Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

Amanda and Zach didn’t want any ordinary photos! I met Amanda years ago when I did her grad photos. She reached out again to have me photograph her with the love of her life (Zach) as well as the other love of her life (Cosmo). She came prepared with a list of ideas for their fun West Lethbridge couples photos. In the end, we created an unconventional couples session filled with favourite activities and inside jokes.

One element that made the session even more over the top was that it had just snowed and was freezing out, so they probably turned a few heads when people saw them playing board games outside in the winter weather.

As another cute touch, they brought along the shirts they each wore on their first date!

We laughed through the entire session (even during the more traditional poses) and had so much fun despite the temperature.

Amanda and Jason aren’t getting married for a while but wanted a headstart on their invitations and wedding website. We planned for a Lethbridge river bottom engagement session to make use of the space around the high level bridge, then headed to the Galt Museum. They love the look of old brick, and the Galt is one of the best places to find that!

If they hadn’t told me that Jason was new to having professional photos done and that Amanda hadn’t experienced them much more, I never would have known! The two followed directions so well and were able to switch from silly, cute, and cheesy to serious and romantic within moments. I definitely appreciate when couples will follow my instructions to “skip violently”!

R & S had just finished a major bedroom redecoration in their home and wanted some sexy but personal artwork to add to their walls. A couples boudoir session in that very same room was the perfect fit!

Their bedroom made use of a bold white, black, and red colour scheme, so they picked out a wardrobe to match. Their passion for each other was apparent from the beginning of the session. One thing I love about couples boudoir is how much it helps soothe the initial nerves to have someone you know and trust there, especially when that person can help you adjust your lingerie!

Weddings and events may have been postponed in 2020 due to COVID, but once restrictions eased up in the summer, everyone was grateful to spend time outdoors with their families! I was so thankful we have such beautiful, wide open outdoor spaces around Lethbridge so I could keep photographing all of these awesome families. I ended up hoarse on many occasions from yelling through my mask, but it was always worth it.

Two of the biggest trends I noticed this year were all of the babies who arrived (and these aren’t even the quarantine babies yet!) and all of the larger families who made an effort to celebrate important anniversaries and birthdays. I adapted quickly by bringing most of the newborns outdoors on warm days and talking their parents through poses. Everyone did so well!

Some highlights from 2020 include not one but TWO marriage proposals, a cat birthday, and a few more secret projects to come that I can’t share yet, including album art for local musicians and a children’s book. Each season was so amazing this year, from the long blossom season we had to the vibrant colours in the fall. Even the early snow was warm enough for outdoor photos!

Melinda’s secret plan to propose to her boyfriend Gage during their session turned into an even bigger surprise for her with double proposal engagement photos!

As far as Gage knew (or so we thought), he and Melinda were going to have a couples photoshoot in the river bottom…

Hilda and Basil’s daughter Margaret wanted to do something special for her parents to celebrate their 55 years of marriage, so she arranged these west Lethbridge anniversary photos for them.

Both Hilda and Basil have lived very interesting lives. Hilda is a published poet and Basil used to be a professional soccer player! He was able to bring a soccer ball to the session and was very proud to show off the Brazilian flag in some of the photos.

Margaret hopped in for a few family photos, but most of the session focused on the lovely couple. Margaret and I were grinning and giggling at how cute her parents are! They are a perfect example of finding someone who can still make you laugh in 55 years.