A Privato Vineyard & Winery wedding is already something special, rolling vineyard rows, warm Okanagan sunshine, and mountain views just outside Kamloops. But Chris and Amy took things a step further and turned their wedding day into something truly unforgettable: a full medieval fantasy celebration complete with costumes, a capture-the-flag tournament, and one of the most magical rainbow moments I’ve ever photographed.
I’m Kristina, a Vancouver wedding photographer who spends a lot of time documenting weddings across British Columbia, and after years of capturing love stories in beautiful places, I can confidently say this was one of the most entertaining wedding days I’ve experienced. When couples fully embrace what makes them unique, the result is always something extraordinary.
Chris & Amy
A Long-Distance Love Story
Chris and Amy first met online, bonding over their favorite movies. At the time, Chris was living and working in Kamloops while Amy was studying at UBC Okanagan in Kelowna.
Their relationship started with long-distance Skype dates, phone calls, and visits whenever they could make the drive. Eventually, after Amy graduated from her program, she moved to Kamloops and the distance disappeared for good.
Chris’s proposal was just as thoughtful as their relationship. After spending a beautiful afternoon at the park, they planned to go swing dancing later that evening. Chris made dinner while Amy got dressed up but when she finally sat down at the table ready to eat, he wouldn’t sit down.
Instead, he dropped to one knee.
After celebrating and calling their parents, they headed out dancing just as planned. When they returned home later that night, they were greeted by the perfect surprise: the Canada Day fireworks lighting up the sky outside their window.
A Medieval Fantasy Ceremony at Privato Vineyard & Winery
Chris and Amy’s Privato Vineyard & Winery wedding took place on a warm, sunny September afternoon surrounded by the vineyards. But this wasn’t your typical vineyard ceremony. Chris and Amy arrived in full medieval costume and so did every single guest. The ceremony began with Chris walking down the aisle first, followed by his groomsmen, the ring bearer, flower girls, bridesmaids, and finally Amy.
Instead of scattering petals, the flower girls blew bubbles into the air, creating a soft, magical atmosphere that looked incredible in photos. Then came one of the most memorable entrances I’ve ever seen at a wedding. Amy rode down the aisle on a horse dressed as a unicorn. There were tears, laughter, and a lot of joyful reactions from guests as Chris saw Amy for the first time. Their ceremony also included a hand-tying ritual symbolizing the joining of their lives together. When it came time to sign the marriage registry, the couple stepped behind their ceremony archway. Once everything was official, the officiant announced their return and they burst through the fabric curtain inside the arch to cheers and applause before sharing their first kiss as newlyweds.
A Capture-the-Flag Tournament in the Vineyard
After the ceremony, Chris and Amy hosted something I had never seen before at a wedding: a full capture-the-flag tournament. Guests in medieval costumes raced across the lawn and vineyard rows competing for victory and yes, even the grandparents joined in. It was pure chaos in the best possible way. Halfway through the tournament, rain briefly rolled in across the vineyard. Then something incredible happened. A double rainbow appeared over the vines. Everyone stopped for a moment to take it in, and it felt like the perfect symbol for such a joyful and creative day. These kinds of unscripted moments are exactly why I love photographing weddings.
A Heartfelt Reception at Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre
The celebration continued at the Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre where Chris and Amy’s family and friends gathered for dinner, speeches, and dancing. One of the most emotional moments of the evening happened early in the reception when Chris shared a heartfelt exchange with his dad. There were hugs, proud words, and a few tears, one of those quiet family moments that often become the memories people hold onto most. Later, Chris and Amy performed their choreographed first dance together, a beautiful waltz they had practiced ahead of time. After such an adventurous day, it was a peaceful moment for them to simply enjoy being together.
Photographing a Day Full of Action
Chris and Amy originally reached out to me because they loved the candid, action-focused moments in my photography. Since so much of their wedding involved games, activities, and movement, they wanted photography that could capture all of it naturally. To make sure nothing was missed, I brought in a second shooter for the first half of the day so we could photograph multiple angles during the ceremony and tournament. The result was a gallery filled with movement, laughter, and real moments.
Planning a Privato Vineyard & Winery Wedding in Kamloops
For couples dreaming of a vineyard wedding in the Okanagan, a Privato Vineyard & Winery wedding offers a beautiful and relaxed setting just minutes from downtown Kamloops. The venue sits among rows of vines with mountain views surrounding the property, creating a peaceful countryside atmosphere while still being close to hotels and guest accommodations. Many couples love this venue because it combines scenic vineyard backdrops, spacious outdoor ceremony locations, beautiful sunset portrait opportunities, a relaxed, private atmosphere for guests, and of course those gorgeous desert mountains. Chris and Amy’s wedding was a perfect example of how flexible the space can be, from emotional ceremonies to playful guest activities in the vineyard.
If you're planning a Privato Vineyard & Winery wedding or celebrating anywhere in Kamloops or the Okanagan, I’d love to help document your story.
Reach out anytime to learn more about my wedding photography collections and availability.
Four Insider Tips for a Privato Vineyard & Winery Wedding
1. Plan Time for Vineyard Sunset Photos
Golden hour among the vineyard rows creates some of the most beautiful light of the day.
2. Use the Lawn for Guest Activities
The property has plenty of open space that works perfectly for lawn games or unique ideas like Chris and Amy’s medieval tournament.
3. Prepare for Quick Weather Changes
Okanagan weather can shift quickly in the fall. A light backup plan for rain helps keep the day stress-free.
4. Schedule Private Couple Time
With such a beautiful setting, stepping away for 10–15 minutes together in the vineyard can become one of the most memorable parts of your day.
The Team
Photography: Kristina Harnett
Ceremony Venue: Privato Vineyard and Winery
Reception Venue: The Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre



