Perfect Tie the Knot
With 13 distinctive venues across Banff, Banff Hospitality Collective offers a seamless, multi-venue wedding experience that goes far beyond a single reception space. From breathtaking mountain ceremony locations and fully private buyouts to vibrant mid-sized venues and intimate dining rooms, we can host every moment of your celebration: welcome drinks, rehearsal dinners, after-parties, and farewell brunches. Our chef-driven menus, expertly crafted beverages, and experienced event planning team set us apart, making it easy to plan an elevated wedding weekend with the unforgettable spirit of Banff.
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BANFF + CANMORE’S LOCAL WEDDING EXPERTS
Services, spaces and stays, seamlessly managed by one team. spaces one
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CANADA & ARIZONA
Celynn Bowman
COLORADO & NEW MEXICO EDITOR
Brit Tucker-Kline
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MONTANA, WYOMING & ARIZONA
Mackenzie Stevens
UTAH & DIGITAL EDITOR COPYWRITER
Laura Osborn
IDAHO & NEVADA EDITOR
DIGITAL MANAGER
Bailey Richy
digital & operations
OPERATIONS & CLIENT MANAGER - Amy Collante
CONTENT & COPYWRITER - Meghan Trefzger
SALES & ACCOUNTING - Kelsey Comstock
CANADIAN ASSISTANT - Carly Cooper
DISTRIBUTION
Disticor Magazine Distribution Services
Storefronts in the U.S. & Canada or online at shop.rockymountainbride.com
contact
INQUIRIES - hello@rockymountainbride.com ADVERTISING
SUBMISSIONS
Hannah Gracie Photo & Film
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRUE LOVE
BEGINNINGS
natasha + nathan - Vancouver
julia + stefano - Okanagan Lake
amrit + gagan - Vancouver
emmanuela + jacob - White Rock
CELEBRATIONS
kit + justin: cover story - Vancouver
maddy + wiley - Canmore
sarah + neil - Cawston
janet + marek - Edmonton
bianca + hadrian - Harrison Mills
reese + carter - Foothills County
zahra + aldo - Agassiz
fortesa + mitchell - Calgary
andrew + davis - Penticton
stephanie + marcus - Vancouver
lindsay + max - Pender Island
brynn + clay - Spruce Grove
INSPIRE
c’est de l’amour
Elegance and romance collide at The Valley Weddings
the art of contrast
A moody, modern editorial at Archway Manor
shoes, shoes, shoes
Find your statement wedding day footwear
PHOTO CREDIT
Top to bottom, left to right:
miranda anderson, justine milton, meghan hemstra, lindsey elora photography, kadie hummel photography, capri kimberly photo, @masonxmata, kayley d photography, georgia johnston & christina kim
FROM THE EDITOR
There is something about spring that feels like an exhale. A return to colour, energy and possibility. Across the Canadian Rockies, the landscape awakens in vibrant bloom, long evenings stretch into golden celebrations and love truly takes center stage in the most beautiful way. This issue is a tribute to that brightness: a season defined by bold palettes, iconic settings and designs that feel alive with creativity. Inside these pages, you’ll find real weddings, engagements and editorial features that celebrate couples who embraced the vibrancy of the season.
This edition feels especially meaningful to me. When the first issue of this magazine launched, I was pregnant with my oldest son. The Canadian publication was brand new, full of hope and potential and in many ways growing alongside my own family. Today, as he prepares to start kindergarten, I can’t help but see the parallel: both my family life and this magazine have flourished in ways I could never have imagined. What began as a heartfelt vision to celebrate the place I will always call home has evolved into a vibrant platform showcasing extraordinary talent, artistry and love stories from across our region.
That growth is reflected in every page. Our wedding community continues to expand, innovate and inspire, and it is an honour to spotlight the photographers, planners, designers and creatives who pour their passion into this industry. This magazine is not just a collection of beautiful celebrations, it’s a testament to the people who build them and the families, friendships and futures they help create.
As you explore this edition, I hope you feel the same sense of momentum and joy that defines this season. May it spark ideas, celebrate connection and remind you that love, much like spring itself, is endlessly renewing.
Celynn Bowman @celynn_rockymtnbride
Say “I do” in the Columbia Valley, just three hours from Calgary on the warm side of the Rockies. From intimate outdoor ceremonies to full-service resort celebrations, discover breathtaking venues and unforgettable views across Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, Panorama, and Fairmont Hot Springs. columbiavalleyweddings.com
Photo: Northern
Pixel Photography
UNFORGETTABLE VIEWS
UNFORGETTABLE VIEWS
Meet Ralph Vandenberg and his daughter, Chelsea.
For 50 years, Vandenbergs has crafted engagement rings that honour every love story. With floral motifs, asymmetrical silhouettes, and reimagined classics, our Spring Love collection celebrates modern romance.
PHOTO CREDIT:
SARAH PUKIN PHOTOGRAPHY
COVER STORY: VANCOUVER - UBC BOATHOUSE
Kit & Justin
Kit and Justin were set up on a blind double date by one of his friends, and so for Kit, it was actually a blind date with three people she didn’t know since she’d just moved to the area. They went axe throwing, grabbed dinner and then she basically never left his house again. She jokes that she’d just come off Bachelor in Paradise only to find her bachelor in Parksville. Two and a half years later, Justin had an elaborate proposal planned during a family trip to Mexico, but on day one they both got norovirus and were the sickest they’d ever been. He had to scrap the entire plan and instead proposed on the beach at sunset with a picnic pizza dinner. Kit was “so surprised” despite feeling a boxshaped lump in his hoodie pocket on the flight. A year later, they got married at UBC Boathouse with 150 guests, while Kit was seven months pregnant with their son, Aloysius.
Kit had three wedding dresses: the original she purchased a year before, her mom’s altered gown and her Meshki dress she found a few weeks before the wedding so she could embrace her growing bump. For the late-night outfit, she wore sequin pants she attached feathers to, a matching top, disco ball earrings and her beloved Crocs. Justin surprised her with a custom King & Bay suit lined with fabric printed with love notes Kit had written him over the years that he’d saved. The florals were Kit’s priority: a massive arch, hanging bunches alongside disco balls and colour everywhere from the vibrant bridesmaid dresses to the candles. She walked down the aisle to “You Are My High” by DJ Snake, a song she’d told Justin the week they started dating would be her aisle song. He thought she was joking. Kit made three curated playlists, and even seven months pregnant, they danced until the very end. Her number one accessory? Her baby bump
ADVICE: Don’t stress!! I know it’s easier said than done but try to enjoy the whole process and remind yourself it should be fun!
SOMETHING BLUE: Our daughter, Ciel Azure
FRAGRANCE: Costa Azzura by Tom Ford
SHADE OF LIPSTICK: Gloss Baby by Summer Fridays
NON-NEGOTIABLE: Food was Justin's #1 priority and it was unreal.
AISLE SONG: "You Are My High" DJ Snake - I told Justin the week we started dating that this was the song I’d be walking the aisle to. He thought I was joking. It was perfect.
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS: Aperol Spritz & Espresso Martinis ALWAYS!
FIRST DANCE SONG: "Put Your Head on my Shoulder" by Paul Anka
CAKE FLAVOUR: Lemon made by my beautiful best friend and maid of honour, Elle!
LATE NIGHT SNACKS: Danced so hard we forgot to order but it would’ve been McDonald’s!
SONG THAT MADE EVERYONE DANCE: Every song, I am the playlist master!
VENDOR LOVE: Kayley, our photographer, did such an incredible job. Not only capturing the day but was so seamlessly a part of it and she was such a VIBE on the dance floor fitting right in with everyone. And Celine, our planner, made sure that we didn’t worry about a single thing all day and night. She was amazing. Flawless execution.
VENDORS
Venue
UBC Boathouse | ubcboathouse.com
Planner & Designer Above & Beyond Events aboveandbeyondeventplanning.ca
Photographer Kayley D Photography kayleydphotography.com
Florist Botany and Bloom | botanybloom.com
Rentals Ellssi Events | ellssi.com
Catering Truffles Fine Food | trufflesfinefoods.com
Music & Entertainment Airwaves Music | airwavesmusic.ca
Transportation Luxury Life Limousine | luxurylifelimousine.ca
Gown Designer Meshki | meshki.us
Bride’s Veil Bridal Wedding Veil | Etsy: BridalWeddingVeils
Bride’s Shoes Something Bleu | somethingbleushoes.com
Celebrate amidst ocean views, lush gardens, and a castle made for your story.
