Sanctuary Gardens
3792 Carrall Road V4T 2C6 West Kelowna, BC, Canada

With the recent restrictions on household gatherings this month, Christmas in the gardens has been limited to only the people in my bubble. As a result Christmas in the gardens has only been shared virtually with all of you (my friends on Instagram and Facebook)... or so I thought! Yesterday I got a phone call from a neighbour who lives in the condo community next to me. She introduced herself and then went on to express her gratitude for my sparkling lights which she is able... to see from her perspective. That brought me so much joy to know that she could see them and was enjoying them... so much so that she reached out to call me to thank me! How thankful I was that she connected to let me know this. It’s these little connections that are holding such significance in these times. It also is a good reminder that our actions can be far reaching and beyond what we even realize... to touch the hearts of those we don’t even know! #christmas #christmasiscoming #christmaslights #connections #christmas2020 #twinklelights #snow #whitechristmas See more

From the very first wedding ever in the gardens to the most recent ones this past season... a portion from every ceremony hosted here is donated to a charity of the couple’s choice. Yesterday was donation day when cheques were written and mailed to the varied charities of choice from this season’s couples. This year is an especially tough year for all, including charities... so I am thankful for all the wonderful choices my couples made to help to make a difference one I do at a time! #lovewins #loveistheanswer #love #fundraising #makingadifference #helpingothers

Bringing light into the darkness... that was the inspiration for the garden’s sparkling Christmas display this season. And as I walk through the gardens this evening, I am reminded that wherever there is light, darkness must flee. For the light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it. #letloveshine #shinebright #shineyourlight #thislittlelightofmine #christmaslights #light

#Repost @jenny.mcalpine.weddings I love everything about this special little ceremony venue. And they’re taking bookings again for 2021 so if you’re after a unique, private setting with stunning views for your intimate wedding ceremony, jump on it! @sanctuarygardens @ensoulendearmentimagery @anewleaffloraldesign @stagerightetc

My garden to me is like an artist’s canvas... a canvas where I can paint with flowers, sculpt with trees and rocks... and be inspired daily by the backdrop of creation. It often feels like I am walking through this painting... as I wonder what else can I add to this beautiful art filled landscape. Decisions to be made as each choice is like a brush stroke to the whole work of art. It humbles me as I learn to work with it and not try to tame its spirit of wildness. Instead I ...join together with this wildness for it only reminds me of what I have always wished for. And as with many artists, there is also angst that is carried into this space ...but my garden allows this careful work of healing to be done in the most gentle of settings. It is safe here for my heart. For we all carry burdens that are too heavy at times. But as the breeze through this garden reminds me to breathe in and breathe out and let go... it is here that I can let time pass, for time is a good listener. In this way, because of how life works its way through us, it feels as though my garden will never be completely finished... for I will continue to grow ...alongside these trees that I have painted with my shovel... alongside the sown seeds that are coloured with hope... alongside the blessing of what is drawn each day from this labour of love. #gardenlove #plantingagarden #tendingagarden #headgardener #gardenkeeper #loveresideshere See more

#Repost @joelsview My last wedding of the year was a dream spent with these amazing humans. I wouldn’t have wanted to end off my season any other way! - - -... - - #loveisnotcancelled #okanagan #explorebc #kelownaphotographer #elopement #huffpostido #bridalinspo #wcwawards #kelownaviews #beautifulbc #radlovestories #loveauthentic #beloved #loveandwildhearts #weddinginspo #goldenhour #canadiancreatives #kelowna #okanaganphotographer #elopementlove #thenomadlovers #letsgoeverywhere #bridestyle

This is me... standing under a tree... announcing that my reservation calendar is once again open! Note that I am only booking into 2021 and a very limited number of ceremonies... and only for the most intimate ‘nearest and dearest’ of elopements! Thank you for your patience as I focused on my sweet 2020 couples ...and did some soul searching as to how I would share my personal sanctuary with you ...during these times when the meaning of sanctuary takes on a whole new perspective. #weddingplanning #weddingplanningbegins #makingplans #2021weddingplanning #sanctuarygardens #sanctuarygardenswedding #treeloversofinstagram

When the seasons of autumn and winter merge together in the Sanctuary Gardens! What a beautiful sight!

