Hurricane Island

Wedding Day

Ceremony

We’re so excited to celebrate with you! Welcome to our wedding website! Here you’ll find all the key details to help make your travel and stay as smooth as possible, whether you’re joining us from New Zealand, across Canada, the U.S., or even just from your own cabin on Lake of the Woods. If you have any questions that we haven’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to James or me, we’re happy to help!

Our Wedding

We met in 2019 through one of our mutual friends and immediately hit it off. What started as a summer fling during James’ OE quickly became something neither of us wanted to let go of. After spending every minute we could together the summer started to come to an end, we tried everything we could to extend our time together, including convincing Bella’s parents to let James stay with them while he recovered from a surgery, even though they had barely met him. That was just the beginning of our long-distance adventure. We had plans to see each other again in March 2020, but then the world shut down, keeping us apart for fourteen months. Countless video calls and a lot of patience later, we were finally reunited. In 2021, Bella faced the joys of New Zealand’s border rules, including two weeks in Managed Isolation and navigating what felt like endless immigration paperwork. She lived in New Zealand for a year before returning to Canada to finish university. Over the next few years, we became professional long-distance travelers, flying back and forth and making up for lost time whenever we could. By 2024, Bella moved to New Zealand for good. A few months later, while visiting Canada, James pulled off the surprise of all surprises. He made the engagement ring in just one week and then proposed on Strawberry Island, behind Scottie’s Beach. It was completely unexpected, utterly perfect, and a day we will never forget. That special spot has even inspired some of the details you will see at our wedding.

Our Story

Photos

Travel &amp; Accommodation InformationKenora is a small lakeside town located just outside of Winnipeg, so getting here takes a little extra planning. Travel from New ZealandIf you’re traveling from New Zealand, we recommend flying into Winnipeg via Vancouver. These flights typically arrive in the evening, so you may want to book a hotel in Winnipeg for the night.

Getting to KenoraThere is a shuttle service that runs from the University of Winnipeg to Kenora (details listed below). This will be the easiest option unless you plan to rent a car and drive yourself. Where to StayWe have reserved a room block at the Clarion on the Water for guests.Kenora also offers a variety of Airbnbs and campsites, but please check their locations carefully, the area can be tricky to navigate. Wedding Day TransportationOn the wedding day, a shuttle will run from Kenora to Bear Point Marina, where guests will transfer to a boat shuttle to reach the venue.Please RSVP if you will be needing transport from Kenora. We’ll share more details and schedules as the date approaches!

Winnipeg shuttle service to Kenora. There are other services available but this is one we reccomend!

Kasper Shuttle Service 

Rent a car and make your way out to Kenora, Lake of the Woods

Hertz Car Rental - Winnipeg International Airport

Book a room under "Bella &amp; James Wedding". Our lakeside hotel in Kenora, Ontario features a nearby boat launch for boat tours and kayak rentals. Enjoy dining in our lakeview restaurant or experiencing events like Harbourfest at the harbourfront, a short walk away.

Clarion Lakeside Inn & Conference Centre

Just under 1 mile from the harbor of Kenora, this comfortable hotel offers convenient services and amenities just minutes from a variety of attractions and activities. Start the day with a complimentary hot breakfast.

Comfort Inn Kenora

Travel & Accomodation

Winnipeg, MB

If you are spending any time in Winnipeg we have put together a list of activities and reccomended stops for nibbles and drinks!

Kenora, ON

Popular Locations Lake of the Woods MuseumConey IslandMcLeod ParkHusky The MuskieNorman ParkGarrow Park BeachNorman BeachTwo Bears MarinaKeewatin Beach

Lake of the Woods Brewing Company

Tunnel Island (Waa’say’Gaa’Boo) Trail

Kenora Golf & Country Club Restaurant

Mitowski Market - Wednesdays 8am-2pm

Wednesday Market

Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre

Hoopla Island - Kenora

Centre of Canada Park

Things to Do

A few need to knows for the wedding day

Attire

What to WearThe dress code is summer formal. Think elevated summer dresses in bright, summery colours for women, and a lightweight suit or dress shirt for men. Wedding PartyOur bridesmaids will be wearing a variety of green dresses, so we kindly ask that guests avoid wearing green to prevent any colour clashes. ShoesPlease wear suitable shoes for a lakeside setting. Stilettos or shoes that aren’t suitable for uneven ground may be difficult, as there will be decking and stone paths to walk across.

Transportation

Car ParkingParking will be available at Bear Point Marina on the day. Please let us know in advance if you plan to park there so we can provide the marina with your number plate and car make/model. Boat ParkingThere will be space to dock boats on the island. To help us manage this smoothly, we kindly ask that guests boat-pool where possible. ShuttleWe are currently finalising water shuttle arrangements and will confirm the details soon.

FAQs

Wedding Party

Registry

Honeymoon Fund

As we begin our new life together, we’re looking forward to an unforgettable honeymoon. Instead of traditional gifts, we’d love for you to help us create lasting memories on our trip. If you’d like to contribute to our honeymoon fund, it would mean the world to us as we explore new destinations and celebrate this exciting time in our lives. NZ BankISABELLA GIERYS06-0145-0776379-00 CA Banketransfer: bgierys@gmail.com

Isabella & James