Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

It’s been nearly 7 years since Larry and Debbie rounded up the kids for family photos, so a lot has changed since then! The biggest change is that “little” Luca went from being a giggly toddler to a talkative big kid. Plus, a whole bunch of doggies have been added to the collection! I went into the session clearly knowing which dogs belonged to which family because I was given each dog’s full name (dog name + family name) on the family’s intake form. (It’s important you know that one of the dogs is named Schlubby, and he was such a Schlubby they couldn’t possibly have given him another name.)

We carefully timed these multi-generation photos to take place in between rain storms and knee surgery. Luckily crutches were easy to toss to the side when it was time to pose! Aperture Park provided a gorgeous backdrop and gave the dogs lots of trees to sniff, and Luca lots of things to climb on.

It was great to catch up with this family, especially because they have so much fun when they are together and the joy is contagious!

Josh and Roxy are high school sweethearts who understand the value of patience. Once they finished university, moved apart and then back together again, and got a house, they decided it was time to take the next step and get married! They planned a laid back De Winton Community Hall wedding with beer coolers and lawn games to keep their guests entertained.

After their outdoor ceremony and some hiding indoors from a thunder shower, we explored the town of De Winton for some major rustic feeling. From grain elevators to canola fields, Roxy and Josh had a country wedding with the Calgary skyline visible in the background. With a handful of siblings in the wedding party to keep teasing them and some long time friends to keep them laughing, Roxy and Josh had the party vibe of the day follow them everywhere they went.

Roxy first came into my life when I photographed her best friend’s wedding six years ago. Their group of friends has been tightly knit since college so there were a lot of familiar faces from the last wedding, with one notable exception! The absence of the maid of honour on Roxy’s wedding day was bittersweet. While she missed her bestie’s wedding day, it was because she went into labour the night before! The wedding day was full of gossip among the guests… “Did the baby arrive yet?” Luckily Roxy came prepared with two best friends assigned to that role and her man of honour did a fantastic job filling both roles (including standing in the rain holding an umbrella over the bride).

Congratulations, Roxy and Josh!

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!

What is better than soft puppy fuzz? Collins is one of the fuzziest puppies I have ever met! He helped me get the most adorable outdoor puppy photos at Henderson Lake.

Collins may be excited to eventually get a forever home, but in the meantime he is having a blast learning how to live with a family and other dogs. His foster dog family played with him all morning before his adoption photos, and he still had lots of energy left!

When he wasn’t frantically trying to scratch his collar (he doesn’t have much leash training yet so that was a yucky feeling!), he was busy climbing onto my lap for snuggles. Even if I was squatting, he found his way up! It took a bit of clever timing and a picnic bench obstacle to pull off these adorable photos.

This puppy has the kindest temperament and is such a gentle soul. He’s inquisitive and brave and will grow up into an amazing companion!

Collins is available through the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS). I’m sure he won’t be available for long! (I think he may already be adopted!)

A chilly spring engagement shoot with Sam, Brietta and their trusty side-kick, Bakon the Dog

A surprise April snowfall didn’t dampen Brietta’s spirits when I told her the forecast.

“I bought a dress,” Brietta said. “I am going to wear it anyways! Haha.”

I’ve known Brietta for a few years, I first met her when she was the Event & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for the MS Walk when I did volunteer photography for the walk. Brietta’s fiery; a go-getter. So her resolve to embrace the moment didn’t surprise me one bit!

How Chelsea created lasting memories for her favourite ‘partner in crime’

His brilliant butterscotch fur was perfectly pressed, his teeth bright and breath fresh. It was a special spring day for Louis the Chihuahua.

Louis’ owner, Chelsea wanted to make his 10th birthday something unique – something to remember.

“He’s been the perfect partner in crime!” Chelsea said of Louis. “We have been on SO many adventures. Recently, I purchased a small dog-friendly pet carrier so he can still be a part of all our favourite summer adventures. He especially likes canoe rides.”

So to make his big day memorable, Chelsea prepared a picnic, made a cake and planned a special walk through Aperture Park at the University of Lethbridge. To cap it all off, she wanted to document the special day with a personalized pet photography session, so she called me!