Shawnigan Lake School

Welcome Gathering & July 1 Carnival!

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Hiscock-tail Hour & Games

Reception

Shawnigan Lake School - Renfrew House

Sunday Brunch

Summer

Our Wedding

How We Met Honestly, Lindsey hates that their story begins online, but that's where it all started (big shout-out to Hinge). Shortly after moving back to his childhood neighbourhood (Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island), Christan decided to try his luck with online dating. Meanwhile, Lindsey had just accepted a job at Shawnigan Lake School (also in Cowichan Valley) for the following school year, and gave herself a limit of one week on Hinge (an online dating app) to see who might be eligible in the area. Within two days, they matched. Christan and Lindsey chatted back and forth for a few weeks, playing their version of Table Topics. They took turns asking each other absolutely any question they wanted. They were not allowed to "pass" on an answer, and it was not permissible to ask the same question in return within a 24-hour period. For example, when Lindsey asked: "How do you feel about tall girls?", Christan could not simply "pass" and he was not permitted to ask how Lindsey how she felt about shorter guys for at least 24 hours. (Of course, Christan answered: "Well, I know one tall girl that I find beautiful..." good answer). Chatting continuously, the two got to know each pretty well, but Lindsey had no explanation as to what Christan was thinking when he had a bouquet of flowers delivered to Lindsey's office (the work place of 8 other wonderful women). "Just from a friend," blushed Lindsey. The first time they met was at a toll booth in a parking lot. Lindsey turned around and saw a handsome, athletic, well-dressed man that was about 30-lbs lighter than his dating profile pictures (a rare "reverse-catfish" situation). The two walked along the inner harbour in Victoria before heading to eat at a busy local restaurant . Lindsey thought that Christan really wasn't into her because he seemed incredibly distracted by everything that was happening around him. They parted ways that evening with two very different perspectives on how it went... Lindsey thought it went horribly, and Christan thought it went incredibly. Luckily, Christan was able to talk Lindsey into a second date after explaining that his distraction was because of his ADHD. They're both so glad that they went on that second date. What was meant to be a quick hike around Thetis Lake with Leo (Lindsey's playful labradoodle), turned into an 8-hour date by the end of which both Christan and Lindsey knew that they had found their soul's match. Since then, the two (plus Leo) have been inseparable. As cliche as it sounds, "When you know, you know."

Our Story

Our Engagement 

We know that for many of you this is a "destination wedding", and we are so glad that you are considering attending. Vancouver Island is an absolutely spectacular place for a holiday; we hope that you are able to make the most of your time here either before or after our wedding. Please read below for a few travel options to our wedding venue, Shawnigan Lake School:

Shawnigan Lake School -- 1975 Renfrew Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W1

Drive from Home

If you are coming from the mainland, please take one of the two options to Vancouver Island from the Tsawwassen Mills Ferry Terminal. If you are driving, be sure to book your ferry ahead of time (things book up on the long weekends)! Option 1:- Tsawwassen to Schwartz Bay (Victoria)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/daily/TSA-SWB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/daily/TSA-SWB</a>- Drive 1 hour from Schwartz Bay to Shawnigan lake school (or consider taking the Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay ferry - more info below) Option 2:&nbsp;Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/daily/TSA-DUK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/daily/TSA-DUK</a>- Drive 45 minutes from Duke Point to Shawnigan Lake School

Fly to Victoria (YYJ)

WestJet offers direct flights from Calgary to Victoria. Once in Victoria, your options to travel to Shawnigan Lake School are: Option 1:&nbsp;Rent a car and drive 1 hour to Shawnigan Lake School Option 2: Drive your rental car to the Brentwood Bay ferry terminal and then ferry to the Mill Bay ferry terminal (25 minute ferry ride)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/daily/BTW-MIL" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/daily/BTW-MIL</a> Option 3:&nbsp;Take public transportation to Brentwood Bay ferry terminal and then be picked up by one of the “Doland Shuttles” at Mill Bay. Here are the directions for public transportation from the airport to Brentwood Bay ferry:--- Bus #88 Sidney (2 stops to McTavish Exchange)--- Bus #72 Downtown (10 stops to Saanichton Exchange Bay B)--- Bus #75 Downtown (10 stops to Verdier at Keally)--- Walk 3 minutes to Brentwood Bay Ferry Terminal and walk on as a passenger to Brentwood Bay ferry to Mill Bay.--- Be picked up by one of the “Doland Shuttles” at Mill Bay. Please let us know about your arrival times.