Start planning your dream day at hatleypark.ca/weddings Vancouver
Forever begins at Hatley Park
Tulle & Tweed Photography
Greg Samborski Olive & Bean Photography
VANCOUVER NATASHA + NATHAN
After a quick swipe right, Natasha and Nathan matched on a popular dating app and immediately hit it off. Just eight months later, Nathan planned a romantic proposal during a trip to Paris, France. On a clear, sunny November morning, the couple strolled through the Jardin des Tuileries on their way to the Louvre Museum. With no one else around, Nathan dropped to one knee and said, “I have a ring, and I’d like to ask you to marry me,” creating a picture-perfect moment straight out of a fairytale. To capture their love story, the couple chose downtown Vancouver, where the city’s iconic architecture created a stunning backdrop for their portraits. It was a meaningful location filled with countless memories, including their very first date.
A
Wedding Destination in the Rockies
Located in the spectacular Canadian Rockies and just a 3-hour drive from Calgary, Fernie is an authentic boutiquestyle wedding destination.
Plan your memorable day at one of Fernie’s scenic locations, with the convenience and expertise of local wedding professionals.
OKANAGAN LAKE
JULIA + STEFANO
While many couples meet on dating apps, Julia and Stefano met the old-fashioned way, at a college bar, surrounded by friends and Wednesday night drink specials. The pair was attending different universities; however, that didn’t stop them from becoming an item. After dating for seven years, Stefano surprised Julia with a trip to New York City, New York, for Christmas. On a crisp January morning, the two strolled through Central Park when Stefano got down on one knee and asked Julia to marry him. It was Julia’s dream proposal; intimate, peaceful and just the two of them.
VENDORS
Photographer: Minted Photography | minted-photography.com
Engagement Ring: Palladio Jewellers | palladiojewellers.com
Makeup: Lafleur Artists Agency | lafleurartistsagency.com
AMRIT + GAGAN
VENDORS Photographer:
Amrit and Gagan met on what Amrit thought was just going to be another ordinary day working at the front desk of her family’s door business. Gagan walked in to pick up some supplies and, “the moment I saw him, something just clicked. It’s hard to explain, but I felt an instant connection, like the world slowed down for just a moment,” shared Amrit. Just one year later, during a pre-wedding trip to Jaipur, India, Gagan planned a proposal that felt nothing short of magical. After a day of photos, Gagan led Amrit blindfolded through an elevator and onto a rooftop where fireworks illuminated the sky above a rose-petal “Will you marry me?” display. Of course, Amrit said “Yes!” excitedly with tears streaming down her face.
EMMANUELA + JACOB
VENDORS
Photographer: Corissa Fir Photography | corissafir.com
Florist: Flowers by the Fraser | flowersbythefraser.com
Engagement Ring: Loose Grown Diamond | loosegrowndiamond.com
Wedding Band: Peoples Jewellers | peoplesjewellers.com
Bridal Boutique: Lisa’s Bridal | lisasbridal.com
Shoes: ALDO | aldoshoes.com
Makeup: Artistry by Angela | artistrybyangela.com
Groom’s Wedding Band: The Wooden Circle | Etsy: TheWoodenCircleCo
Emmanuela and Jacob met on Hinge, and after an eight-hour first date filled with nonstop conversation, they knew they’d stumbled into something different. A little over a year later, Jacob decided to ask Emmanuela to be his wife. One casual Sunday morning after church, he suggested they take a walk and had even encouraged her to wear purple nail polish that morning, a hint she didn’t yet understand. A photographer quietly followed as he led her through the park, where he asked her to marry him with a 3D-printed purple ring pop, a sentimental nod to the purple ring pop he’d used when he first asked her to be his girlfriend. Since their chilly December wedding didn’t allow for those golden-hour outdoor portraits, they chose White Rock Beach for romantic bridals and the chance to finally enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
CANMORE - CROSS ZEE RANCH
Maddy & Wiley
Maddy and Wiley grew up together in the small mountain town of Canmore, spending their teen years as close friends and even attending universities just a province apart. Still, it wasn’t until their final year that something shifted. While on a big ski trip with friends, a few late-night conversations and shared chairlift rides turned into the start of something neither of them had expected. Eight years later, while traveling through Europe, Wiley planned a sunset picnic in a quiet surf town in France. With a secret photographer tucked out of sight, Wiley got down on one knee and asked Maddy to be his wife. They later discovered the beach was, in fact, a nude beach, which made the moment all the more memorable.
Maddy and Wiley planned a casual, Western wedding for friends and family at Wiley’s family’s ranch. For the ceremony, Maddy wore a simple, yet chic wedding dress from Park & Fifth accessorized with mesh sleeves and a lace floor-length veil while Wiley looked classically western in “The James” suit from Atelier Suiting, a vintage button down and bolo tie. Both added cowboy hats to their party look. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed an easygoing evening with dinner from The Smoke Show Food Truck, which Maddy called “the best idea we had,” along with lawn games scattered across the field and music from Visual Sound Waves that kept the celebration going well into the night.
“We became inseparable best friends.”
ADVICE: Do what makes you happy on your day. It’s about you two, breathe and try to stay present in the moment. It all goes by so fast.
FAVOURTE PURCHASE: My wedding ensemble. Veil, sleeves and dress. I loved it all!
AISLE SONG: "Only Exception" by Paramore (Acoustic)
HIGHLIGHT OF CEREMONY: Everyone being so kind and excited for us! Feeling confident and having my best friend by my side.
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL: Aperol Spritz
CAKE FLAVOUR: Lemon cream
SECOND-LOOK: Knee-high cowboy boots, a short fitted dress and a beige tassled jacket.
LATE NIGHT SNACKS: Brisket poutine and totchos (tater tot nachos)
HIGHLIGHT OF THE RECEPTION: We didn’t have a formal reception, we got a food truck and had a big field where people could eat, play lawn games and talk. A highlight was just feeling like we were kids again when we used to have big parties at Wiley's ranch.
VENDOR LOVE: The Smoke Show Food Truck! We definitely got the most compliments from their food and was the best idea we had. The hair and makeup by Lilies and Lace Beauty Co. was perfect.
VENDORS
Venue
Cross Zee Ranch | crosszeeranch.ca
Photographer Lindsey Elora | lindseyelora.com
Florist
Blue Lakes Floral Design bluelakesfloraldesign.ca
Ceremony Bench Rentals
J.M. Wilkinson Rentals | @jmwilkinsonrentals
Catering
The Smoke Show Food Truck smokeshowfoodtruck.ca
Cake
Cooks Creations | @cooksxcreations
DJ Visual Sound Waves | visualsoundwaves.com
Officiant Ian Brown
Bride’s Gown Park & Fifth Co | parkandfifthco.com
Bride’s Ring Evorden | evorden.com
Bride’s Reception Dress Aritzia | aritzia.com
Hair & Makeup
Lilies and Lace Beauty Co. | liliesandlace.ca
Groom's Attire
Atelier Suiting | ateliersuiting.com
Sarah & Neil
Sarah and Neil first met the way some of the best love stories begin…through friends. Introduced during a cottage getaway in Quebec, the two quickly fell into an easy rhythm. What started as a simple introduction turned into four years of building a life together, culminating in a proposal on Boulder Mountain during an epic road trip from Toronto, Ontario to Vancouver. Two years later, they said “I do” at Orofino Winery in Cawston, surrounded by 65 of their closest family and friends. The setting was pure magic: sunsoaked vineyards that felt like Tuscany, a nod to Neil’s Italian heritage and Sarah’s childhood summers in the Okanagan Valley.
ADVICE: Remind yourself of what’s important and why you’re doing this. Have fun and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
FAVOURITE PURCHASE: My dress!
FRAGRANCE: Paco Rabanne
GROOM'S NON-NEGOTIABLE: His Nonno’s watch
AISLE SONG: "Strawberries" by Caamp
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS: Spicy Pineapple Margaritas and Sweet Tea n' Bourbon
FIRST DANCE SONG: "Harvest Moon" by Lord Huron
CAKE FLAVOUR: Lemon vanilla cream
SECOND-LOOK: My mother-in-law bought me a sheer lace dress that my best friend tailored and re worked by adding beading to create my final look of the evening - there aren’t any professional photos of it but it was incredible!
