Charlene's Cinderella Wedding at Tigh-Na-Mara in Parksville

Charlene got married in July 2026 at Tigh-Na-Mara in Parksville, with 25 people, a Cinderella theme in blue and silver, and a dog in the ceremony. Guests told the couple it was the best wedding they'd ever been to. Here's the day in Charlene's words, from the midweek package that made it work to a $400 dream dress.

The venue: Tigh-Na-Mara

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort was our venue for the ceremony and reception, and we couldn't have loved it more. We got married on a Wednesday, so we were able to book the elopement package. Ours included the ceremony, three nights' accommodation, cake, flowers, $200 for Cedars, $800 for the Grotto Spa, and two Tigh-Na-Mara bathrobes.

Shane and Carly are the wedding coordinators, and I mostly worked with Carly. She answered every question quickly, got us a cabin right across from the gazebo, and reassured me when challenges came up on the day. She never left me waiting. Carly is 10/10.

Tigh-Na-Mara also runs Savour the Date, where booked couples try the food and meet vendors. It was perfect for choosing our appetizers and dinner. Guests loved the food and so did we. I just wish I'd eaten more of it.

When we arrived the day before the wedding, there was sparkling wine, rose petals, and a single rose waiting in our room. At our rehearsal dinner at Cedars, we ordered three bottles of prosecco and they comped one. It was an expensive wedding, but they did so much to make it worth it.

Even if you don't get married there, I highly recommend the Grotto Spa the day after your wedding to celebrate your first day married.

tip: Midweek dates often unlock packages that weekends don't. Packages change, so ask Tigh-Na-Mara what's currently included. For more small-wedding ideas, see our guide to micro weddings on Vancouver Island.

a letter before the ceremony

the wedding party

everyone (and the dog)

Photo and video: Julien Photography

Wow. Julien Photography captured our day flawlessly. The photos are vivid and stunning, and the highlight film fits together perfectly. Courtney and Steve brought such a positive, infectious energy that everything felt natural. You can watch our highlight film on YouTube.

Hair and makeup: Brandee Friesen and Kate Lawson

Brandee Friesen did my hair, and I loved my trial and loved it even more on the day. I've modelled hair for Brandee a few times, so it was hard to pick just one look. When rain was in the forecast, she reassured me we could pivot and sent me photos of gorgeous updos. The weather turned out perfect, but that reassurance eased my nerves. In the end, I loved my mermaid hair.

Kate Lawson Makeup did my makeup perfectly. I couldn't make up my mind, so we did two trials, and every look was gorgeous. Her foundation looked like I wasn't wearing any. I asked for glowy and bronzed, and I felt like a goddess. It lasted all day and got lots of compliments.

mermaid hair

the veil

DJ and first dance: Todd Cameron and Arthur Murray

Todd Cameron knocked it out of the park. I asked for millennial music, and did he ever deliver. It was hard to leave the dance floor because another great song would come on. He handled lots of requests across a real range of music, and with only 25 of us, he still kept the floor full. He also took videos of us dancing and sent them to me afterward.

For our first dance, Alexa at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Victoria taught us the Viennese waltz. Neither of us had any dance background, but she made it feel easy. We practised a lot on our own, and it was lovely to have a polished first dance we could be proud of.

Flowers and cake: Petal & Kettle and Sugar Fix

Both came through Tigh-Na-Mara. My colours were blue and silver, and Petal & Kettle made a bouquet with lots of blues, white roses, and dusty miller for the silver. I love it so much that I'm having it preserved.

Sugar Fix made our cake. It had a big bow on top, which suited our Cinderella theme perfectly. Inside was red velvet with cream cheese frosting, the best red velvet I've ever had, and guests kept telling us how delicious it was. We saved the top tier in our freezer for our first anniversary. Find them on WeddingHelp as Sugar Fix Display Cakes.

blue and silver

the Cinderella cake

Officiant: Laurel Russell

Laurel is retiring, but she was our lovely officiant. She gave us lots of options for the ceremony, had several scripts, and was happy to use the one I wrote instead. She was always three steps ahead of me and so prepared. Looking for an officiant now? See our guide to Vancouver Island wedding officiants.

The dress, for $400

I bought my dress on Poshmark, if you can believe it. A bride had changed her mind and sold her $2,000 dress for $400: tags on, never altered, and literally my dream dress. If you're on a budget, don't overlook Poshmark.

Corinne at Material Things did my alterations. Her enthusiasm is contagious. When I picked the dress up a week before the wedding, it was too big because I'd lost weight, and she took it in again with only a few days to spare. It fit perfectly, and her prices are very reasonable.

My veil and tiara came from Shades of White. They let me wear my dress at my appointments even though I didn't buy it there. Blush Bridal did the same when I bought a headband for my engagement photos. My jewellery was from Swarovski.

Rings, tuxedos, and the dog

Our engagement ring and both wedding bands are from Brilliant Earth. We love the unique designs and the option of platinum instead of gold.

We rented the guys' tuxedos from Moores. They fit in last-minute measurements, everything arrived on time, and there were lots of ways to customize.

One of our dogs was in the ceremony. I didn't want to worry about dinner and potty breaks afterward, so Errington Pet Lodge picked him up from Tigh-Na-Mara for boarding. They were right on time and sent updates. We've boarded with them many times, and it was wonderful that they could help on our wedding day too.

Tips from Charlene's wedding

• Look at weekday dates. A Wednesday wedding opened up Tigh-Na-Mara's elopement package, with accommodation, cake, and flowers included.
• Go to your venue's tasting events. Savour the Date let Charlene choose the menu and meet vendors in one visit.
• Shop secondhand for the dress. Charlene's $2,000 gown cost $400 on Poshmark, tags still on.
• Plan for your pets. A pickup from a boarding kennel after the ceremony meant no worrying about the dog all evening.
• Save the top tier. Freeze it for your first anniversary.
• Try a few dance lessons. Even with no dance background, the couple pulled off a polished Viennese waltz.