Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

I went out for a bit of a drive to join Monica and Dave for their Claresholm ranch engagement photography a few miles outside of the town. We took their vehicle up to the rocky hill overlooking the ranch, through the herd of inquisitive cows enjoying their dinner. From up there we had sweeping views of the foothills surrounding their property, starting to pick up the soft green tones as spring began to spread throughout the fields.

Monica and Dave were so easy to photograph together. They are always making each other giggle and it’s probably lucky for me I was just out of earshot during when I’m pretty sure he was telling her dirty jokes to get more laughs! Even when my camera was placed down to plan the next photo, they’d pull each other in for another embrace and I’d quickly start snapping again.

I can’t wait to explore the area further on their wedding day this summer when they’re dressed all fancy!

(more…)

Last winter, Denise and Craig had an awesome idea to do Coalhurst outdoor ice rink hockey photos, but there was no snow! Winter kind of skipped us that year. Luckily (for their concept, not local travellers), 2018 was the year of snow! The ice rink was well maintained and surrounded by heaps snow, perfect for the winter look they wanted. They put on their favorite Oilers jerseys, grabbed their hockey sticks, and set out onto the ice for their couples photoshoot.

Their cute little dogs Sadie and Piper came equipped with their own matching jerseys. It was their first time “skating” and they did surprisingly well! I think their low centers of gravity definitely helped. The only challenge was figuring out how to run on the ice, but the snow banks surrounding the rink made that part a little easier. Piper especially loved sliding down the packed snow.

(more…)

Christine and Joe didn’t quite have the engagement session we were expecting! We had booked their photos many weeks in advance to take place over the February long weekend. Our plan was to drive out to the Crowsnest Pass, and we hoped there would still be some snow left. The last two Februarys have been a little dry here, so we didn’t want to get our hopes up too much! As their photography date approached, we heard tales of daily highway closures. Then it came: yet another heavy snowfall warning on our travel day! In the end, they had a very snowy west Lethbridge engagement session just as the huge snowfall began its descent.

As a substitute “forest,” we met at Aperture Park on the west side and hiked through snow that ranged from one inch to two feet deep. Christine and Joe were such amazing sports about it! Christine feels the same way about winter as I do (which is not favourably), yet they perfectly acted like everything was warm and fine. Even while being pelted by snow, they were so lost in each other. Joe couldn’t resist nuzzling into her and making them both break out in huge grins.

(more…)

Ashley and Brett took a break from studying to travel down to the river bottom and take some Alexander Wilderness Park couples photos. The crisp weather that afternoon gave them all the more reason to snuggle in every photo. Brett and Ashley are that perfect combination of being best friends and totally in love, and they were so cute interacting with each other.

(more…)

It’s been a few years since both of their children’s weddings so it was great to get together with Barry and Linda’s family again! They were spending the weekend at their cabin in Southern Alberta and figured it was time for some updated family photos while everyone was together. Barry built the cabin near Pincher Creek himself and it’s been a treasured family getaway spot over the years. As the family has grown with marriage, they’ve only added more laughter and love to their weekends away. Although the mountain views from the property were obstructed with smoke, the view from on top of their hill was still incredible!

(more…)

Jordana and Mark will soon be seeing a lot less of each other due to work training and wanted to do a proper send off with a photoshoot together. We started their West Lethbridge summer couples photos at the University and finished off with a beautiful coulee view at golden hour. I appreciate that they had to walk through who knows what kind of hidden dangers in the grass that was almost as tall as Jordana!

I’ve known Jordana for a long time but this was my first time meeting Mark. I could instantly see why they make such a good couple! Their senses of humour are so in tune and they are best friends as much as they are so romantic together. They are definitely going to miss each other this summer.

p.s. I see Jordana regularly in our shared dance classes and was very impressed she wore something other than her trademark color ;)

(more…)