LATE NIGHT SNACKS: Tater tots and chicken nuggets
SONG THAT MADE EVERYONE DANCE: "All These Things That I Have Done" by
The Killers
VENDOR LOVE: Mason with @masonxmata is the most incredible person, photographer and videographer anyone could ever ask for. Truly blessed to have her photograph our day.
Every detail felt personal and intentional, starting with Sarah’s custom Michael Jaffine gown, a two-year collaboration with the designer who once worked alongside Neil’s mother in fashion. The ceremony included a touching ring-warming tradition, where their bands were passed among guests to collect prayers and well-wishes before they exchanged vows. The celebration continued in Sarah’s parents’ backyard, transformed into an intimate wine country reception where speeches brought tears and The Killers brought everyone to the dance floor. Captured beautifully by Mason Neufeld of @masonXmata, the day was exactly what the couple hoped for: exceptional food, genuine laughter and the feeling that all guests were family.
VENDORS
Venue
Orofino Winery | orofinovineyards.com
Wedding Coordinator
Centrepiece Weddings centrepieceweddings.com
Photographer & Videographer @masonxmata | masonxmata.com
Invitations
Can You Make Me One | canyoumakeme1.com
Catering Cocktails and Canapés cocktailsandcanapes.ca
Gown Designer & Veil Michael Jafine | michaeljafine.com
Hair Lee Joiner | luresalon.ca
Makeup
Melody Attrill | luresalon.ca
Janet & Marek
EDMONTON - DOLLY’S COCKTAIL BAR + THE COMMON
Janet and Marek, totally against being set up on a blind date, were instead placed in the same room by mutual friends who were convinced they’d be a perfect match. The plan worked instantly. As Janet says, “it was love at first sight!” After seven years together, Marek planned the sweetest surprise during a sunrise hike to Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, Arizona. He suggested setting up the camera for a photo, and as the timer counted down, he dropped to one knee and asked Janet to be his wife. Janet and Marek went on to plan an elegant, psychedelic disco–themed wedding for 120 of their closest friends and family. To welcome their guests, the couple hosted an intimate party at Take Care Cafe.
WEDDING DAY
Wanting to feel both stylish and intimate, while also delivering incredible food and music, the couple chose a combination of venues. For their ceremony and cocktail hour, they chose Dolly’s Cocktail Bar, where the patio and playful pink room set the tone for a lively evening. Their reception held at the neighboring property, The Common continued their psychedelic disco vision in the form of tiny disco balls, mushroom lamps and warm table lighting that set a fun, stylish mood. Guests enjoyed a family-style meal that many said was one of the best they’d ever had at a wedding, followed by music from their violinist, Saraphina, whose hip-hop covers became an instant crowd favourite. Janet chose a Rue de Seine gown with elegant pleating, paired with an Aesling Pearl Cape that added a distinctive, modern touch. Marek complemented her look in a midnight navy Canali tuxedo. One of the couple’s most cherished moments came just after the ceremony, when their planner, Jenna, led them to a quiet corner with a cocktail in hand. As Janet says, “It was profoundly special to have a moment to ourselves before being in the thick of the party.”
ADVICE
Take a moment after your ceremony, before entering the chaos, just the two of you - to enjoy the blissed out euphoria of marrying your person. The day is hectic, but a moment of peace to savour your union is just... impossible to put into words. Its extremely special and irreplaceable.
FAVOURITE PURCHASE
Hers: My cape, and my makeup artist, Calvin Alexander. I literally did not need a single touch up, and the makeup lasted all night. I was devastated when I finally had to wash it off - he's a magician. I am still trying to replicate it, and have yet to come anywhere near his work.
His: A fresh haircut from Teresa at Weekly Salon
SOMETHING BLUE
Midnight blue tuxedo
FRAGRANCE
Hers: Patchouli deoderant
His: Oud Wood by Tom Ford
NON-NEGOTIABLES
Hers: My outfit, control over the playlist and my sisters
His: A good time
AISLE SONG
String version of "White Iverson" by Post Malone, played on violin by Saraphina Violin.
FIRST DANCE SONG
"Cigarettes and Coffee" by Otis Redding
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
Marek-garita and the Jan-ol' fashioned
CAKE FLAVOURS
Bread pudding by The Common - spice and caramel
LATE NIGHT SNACK
Tacos!
SECOND-LOOK
I went all in on my dress and cape, and never wanted to take it off.
WHAT SONG MADE EVERYONE DANCE "Dancing Queen" by ABBA
VENDOR LOVE
Christina Kim, our photographer, she is not only incredible at her profession, but is a kind, calm and fun person to spend time with on one of the most special days of your life. She also did absolutely stunning engagement photos for us. We barely gave her any direction, we asked for "old money aesthetic," and she delivered above and beyond. We feel honestly kind of speechless with her generosity. It's hard to put into words how much we value and appreciate her. And now that our wedding is past, we get to relive it through these pictures. We just had our first baby and look forward to sharing these photos with her, and maybe with future generations.
VENDORS
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Venue
Dolly's Cocktail Bar dollyscocktails.ca
Reception Venue & Catering The Common | thecommon.ca
Planner
Cocktails & Details | cocktailsanddetails.ca
Photographer Christina Kim bychristinakim.pic-time.com
Videographers
Shania Villamor | @shanoki Ayo Erinle | ayoerinle.co
Entertainment
DJ Polyesterday booked with AGNT agnt.com
Violinist
Saraphina Violin | saraphinaviolin.com
Officiant Sheena Wheadon whyknotweddings.com
Bridal Boutique The Bridal Boutique | thebridalboutique.ca
Gown Designer Rue de Seine | ruedeseine.com
Bride’s Cape
Boutique: Delica Bridal | delicabridal.com
Designer: Aesling | aesling.com
Bride’s Jewellery
Tikkhu Jewelry | tikkhu.com
Bride’s Ring Designer
Digby & Iona | digbyandiona.com
Hair
Wildflower Hair Salon wildflowerhairsalon.com
Makeup
Calvin Alexander | calvinalexander.com
Laser, Skincare & Injectables
True Aesthetics | trueaestheticsyeg.com
Welcome Party Venue Take Care Cafe | takecarecafe.co
HARRISON MILLS - ROWENA’S INN ON THE RIVER AT SANDPIPER RESORT
Bianca & Hadrian
Bianca and Hadrian met in high school after Bianca moved to Vancouver and transferred into his school. Hadrian had a crush on her from the start, and a year later they went on their first date. To propose, he surprised her by saying he had a work-related lunch and asked her to come along. They went to a restaurant, and while walking through the beautiful gardens, Hadrian got down on one knee and popped the question as their friends were hiding in the bushes capturing everything. They married at Rowena’s Inn on the River at Sandpiper Resort, a place that felt perfect with its blend of mountain views, river scenery and close to friends and family.
ADVICE
Be open to changing your mind, time-permitting! Some of our favourite things were more lastminute decisions and every risk we took seemed to pay off. You don’t have to stick to what you initially imagined your wedding day to be.
FAVOURITE PURCHASE
Our morning-of gifts. Hadrian gave me perfume with "my bubby" printed on the label of the bottle. I gave Hadrian custom cuff links of our dog, Ares.
SOMETHING BLUE
I wore a blue robe and sleep set for getting ready, and our pup had a blue bow tie.
FRAGRANCE
Rose 31 by Le Labo
LIPSTICK SHADE
Mehr by MAC Cosmetics, 44 Nude Lavalliere by YSL
NON-NEGOTIABLES
Hers: A million bows everywhere
His: An open bar
AISLE SONG
"Outer Banks: Midsummers (Guitar Theme)" by Evan Handyside. I was watching the show Outer Banks while trying to choose a song and this instrumental came on. I love film and tv soundtracks and thought it would be cool if it was the only song without lyrics during the ceremony. It was between this song and "Invisible String" by Taylor Swift, which we thought was perfect as high school sweethearts. We ended up using that as our ceremony exit instead
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
"Ares the Distinguished Gentleman," a Negroni and "Up All Knightley," Espresso Martini both named after our dogs.
FIRST DANCE SONG
"There Will Be Time" by Mumford & Sons
CAKE FLAVOUR
Red velvet
SECOND-LOOK
I removed my overskirt and added a scarf to change up the look. For dancing, I changed into a mini dress.
