As a Vernon Wedding Photographer, I have decided to interview some of the vendors that I have the pleasure of working with when we are both a part of someone’s big day! This is a fun way for you, as a soon-to-be bride, a couple, or even those of you who just happened to stumble across this blog, to get to know who the people are behind these brilliant companies, and to get a personal view of what they went through to get to where they are today.

INTERVIEWS with WEDDED BLISS PHOTOGRAPHY!

VENDOR: Durali Villa

LOCATION: Old Kamloops Road, Vernon, British Columbia

INTERVIEWEE: General Manager, Myrika Godard

•Who inspires you?

My mother inspires me because when she sees something she likes she with either A. creates it or B. makes it out of something else cheaper and better. Who inspires me for events? Sara from Top Knot Events. She has an idea or goal and goes out and achieves it. Hard working moma!

•How did you get started at Durali and how long have you been there?

What exactly do you do there? I moved back to Vernon from Pittsburgh where I was in charge of the Pittsburgh Penguins private functions and where I threw many charity events to help raise money for sick children. I was looking for a Venue to throw an event at, which seemed hard in Vernon. I heard about Durali Villa because of the epic theater room so I was on a mission to meet the owner.

I am on the Hospital board to raise money for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital and when I sat down I also noticed the boss of Durali Villa was there. I texted my husband instantly because I knew I wanted to throw Charity events there. I approached him to throw an event and next thing you know, I’m running the place!

•What has been your proudest accomplishment? (work-wise, family or both!)

I would say that my proudest accomplishment was raising money for my charity in Pittsburgh. I created an event/silent auction that still runs every year. Not only does it help children who are sick but it was also so humbling to get to visit the families and personally help them when they needed it most. I would throw events to raise money for the families dealing with illness but also do a lot of small things that I enjoyed even more like driving there brother and sisters to school. I would also be lying if I did not say that having my baby boy Otto this year wasn’t a huge accomplishment in itself. You find a love you have never felt before.

•Where can people find your business on Facebook or website?

Facebook, website and our instagram .

Myrika Godard,

General Manager

myrika@duralivilla.com

250.549.4949

•What is your mission?

To create events and weddings that are unique and different for every person. We are lucky to have an entire house at our venue and I love how intimate our weddings are and how much fun the entire party has the whole weekend.

•What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?

Uniqueness, beautiful atmosphere and personable.

Thank you Myrika! I look forward to working along side you again this upcoming wedding season!

 Images courtesy of Lee Watkins Photography

Images Courtesy of White Willow Photography

Wedded Bliss Photography specializes in wedding and engagement photography in Kelowna and Vernon shooting at locations such as Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Bottega Farm Inn & Studio, Elysium Gardens, Manteo Resort, Sparkling Hill, Durali Villa and others.