If you look close, you may see six little Christmas trees planted in this hillside area overlooking the gazebo. If you were a part of last year’s Christmas mini sessions hosted here, you may also recognize these six little Christmas trees from one of the photo vignettes that was set up in the Rose Room. All summer these trees sat in pots getting watered daily (yes every day) to keep them alive. I really didn’t know what I was going to do with them and I had yet to decide, unt...il this week. Today was finally the day (as I waited for my sprinklers to be blown out) that they found a permanent home at Sanctuary Gardens. And because they bring back lovely memories of my grandson’s first Christmas... I planted them with love in a little grove which will be called Niall’s Forest from this day forward. Thinking they need some twinkle lights to keep their Christmas spirit going through to this year (and maybe even beyond)! #thisishowmygardengrows #sentimentalismymiddlename #meaningfulmemories #christmastreeforest #christmastree #sanctuarygardens See more

So many great memories of #loveisnotcancelled weddings this season... this being one of the top ten!

#Repost @sharlapikephotography Sunset picnics with beautiful friends & a gorgeous charcuterie box from @thegrazecompany coming soon to the Okanagan! Launching October 15th check them out! Shot at the stunning @sanctuarygardens ... Models: @janabourque @mrsmarcysimpson MUA: @pierinalissamakeup #sharlapikephotography #okanaganbusiness #brandingphotoshoot #okanaganlife #charcuteriebox #thegrazecompany See more

Soooo many beautiful posts to share from our sweet summertime elopements in the gardens and I have been missing doing so! It’s officially autumn now and I have some catching up to do!

#Repost @artbysarahlewke Here’s another commission piece that was delivered to a happy couple who got married at @sanctuarygardens - such a gorgeous spot on the Westside. I grew up swimming and playing in Gellatly bay, the little bit of lake in the background of this scene. This was commissioned as a very thoughtful wedding gift. . .... . . . #sanctuarygardens #watercolourpainting #watercolourart #weddinggift #landscape #okanaganlake #geometricart #artistsoninstagram #commissions #kelowna # See more

#Repost @stephanie.lucile.photography Congratulations to these two on their engagement

Beautiful moments... 2020 newlyweds will have a special place in my heart. Thankful for all the love being experienced and celebrated during this unique and historic chapter of my little garden’s love story!

#Repost @ophelia_photography This is 2020 .. ..... .. .. .. #covid19 #2020 @kathryn.ramsay.esthetics @sanctuarygardens @melanieorrphotography #kelowna #kelownaweddingphotographer #kelownabc #kelownawedding #vancouverweddingphotographer #wedding #covidwedding #masks #wayupnorth #weddingdress #weddingpictures #weddinginspiration #weddingday #sanctuarygardenswedding #loveinthetimeofcorona #loveinthetimeofcovid19 #loveisnotcancelled #pandemicwedding #loveenduresallthings See more

One year ago in the gardens... What a difference a year makes... no more travel but still lots of love! Thank you Kelowna Daily Courier for sharing the music travel love !!... Music Travel Love

Beyond into the beyond... #beingstill #realizations #peaceandlove #loveistheanswer #sanctuarygardens #goldenhour #goldenhourphotography #goldenhourlight #missingyou #elevenyearsofmissingyou

#Repost @westmountkelowna Throwback Thursday! To one of WestMOUNTS first weddings. The beautiful Ceremony of Tyler and Kristi took place the Summer of 2016 at Sanctuary Gardens in West Kelowna. These two have been a constant stream of love, encouragement and support to the body of Westmount and we couldn’t be more thankful for these two! We are so blessed by everybody in our Community and are so excited to be doing life with you in this upcoming season of the Church! . .... @bokettophotography @sanctuarygardens . . . . . #summer2020 #churchlife #community #marriage #love #couplegoals #westmount #kelowna #sanctuarygardens #onlinechurch #church #summerlove #jesusisking #jesuschrist #godisincontrol #godislove #photography #sanctuarygardenswedding #sanctuary #sanctuarygardens See more

Feeling blue... in a good kinda way! Happy Sunday! #quarantineblues #meadow #meadowflowers #sanctuarygardenswedding #blueflowers #okanaganlife #maygarden #mayflowers #blueflax #naturescape #wildflowers #wildflowersofinstagram

Wedding season would have started this weekend in the gardens. Instead I am alone with my thoughts... thinking of the couples (and their families/friends) who are safely sheltered at home. And as I sit here beneath this maple, I am thinking of the storms in life that we must all endure at some point... and specifically this collective one that the whole world is experiencing together. We are living a point in history right this very moment and I don’t take that lightly. One d...ay this will all be a page (or a few pages) in a history book... including the love stories of all the newlyweds-to-be this wedding season. What a story we all will be able to tell... when the page eventually turns. Sending love from the gardens to all who read this... #loveisimmune #loveendures #lovealways #love #loveistheanswer #loveisthereason #pandemicwedding #loveinthetimeofcorona #sanctuarygardens #sanctuarygarden #sanctuaryinastorm #sanctuarylife #sanctuarygardenswedding See more

Changing times for the world including our little Okanagan wedding world, as we know it. When a destination wedding no longer was the destiny for this couple... their love didn't stop them from marking the very day that they were to be wed. Instead of on a beach in Cancun, they ended up at Sanctuary Gardens... just the two of them... experiencing all the special moments from first look "Wows!" ...to love filled vows, ring exchange and first kiss... to cutting their cake and ...toasting with bubbly! Their family and friends (all mostly located in Ontario) watched online, thanks to "Instagram Live"... with the groom even joking how he had become an influencer with his hundreds of viewers... who followed along as he learned the how-to's of solo bow tie tying and boutonniere pinning. <3 Seeing the two of them share in all the sacred ceremony moments brought such joy to my heart that this was possible in what seems like impossible circumstances. And as I watched from a distance, I marvelled in the power and endurance of love and its ability to conquer all. @uncorkedfilms documented the beautiful Spring afternoon in the gardens for a sentimental keepsake for the newlyweds of this most uniquely special chapter in their love story. photographer: Mackenzie Dempsey dress: Sarah Seven Bridal cake: CakesbyLaur flowers: Old School Petals #loveisimmune #loveisnotcancelled #sociallydistancewedding #pandemicwedding #loveinthetimeofcorona

B.C. Centre for Disease Control directives for weddings this season: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-In//Coronavirus-FAQ-English.pdf

Spring has sprung on Daffodil Hill... my favourite time of year! Was thinking as I sat solo (admiring their cheery faces) about the many past cold autumn (almost winter) days when I was working to dig each one of these bulbs in... separately... a slow process. I was thinking how the bulb shows no outward sign of its beauty yet to come... but only reveals itself after a cold hibernation tucked into the dark soil where it must wait for the seasons to change. I think you all get where I’m going with this... no more words needed. #hanginthere #loveispatient #daffodilhill #daffodilseason #daffodilseasonishere #daffodilseason2020 #massplanting #naturalizing #meadowflowers #sanctuarygardenswedding #sanctuarygardens #sanctuary #favouritetimeofyear

#whiteheartprojectkgh White Heart Project a white heart is a symbol commonly used to convey hope, pure thought and steadfast intention. You are invited to share a white heart to show your appreciation of health care workers at Kelowna General Hospital during the COVID-19 crisis. #standingtogetherbut6ftapart #thankyouhealthcareworkers #thankyouforyourservice #frontlineworkers #essentialserviceworkers #westandonguardforthee #thankyou #thankful

Lots of space to socially distance but still get some garden enhancement projects done. Trellis gothic windows now custom made and installed by the talented welder Saul Sharpe Designs Next will be planting material to create the walls and ceiling. One day at a time...

DIY Mask Pattern Trouble with my scanner reducing the original so make sure that you enlarge it to match the measurement on the side edge to get the proper fit. Note that it is only effective as the material used. This is not a medical grade option for protection (so don’t get too brave with it on) but it will help to keep some of your germs to yourself and serve as barrier to keep your hands from touching your face.

