Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

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.

Congratulations, Tacey and Brendan!

Kate and John chose a beautiful mid-spring day to have their wedding at the Fort Macleod NRC Church. All day they were full of smiles, joking with their friends but mostly flashing huge grins whenever they caught each other’s eyes.

They picked so many perfect details to accent their romantic Fort Macleod wedding photography. Soft pinks, navy blue, well-tailored suits, a classic rose bouquet, and gorgeous lace detail on Kate’s wedding dress all tied the romantic theme together.

Their wedding party was made up of a variety of family members who double as close friends. Each member was very well selected, constantly going above and beyond to help the married couple by doing things like fixing Kate’s hair, checking in with property owners, and picking up pizza.

Normally I choose most photo locations for my couples, but Kate did all of her own scouting and found some amazing spots! We got to go inside an old wooden grain elevator and visited a few older style houses within Fort Macleod, all with beautiful front porches. Kate has an amazing eye for historic design. Each time we switched locations, I was excited to see what we were going to find!

Congratulations, Kate and John!

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At just under a month old, Cashton got in front of the camera for his Fort Macleod newborn family photos with his parents, brothers, and adorable dog Django in the River Valley Wilderness Park. His family is so in love with him that everyone was begging for a chance to hold him in the photos (with the exception of Django). It was a beautiful day for doing outdoor newborn pictures and Cashton was on his best behaviour for his very first photoshoot.

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We met up with Janelle and Gerald for their Fort Macleod spring wedding photos just after their ceremony and luncheon in the town. We managed to squeeze in all the family photos just before it suddenly started raining! Janelle had totally planned ahead and picked out a fantastic hangar for indoor photos so we could stay dry.

Once the rain finally lifted, we headed back outside to get photos with the amazing vintage car they had for the wedding day. It took a little longer to drive from one point to another and Gerald had to carefully drive around bumps in the road, but it was *definitely* worth it to have such a sweet ride.

Janelle and Gerald kept their wedding intimate by not officially having a wedding party, but brought some of their closest friends along for photos. This gave us a little more time than normal to focus on the couple and how sweet they are together. I loved how classy they looked with how perfectly tailored the dress and suit were, especially next to the vintage car. Everything about the day was so romantic.

Congratulations, Janelle and Gerald!

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I had a wonderful time working with Maxinne and GJ just after their ceremony for their Fort Macleod autumn bridal portraits. They chose such a beautiful day to get married and we couldn’t have asked for better weather! Maxinne wore a stunning lace dress with long train and ivory coloured veil. Their dusty rose scheme popped out so amazing against the warm fall colours.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with a little more than half of their group before and it was a treat to meet the new additions! They are so much fun and always spend most of our time together joking and laughing. GJ and Maxinne are such a romantic couple and have found a perfect match in each other.

Congratulations, Maxinne and GJ!

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Morgan and Cameron travelled south to Morgan’s family acreage to hold their Fort Macleod backyard wedding ceremony. Their perfect sunny day really made the cotton candy pink and blue color scheme pop! I loved how they mix and matched the colors throughout the wedding party and their children, with their daughter lucky enough to get the most colorful poofy dress that was a mix of both.

They kept their wedding very small with immediate family, which made the day so special and intimate. Their DIY touches were put together so well… Morgan made the bouquets and flower girl dress herself!

After all the years their relationship goes back, the deep intimacy and comfort they share together was obvious.

Congratulations, Cameron and Morgan!

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