LATE NIGHT SNACK
Leftover sushi from the night before
SONG THAT MADE EVERYONE DANCE
Anything by ABBA
VENDOR LOVE
Kay, our planner, Henny, our photographer, Ruffa, our content creator and DJ Sammy! All their hard work meant the world to us.
One hundred and thirty guests gathered on the big day for a vintage, romantic celebration where their dogs Ares and Knightley served as ring bearers, running down the aisle to “Bundle of Joy” from Inside Out. Bianca wore an Alyssa Kristin crepe dress with a Mikado overskirt for the ceremony, then changed into a Jenny Yoo mini for dancing. Hadrian wore a custom Indochino tux with cufflinks featuring their pups. Something really important to the couple was skipping the traditional “sweetheart table” to sit with their bridal party and being able to really engage with their guests. They entered the reception to “Accidentally in Love” from the Shrek soundtrack and cut their cake to “Murder in the City” by the Avvett Brothers. For their first dance, they choreographed something themselves with help from friends. “Practicing our dance leading up to the wedding ended up being so fun and helped us spend quality time together,” Bianca says. “We felt really accomplished when we did it and couldn’t stop smiling.”
“We wanted everything to feel intentional and a representation of us. ”
VENDORS
Venue
Rowena’s Inn on the River at Sandpiper Resort sandpiperresort.ca
Planner & Designer Kay Salem with Sweetheart Events sweetheartevents.ca
Photographer Hennygraphy | hennygraphy.com
Content Creator Ruffa Sison | @thelovecontent.co
Florist Écorce Flowers | ecorce.co
Paper & Calligraphy
Paper & Petal Designs @paperandpetaldesigns
Rentals
Bespoke Decor | bespokedecor.ca Valley Weddings | valleyweddings.ca
Catering & Beverage
White Table Catering whitetablecatering.com
Cake Reddy Made Cakes reddymadecakes.com
Music & Entertainment Sammy Afshar | djsamfx.com
Officiant
Brjen Rito | @br_enrito
Bridal Boutique
Everly Bridal | everlyfinebridal.com
Gown Designer Alyssa Kristin | alyssakristin.com
Bride’s Reception Dress Jenny Yoo | jennyyoo.com
Bride’s Ring Designer
John The Jeweler @john_the_jewe1er
Hair & Makeup
Meagan MacRae with Beauty En Route beautyenroute.ca
Dog Attendant
Pawsitivity Pet Care pawsitivitypetcare.ca
Reese & Carter
Reese and Carter’s love story began with a simple look across a sunny patio in 2022. Within weeks, they’d moved in together, and just over a year later Carter couldn’t wait another second. On an ordinary Saturday night at home, just the two of them, he asked Reese to marry him. They both burst into tears, the happy and overwhelming kind that comes when something feels exactly right. A year and a half later, they’d return to the place that’s always held Reese’s heart, her childhood home in Foothills County, a space that had always welcomed everyone with open arms.
As a wedding planner with nearly a decade of experience, Reese knew exactly what mattered: making their 200 guests feel like they’d been invited to the best dinner party of their lives. Champagne flowed from the trunk of a vintage car as guests arrived, and an amuse-bouche appeared at each place setting, a recreated bite from one of their favourite date spots. Reese chose a KYHA Bride gown that felt effortlessly her while Carter and the groomsmen wore custom-tailored Atelier Suiting suits. The tented reception space, built entirely from scratch, mixed classic romance with touches of “couture cowboy,” a nod to Reese’s rodeo family roots.
ADVICE: After planning weddings for almost a decade and now planning my own, my biggest piece of advice is to trust your team and stay true to what matters most to you. It’s easy to get caught up in all the details, but at the end of the day, it’s about creating a day that feels authentic to you as a couple. Surround yourself with vendors you trust, give them the creative freedom to do what they do best and then let go and enjoy every moment. I also always tell couples to think about guest experience from the start. The feeling your guests walk away with will outlast any trend or décor choice. The more personal and intentional your decisions are, the more connected and memorable the day will feel. And finally, carve out quiet moments together throughout the day. It goes by faster than you can imagine, and those small pauses to take it all in side by side will become the memories you cherish most.
FAVOURITE PURCHASE: My shoes. I trialed about six pairs because they had to be comfy and carry me throughout the entire day, given the specifics of the venue (grass, gravel, uneven ground, etc.). I LOVED that I found the perfect pair and didn't have to think about it until they came off at the very end of the night! Plus, paper fans for all our guests for the ceremony. These were a life saver with the sunny day we had!
SOMETHING BLUE: My bridesmaids' getting ready outfits
FRAGRANCE: Hers: Coco Noir by Chanel & His: Greenley by Parfums De Marly Paris
SHADE OF LIPSTICK: Iconic Nude by Charlotte Tilbury
GROOM'S NON-NEGOTIABLE: Fried chicken sandwiches for late night snack and a nice Brunello
AISLE SONG: "It's Your Love" by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill (live and acoustic)
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS: We had a list of a variety of cocktails that provided a touch of everything from a spin on an Old Fashioned, and spicy margaritas to a play on a white linen. We wanted there to be something for everyone!
CAKE FLAVOUR: Cookie butter crumble with vanilla buttercream
FIRST DANCE SONG: "Shake the Frost" by Tyler Childers
LATE NIGHT SNACKS: Fried chicken sandwiches and truffle grilled cheese... oh and Shafts passed to guests once the dancing got started!
SONG THAT MADE EVERYONE DANCE: "Shallow" by Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga
VENDOR LOVE: When it comes to the vendors who went above and beyond, it’s impossible to choose just one but it has to be a tie between Kadie Hummel Photography and Oscar Lima of Castaño Media. Both of them poured so much heart into our day and truly exceeded every expectation. Kadie made us feel completely at ease from the moment she arrived, her calm, confident presence allowed us to just be ourselves while she captured every emotion so effortlessly. The photos are nothing short of breathtaking; each image feels like we’re reliving the best day of our lives all over again. And then there’s Oscar, somehow managing the impossible. Not only did he capture the energy and emotion of the day on film, but he also edited a full same-day wedding video that we surprised our guests with just before the dance began. We still don’t know how he pulled it off in time, but it was one of the most special moments of the night, watching our story unfold on screen surrounded by everyone we love. Both Kadie and Oscar went far beyond their roles, and we’re endlessly grateful to have had them document our day so beautifully.
“Choosing to get married at my childhood home was one of the easiest and most meaningful decisions I made.”
The most memorable moment of the night was Reese and Carter’s grand reception entrance. A legendary rodeo announcer and family friend delivered a full minute of booming, heart-pounding hype that left their guests screaming and standing on chairs, celebrating them. Reese walked in wearing her dad’s cowboy hat from his bull-riding career forty years ago, lovingly restored by the same craftsman who made Carter’s custom hat, a wedding gift from Reese’s parents to welcome him into the family. As Reese put it, “Seeing him wearing that custom piece, alongside his tailored suit, felt like the perfect representation of our story and a beautiful mix of where we come from and where we’re headed together.”
