtly when executing an important event like a wedding ceremony. I look forward to the next time I can visit the lodge.
Travel brochures always tell you that the drive from downtown Vancouver to Whistler is a little over an hour. Brew Creek is about twenty minutes or so south of Whistler, but with traffic out of Vancouver on a Saturday morning, you may eat up that hour of travel time just getting over the Lion's Gate Bridge. I always plan on a two hour drive to Whistler or even Squamish. If the traffic is good and I arrive a little too early, I get a chance to relax to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
1 Brew Creek Road
Whistler, BC V0N 1B1, Canada
(604) 932-7210
thebrewcreekcentre.com
Even though I've only played a couple of weddings at the Brew Creek Centre, is really has to be one of my favourite venues. It has a beautiful location set back about a kilometer or so from Highway 99 about twenty minutes south of Whistler. The lodge used for weddings is perfect for a smaller group, and with the wood interior, the sound of the guitar is excellent. No amplification needed here! Nice.
I found the staff and organizers at Brew Creek very easy to work with, and very gracious hosts. They really understand that a truly first class venue can employ subtly when executing an important event like a wedding ceremony. I look forward to the next time I can visit the lodge.
Travel brochures always tell you that the drive from downtown Vancouver to Whistler is a little over an hour. Brew Creek is about twenty minutes or so south of Whistler, but with traffic out of Vancouver on a Saturday morning, you may eat up that hour of travel time just getting over the Lion's Gate Bridge. I always plan on a two hour drive to Whistler or even Squamish. If the traffic is good and I arrive a little too early, I get a chance to relax to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wedding Venues:The Brix
The Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar
brixvancouver.com
1138 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC
I've played wedding ceremonies at the Brix a few times now. Its downtown location is excellent for local brides and grooms: walking distance from Yaletown, and a few minutes drive from almost anywhere in Vancouver. Parking is a bit of a problem on Homer Street, however, as is anywhere in the downtown core. You may want to organize rides for your guests, especially for smaller weddings.
Wedding ceremonies typically take place in the Brix's courtyard. At one time photographers could gain access to upper levels in the surrounding buildings for birds-eye shots, although I am not sure if this is still true. A cocktail reception following the service often takes place in the courtyard as well; guests can spill into the bar area near the entrance to the restaurant.
I find the back of the courtyard, near where the bride starts her Processional the best placement for me as a musician. Up front with the wedding party is simply too tight, especially if the party is getting a little big.
Even though the courtyard is not that large, I recommend that the officiant use a microphone for the service, especially during the summer months. A little bit of street noise can become surprisingly distracting once it starts to echo around the hard surfaces of the courtyard - better to be prepared than disappointed.
The Brix has really developed its wedding program over the past few years: every time I've been there it seems to be just a little bit better, a good sign that they treat their wedding clients very seriously. As a musician I have also always been treated well by the organizers, and look forward to the next time I play at this great venue.
brixvancouver.com
1138 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC
I've played wedding ceremonies at the Brix a few times now. Its downtown location is excellent for local brides and grooms: walking distance from Yaletown, and a few minutes drive from almost anywhere in Vancouver. Parking is a bit of a problem on Homer Street, however, as is anywhere in the downtown core. You may want to organize rides for your guests, especially for smaller weddings.
Wedding ceremonies typically take place in the Brix's courtyard. At one time photographers could gain access to upper levels in the surrounding buildings for birds-eye shots, although I am not sure if this is still true. A cocktail reception following the service often takes place in the courtyard as well; guests can spill into the bar area near the entrance to the restaurant.
I find the back of the courtyard, near where the bride starts her Processional the best placement for me as a musician. Up front with the wedding party is simply too tight, especially if the party is getting a little big.
Even though the courtyard is not that large, I recommend that the officiant use a microphone for the service, especially during the summer months. A little bit of street noise can become surprisingly distracting once it starts to echo around the hard surfaces of the courtyard - better to be prepared than disappointed.
The Brix has really developed its wedding program over the past few years: every time I've been there it seems to be just a little bit better, a good sign that they treat their wedding clients very seriously. As a musician I have also always been treated well by the organizers, and look forward to the next time I play at this great venue.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Wedding Season 2012
January is here and its time to start thinking about the summer wedding season. I think of the season beginning around the May long weekend and extending through to the first or second week of September. Nevertheless I play weddings and receptions year round.
Classical guitar is great for intimate settings. I've played ceremonies with as few as nine people including the wedding party. Nevertheless with modern equipment, and a solid venue, larger events are not a problem.
Because my set-up is portable: classical guitar, amplifier, music stand, I play a great number of destination, and location weddings. Although I am based in Vancouver, I often find myself in Whistler, or out in Langley/Abbotsford. I also make a few trips out to Vancouver Island each year, including Tofino! one of my favorite places in the summer.
This season will prove to be busy for me: I already have several bookings at some outstanding venues, including the Edgewater Lodge, directly across from Nicklaus North.
If you have any questions or would like to make a booking, please feel free to contact me.
Classical guitar is great for intimate settings. I've played ceremonies with as few as nine people including the wedding party. Nevertheless with modern equipment, and a solid venue, larger events are not a problem.
Because my set-up is portable: classical guitar, amplifier, music stand, I play a great number of destination, and location weddings. Although I am based in Vancouver, I often find myself in Whistler, or out in Langley/Abbotsford. I also make a few trips out to Vancouver Island each year, including Tofino! one of my favorite places in the summer.
This season will prove to be busy for me: I already have several bookings at some outstanding venues, including the Edgewater Lodge, directly across from Nicklaus North.
If you have any questions or would like to make a booking, please feel free to contact me.
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