Fly to Nanaimo (YCD)

WestJet offers direct flights from Calgary to Nanaimo. Once in Nanaimo, your options to travel to Shawnigan Lake School are: Option 1: Rent a car and drive 45 minutes to Shawnigan Lake School Option 2: Take a bus from Nanaimo Airport to Mill Bay&nbsp;<a href="https://viconnector.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://viconnector.com/</a>

Fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

There is a new economic airline called Lynx Air that flies from Calgary to Vancouver. From there, you will need to get to Tsawwassen Mills ferry terminal. Option 1: Rent a car, drive to Tsawwassen Mills ferry terminal and ferry to either Schwartz Bay (Victoria) or Duke Point (Nanaimo). Then either rent a car to drive to Shawnigan Lake School, or take a taxi or bus. Option 2: Take public transport from airport to Tsawwassen Mills ferry terminal:--- SkyTrain Canada Line: Waterfront (3 stops to Bridgeport Station)--- Walk to Bridgeport bus Station (platform 12)--- Bus 620 Tswaa Ferry Express (35 minutes to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal)--- Take ferry to either Schwartz Bay (Victoria) or Duke Point (Nanaimo). Then either rent a car to drive to Shawnigan Lake School, or take a taxi or bus.

Getting Here

Stay in one of the Shawnigan Lake School dorm rooms! Lindsey and Christan have excitedly rented out all of Renfrew House (the house on campus that Lindsey lives and works at as a house parent). *Please note that we would like to give priority to our out-of-province and mainland guests. When you RSVP, be sure to note whether you will be staying in the dorm!

There are so many beautiful cabins along Shawnigan Lake that are available on Air BnB. Check them out: https://www.airbnb.ca/

Airbnb or Vrbo in Shawnigan Lake 

Book a room at this beautiful ocean-front hotel, only 13 km away from the school!

Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay

Stay at this stunning resort, about a 20 minute drive from Shawnigan Lake School.

Villa Eyrie Resort

Duncan is a quick 25 minute drive from Shawnigan Lake School!

Ramada by Wyndham Duncan Cowichan Valley

Accommodations

Go for a 3 km hike nice and close to the school!

Kinsol Trestle

Taste some delicious wine and pizza at Unsworth Vineyards. Only a 8 minute drive from campus!

Unsworth Vineyards

Old Baldy Mountain Trail

Shawnigan Lake School Docks

Absolutely gorgeous hiking in this provincial park!

Koksilah River Provincial Park

Our favourite place to go for a cider!

Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Things to Do

Registry

While Lindsey and Rachel went to the same high school, they didn't become the wonderful friends that they are today until playing varsity sport at the University of Calgary. Rachel had started an Athletes in Action chapter at UofC and invited Lindsey to come along to the Monday night bible study; and boy, is Lindsey glad she did! The two have been inseparable ever since (even though they haven't lived in the same city since Rachel graduated). Their friendship has taken them around the world from South Africa to China for visits of one another's homes-away-from-home. Last year, Lindsey was fortunate to play the role of MOH for Rachel at her wedding to her wonderful husband, Jason. 

Rachel Cook

Lindsey and Sarah's friendship started when she decided to crash Sarah's 25th birthday party after constantly being told "you should meet Sarah"!  Quickly thereafter, Lindsey worked for Sarah's landscaping business, where the two spent hours shovelling dirt, picking weeds, laughing hysterically, crying often, and praying with one another. Sarah exudes love and positivity everywhere she goes, and Lindsey is so blessed to call her a "rafiki". The two travelled to Ethiopia together, conquering Prayer Mountain and sleeping amongst the baboons while the trekked through the Simian Mountains. Lindsey was fortunate to be a bridesmaid in Sarah's wedding to her wonderful husband Chad a few years ago; she is overjoyed that Sarah will stand with her and her big day!

Sarah Cena

KJ has been with Lindsey through all of life's ups and downs since grade 9 (they met at an unfortunate track & field meet at which Lindsey broke her hip). Since then, the two navigated high school together, played volleyball against each other in university, lived through the ups and downs of young adulthood, and made beautiful memories along the way. KJ is one of Lindsey's most hilarious friends, and she can make her laugh in almost any circumstance. Lindsey cannot begin to imagine her life without KJ's wonderful wit, kindness, and never-ending love. 

Kristjana (KJ) Fridfinnson

Esther is Lindsey's activities and adventure buddy. The two met in university through Athletes in Action (Esther played basketball), and the discovered a mutual love for back country hiking. Since then, they have conquered some pretty epic hikes in the Rocky Mountains, Iceland, the West Coast Trail, and even some walks in Macau when Esther came for a visit when Lindsey lived there. Lindsey adores Esther's "always-up-for-it" attitude, playing worship, camping, road tripping, and just doing life with this wonderful human!