VENDORS
Venue
Private Estate
Planner
Events by Reese | eventsbyreese.ca
Wedding Day Management
Lovebirds Co. | the-lovebirds.com
Photographer Kadie Hummel Photography kadiehummelphotography.com
Videographer Castaño Films | castanomedia.com
Drone Operator Over the Earth Drones | @over_the_earth_drones
Florist
Sweet Bloom | sweetbloom.ca
Invitations
The Fun Design Co. | thefundesign.co
Paper Feast Studio + Press | feaststudio.ca
Custom Welcome Sign
The Everyday Co. | @the.everyday.co
Rentals
Special Event Rentals | specialeventrentals.com
Tent
Tent Event | tentevent.ca
Tent Draping & Chandeliers
Chair Flair | chairflairlinens.com
Tent Flooring Reznick Event Carpets | reznickeventcarpets.com
Catering Meraki Catering | merakicatering.ca
Beverage
Sugar Water Bar | sugarwater.bar
Sommelier Andrew Stewart | @onegoodbottle
Cake
Birch & Butter by Black Dog Bakery blackdogbakery.ca
Music & Entertainment
Ceremony Singer: Kate Stevens | katestevensvox.com
DJ: Pez Productions | pezproductions.ca
Transportation Alberta Coach | albertacoach.ca
Bride's Attire
Bridal Boutique: Blush & Raven blushandraven.com
Gown Designer: KYHA Bride | kyhastudios.com
Bride’s Veil: Blanca Veils | blancaveils.com
Bride’s Ring Designer: Ross Johnston | rossjohnston.com
Bride’s Jewellery: Simone Martin | simone-martin.com
Bride’s Shoes: Lulus | lulus.com
Dress Alterations Anna’s Alterations annasalterations.ca
Bridesmaid Dresses Park & Fifth | parkandfifthco.com
Hair Noctem Hair Co. | noctemhairco.com
Makeup
Asipenko Makeup | makeup-asipenko.com
Groom & Groomsmen Custom Suits Atelier Suiting | ateliersuiting.com
Honeymoon
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, Hawaii fourseasons.com
AGASSIZ - FRASER RIVER LODGE
Zahra & Aldo
Zahra and Aldo met over Korean fried chicken, set up by friends who thought they’d be perfect together. During dinner, Zahra mentioned she was about to move back to Toronto, Ontario and was already looking for places to stay. Aldo asked if she could stick around Vancouver for a couple more weeks so he could get to know her better. She never got on the plane. Two years later, while traveling to Morocco for a friend’s wedding, Aldo proposed at sunset at Amanjena in Marrakech, then led Zahra into an olive grove where a private Moroccan-style dinner waited under the stars. Ten months later, they tied the knot at Fraser River Lodge surrounded by mountains and 40 of their closest loved ones. Zahra wore the Milla Nova Tennessee dress she’d been dreaming about since before she was engaged, even flying to Toronto to find it after visiting seven boutiques and coming up empty. Their best friend officiated while light rain fell, and the pair wrote individual letters to each guest, sharing their favourite memories together. Zahra said of the night, “It reminded us both just how lucky we are to be surrounded by so much love.”
ADVICE: Our biggest advice is to enjoy the process and make it your own. Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but if you approach it as something fun to do together, it becomes a chance to create new memories long before the big day. For us, turning wedding planning into a Sunday ritual at coffee shops kept it light and joyful.
Lean on your support system, your partner, family, friends and vendors because you don’t have to do it all alone. Trust the professionals you hire, and don’t stress over the little details, because on the day itself, what truly matters is being present and soaking in every moment with the people you love most.
SHADE OF LIPSTICK: A soft nude-pink that felt timeless and romantic.
FRAGRANCE: Lost Cherry by Tom Ford
AISLE SONG: "You are the Reason" by Callum Scott
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS: Spicy Margarita and Diet Coke because Aldo doesn’t drink
FIRST DANCE SONG: "Like Jennie" by Jennie
CAKE FLAVOUR: Vanilla
SECOND-LOOK: After the ceremony, I changed into a sleek satin dress that was lighter and perfect for dancing.
LATE NIGHT SNACKS: Sliders and fries, which was the perfect way to keep the energy going after dancing.
SONG THAT MADE EVERYONE DANCE: "Country Road" by John Denver
VENDOR LOVE: Emily and Colin, our photographers, were absolutely amazing. I knew they would do a great job, but they went above and beyond in every way. They didn’t just capture the night beautifully, they made everyone at the wedding feel comfortable and brought such positive, uplifting energy to the celebration. Many of our guests told us afterward how kind and genuine they were, which meant so much to us. What impressed us most was how seamlessly they blended in with the crowd. They weren’t just photographers in the background, they became part of the celebration, sharing in the laughter and joy while still documenting every moment perfectly. Looking back at the photos, we’re so grateful to them for capturing not only how everything looked, but also how it truly felt.
“Don’t be afraid to go smaller or more intimate if that feels right. ”
Photo Credit: Tess Lucas Photography
CALGARY - FAIRMONT PALLISER
Fortesa &
Mitchell
Fortesa and Mitchell’s love story started at thirteen, when they were seated next to each other in junior high. Over a decade later, while traveling through Europe with Fortesa’s family, Mitchell proposed under an archway at Palata Venezia, a historic castle in Ulqin, Montenegro. When Fortesa asked how he’d planned such a perfect moment overlooking the sea, his answer said everything…he saw it in a dream. Nearly two years later, they married at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Calgary, the city where they fell in love, surrounded by forty of their closest friends and family. Fortesa wore the Kim Kassas Isabelle gown she’d been dreaming about for years…so much so that she and her mom flew to Vancouver for two days just to try it on. Mitchell wore a custom tux from Atelier Suiting, which fit him like a dream and was so timeless. Fortesa’s little brother officiated, a live violinist played Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” as Fortesa walked down the aisle with her father and a live painter captured the ceremony in real time. They danced valle, honoring Fortesa’s Kosovar heritage, and after the father-daughter dance, she surprised her mom with a mother-daughter dance to “My Girl” by The Temptations. As Fortesa and Mitchell’s eyes met when the doors opened for the ceremony, they were both consumed with tears, finally living out the moment they’d been dreaming about since they were kids.
ADVICE
Remember that your wedding day will have hiccups, but you are the only ones who will even notice! As fun as it is to plan all the details, this day is about celebrating your love and nothing else! Live in the moment, take in all the love and embrace this special time. The goal isn't to have a flawless day, the goal is to marry the love of your life!
FAVOURITE PURCHASE
My wedding dress!
SOMETHING BLUE
My underwear
FRAGRANCE
Cassili by Parfums de Marly
AISLE SONG
"Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey, played on violin by Calgary musician Angela Smart
CAKE FLAVOURS
We actually had a three tier wedding cake and each tier was a different cake and frosting combo! We had dark chocolate cake with earl grey frosting, hazelnut cake with coffee frosting and coffee cake with dulce de leche frosting!
FIRST DANCE SONG
"You Are the Reason" by Callum Scott
SONG THAT MADE EVERYONE DANCE
All of our Albanian songs got people on the dance floor!
VENDOR LOVE
Lewis & Co. for the outstanding photos and video.
Glowe Candles for the candles of our dreams that created the most romantic ambiance!
Pine for Cedar created the most stunning floral arrangements and specifically the bridal bouquet of my dreams!
We had a live painter, Anne Gloton, and she was genuinely exceptional. This was such an incredible feature of our wedding day, is a keepsake we will cherish forever and pass down to our children one day!
Venue, Catering, Beverage & Cake
The Fairmont Palliser fairmont.com/palliser-calgary
Planner
KLM Events | klm-events.myshopify.com
Day-of Coordination Katie Sadowski | @klmeventsyyc
Photographer & Videographer Lewis & Co. | lewisandco.ca
Florist Pine for Cedar | pineforcedar.com
Invitations Bliss & Bone | blissandbone.com
Rentals
Special Event Rentals calgary.specialeventrentals.com
Music & Entertainment
Revolution Entertainment revolutionentertainment.com
Candles
Glowe Candles | glowecandles.ca
Live Violinist Angela Smart Music angelasmartmusic.com
Live Painter
Art by Anne Gloton | artbyannegloton.com
Bridal Boutique & Veil Bisou Bridal | bisoubridal.com
Gown Designer Kim Kassas kimkassascouture.com
Bride’s Jewellery Effy Jewelry | effyjewelry.com
Bride’s Ring Designer Noam Carver | noamcarver.com
Bride’s Shoes Dolce Vita | dolcevita.ca
Bride’s Reception Dress Kim Kassas | kimkassascouture.com
Hair Ilona Kostyrenko | @ilonakostryenko
Makeup GLAMUA | glamua.ca
Groom & Groomsmen Custom Suits Atelier Suiting | ateliersuiting.com
Andrew & Davis
Davis and Andrew’s story started in September 2015 on the first day of university, both placed in the same orientation group touring campus together. At the time, neither had come out yet. A few months later, they reconnected on an app when they felt ready to put themselves out there, and Andrew asked Davis on a date. Fast forward seven and a half years, and Andrew pulled off the ultimate fake-out. He convinced Davis they were going on a low-key camping trip to Tofino, even packing the car with all their camping gear to really sell it. After a Cox Bay beach hike, they came back down for sunset. Andrew laid out a blanket and proposed right as the sun dipped below the horizon, then surprised Davis with a picnic full of pastries and drinks. They spent the rest of the night on the beach soaking it all in.
