Kimberley & James

Kimberley and James have such an incredible story. In their 4 years together they have conquered so much more as a couple than most people will do in a lifetime. This is so close to our hearts, and we're so thankful for Kimberley allowing us to share her story. 

"Ours is not your typical love story. James and I met through a mutual friend in early 2015. I had just finished telling my friend that I was going to take a break from dating when she set me up with James. 6 weeks later I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. This would be a lot for anyone to deal with in such a new relationship and might cause others to walk away, but James stuck around through it all. While I was going through cancer treatment, James ruptured his achilles' tendon and had to have surgery to repair it. Twice. So we took turns taking care of each other. We've been through more in our 4 years together than most couples will face in their lifetime. Not long after we were both back on our feet we found out James would be deploying. It was during that deployment that he proposed. He had a two week break so we met up in Portugal, where he asked me to be his wife on top of an 18th century fortress overlooking the ocean. 

When it came time to go dress shopping, I was so excited to check out Novelle. My friend Tanya (that same friend that set us up) was also engaged and had invited me to go dress shopping with her at Novelle. This is where I first met Vivienne. She was so incredible that I requested her when it was time to shop for my own dress. Being a breast cancer survivor who was in between surgeries at the time meant I was a bit limited in the styles I felt comfortable wearing. I wasn't sure if I would be having reconstructive surgery before or after the wedding so I needed a dress that would work  in either situation. Vivienne was so kind and compassionate and made me feel so special. She also went above and beyond to accommodate me when I came in for my second appointment. My Mom was in town and I really wanted her to get to experience dress shopping with me. So when I called to book in a time when my Mom was here everything was fully booked but Vivienne made room for us in the bridesmaid area upstairs. It ended up being great because we had the whole upstairs to ourselves. I went in thinking I didn't want strapless and I didn't want a ballgown. But that's exactly what I came out with! Funny how that happens! Along with a beautiful lace bolero by Astrid & Mercedes to wear over top for added coverage. My dress by WTOO by Watters, was perfect and made me feel like an absolute princess. 

Our day was perfect. James is originally from Victoria and I grew up going to Vancouver Island most summers since I was a baby, so we knew the Island was the perfect place for us to say I do! We got married at the Dolphins Resort in Campbell River, BC on September 22, 2018. An absolutely stunning ocean front resort with a private beach, beautiful cabins and a gorgeous lodge with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean to host the reception. We had a small wedding of 50 people. Our guests filled all the cabins and had an exceptional time staying on site for the weekend. It rained the morning of but cleared up in time for us to still have our beach ceremony. We snuck away for some first look photos, just the two of us, before the ceremony. My Aunt and Uncle had arranged for a helicopter tour for us afterwards for our wedding gift, as the resort has a helipad on site. None of our guests knew about it (not even the groom) so it was a fun surprise! We were flown to a secluded island for photos while our guests partied with champagne and delicious appetizers until we returned. We didn't have a traditional wedding cake. We had Portuguese custard tarts because they reminded me of our time in Portugal when we got engaged (I ate them almost daily there). 

I was so lucky to have so many talented family and friends to help out with our special day. In addition to the helicopter, my Aunt did all of the flowers. My Sister is a makeup artist and did my makeup, my cousin played the ceremony music on his acoustic guitar, one of my bridesmaids is a graphic designer and designed our invitations, one of the groomsmen is a DJ and provided his services to us, and the Groom's cousin provided all of the wine. It was a magical day that we will cherish for years to come. 

I can't thank Vivienne and the rest of the girls at Novelle enough! Every time I was at the store I received the best service. I will continue to recommend Novelle to any girl I know shopping for their special dress! "

Venue: Dolphins Resort

Photographer: Neville Black Photography

Helicopter: 49 North Helicopters 

Hair: Hairpins Boutique Salon

Dress: WTOO by Watters

Lace Bolero: Astrid & Mercedes

Dessert: Cake Bread Artisan Bakery

Flowers & Makeup: Family

Rentals: All in One Party Shop Event Rentals.