Friday Meet & Greet

McLean Mill National Historic Site

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktails & Charcuterie

Dinner

Games & Speeches

Special Dances

Open Dance Floor!

Late Night Munchies

Our Wedding

SHOOT YOUR SHOT!

Although Ben and Rachel both grew up in Squamish, their story didn’t begin until years later in Victoria. One day, while responsibly studying at UVic, Rachel came across a photo on Instagram that caught her eye. It was someone she recognized—a boy from her hometown who was now living in Victoria too, all grown up and looking good! Months passed, but Rachel couldn’t get him out of her head. With a little encouragement from her best friend (and perhaps a margarita or two for courage), she finally decided to take a chance—and slid into his DMs. On the other side of McKenzie Ave. Ben's phone notified him of a message. At first he thought it was a mistake. Little did he know that by replying to a message from the “cool older girl from high school,” he was beginning a story that would lead him to his partner for life. Seven years later, they find themselves back on Vancouver Island, spending their days exploring trails with their dog, Keo, cuddling up with their cat, Ozzie, and sharing fireside chats with family and friends. Rachel and Ben are so excited to continue building a lifetime of memories together—and to begin this next chapter as husband and wife.

Our Story

Throughout the Years

Photos

Connor and Ben first met in grade eight in Squamish, and it didn’t take long before they were spending most of their time together—usually on a soccer field or wandering across town in search of lakes or rivers. Even then, Connor’s loyalty and dependability were unmistakable; he was the friend who showed up without being asked and always had your back.
As they got older, their adventures only grew—backcountry hikes, camping trips, the occasional music festival, and even international travel. Though they rarely live in the same town now, every time they reconnect it feels like no time has passed. They’ve always made the effort to show up for each other, and Ben is grateful to have Connor beside him as his Best Man.

Connor Wike

Ben has known Dominic for most of his life—ever since the day Dominic and his twin sister (see bridesmaids) were brought home. Overnight, Ben went from only child to big brother of two, a role that came with an immediate crash course in sharing absolutely everything.
Growing up together, whether in Squamish or at sea, meant that if there was a way to make the most of a situation—and maybe add a touch of chaos—Dominic was usually involved. He brought humour, heart, and a spark of mischief to just about every adventure.
As adults, their bond has only strengthened. Dominic’s devotion to the people around him, his drive, and his endless energy for adventure make him someone you’re lucky to have in your corner—and an easy choice to stand with Ben on the wedding day.

Dominic Wade

Keenan is one of Ben’s longest friends, going all the way back to grade eight. Their early years were filled with midnight kick‑abouts during countless sleepovers, digging pool foundations, chopping firewood, and the occasional gaming session. 
As they got older, the spontaneity only grew. There were the days of showing up unannounced at each other’s doors to head out on some mission—sometimes involving a drink or two. One of Ben’s greatest joys has been watching Keenan become a father, a role he’s taken on with the same heart and dedication he brings to everything else.
Through all of it, the brotherhood has stayed constant. Keenan’s loyalty, steady presence, and shared history make him someone Ben is proud to have standing with him on the wedding day.

Keenan Cartwright

Rachel has known Jacob her entire life. Although Jacob once wished for a brother—and may have briefly considered returning Rachel like an item from the Sears catalogue—he quickly grew to love her.

Growing up together, they shared a love of soccer and hockey and, for the most part, got along. As the years passed, their sibling bond naturally grew into a lasting friendship. Ben has joined seamlessly into this friendship and has bonded with Jacob over F1 race days and boardgame nights. Family is an important value they both share and Rachel and Ben are grateful to have Jacob be a part of their wedding. 



Jacob Melville

Rachel and Emma first met when they were about six years old. Growing up just a seven-minute walk apart and often playing on the same soccer team, their friendship quickly became a constant in each other’s lives.

