Lakeside Lovers

The Couple

Carlie + Drew

Love Story

Carlie & Drew’s love story began one summers in the beautiful city of Kelowna, BC. Both were on a trip with friends but just so happened to be attending the same music festival. Drew, with his slicked back Euro-style ponytail, thought he could win Carlie over in the pool with a platter of piña coladas, but he soon found out that he needed a better plan. Although Carlie saw Drew as a dreamy young gentleman, it wouldn’t be that easy to sweep her off her feet. Weeks went by and Drew, the determined guy that he is, came up with an idea. He strategically placed an order of peanut butter cupcakes for his mom’s birthday from Carlie as she had a cupcake business at the time. That was when she started to notice him! He discovered the key to her heart – cupcakes and a love for his mom!

Five years later in Revelstoke during Father’s Day weekend, Drew’s mom had planned a family trip to their lodge. The plan was to go for a helicopter ride on the Saturday that would be a surprise for their Grandpa. Little did Carlie know that this was all a ploy by Drew and he was going to propose that weekend! She had zero suspicions since Drew‘s mother is always so organizing family gatherings. The day of the proposal Carlie was completely oblivious! At the top of the mountain once they arrived Drew said “Carlie, this is for you…” and he proposed and she was completely shocked and over the moon!

When they flew back to Bison lodge, Drew had surprised her once again with her family all there! It was truly the perfect day and they will never forget it! Another year or so later Drew and Carlie had their intimate wedding ceremony with their immediate family at Bison Lodge with the plans to have a big celebration with extended family and friends in the future.

Since Carlie and Drew loved the Okanagan Valley and it was where they initially met, they planned their wedding to be in Kelowna at the Eldorado Hotel. On May 22, 2022, their second celebration day had arrived! Carlie and her bridal party got ready at The Shore in an Airbnb and glammed up for the big day! Everyone was buzzing and excited to finally celebrate this amazing couple and their love. Once Carlie was ready, Drew and the boys arrived in style and were blown away by how stunning she looked. It was so sweet witnessing the groomsmen being so excited about the details. Once it was time to rock and roll, Carlie and Drew had their intimate session for photos together at the Eldorado. They were full of good energy and great dance skills which made it effortless to capture great moments throughout the evening. You can feel the energy in the images throughout the day, which was my favourite part about capturing their wedding!

The rest of the day was stress-free and Carlie and Drew couldn’t stop saying how amazing the day was going! A few popped bottles of champagne later, it was time to read their vows once again, but in front of all their loved ones that have been waiting years to celebrate their union. Stepping into the venue was like walking into a dreamy ballroom with the most classy florals and table settings. The “wow” factor was the pop of the checkered dance floor which was the center feature of the room.

Everyone, including the grandparents, made very good use of the dance floor that evening! The fun never stopped with just the bridal party! Everyone brought so much good energy to the special day and the room was bursting with so much fun. They had all been waiting so long to have the opportunity to celebrate the union and love of Drew and Carlie. The entire day felt effortless and full of exciting energy from everyone attending! It was such an amazing experience and honour to be a part of such a perfect day.”

Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine :

A Celebration of Love in Kelowna | Rocky Mountain Bride

Photographer: Hope Renee Photography

Planner: Evelyn Clark Weddings Venue: Eldorado Resort

Florist: Crocus Floral Design Makeup Artist: Bri Stein Artistry

Stylist: Cassidy Watt Artistry Collective Decor: Modern Rentals

Rentals: All Occasions Party and Event Rentals

Stationery: Minted DJ: John Bryne Music