A Family-Focused Church and State Wines Wedding in Victoria

A Family-Focused Church and State Wines Wedding in Victoria

A Church and State Wines wedding in Victoria, BC is always special, but M&E’s day stood out for its calm energy, thoughtful pacing, and deep focus on family connection. Designed as a meaningful reunion, their wedding brought together loved ones who don’t often share the same space, creating a celebration that felt grounded, welcoming, and intentionally unhurried.

A Spring Wedding Day in Victoria, BC

From the start, the day carried a warm spring feeling. The energy was vibrant yet calm, unfolding in a way that never felt rushed or overly structured. That tone reflected M&E themselves. Their kindness and steady presence set the pace, and guests naturally followed.

Conversations lingered. Laughter came easily. The atmosphere felt intentionally spacious, allowing everyone to settle in and be present rather than move quickly from one moment to the next.

Portraits by the Lake

Before heading to Church and State Wines, M&E chose to share their first photo session at Beaver and Elk Lake Park in Victoria. Rather than keeping the moment private, they invited their immediate family to join them.

It was a quiet, meaningful pause in the day. Time to connect, take photos, and ground themselves together before the ceremony began. By the time guests arrived later that afternoon, that sense of closeness and ease was already woven into the experience.

Why They Chose Church and State Wines

Getting married on the hill above the vines was a major draw. Church and State Wines offered the outdoor setting M&E wanted, paired with views, light, and a West Coast landscape that felt true to the place they love.

The venue also aligned beautifully with their priorities. Hosting both the ceremony and reception in one location created a seamless experience for guests, allowing the day to flow naturally from vows to cocktails to dinner without unnecessary transitions.

There was meaningful family history tied to the venue as well. A family member had been married at Church and State Wines nearly a decade earlier, making the space feel familiar in a way that added depth rather than nostalgia.

Intentional Style and Floral Design

M’s look set the tone for the day. Her gown was simple and flowing, with soft sleeves and a clean silhouette that felt effortless and timeless. Paired with natural hair and makeup, her style felt calm, unfussy, and completely her.

E wore a classic dark suit that balanced polish with approachability. Together, their looks felt cohesive and relaxed, never overdone.

The floral design by Bespoke Blossoms leaned into layered greens, soft whites, and organic movement. Seasonal blooms framed the ceremony aisle without overwhelming the space, while understated table florals and candlelight carried the design indoors. Every detail enhanced the setting rather than competing with it.

A Cocktail Hour That Set the Tone

Cocktail hour became one of the most memorable parts of the day. With the right location, thoughtful music, and generous food and wine from Church and State Wines and Truffles Catering, guests settled in effortlessly.

There was no sense of rushing. People lingered, reconnected, and enjoyed being together. It felt less like a transition and more like a true gathering, exactly the experience M&E hoped to create.

Music as a Design Choice

Music played a central role throughout the celebration. Rather than outsourcing playlists, M&E curated their own, weaving together favourite songs, inside jokes, and meaningful tracks tied to specific memories.

From ceremony through reception, the music guided the emotional flow of the day. It sparked recognition, laughter, and connection, becoming an intentional design element rather than background noise.

Planning a Church and State Wines Wedding

M&E were introduced to Intended through a family connection we had worked closely with the year before. Planning another celebration within the same family felt less like starting fresh and more like continuing a relationship built on trust and shared values.

That existing connection created an ease from the very beginning. There was a mutual understanding of what mattered most: a wedding that felt grounded, thoughtful, and centred on guest experience. For M&E, planning from Ottawa for a wedding in Victoria, having a team already trusted by their family brought a sense of reassurance and calm.

Being invited back into a family’s story is never something we take lightly. It’s a reflection of care, consistency, and the kind of connection that extends beyond a single wedding day.

With Intended fully overseeing event management, they were able to stay present in their wedding bubble, free from concerns about timelines or behind-the-scenes details. Our role was to hold the structure so the day could unfold naturally, allowing them to be fully themselves with the people they love.

If you’re planning your own Church and State Wines wedding and want a celebration rooted in intention, connection, and thoughtful guest experience, we’d love to help you bring it to life.

Vendor Team

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