February is one of the most romantic times in the City to get married despite sometimes being incredibly cold and snow-filled. As anticipated Calgary had a snowstorm a few days before Sarah and Dustin’s wedding with heavy wind blowing snow everywhere, I thought about hot pockets and how gloves would be needed for the short time we were going to spend outside doing formal shots. Mainly I felt for Sarah and her bridesmaids as I knew their arms and legs were going to get pretty cold.
The morning of the wedding I texted Sarah to grab her room number at Hotel Arts to find out that the snow was melted and the weather was going to be a little chilly but nothing more than that. A snow covered river would become an achievable spot for photos later in the day.
I hopped in my car with hot chocolate in my to-go cup and made my way downtown to start documenting Sarah’s morning.
When I arrived to Sarah’s room she turned around with a big smile on her face. Emily had her sitting next to the window getting her Make Up done. After a few words I started shooting Sarah’s details and capturing the emotional exchanges between her and her family.
Once Sarah was done getting her Make Up done she grabbed her Wedding Dress from the closet so I could shoot some detail shots of it. As we walked down to the lobby together Sarah and I talked about her morning and how excited she was to get to Sacred Heart Church to see Dustin.
One of my favorite moments during Sarah’s morning was when her Mom’s eyes filled with tears as she did up Sarah’s dress. It reminded me of how special those last moments are before you join your life to your Husband. Your Mom is your rock, your best friend and confidant. As simple as it is to have someone zip up your dress, when it’s your outfit for one of the most important days you will spend with your family and friends, it can be overwhelming in a good way for both people. Seeing Sarah’s Mom’s tears filled me with happiness for Sarah like no other.
After the girls were all ready they jumped into the limo and were off to the Ceremony.
Jayden had the job of shooting the guys prep in the morning and when she told me they were pretending that a banana was a telephone, I just knew they had just as much fun as the girls did in the morning.
Both Sarah and Dustin’s Fathers spoke during their ceremony as well as Sarahs Grandpa. They just added such a personal touch to their Ceremony.
After Sarah and Dustin were swarmed with the love of family and friends we headed out for some formal shots down by the river and at a park downtown before heading to Bonterra Trattoria for their romantic Tuscan feeling reception. Plates were passed around the tables with more food than I have ever seen at a wedding. Once you thought they had stopped bringing out food five more dishes would come to your table. Their friends and family were laughing and enjoying the evening until tears flowed when the speeches started.
I have been to hundreds of Weddings at this point in my career and sometimes I get sentimental for my couples. This was one of those times where I couldn’t stop thinking about what wonderful friends and family they have. The night capped off with dancing and silly photo booth times. I’m so happy for both of them and so humbled to have met such a wonderful group of people.
Thank you for giving me one of the most rewarding day of my career.
Vendor Love
Hair Stylist // Mahala Boychuk
Make-up Artists // Emily Kiss
Getting Ready Location // Hotel Arts
Brides dress // Anna Rose
Store purchased from // Ethos on 17th
Shoes // Browns
Nails // Aura Spa
Garter // Ethos on 17th
Jewellery // Earrings – Wright’s Jewelry Medicine Hat
Grooms Suit // Hugo Boss from Henry Singer
Wedding Rings/Bands Bride // Ben Moss
Ceremony Location // Sacred Heart Church
Officient/JP // Father Edmund
Reception Venue // Bonterra Trattoria
DJ // Edward Mitchell – DJ Goodword
Florist // Wild About Flowers
Transportation // Quest Limos