Esther Augustine

Lindsey is so lucky to call Riley the sister she never had! Lindsey's brother, Brady, sure did a great job choosing an intelligent, kind woman. Riley is also the strong mama of two wonderful kids, Kaya and Levi, who Lindsey absolutley adores. Lindsey and Riley have been on many "Doland Epics" together skiing, hiking, and traveling, and even worked at the same school (SMUS) for two years as houseparents together. A few years ago, Lindsey was fortunate to be a bridesmaid in Riley and Brady's wedding, and she is overjoyed that Riley said yes to doing the same for her. 

Riley Doland


Sandeep Heer has been my best friend for over a decade. It all started when he tried to steal away the awesome players from the grade 9 basketball team I was coaching, for the grade 10 team he was coaching. Needless to say, I denied that…and took that team to win the championships and place 12th in the province. (I like to remind him of that whenever I can. 😉) Our love of competition and having fun have been part of our friendship ever since. What I really admire about Sandeep is his generosity and care for others. It comes out in everything he does. We’ve had many adventures together, and I’m looking forward to many more. I’m grateful to have him as my Best Man, as I start this beautiful new journey in my life. 

Sandeep Heer


I’ve known Damon Griffiths, since I was a young man. One of the first things you’ll notice about him is his genuine happiness for others and the way he cheers on their success and achievement. He has a huge depth to his character, which is why peer pressure was never a factor. If he wanted to do something he did it and if he didn’t, he didn’t. I admire that. I also love the way he shows up as a father and husband, and I’m looking forward to learning more from him on both those subjects, as I grow my own family. In my heart, I know I couldn’t find a better role model than Damon. 

Damon Griffiths

I met Andrew Miller at an event when I was in my mid 20s. He really stood out from everybody else in the room because he’s so inquisitive. When he talks with you, you get 100% of his focus and it makes you feel like you’re the most interesting person in the room. He sincerely wants to learn more about you, what you’re doing and where you want to go. He always brightens a conversation because he genuinely cares. I’m really looking forward to creating more memories with him on this new path in my life. 

Andrew Miller

Brady Doland, is my soon to be brother in law. Not only will I be able to call the most wonderful woman in the world my wife, I will also get to call Brady my brother. We clicked right away when we met and it’s been awesome ever since. I admire his spirit of adventure and his ability to teach, and I’ve benefitted from both! Brady’s taught me how to mountain bike and to ski. I have so much fun when I’m with him and I can’t wait for the next exciting challenge that we’ll get to conquer together! 

Brady Doland

Lindsey re-homed Leo from a family in Calgary when he was 6-months old. Christan was introduced to Leo on their second date, as Lindsey needed to make sure that the two would get along. Since then, the two boys have been inseparable, and Leo accompanies Christan to his office in Duncan most days of the week. On Christan's 35th birthday, Lindsey gifted him with "official" adoption papers and the three of them have been a family ever since. 

Leo Doland

Wedding Party

Christan and I are fortunate to have everything we need to begin our lives together. So, in lieu of gifts, we would appreciate your consideration donating to one of two causes that are dear to our hearts: Breast Cancer Society of Canada OR the SPCA (or your local animal shelter).&nbsp; 1. Breast Cancer Society of CanadaTo honour Christan's late mom, Joanne, who went home to Jesus in 2012 after a year battling breast cancer, please consider donating to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC). Joanne was an incredibly selfless single mother who worked full-time as a nurse while raising her three incredible children. We would also like to honour Lindsey's Gram who battled breast cancer and her Auntie Linda who has beat breast cancer 3 times. You can donate to the BCSC at the following link: <a href="https://bcsc.ca/get-involved/donate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bcsc.ca/get-involved/donate/</a>&nbsp; 2. SPCA (or Local Animal Shelter)While Lindsey and Christan's labradoodle, Leo, was not "officially" adopted from the SPCA, he was re-homed by Lindsey from a family in Calgary when he was 6-months old. Leo has been loyally by Lindsey's side through all of life's ups and downs ever since (including Lindsey and Christan's second date). The love that their "good boy" brings to their life is immeasurable; They hope that more animals will have the opportunity to give this love to families that adopt. You can donate to the SPCA at the following link: <a href="https://spca.bc.ca/donate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://spca.bc.ca/donate/</a>&nbsp;

Lindsey & Christan

Lindsey & Christan

Our Engagement