It was kind of a whirlwind, last minute booking that occurred when Kelsey and Jamie booked me, but I couldn’t have been more happy. Their down to earth, laid back nature made for such an incredibly fun wedding to shoot! When I woke up the day of their wedding, I saw this thick and heavy fog out the window and kept all fingers crossed it’d stick around for portraits. Well, low and behold, the fog had lifted by the time they left the ceremony, but slowly started to settle as we drove to Fish Creek Park for their photos. By the time we were ready to head back to their reception at the Canyon Meadows Golf Club, the fog had gotten even thicker. I still can’t complain. Mother Nature gave us enough to work with, and we made some pretty incredible images!
How did you get engaged?
Jamie and I planned a trip to Japan and Bali over the Christmas break. We had talked about getting engaged that following year so I had no idea it was coming. We each planned a dinner in Bali, where I even put “Jamie’s special dinner” on the itinerary I made. We got to this beautiful spot where there was a private table on a pond overlooking the Ubud forest. Throughout dinner I made at least three comments about how this was “such an engagement spot”, and even went as far as getting down on one knee to fake propose to Jamie. Even after all of that, he still gave me no inclination as to anything that was about to happen. At the end of dinner he wanted to dance with me, and brought out his iPod and we danced to a Beatles song we liked, to where he went down on one knee. It was such a surreal experience. He definitely did a good job.
What is the most memorable moment from your wedding?
Standing up beside Jamie and looking out to all of our friends and family. I was so excited to see him all day, knowing how nervous he was. It was really nice that we had time to have a little side conversation up at the altar (although probably inappropriate) and to take the time and really appreciate what was happening. The speeches were also amazing. They made us feel really special to have such great people in our lives.
If you could give one piece of advice to couples planning their wedding, what would it be?
Plan as much as you can in advance, and be realistic. Truly, nobody cares about the décor, and the day itself is so much fun it is the least of your worries. I keep tootin’ my own horn that I wasn’t a bridezilla and was able to really enjoy every moment of the wedding day, even when my brothers dropped me during a picture, or when my dress broke, because it’s just the best day and you shouldn’t let anything change that. Oh, and hire a day of coordinator. It was SO nice to not have to worry about timing or little details. Sorry, I know that was more than one.
What was your most favourite wedding detail, and why?
The photo booth. Not only because it was so much fun and people had a blast doing it, but because my brother organized that all for us. He took care of it all and bought props for it. It was really special.
Steph
Calgary Wedding Photographer // Canyon Meadows Golf Course Wedding
