Lindsay and Terry planned a beautiful summer wedding at the Norland Historic Estate. Their wedding date happened to take place on one of the most gorgeous days of the summer and their guests spent so much time laughing and socializing on the patio.
As we went through the day, it was apparent how valued the couple are to their friends and family. Their wedding party kept them laughing all day and were so thrilled about the love they have found in each other. Each bridesmaid gave a speech explaining how much Lindsay had touched their lives while the best man recounted his favorite adventures with Terry and the other groomsmen.
Lindsay and Terry’s ceremony was equally full of emotion and laughter. Grandparents were crying before anyone had even walked down the aisle, and Terry managed to hold it together better than one of the groomsmen (but just barely). Lindsay made the classic slip up of “my awfully wedded husband” which sent everyone into hysterical laughter.
However, the best was yet to come! As Lindsay walked down the aisle, she realized that she forgot Terry’s wedding ring in the Norland house. She played it cool through the whole ceremony until it was time for the ring exchange. Thinking on the spot, she quickly removed her engagement ring and placed it halfway down Terry’s pinky finger (the only finger where it would sort of fit). Their marriage commissioner, Carol, said it was the gesture that was the most important! Terry wore the engagement ring with pride until Lindsay was able to sneak away from their receiving line and grab the proper wedding band.
This was our first time back at the Norland Historic Estate since their massive renovation and ballroom expansion, and they’ve done an amazing job! The gazebo has been relocated to a much more photo friendly location (no more grooms in the blazing sun!), the ballroom can fit so many more guests, and the cozy patio area lets the party spill outdoors to take in the beautiful yard. Lindsay and Terry had perfect timing booking their wedding when they did to take advantage of all of the changes.
Tacey and Brendan planned a romantic and fun morning of photos before heading to their ceremony. They had their first look on her family’s Fort Macleod farm. Once their families were ready, everyone met us outside for portraits and we explored the farm while an adorable assortment of curious animals followed us.
After doing weddings for over 12 years, I’m always surprised when I encounter something new. This was my first time doing bridal portraits with a cow! Sweet little Lucy is halter trained and important to Tacey. Her brother in law wrangled the cow out and got her ready for photos. Lucy was not having it at first, probably because seeing a wedding dress for the first time can be quite terrifying to livestock! She eventually warmed up to the idea and even let Brendan be the one to lead her (and then thanked him by licking his suit).
We were also continuously photobombed by Chloe the dog who loved being with all the people, while Cassie the dog (who loved rolling in mud a little too much) was under lockdown until it was her turn. The rain stopped just in time for photos, but not in time to keep the dogs dry!
Tacey and Brendan are so sweet and laid back. Tacey was so chill about her dress getting dirty with the animals that we and her family had to convince her to take a little break to clean some of the mud off! It was wonderful to work with her family again and get to know her and Brendan a little better.
What is better than soft puppy fuzz? Collins is one of the fuzziest puppies I have ever met! He helped me get the most adorable outdoor puppy photos at Henderson Lake.
Collins may be excited to eventually get a forever home, but in the meantime he is having a blast learning how to live with a family and other dogs. His foster dog family played with him all morning before his adoption photos, and he still had lots of energy left!
When he wasn’t frantically trying to scratch his collar (he doesn’t have much leash training yet so that was a yucky feeling!), he was busy climbing onto my lap for snuggles. Even if I was squatting, he found his way up! It took a bit of clever timing and a picnic bench obstacle to pull off these adorable photos.
This puppy has the kindest temperament and is such a gentle soul. He’s inquisitive and brave and will grow up into an amazing companion!
Catherine and Douglas planned their event from across the country and returned to Douglas’s home town for their Springbreak Flower Farm summer wedding. With family members traveling from near and far, it was like a mini destination wedding!
Catherine swore she would never marry a military man, but then Douglas came along! The two are so compatible, including their mutual love of taking their cats on backpack adventures. What stood out the most in their personalities was how happy and positive they are. Despite some significant setbacks, from skin burns to a tray of cupcakes falling to the floor to botched dress alterations (Catherine’s mom ended up having to sew her into the dress that day), their positivity never faltered. They were just so happy to be marrying the love of their life! Douglas could not stop looking at his beautiful bride all day.
Catherine was a natural at wedding planning. She is a French language teacher and used to doing lots of planning! (She even laughed about how she had highlighted Douglas’s parts in their speech.) This attention to detail meant the day ran so smoothly, they had plenty of time to relax in between parts of the day (even if that contributed to a few extra tummy butterflies!).
Baby C was adorable at her photoshoot with her big blue eyes and toothy grin! We started with an indoor photo session in their home where Baby C is happiest. She loved rolling around on their big bed and grabbing her toes. Once she had her fill of kisses from mom and dad there, we headed outside for early morning Henderson Lake family photos. Not only was I in love with her smile, but I loved watching the joy she brings her parents when they interact with her. Their grins are even bigger than hers!
When I found out where Michelle and Pieter were getting married, I was so excited to return to one of my favorite venues! They planned a Gladstone Mountain Ranch summer wedding as a bit of a destination wedding while still staying in the province. The ranch, tucked between Pincher Creek and Castle Mountain Resort, is such a hidden gem in Southern Alberta!
Michelle and Pieter combined classy with low key, mixing elegant gowns and sweeping ceremony vistas with accents of wild flowers, a BBQ dinner, and a s’mores roast at the end of the evening. Their ceremony was followed by a cookie bar and lawn games to keep their guests busy while they explored the ranch with me for photos.
The couple are such naturals in front of the camera, despite telling me otherwise. I had forgotten they warned me they aren’t used to having their photo taken until, at the end of portraits, they brought up how comfortable they ended up feeling! (Hopefully this experience will convince them photos can be fun, haha.) Their wedding party and family definitely added to the fun too. When the groomsmen weren’t lifting Pieter in the air, the girls could usually be found striking poses for each other.
We had an amazing time with them, and it’s not often we can say the bride was hunted by a house cat! (You’ll have to check out the photos below!)