Through the years—and even while living in different places—their bond only grew stronger, shaped by shared memories and unwavering support. From working side by side at the BBQ at the Sea to Sky Gondola to standing together on this incredibly special day, Rachel couldn’t imagine having anyone else by her side.

Emma Bowerman 

Meghan and Rachel lived just one door apart during their first year in university residence. Though Meghan was the introvert and Rachel the extrovert, it didn’t take long for them to realize how perfectly they complemented each other.

As they navigated early adulthood together, they quickly formed a deep and lasting friendship—one built on laughter, support, and countless shared memories. Like tequila and lime, they simply belong together, and Rachel is so grateful to have Meghan by her side on this special day.

Meghan Gibson 

Janine and Rachel became close as teenagers, bonding over a shared love of emotional, angsty music and endless belly laughs during days spent on Whistler. Their friendship endured years of living on opposite sides of the world, with Janine spending eight years in New Zealand.

When they both found themselves back in Squamish in 2023, they picked up right where they left off—laughing, adventuring, and slipping effortlessly back into the friendship they’ve always shared. Rachel is so grateful to have Janine by her side, a friendship that has truly stood the test of time.

Janine Liebich 

Ben has known Alex most of his life. First meeting in Squamish when both Alex and her twin (see groomsmen) were brought home to their house in Brackendale. From that moment on, Ben became the eldest child, thrown into unwanted responsibility and chaos. 

Over the years, Alex has been a constant and supportive presence in Ben’s life, and now she shares that same warmth and support with Rachel. Whether teaming up during family board game nights or taking on the boys in Spikeball, Alex has become both a trusted ally and a cherished friend.

Alex Wade

Wedding Party

FAQS

If you are travelling from the mainland (Vancouver) there are two different ferry routes that we recommend for getting to Vancouver Island. For vehicle travel on the ferry we strongly recommend making a reservation in advance. Reservations are required for vehicles travelling from Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal to Nanaimo. 1. Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (West Vancouver) to Departure Bay Ferry Terminal (Nanaimo) This route works best for those travelling from Squamish or North Vancouver area. 2. Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (South Vancouver/Delta) to Duke Point (Nanaimo)This route works best for those travelling from Vancouver International Airport or South of Vancouver.

BC Ferries

This is our recommendation for hotel stay in Port Alberni. We are planning on having transportation for guests from this location to the venue (more details to come)

Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel

Travel

A great stop on the way to Port Alberni, Little Qualicum Falls offers a beautiful network of short forest trails that lead to a series of cascading waterfalls along the Little Qualicum River.Visitors can take easy loop trails to viewpoints overlooking both the upper and lower falls, making it a perfect place to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and enjoy a classic Vancouver Island forest setting. The trails are well‑maintained, family‑friendly, and close enough to the highway that the detour is quick but memorable.

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

A perfect roadside stop on the way to Port Alberni, Cathedral Grove is one of Vancouver Island’s most iconic natural landmarks. This old‑growth forest is home to some of the Island’s largest and oldest Douglas firs—towering giants that have stood for hundreds of years, with a few reaching close to 800 years old.Visitors can easily explore the grove on flat, accessible boardwalks and short loop trails that wind through massive fir and cedar stands.Located directly along Highway 4, the stop is quick, free, and memorable.

Cathedral Grove

A favorite of ours for a pint and pizza, Twin City Brewing is a relaxed local spot and a perfect stop to unwind after the drive.

Twin City Brewing Company

Dog Mountain Brewing

If you have extra time before or after the wedding, a trip out to Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is always a favourite. It’s about a 1.5‑hour drive from Port Alberni, with some winding mountain roads, but well worth it for anyone wanting beaches, surf, or a classic west‑coast day trip.Tofino has plenty of great spots to eat—Tofino Brewing, Tacofino, Wildside Grill, and Rhino Coffee House are easy favourites—and endless beaches and hikes to explore. If you want our recommendations of our favourite, just ask us for more details!

Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

The Harbour Quay is a nice spot to stop by the water with local shops and cafes to check out.

Rachel & Benjamin