Weddings left in limbo

Photo: Contributed - devonregier Instagram

Kelsey Matheson is in shock she will no longer be able to have her wedding in her dream location despite booking the venue a year in advance.

The bride-to-be received an email late Saturday night from Bo.ttega Farm with the subject: Our sincere apologies.

The attached email explained the following:

“We regret to inform you that due to circumstances beyond our control Bo.ttega Farm will not be able to continue as the host venue for your booking. The BC Agricultural Land Commission has effectively issued a province-wide order that no further weddings be held within ALR (Agricultural Land Reserve) zoned properties.

As Bo.ttega lies within an ALR zone and has received a letter to cease and desist all weddings, we must adhere to the letter.

These conditions are forcing us to close our operations in their current format, and accordingly we have no choice but to cancel your booking.”

Matheson was devastated and forced to scramble to find another venue. She had booked Bo.ttega for Aug. 13, 2016 and paid a deposit which she says she will be getting refunded.

“It’s been a stressful last couple of days to try and get a hold of people and see what we can do.”

Bo. ttega sets a certain standard according to Matheson that not many other venues in Kelowna can adhere to.

“It is really beautiful and it is hard to find anything like it."

She says she personally knew of about 10 brides who were also affected by this ALR policy change; however on a popular Facebook page it’s claimed 44 brides-to-be are being forced to change venues after their booking with Bo. ttega was canceled.

“We are all shocked,” she says. “In the Okanagan we are all aware that you need to book at least a year in advance for desirable location. People can’t believe this is happening, plus all the desirable venues are booked already.”

This bride-to-be did however manage to find a venue, but she says others aren’t so lucky. Some out-of town brides are commenting on Facebook they will have to change their wedding date to 2017 to be accommodated.

“Lots of brides have already paid deposits on photographers, caterers, videographers, and Djs, they might not get their money back. People could lose a lot of money,” Matheson says.

Castanet attempted to contact Bo.ttega in regards to this issue; however no one was available for comment at the time of publication. Matheson did manage to connect with the owner of Bo.ttega, Dave Krysko, who she says was apologetic.

“He said he was kind-of blindsided by this change or whatever was going on, but he didn’t go into detail,” she explains.

Brides on Facebook are all wondering why this order was issued and are curious to have an explanation from the Agricultural Land Commission. The ALC did not return calls to Castanet in regards to this province-wide order, at the time of publication.