This germaphobe is dealing with the lack of available face masks by drawing on my former skills as a clothing designer to make my own. My old industrial sewing machines needed a bit of a nudge to get their wheels turning again... and all my sewing supplies needed a dusting off... but all in all, a successful isolating day spent at home creating a pattern and sample mask! Fine tuning the pattern and as soon as it’s ready, I will share it as a PDF so you can print it out and make your own. #sanctuarygardenswedding #stayathome #flattenthecurve #keepyourgermstoyourself #spreadlovenotgerms @ Sanctuary Gardens - West Kelowna

Watching and waiting... as wedding season is/was scheduled to start in less than two months here in the gardens. All Sanctuary couples, please know that full refunds (including the nonrefundable deposit) will be offered if you choose to not proceed with your 2020 ceremony, due to the Coronavirus situation... and all the travel restrictions, health concerns and social distancing/isolating that go with. Postponement to a later date is also an option, depending on availability...... including August and September 2020 dates or a full year ahead into 2021. Another option... keep your wedding ceremony date but make it a "Just the Two of Us" intimate elopement and price adjustment will be made for this smaller gathering. Then if you are able to work with your reception venue, reschedule your reception to a later date to celebrate (and hug and dance) with friends and family when things settle. Or... if there is another option that would work for you, let's discuss the logistics and see what we can come up with! Please do connect with any questions or concerns. I want to work to customize and facilitate however it will work best for you in this evolving situation. Please do take good care. My heart and much love goes out to you all... <3 Kirstin from Sanctuary Gardens P.S. Interesting article included below... https://infotel.ca//rsvp-maybe-coronavirus-puts-w/it71265

Cold... but oh so pretty! #frozen #letitgo #winter

I haven’t been going out much lately but hibernation has its perks... like catching this glorious sunset in the gardens last week. The lake was like glass and the late day sun cast a warm hue over the winter white. It was golden...

January gardens dressed in snow white... every season has its beauty and today it is winter’s turn.

Winter Solstice moments in the gardens that included the gazebo as seen through a raindrop lens, newlywed kisses and a beautiful sunset to end this shortest of days. <3

We have had lots of holiday cheer during our Christmas minis here at Sanctuary Gardens this December! It's been fun to see all the families, couples and even some four legged, furry family members. I have been very impressed with everyone's sense of fashion... so many cute coordinated outfits (including those pups) and all the sweet holiday dress up clothes... and even a few matchy pyjamas stylings... all accessorized with those sweet smiles! Especially loved seeing these Sanctuary newlyweds (from a few years back) as they mark their first Christmas with their new baby! Photo by Julia Lockhart Photography <3

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas mini season around here!

Almost one million views on YouTube for Music Travel Love ‘s original love song #theonlyone filmed here in the gardens earlier this year! Their visit was a highlight to my season (still can’t believe The Moffatts were here... what?!?) and to be able to serve as a location to share our beautiful Okanagan views with the world is such an honour! The Moffatt twins are now headed to Southeast Asia to continue their #musictravellove adventures, with numerous concert dates and to co...ntinue creating music videos in exotic locations. Can’t wait to see and hear more of their content! Follow them to armchair travel along! The Only One (official video) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yx8BzfZBg7s #visitwestside #tourismkelowna #sanctuarygardens

Featured on Love Stories TV! Follow the link to view this sweet Spring time elopement in the gardens as seen through the lens of Uncorked Films... <3

Happy Thanksgiving!

For those of you who know me... i have a few business bucket list items. Might have to add cover on a Harlequin romance novel to that list! Wow! Amazing art photography by Nikki Harrison Oh and see that little cottage in the distance, that’s where the (fairy godmother) caretaker of the gardens lives (in the above mentioned novel).

<3 October love by the talented Nikki Harrison <3 Can you believe this photograph was taken this morning with the temperatures just hovering above freezing... but that glorious autumn sunshine still had some warmth in it and the bright blue sky made for a perfect backdrop. Magical moment...

All the Friday feels with this sweet proposal ...all captured by Alyssa Beck Photography who was paparazzi-ing from behind one of the trees! Love these surprise love moments! And by the look of these love-ly photos you can see that #shesaidyes !!! Congratulations and much love wished to these two Sanctuary love birds!

You’ll find me... somewhere UNDER the rainbow!

