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SUBMITTED\/Ashlee Gowans<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Through her business, Ember & Oak, Gowans creates luxury picnic experiences in Kamloops and the surrounding area. She specializes in intimate dates, bridal showers and bachelorettes, and partners with local vendors for add-ons like charcuterie, florals and desserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just something different. I want to create something pretty where people can put their phones away,\u201d she said. \u201cI really like finding areas that don\u2019t have good cell service so people can really connect. I feel people are craving connection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gowans sets up picnics and stays until the couple arrives, just long enough to see their reactions, before leaving for three hours and coming back to pack up. She recently set up a picnic on the Rivers Trail in Kamloops<\/a> for a man who wanted to surprise his wife for her birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was so cute, they came walking along the beach and she had no idea there was the picnic set up for her, she was delighted and he was so proud,\u201d she said. \u201cI have to stay to make sure no one is trying to steal stuff or whatever so I get to watch the reactions but I\u2019m like in a bush peering through!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several different picnic packages to choose from for smaller, intimate celebrations to larger ones with many guests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The picnics come with thoughtful table styling, colour palettes to match the celebration, sparkling water or juice and sweet treats, and can be customized with additional guests, florals, charcuterie, games and painting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gowans moved from the Lower Mainland to Kamloops a decade ago and lives on a cattle ranch on the outskirts of the city with her husband and son. She said she loves the slower pace of life and beautiful outdoor spaces Kamloops has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since starting Ember & Oak two months ago, she been asked to set up decorative tables at a music festival in Kelowna and several local event companies are reaching out. She just signed on to set up tablescapes and d\u00e9cor at a wedding venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s exciting, I\u2019m getting enquiries every day for picnics for birthday parties and anniversaries,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m brand new, but I think this can really grow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"|\"](\"https:\/\/infonews.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/ember-.jpg?w=1024\" "\\"|\\"")