Poplar Grove Winery in Penticton became the perfect backdrop for their wedding, a meaningful middle ground between Calgary, where they met, and Vancouver, where they now call home. Both wore custom Indochino black suits with white dress shirts, later swapping into white jackets for their first dance. Instead of name cards, they wrote personalized love notes to all 125 guests, sharing memories and gratitude. They kept it completely secret, even from family, and watching guests read them became one of the most emotional parts of the night. Their vows were the highlight, both unknowingly writing about the same moments in their journey from young men to being married. Andrew’s dad, aunt and groomswoman dressed as mummers and crashed the dance floor with traditional Newfoundland music. They made a running entrance to Taylor Swift’s “Ready for It,” and for their exit, pulled off a double dip in the aisle.
ADVICE: Plan! Plan! Plan! And breathe!! You want the day to go as planned, but at the same time you can't stress about things that you can't control. It was windy during our ceremony, who cares. People got too drunk, oh well! You can't control that so you need to focus on you and what you want and don't let anyone else come between what you and your partner want.
FAVOURITE PURCHASE: Custom name cards! We wrote individualized notes to everyone in lieu of wedding favours as we felt it was much more personal and the reactions from our guests was the best gift we could have asked for! Also custom vow books and camcorder that captured all the raw and behind the scenes moments!
SOMETHING BLUE: The vintage car we drove in to our wedding venue
FRAGRANCE: Invictus by Rabanne
NON-NEGOTIABLES: Davis: Photography, videography and content creation. Andrew: photo booth.
AISLE SONG: "When I Look At You" by Miley Cyrus
FIRST DANCE SONG: "Confirmation" by Justin Bieber
CAKE FLAVOUR: Earl grey vanilla
SECOND-LOOK: For our first dance, we switched our black suits for white suit jackets SONG THAT MADE EVERYONE DANCE: "Dancing Queen" by
VENDOR LOVE: Meghan Hemstra was one of our favourite vendors hands down! She will forever have a special place in our hearts and we hope that she gets to photograph our siblings' weddings one day :)
ABBA
VENDORS
Venue, Catering & Beverage Poplar Grove Winery | poplargrove.ca
Planner & Designer
Dream Big Weddings & Events dream-big.ca
Photographer Meghan Hemstra meghanhemstra.com
Videographer Daniel Abraham danielabrahamfilms.com
Content Creator Dear Diary Social | @deardiarysocial
Florist Gems & Stems | gemsandstems.com
Rentals Perspective Event Design perspectiveeventdesign.com
Cake
Carly Turner | @car.turner
Music & Photo Booth
DJ Beau | djbeau.ca
Officiant
Deborah Fischer
Davis’ Ring Designer Vancouver Diamonds vancouverdiamonds.ca
Andrew's Ring Designer Cartier | cartier.com
Hair & Makeup
Peaches & Creme Studio peachesandcremestudio.ca
Stephanie & Marcus
Stephanie and Marcus met on Hinge in March 2021. A wedding planner and a chef who had unknowingly worked the same wedding years before without ever meeting. Their timing wasn’t right yet. Their first date at Nook in Olympic Village was the kind where walls came down immediately, and Stephanie remembers looking in the mirror before leaving and knowing, with absolute certainty, that this would be her very last first date. The following afternoon, Marcus was at her door with coffee and plans for a walk through Queen Elizabeth Park, dating apps already a thing of the past.
They married at The Kent in Vancouver exactly four years to the day after they first met, surrounded by 71 of their closest family and friends. Stephanie stunned in a custom Kathryn Bass gown and cathedral length gown and Marcus wore a custom three-piece navy suit from Surmesur, their wedding date embroidered inside. Guests entered taking their seats before the room turned dark, and a surprise film secretly captured months earlier in Whistler by Grey House Visual of Stephanie and Marcus exchanging private vows with their children, a moment no one knew existed until it unfolded in front of everyone they love. At the reception, guests were personally escorted to their seats by the planning team - names and faces memorized - where a personalized cocktail awaited each place setting and a curated menu, by the groom himself, inspired by their first date was served family style. When it comes to any decision in wedding planning, Stephanie says, “I promise it’s not just a saying...when you know, you will know.”
THE COUPLE EDIT
ADVICE
Don’t try to do it all yourself even if you are organized and feel you have all the time. Trust your vendors, lean on their expertise and let them do what they do best. At the very least, hire a Month-of Coordinator. They’ll be your guide through those final weeks, handle the details on the day and give you the gift of being fully present. And finally, slow it all down. The day goes by faster than you can imagine, so build in little moments of pause - a buffer in your timeline - to breathe it in and truly savour every second.
FAVOURITE PURCHASE
I didn’t buy my veil—it was a simple find from a venue’s lost-and-found bin, discovered a year before I was even engaged. When no one came forward to claim it, I held onto it. My best friend wore it on her wedding day, and then I wore it on mine. Afterward, I passed it along to another bride with the hope of creating a tradition—one veil, shared intentionally from woman to woman, carrying with it connection, sustainability and the joy of each wedding day.
SOMETHING BLUE
Velvet blue ring box, ribbon on our vow books and the groom's suit
FRAGRANCE Glossier
GROOM'S NON-NEGOTIABLE
Exceptional food
AISLE SONG
"From the Ground Up" by Dan + Shay (Instrumental)
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
Negroni, Espresso Martini and passionfruit spicy margarita
CAKE FLAVOUR Passionfruit mousse
FIRST DANCE SONG "Forever After All" by Luke Combs
SECOND-LOOK
I changed into the Park & Fifth Co Belmont Dress in white and a white Zara blazer
LATE NIGHT SNACK
Nook pizzas
SONG THAT MADE EVERYONE DANCE "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus
VENDOR LOVE
Our vendor list was created with complete intention. Every single person was chosen not only for their undeniable talent, but for the heart behind their business and the relationships we’ve built along the way. These weren’t just vendors - they were friends and trusted partners who supported us wholeheartedly. Because of them, we were able to step fully into the joy of our wedding day without stress, knowing we were in the very best hands. We had an incredible community surrounding us to capture and execute our day seamlessly. We couldn't have done it without them. GreyHouse Visual went above and beyond for us. Not only did he capture our wedding day beautifully, but months earlier he secretly filmed our private vows with our kids in Whistler, holding onto that surprise until the big day when it became part of our ceremony’s immersive experience. After the wedding, he created a film that was deeply personal, weaving in clips from many of the ceremonies I (the bride) had officiated, turning our story into something uniquely ours. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside Sara Karimi, our coordinator, for many years. When we got engaged, there was no question we’d be in the best hands. She’s known for going above and beyond with incredible attention to detail. While I could have led the day with my own team, I wanted everyone to truly be guests and enjoy the experience - something we rarely get to do as planners. Sara, Lauren, Keoni and Andrea gave us the greatest gift: handling every detail so we could be fully present.
VENDORS
Venue & Beverage
The Kent | thekentvan.com
Getting Ready Venue
The Vancouver Club | vancouverclub.ca
Planner
Sweetheart Events | sweetheartevents.com
Photographer Christine Pienaar Photography christinepienaarphotography.com
Videographer Grey House Visual | greyhousevisual.com
Content Creator
The Content Collective @the_contentcollective
Florist
Écorce Flowers | ecorce.co
Invitations
Paper & Petal Designs @paperandpetaldesigns
Rentals
Bespoke Decor | bespokedecor.ca
Sie Collection | siecollection.com
Pedersens Rentals | vancouver.pedersens.com
Element Event Solutions elementeventscanada.com
Catering
Blue Macaw Catering bluemacawcatering.com
Cake
Art Bakery | @artbakeryca
Ice Cream Cart Rain or Shine Ice Cream rainorshineicecream.com
Music & Entertainment DJ Sam FX | djsamfx.com
Photobooth & Video Guestbook
Lucky Booth | luckybooth.ca
Officiant
Lane Cuthbert - Rev Collective therevcollective.ca
Accommodations
Azure Hotel, Vancouver azurhotelvancouver.com
Bridal Boutique & Gown Designer Kathryn Bass Bridal | kathrynbass.ca
Bride’s Shoes Zara | zara.com
Bride’s Jewellery Swarovski | swarovski.com
Bride’s Ring Designer Spence Diamonds | spencediamonds.com
Bride’s Reception Dress Park & Fifth Co | parkandfifthco.com
Hair Chris Funk | chrisfunk.ca
Makeup
Luvo Boutique | luvoboutique.com
Groom's Suit
Surmesur | surmesur.com
Honeymoon
Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino | wickinn.com
Lindsay & Max
Lindsay and Max met on Hinge while living in Toronto, Ontario and from their first conversation, they both knew it just felt different. They had several mutual friends but had somehow never crossed paths until the app brought them together. Three years later, on a snowy February day in 2023, Max proposed on the dock at Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler. Lindsay thought they were on a nature walk with two of their closest friends, but suddenly he was down on one knee and their friends were there to capture it all. He even guessed her ring size perfectly!