#Repost @crocusfloraldesign I must have flowers, always and always. Claude Monet. #crocusfloraldesign #mauveroses #underthefloralspell #okanaganweddingflorist #weddingflorist #awardwinningflorist #weddingarbour #florist #okanaganweddings

One week has gone by since the release of Music Travel Love's new wedding song "The Only One"... and it's exciting to see the number of views! One Sanctuary bride has already walked in to this beautiful melody, being the first to do so upon its release... and I recently heard that one of our 2020 Sanctuary brides will be incorporating this song into her ceremony! Hearing this makes me so happy because this song is so lovely and may even become a special #signaturesong for the gardens. <3 #sanctuarymusic #theonlyone #lovesong #weddingsong #endlesssummermusic #musictravellove #themoffatts

What a beautiful moment having our Sanctuary bride walk in to this new wedding song The Only One by Music Travel Love in its first hour of being released! Thank you Endless Summer for writing such a beautiful love song and for your travels that brought you here to sing it.

<3 Feels like a dream but it's coming true tomorrow... so stay tuned! <3

Anyone recognize this talented duo who are traveling the world making music videos in scenic locales? Does that sage meadow they are standing in look familiar? Bonus shout out to anyone who knows what that little barn building is photobombing in the background! Stay tuned for some exciting Sanctuary Gardens news of the musical variety!

We Elopements... and here are some beautiful photos by Candid Apple Photography to show you why!

September Pop Up coming your way! Who’s looking to say an autumn time I do! at Sanctuary Gardens?

We had some sweet musical visitors in the gardens last night! Thank you to Endless Summer (Clint and Bob Moffatt) for stopping by as they travel the world making music! So looking forward to hearing and seeing their new love song release! Stay tuned... #musictravellove #endlesssummermusic

<3 by Candid Apple Photography

Birds are chirping, sun is setting... what a beautiful golden hour tonight in the gardens.

Feeling like summer on the last day of May! #sunnyday #thirtydegrees #summertimevibe

A little behind the scenes glimpse into yesterday's romantic first look here in the gardens. Before the ceremony, the wedding couple exchanged letters which were read before meeting in the meadow to see one another for a "first look." It was a beautiful moment set aside for one another... as they anticipated their upcoming vows before friends and family. Documenting the love was Vasia Photography and Matt Vautour Films... with a few photos (shown here) from my camera and perspective.How sweet are these two bridesmaids? #bridesmaidgoals <3 Planning by Dreamy Wedding & Event Planning Decor by Vintage Origami Weddings Florals by Crocus Floral Design

Mornings in the garden... that turn into afternoons in the garden... #sanctuarygardens #gardensanctuary

The flax is in full bloom with the flowers opening in the morning turning the hillside blue. By the afternoon they close up in the heat of the day and the shades of blue disappear.

Even the deer enjoy the shade of the gazebo on a warm day! :) <3

An evening in May... <3

Starting to see some of the photos from Mosaic Party & Event Design’s Pop Up wedding event from last weekend! It was so much fun to work with this creative and talented team of vendors... and then to see and feel and be a part of the love and excitement from the newlyweds and their friends/family! One of the couples hadn’t even told their family what was up and gathered them together for an engagement party... only to surprise them with the announcement that they were getting married that afternoon!

Are you a spontaneous couple, madly in love and so wishing to get married... this month??? On May 26th, here at Sanctuary Gardens, an amazing vendor team will be onsite preparing a romantic ceremony set up that includes all the dreamy decor and beautiful florals. Also provided is the MUA, officiant and photographer... all you need is your love and your license! Step into your dream wedding ceremony by contacting sweetheartevents.com <3 Amazing vendor team to include: Sweetheart Events Maru Fine Art Photography, Vancouver Officiant, Da Fiori Design, Jenny Mckinney and more...

Thank you many times over to the sweet Santa Claus who gifted me with bags of unmarked tulip bulbs at my door, a few days before Christmas. Running around to second hand stores looking for pots and spending some cold December days in the garage planting them... has resulted in some wonderful Springtime blooms! I am now researching how to store them once they are finished flowering in their pots. Mesh bags have been ordered for when I dig them up... but any tips will be greatly appreciated...