Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

We loved taking part in Richard and Crystal’s Crowsnest Pass Scottish wedding this past weekend because, let’s be honest, weddings are awesome when you include kilts and bagpipes! They included Richard’s family tartan in the kilt, bouquet, and fathers’ ties :)

Crystal returned to her hometown for their wedding and started the day getting ready at her family’s house before their ceremony at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Blairmore. Afterwards we headed to the Miner’s Path for photos before sending them back to the church’s basement for their reception.

Richard and Crystal are such a perfect match for each other. They both have such positive attitudes and love to joke… we got to watch them make each other laugh all day! Their friends in the wedding party were the same and by reception time, everyone was so happy dancing and socializing.

Congratulations, Richard and Crystal!

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Last weekend, Cam and I made the trek up to Fort Saskatchewan for Cathryn and Jon’s summer wedding. I met the two of them during university and haven’t seen them in years, so it was great to finally catch up! They are just such a perfect match for each other, right down to their personalities and mannerisms.

Jon broke from tradition by including a groomswoman and a groomsdog! His and Cathryn’s dog Scotty stole the show on more than one occasion that day and we had so much fun with their full wedding party.

They had both their ceremony and reception at Pioneer House, which put us conveniently close to Legacy Park and Turner Park for photos. All of the flowers in bloom, plus the canola fields, were so vibrant from the bit of rain that morning, and luckily we had a dry afternoon :)

Congratulations, Jon & Cathryn!

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My last big wedding of the year was Dan and Heather’s celebration with all of their family and friends (some even coming from Europe!). Their ceremony was held in the beautiful St. Basil’s Church, and we followed up with photos before their reception at the Coast Hotel. The reception was tons of fun, and it’s rare to see that many people constantly dancing!

Dan and Heather are such wonderful, down to earth people and were so easy to work with again. They are absolutely joyous together in everything from their smiles and laughter to their body language. Their bridal party clearly shared in their happiness and made it such a warm, loving day :)

Congratulations, Dan and Heather! (more…)

Alex and Todd had a beautiful, intimate wedding with only their immediate family at the ceremony and then a party for more of their friends and family in the evening. Todd’s grandmother, Vivian, though unable to speak due to illness, was at times the life of the party – grinning wildly, enjoying champagne, and constantly giving her thumbs up when things were wonderful to her. She was such a ham in front of the camera, it was hard to get candid photos of her! The whole day was beautiful and romantic, and there was so much happiness and love among everyone. (more…)

The rain stopped just in time for Nick and Alyson’s beautiful wedding at St. Patrick’s church. Because they live in Vancouver, I didn’t actually meet them until the week of their wedding, but instantly took to them and knew I was going to have a great time (and I was right!). This was another crazy fun wedding, and all we did all day was play with the bridal party. With our first stop being a playground, it definitely set the tone for the rest of the day. I managed to sneak serious photos in throughout the day, but it was tempting not to ;)

Later on they had a big party at the Coast Hotel with DJ Thom, and it was another of those rare receptions where the dance floor was always packed. Wonderful!

Thank you to Sarah Underwood for climbing on things and helping out! (more…)

Many many years ago I met “Pleasant” Ross through our mutual friends in the university’s music department, and when I met Erin I was thrilled to find out she perfectly matched him in charm (she is officially “Pleasant Erin” now). The two were married at the Galt, which is always one of my favorite places in Lethbridge, and had their wonderful, silly friends standing up along with them. All the tears Erin and Ross fought back during the ceremony had me emotional too, and it’s always much stronger when I know the people!

I had so much fun with them all day, and their bridal party never failed to keep me entertained (I was delighted the week after when, second shooting for Michael, one of the same groomsmen showed up in that bridal party!)

The reception was a fantastic party where everyone was full of energy and had so much fun (the candy bar may be to blame for some of that). Normally I don’t post a ton of reception photos, but in this case I couldn’t resist :)

Thank you to Jan for helping out again! (more…)