WELCOME PARTY
WEDDING DAY
Two and a half years later, they married on Pender Island at The Tides Cottages, a place Lindsay discovered online and knew instantly was the one. Growing up in Vancouver and spending time in the Gulf Islands, the coastal setting felt deeply personal to her, and after moving back to British Columbia with Max, he quickly understood what made them so special. Lindsay wore the Katherine Tash Cecilia dress, a clean minimal silk gown inspired by Georgia Fowler’s iconic wedding look, while Max wore a classic Harry Rosen suit with a bow tie. Skipping tradition entirely, the two walked down the aisle together, hand-in-hand, to “Wash” by Bon Iver and their close friend Tyler officiated.
ADVICE
Stay true to who you are as a couple, and don’t feel the need to perform for anyone. Just be present in the moment and let the day be a genuine celebration of you and your love story.
FAVOURITE PURCHASE
Aside from my dress, I loved my earrings! I knew I wanted to wear baroque pearls to complement the coastal vibe, and the pair I found from Completed Works was perfect.
SOMETHING BLUE
My pedicure
FRAGRANCE
Another 13 by Le Labo
NON-NEGOTIABLE
Our dog, we both wanted her to be a part of our day!
AISLE SONG
We walked together to "Wash" by Bon Iver
CAKE FLAVOUR
Danish Lagekage and tiramisu
FIRST DANCE SONG "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls
SECOND-LOOK
I worked with the incredible local bridal designer Jules Marie to create a custom after-party look: a two-piece set with a corset and lace skirt. It was such a special piece to bring to life, and the attention to detail and artistry were incredible. Julianna spent 14 hours hand-sewing the lace appliqué onto the corset, and the result was beyond anything I imagined!
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
Spicy margarita and Aperol spritz
SONG THAT MADE EVERYONE DANCE "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus
VENDORS LOVE
Our coordinator, Events by Elle, truly went above and beyond. Elle and her team took my vision and brought it to life with such care and precision, going the extra mile for us all weekend long — the first to arrive, last to leave. (We’re talking midnight cleanup in the cottage kitchen after the party wrapped!)
Emma from Keep Floral understood my vision perfectly. I didn’t want traditional wedding florals. I envisioned something textural, unique and perfectly suited to our coastal venue, yet timeless. I sent her a mood board and colour palette, and she absolutely nailed it.
I can’t say enough about Becky (Rebecca Frank) and Carissa of Carissa Marie Photography. They made us feel so comfortable, kept us laughing and brought such incredible energy to the day. I truly believe that’s what sets great photographers apart. Because we felt so at ease, the photos capture each moment authentically, exactly as it felt in the moment. It’s a true testament to their artistry.
Forty-four guests gathered for a long-table, family-style dinner where Lindsay and Max sat alongside everyone they loved. Because of a noise curfew, the dance party moved inside at 10 p.m. and turned into the most epic house party, everyone singing and dancing all night. Lindsay changed into a custom hand-sewn corset and lace skirt set by Jules Marie, and the two danced until the night ended with their dog by their side. No drama, no fuss, just them surrounded by the people they love most.
VENDORS
Venue
The Tides Cottages | thetidescottages.com
Photographer Rebecca Frank | rebeccafrank.ca
Second Shooter
Carissa Marie Photography carissamariephotography.ca
Videographer
Jenzel Velo | jenzelvelo.co
Florist
Keep Floral | keepfloral.ca
Rentals
Events by Elle | eventsbyelle.ca
Catering
Truss Farm Food | trussfarmfood.com
Cake & Desserts
Moselle Bakery | mosellebakery.ca
Music & Entertainment
Simon Bridgefoot | simonbridgefoot.com
Transportation Lightning Taxi | lightningtaxi.ca
Bridal Boutique
Everly Bridal | everlyfinebridal.com
Gown Designer Katherine Tash | katherinetash.com
Bride’s Veil Madame Tulle | madametulle.com.au
Bride’s Shoes Jimmy Choo | jimmychoo.com
Bride’s Jewellery
Completed Works | us.completedworks.com
Bride’s Ring Designer Melanie Auld | melanieauld.com
Bride’s Reception Dress
Jules Marie | julesmarie.co
Hair Lara Marie Hair | @laramariehair
Makeup
Nabi Artistry Company | nabiartistry.com
Photo by Sara Musselman Photography
Photography by Shantina Rae Photography
Brynn & Clay
Brynn and Clay, whose story began at a middle school track meet, chose to celebrate their first year of marriage with an effortlessly romantic soirée. Fourteen years after that first race and one year after saying “I do!” they returned to Sparrow Lane, the place where they became husband and wife, to relive the magic with an intimate dolce vita-inspired anniversary dinner under the stars. With the help of Ashley Nicole Styling, Brynn and Clay planned an Italian summer evening featuring soft champagne tones, cascading lemons and delicate florals. Just as their six guests arrived, a helicopter landed and swept the couple away for a quick flight above the river valley. “The views were amazing, and it was an experience we will cherish,” shared Brynn.
For the al fresco dinner, tables were topped with miniature gold lamps that cast a warm glow across arrangements of white hydrangeas, goldenrod and blue delphinium. With a more relaxed vibe for the celebration, Brynn wore a sexy, champagne one-shoulder Meshki gown, while Clay embraced the theme in an effortlessly cool linen suit. As night fell, everyone gathered beneath the stars for a fivecourse meal, accompanied by live music that set the tone for an evening of laughter and nostalgia.
VENDORS
Venue
Sparrow Lane | sparrowlaneevents.com
Planner
Ashley Nicole Styling ashleynicolestyling.squarespace.com
Photographer Ash MacLean Photography ashmacleanphotography.com
Videographer Bray & Nat | brayandnat.ca
Florist A Petal for Your Thoughts petalforyourthoughts.com
Rentals
Special Event Rentals | specialeventrentals.com
Catering
Century Catering and Events centurycateringandevents.com
Entertainment Intertwined Studios | intertwinedstudios.ca
Gown Designer Meshki | meshki.com.au
Hair
Black Pin Project | blackpinproject.square.site
Makeup
Calvin Alexander | calvinalexandr.com
Corinna Walker Photography
Deserae Evenson Photography
Justine Milton Photography
c'est de l'amour
Inspired by the romance of Europe, with a prairie twist, this styled shoot at The Valley Weddings brought refined elegance straight to the heart of Alberta. Lottie Weddings set out to create something that felt fairytale worthy but still elevated and immersive, the kind of design that sweeps you up without ever feeling overdone. The colour palette is where it really shines, layered greens meeting soft to dramatic purples in a way that feels unexpected but completely intentional. It’s bold without shouting, classic without falling flat and it ties beautifully into Alberta’s natural landscape. Think sculptural florals, draped textures and thoughtfully curated details that feel magical with ease, and honestly, it just works.
The tablescape was designed to stop you in your tracks. Rich purples mingled with dry grasses and wildflowers in the best possible way, creating contrast that felt organic and elevated all at once. Hue Florals leaned into texture, incorporating flowering cauliflower and asters for those beautifully wild shapes, while mokara, cymbidium and Phalaenopsis orchids layered in a distinctly French elegance. Overhead, the ceremony and reception spaces were filled with roses, hydrangea, calla lilies, zinnias and delphinium cascading dramatically above, like something straight out of a dream. The bride’s bouquet tied everything together with sweet pea, anemone, scabiosa, ranunculus and snapdragon, blending unexpected textures and tones that somehow felt effortless.
