Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

Isabelle and Andrew probably hadn’t quite planned on a smoky Indian Battle Park engagement session, but we worked with what we had! The smoke from the BC wild fires wasn’t too terrible that day and cast the High Level Bridge in a dreamy haze. They are both such kind people and could not be happier when they look at each other. It took no effort to make them giggle together and they snuck way more kisses in than I gave them permission for. ;) It was great to finally meet them after conversing from a distance and I can’t wait for their wedding next year!

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This has been a few years in the making! I have been wanting to do photography that contrasts the human shape with architectural shapes. Lethbridge has some amazing architectural details, some of which are famous like the high level bridge while others are the neat little nooks downtown. For a long time I thought I wanted to do the photos with a ballet dancer, but soon started realizing we have such amazing yoga talent in our city. The project thus turned into urban Lethbridge yoga portraits!

It was a perfect fit to connect with Sarasponda Yoga and combine our visions for this project. Sarah is so talented at her yoga practice and I highly recommend taking classes from her. She completely rocked the vision I had and did amazing work while doing yoga poses barefoot on concrete and steel.

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April is a total sweetheart who I know through dance, and I was honoured when she asked me to photograph her family. They wanted the photos to be representative of the years they have lived in Lethbridge so we chose the High Level Bridge as a backdrop. It was also important to capture playful family photos with a lifestyle feel and April went all out! Her, Tom, and the boys came equipped with pool noodles and loaded water guns, ready to battle it out at the end of the session. I love all of the joy that came out during those photos!

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After a blast of both cold and wind, we were worried about what would be left for the Helen Schuler autumn family photos with Madison and her parents. We were so happy to be met with beautiful, rich colours in the river bottom! Indian Battle Park looked stunning during golden hour and we found every pretty spot where the leaves had held on. Madison is such a sweet girl and was excellent at posing, whether we wanted her to be serious and thoughtful, or giggly and showing off her cute smile for mom and dad!

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Christine and Joe planned their Galt Museum summer wedding ceremony and reception as a celebration of their families coming together. They each gained two amazing children out of their union, as well as all of the extended family that goes along with it.

Joe’s uncle graciously let us borrow their rural property for portraits and for Christine’s getting ready location, and what a stunning place it was! Only a few steps away we had wooden swings, cute bridges, and rustic walls. Christine and Joe began their portraits with a first look. They both did a wonderful job of keeping it together, especially when it was clear either could burst into happy tears at any moment.

Their children were hilarious! They all had the best silly faces, great attitude when I asked them to be super serious, and busted out their amazing dance moves the moment the music started at the reception. The strong friendship makes it nearly impossible to tell they are a blended family and not biological siblings.

Christine and Joe were all grins for each other right up until the end of the night. They are so perfect for each other. :)

Congratulations, Christine and Joe!

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Just one day after second shooting for Melanie, I got to do it again with Kassey from Red Tree Photography! This time we had a Trinity Reformed Church wedding with Jessica and Josiah, who met at college and fell in love. Josiah’s family travelled from Ontario to meet Jessica’s Alberta family and have their beautiful ceremony at Jess’s family’s church.

Jessica and Josiah looked amazing, especially with her flower crown and his red bow tie. We took the wedding party to Indian Battle Park for portraits after the ceremony, then just the bride and groom downtown before heading to their reception at the Coast Hotel.

Congratulations, Jess and Josiah!

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