This couple got married in August 2026 at Nanaimo Golf Club, with about 65 guests. When they started planning, they couldn't find a single vendor review written from a same-sex couple's point of view. So Deavon wrote one, and it covers exactly what they wish they'd been able to read.
"she really brought together our really gay wedding!"
The venue: Nanaimo Golf Club
We chose Nanaimo Golf Club because it had a spot for both the ceremony and reception, and it came with linens, some decorations, bar staff, and in-house catering. On the day, there was clear signage with our names directing guests where to go. The staff also set up and took down all of our decorations, which no other venue we looked at offered.
Our first meeting with the GM was a little awkward, because he didn't realize at first that we were the couple getting married. Once we cleared that up, he made a point of telling us that all couples are welcome and that they've hosted several same-sex weddings.
Victoria, the events coordinator, was amazing. She helped with planning and suggestions, was easy to reach whenever we had a question, and made sure the day ran smoothly. When we had trouble with a rental company, she took over coordinating with them for us. We felt completely looked after.
The ceremony was under the willow trees. Even in the middle of a golf course, it felt intimate and romantic. The reception hall had an indoor space and an outdoor patio with a lower level, where we set up yard games. They also gave us a private room to get ready in, which was a perfect spot to connect with each other and close family before everything started. The food was fantastic, and so many guests raved about the late-night mac and cheese bar.
The celebrant: Barbara Densmore
I can't say enough about how fantastic Barbara is. As a lesbian couple, we wanted a ceremony that told our story and acknowledged that we're a same-sex couple. We didn't want a cookie-cutter, get-the-paperwork-done-so-we-can-party ceremony.
Barbara wove our story into the ceremony beautifully and brought great ideas of her own. She suggested a ring warming, and our moms each offered our rings to their new daughter-in-law. At the rehearsal, she helped us rearrange the seating so it felt communal instead of like a performance. Before the ceremony she huddled with our DJ and photographers so everything ran smoothly. She has a naturally poetic way of speaking and brings a wonderful energy to the space. Afterward, so many guests told us how much fun they had during the ceremony.
Photography: With Love Photography
We love Holly and Bayley. Having two photographers means they catch every moment. From our engagement shoot on, they helped us feel relaxed, and we loved that they suggested movements instead of stiff poses.
Some classic poses are built around a man and a woman, like one partner holding the other from behind. Holly and Bayley always had us swap, instead of assigning one of us to be "the man." Even though I was in a dress and my wife was in a suit, we never felt like we were being photographed as a straight couple. The photos show us as we really are. We had our sneak peeks within a week, and by the end of the wedding it felt like we'd made two new best friends.
tip: Ask photographers to show you a full gallery from a same-sex wedding, and ask how they approach posing. A good answer sounds like Holly and Bayley's: prompts and movement, with no assigned roles.
Hair and makeup: Joey Roo and Emiko at Serenity Salon
As a queer couple, we had a hard time finding a makeup artist who understood makeup that wasn't overly feminine or overly masculine. We showed up with no inspiration photos, just a vibe, and Joey nailed it. They did both brides, our moms, and a bridesmaid, and I'm still shocked at how reasonable their price was for that level of skill. Their energy made our morning special. You can find Joey on Instagram at @joeyrooofficial.
Emiko at Serenity Salon came in clutch. I had the idea I'd do my own hair, and by the time I realized that wasn't going to work, the wedding was a month away. Emiko squeezed my wife and me in early in the morning before a full day at the salon. Even though our hair was done hours before the ceremony, not a single hair was out of place all night.
DJ and flowers: Harvest Moon DJ and Ladybug Floral
Vanessa from Harvest Moon DJ ran our ceremony and reception. She was organized from our first meeting, every song cue in the ceremony landed on time, and she had the right music for mingling and dinner before playing banger after banger on the dance floor.
We went to Ladybug Floral with a vague idea and a modest budget. They put together beautiful arrangements and suggested ways to stay on budget. Everyone we spoke with there was helpful.
Rentals and linens
We rented cornhole, giant Connect 4, and extra bud vases from Timeless Party Rentals. The rates were reasonable, delivery and pickup at the venue were affordable, and the online portal was easy to order from. The games were a hit, especially during cocktail hour while everyone waited for the wedding party to come back from photos.
Our linens came through the golf club's rental partner. The linens were good quality, well priced, and there was a great selection, but our in-store experience wasn't a good one, and Victoria ended up handling the order for us. One note for queer couples: the showroom had a lot of "Mr & Mrs" decor and nothing for same-sex couples. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.
note: Timeless Party Rentals is WeddingHelp's sister company. Deavon's review of them is shared as written.
Tips from Deavon's wedding
- Ask venues and vendors directly whether they've worked with same-sex couples. It tells you a lot about how the planning will feel.
- Look for a celebrant who writes a custom ceremony. Deavon's guests still talk about how much fun the ceremony was.
- Ask your photographer how they pose couples. Prompts and movement beat assigned roles.
- Check what your venue sets up and takes down for you. Nanaimo Golf Club handled all of Deavon's decor, which saved the couple and their families a lot of work.
- Don't plan to do your own hair to save money unless you've practised. Book a stylist early.
FAQ
Is Nanaimo Golf Club open to non-members for weddings? Yes. Weddings at Nanaimo Golf Club are open to the public, and the club handles catering and bar service in-house.
Where do ceremonies happen at Nanaimo Golf Club? The couple married under the willow trees by the lily pond, in the middle of the course. Their reception was in the hall, which has an indoor room and an outdoor patio.
Who photographed this wedding? With Love Photography, a Nanaimo team of two photographers, Holly and Bayley.
How can I share my own wedding story? Send your date, venue, vendor list, and a few photos (with your photographer's okay) through our contact page. See more real Vancouver Island weddings.
Photos by With Love Photography. Shared with permission.