Fashion brought the same level of impact. The bride wore a show-stopping Martina Liana gown from The Bridal Boutique, while the groom looked impossibly sharp in a custom suit by Atelier Suiting. Chartier YYC created an Earl Grey sponge cake with raspberry cream filling, partially draped in fondant and finished with pearls and handcrafted sugar flowers. Minimalist but deeply romantic, it was the kind of cake that lets form and subtle detail do all the talking. Noto Gelato added an unexpected European moment that felt both elevated and inviting. From the invitations by Seeking Light Studio to the modern rentals and dramatic drapery, every detail felt connected, intentional, cohesive and curated without ever feeling stuffy.
This shoot proves you don’t have to choose between bold and timeless, or fairytale and sophisticated. By blending European influence with Alberta’s natural beauty, the team created something that feels fresh, transportive and enduring all at once. It’s for couples who want their wedding to feel like an experience. Between the sculptural florals, the unexpected colour palette and all those layered textures, consider this your sign to bookmark immediately.
EDITORIAL COURTESY OF:
Venue: The Valley Weddings | thevalleyweddings.ca
Planner & Designer: Lottie Weddings | lottieweddings.com
Photographer: Justine Milton | justinemilton.com
Florist: Hue Florals | hueflorals.com
Invitations: Seeking Light Studio | seekinglightstudio.com
Rentals: Modern Rentals | modernrentals.ca
Rentals: Special Event Rentals | specialeventrentals.com
Cake: Chartier YYC | chartieryyc.com
Dessert: Noto Gelato | notogelato.ca
Bridal Boutique: The Bridal Boutique | thebridalboutique.ca
Gown Designer: Martina Liana Bridal Designs | essensedesigns.com/martina-liana
Bride’s Ring Designer: Alberta Diamond Exchange | abdiamond.ca
Groom’s Attire: Atelier Suiting | ateliersuiting.com
Hair & Makeup: Raw Beauty Bar | rawbeautyab.ca
Models: Lourdes & Zach
the art of contrast
Moody, modern romance is having its moment, and this Archway Manor shoot shows exactly why. Nicole Louise Couture Events hit that sweet spot between soft and structured, pairing airy white drapery with deep olive linens and black accents that kept the whole look grounded. It’s all about opposites playing together: light and shadow, masculine depth and feminine grace, serious elegance with just enough softness to keep it approachable. Sculptural twisted candles added drama, exaggerated knots in the satin linens gave texture you could almost feel through the photos and gold candlesticks sprinkled in just the right amount of understated glam.
The bride’s OUMA gown perfectly captured that editorial energy, while the groom’s Mr. Derk look anchored the shoot with rich, masculine tones. Foxglove Studio went full architectural on the bouquet: white anthurium, sleek calla lilies, soft ranunculus and curly grass loops that added movement. What’s so great about this shoot is that moody doesn’t mean heavy or intimidating. Natural greens and moss in the floral bowls kept things grounded, while ivory and cream tones in the drapery and blooms softened the drama. Gold and brass details on candlesticks and rimmed glasses added a touch of luxe without ever feeling overdone. By mixing organic textures with refined details, the aesthetic feels both timeless and fresh, perfect for couples who want a little edge, an editorial feel, warmth and luxury without ever trying too hard.
And the cake. Oh, the cake! Cakes By Jen delivered a tiny, Parisian-chic single-tier round: smooth white buttercream, delicate piped rosettes and a bold black satin ribbon tied into the perfect bow with tails that draped like a fashion spread. On a marble stand with a wooden pedestal, it looked straight out of a highfashion editorial, the kind of cake that makes you rethink everything you thought a wedding cake could be.
EDITORIAL COURTESY OF:
Venue: Archway Manor | archwaymanor.com
Planner & Designer: Nicole Louise Couture Events | nicolelouiseevents.com
Photographer: Na Lia Weddings | naliaweddings.com
Videographer: OM Storytelling | omstorytelling.com
Florist: Foxglove Studio | foxglovestudio.ca
Cake & Desserts: Cakes By Jen | @cakesbyjenyyc
Bridal Boutique & Gown Designer: OUMA | ouma.co
Groom’s Attire: Mr. Derk | mrderk.com
Hair: Smolyk Style | smolykstyle.mypixieset.com
Makeup: Nicole Saxton | nicolesaxton.com
Model: Amanda Nikki | @amandanikki & Tyler Dent | @i.blametyler
colour pop
Wedding shoes don’t have to be an afterthought anymore. We’re seeing brides ditch the expected ivory satin pumps and lean into bold, unapologetic colour that makes every step down the aisle feel intentional. Think vibrant reds, electric blues, sunny yellows and rich greens that peek out from beneath your gown and completely steal the show in photos. The best part? A touch of colour underfoot can work with literally any wedding aesthetic! Going minimal and modern? A bright shoe adds that perfect pop of personality. Leaning more romantic and maximalist? Colourful heels tie the whole look together without competing for attention. They’re the detail your photographer will zoom in on and the one thing guests will definitely ask about during cocktail hour.
jewel tones
If you want drama without going full maximalist, jewel-toned shoes are your answer. We’re talking rich emeralds, deep sapphires, moody amethysts and that perfect ruby red that feels both luxurious and grounded. Jewel tones are a great choice because they bring sophistication and depth to any bridal look, whether you’re wearing a classic white gown or something more textured and vintageinspired. They photograph like an absolute dream in natural light and work beautifully with every skin tone. The magic of jewel tones is that they feel bold but not over-the-top, striking that perfect balance between statement-making and timeless. Plus, you’ll actually want to wear them again! These are the shoes that transition seamlessly from wedding day to cocktail party to fancy dinner date.
Brands Pictured: (blue) Amina Muaddi
aminamuaddi.com; (light green) Prada | prada.com; (velvet green) Sézane
(gold) Sam Edelman
samedelman.com; (emerald green) | Jimmy Choo
en nude
Nude shoes are having their moment and not the boring, blister-inducing kind your mom wore in the ‘90s. This year, it’s all about buttery soft tones, warm taupes, blush pinks and creamy beiges that elongate your legs and let the rest of your look breathe. The beauty of a great nude heel? It works with everything and never tries to steal the spotlight. Whether you’re going minimal, modern or full romantic with layers of lace and tulle, nude shoes tie it all together. They’re also the ultimate rewear! You’ll pull these out for every wedding you attend, every work event and every occasion that demands you look put together without trying too hard. Nude is having its main character moment and we’re very much here for it.
Pearl-embellished shoes are everywhere right now and for good reason! From delicate pearl straps to fully beaded heels and toe caps covered in glossy details, these shoes feel like something borrowed from a different era in the best way possible. They bring old-world elegance without feeling costume-y, and they also pair beautifully with modern minimalist gowns or romantic, textured silhouettes. They also add just enough detail to make your footwear feel considered and special. The trick is letting the pearls do the talking, keeping everything else simple so these beauties can shine. If you want shoes that feel like an heirloom in the making and will make your “something old” feel jealous, pearls are calling your name.
Brands Pictured: (top to bottom, left to right) Loeffler Randall | loefflerrandall.com; HARLO Shoes harloshoes.com.au; Jimmy Choo | jimmychoo.com; RAYE @rayethelabel; Stuart Weitzman stuartweitzman.com
Planning a wedding is more than timelines and details. It is about honouring your love story and creating a day that feels authentic to you.
As the heart behind Powerful Moments Events, and having had the privilege of being a bride myself last year, I approach every celebration with intention, care, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. After planning over one hundred weddings and then experiencing my own, I carry an even deeper understanding of the trust couples place in their planner. It has brought a new level of passion and meaning to the work I do, and it is an honour I never take lightly.
Our role is to guide you with clarity, refine your vision with elegance, and ensure every moment unfolds seamlessly.
Your wedding day should feel effortless. It should feel meaningful. It should feel like you. We would be honoured to bring it to life.
A note from the Planner...
POWERFUL MOMENTS EVENTS
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Diamond In The R o ugh Wedding & Events Venue
Jensens M
Wth Miller, Cake: Isabelle Sweet Ca
Hello Beautiful Bridal Boutique, Suit: Jensens Mens We
Wth Miller, Cake: Isabelle Sweet Cakes, Mob
Venue: Diamond In The Rough Wedding
Hello Beautiful Bridal Boutique, Suit: Jensens Mens Wear, Hair: Danielle Aichelle Artistry, Makeup: S
Makeup Artistry, Earring Marketing Wth Miller, Cake: Isabelle Sweet Cakes, Mobile
EMERALD LAKE | BANFF | CALGARY
Orange Girl, Kim Payant, Corrina Walker