letter from the publisher “Easter is the soul’s first taste of spring.” Richelle E. Goodrich I remember every detail of my wedding day — or at least, my version of that magical day. It was a hot August afternoon in 1989. My dress was a taffe-ta-sequined gown with puffy sleeves, inspired by Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress. My bridesmaids wore emerald green Laura Ashley dresses, and we were married in a church near my parents’ home. Our reception was an hour away at a golf course overlooking Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver. I had worked there the summer before as a banquet host, witnessing firsthand the dedication and care that went into every wedding — from the epic food to the intricate floral arrangements. I knew it would be an amazing place to host our big day — and it was. Some say a wedding is just one day, not worth the time or expense. But for my husband and me, it’s a day we have remi-nisced about, laughed over, and cherished for 35 years. The hilarious speeches, the epic slideshow, the dance that lasted way past midnight — these are all moments we have talked about again and again. PUBLISHER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Karen Elgersma ART DIRECTOR Tiffany Sargent EDITOR Elizabeth Nyland COPY EDITOR Trish Weatherall or a milestone celebra-tion — we have gathered inspiration to help you create your own unforgettable moments. And because spring is a season of renewal and joy, this issue is packed with ideas to elevate your Easter celebrations. Our editor, Elizabeth, shares holiday traditions that are both tried and true, as well as some that may get you dreaming about trying something a little different this year (page 30). For those looking to shake up their festive table, why not explore craft beer pairings for Easter dinner (page 44)? At the heart of Edible Vancouver Island are the stories of the people who make this place so special. One feature I can’t wait for you to read is A Fishing Family (page 4), which takes you out to sea to experience the challenges and triumphs of running a fishing business. Whether you discover a new recipe to try, learn about spring herbs, or find inspiration for your next gathering, we hope this issue encourages you to eat, drink, and think local — all while having some serious fun doing so. SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Jenny Leung PHOTOGRAPHER Elizabeth Nyland ILLUSTRATORS Jasmine Alexander Rose Cowles ADVERTISING Dawn Postnikoff Peggie Terry Thom Klos ediblevancouverisland.com/advertise CONTACT US 10123 West Saanich Road North Saanich, BC, V8L 5T6 editor@ediblevancouverisland.com TO SUBSCRIBE Visit us online at ediblevancouverisland.com Edible Vancouver Island is published six times a year. Subscription rate is $42 annually. LETTERS We welcome your feedback. To write to the editor, use the address above or, for the quickest response, email: editor@ediblevancouverisland.com Edible Vancouver Island is published six times per year by Karen Elgersma Media INC. 10123 West Saanich Road North Saanich B.C. V8L 5T6 No part of these publications may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the pubisher. Every effort is made to avoid errors and omissions. If you notice an error, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us. ©2025. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S. That’s why I’m so excited about this special Weddings & Events issue of Edible Vancou-ver Island. From the art of the wedding cake with cake designer Robyn Darling (page 22) to discovering enchanting venues across the Island and Gulf Islands — whether for a grand wedding, an intimate elopement, edible VANCOUVER ISLAND Check out our website and follow us on social media @EdibleVanIsle Weddings & Events • Easter • Foraging ISSUE 32 • MAR/APR 2025 for up-to-date events, recipes and news from the food and drink com-munity of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the surrounding areas. On the cover: Darling Cake Co. petal cake, photo by Elizabeth Nyland ISSUE 32 • MAR/APR 2025 Celebrating Local Food Stories of Vancouver Member of Edible Communities Island & The Gulf Islands