Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

After already sharing so much of their life together, Chad and Samantha decided to make it official with an intimate Milk River wedding. Traveling from Calgary with their beautiful girls, they chose Milk River for its proximity to family and small town charm even though neither of them are originally from there. They ended up with a beautiful day where the big, blue rural Alberta skies opened up after weeks of rain and smoke.

They started out their day with a short ceremony at St. Paul’s United Church with only their closest family and friends in attendance. The church had a beautiful courtyard so we mainly stayed there, but had a chance to drive out a bit for views of fields and mountains.

Samantha and Chad are so sweet, which came across in every single interaction with them. They are both so bubbly and happy, it’s clear to see how they are still such a perfect match after all these years together.

Congratulations, Chad and Samantha!

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Ryan and Jen had a summer Waterton mountain wedding, which is always one of our favorite places to visit! Both their ceremony and reception were held at the Waterton Community Center, with their ceremony taking place on the lawn outside overlooking the gorgeous mountains that surround the townsite.

They were hilarious with their wedding party, and Ryan was especially all about jumping into silly poses. We are very grateful to them that they handled the wind so well seeing as how the prettiest places were the ones where the wind could almost knock you down that day!

Congratulations, Ryan and Jen!

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Colby and Allison held their Springbreak summer wedding at Hillcrest’s beautiful greenhouse at the base of the mountains. Allison looked like a Greek goddess in her one shoulder wedding dress. Her floor length veil was a perfect accent in the wind that is so common in the Crowsnest Pass, though we had a little less wind than expected so Cam helped out with the veil motion a few times ;)

The wedding party was so much fun to spend the afternoon with as everyone was having such a great time, plus this was my first time having one of my cousins included! Colby and Allison have already been together for a few years and the deep connection and friendship they share was obvious.

The Springbreak Flower Farm was a stunning venue for the whole day, starting with Allison and the girls getting ready at the bed and breakfast and finishing with their greenhouse ceremony and reception. Her and Colby planned their day so their guests could go straight to the party, with all of their photos taking place earlier in the day and their ceremony in the evening. Unfortunately their planned outdoor ceremony was met with rain, but inside the greenhouse was just as beautiful with all of the flowers and lights.

We were so happy that the bride and groom set aside time for evening portraits during their reception. Springbreak had such pretty spots tucked away in it!

Congratulations, Colby and Allison!

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It’s a little harsh to start your wedding day needing an EpiPen, but Cheryl and Josh are tough and had an awesome day despite the rocky beginning (plus it sure adds to the quirky memories of the day!). We had perfect weather for a sunny Lethbridge autumn wedding, with beautiful fall colors to make their vivid wedding party outfits really pop.

After the girls got ready, we headed over to the Immanuel Lutheran Church on the west side where the minister worked awesome Star Wars jokes into the ceremony. The west side had so many amazing locations this autumn that we didn’t even have to leave it until it was time to go to their reception at the Italian Canadian Club :)

There were a few wedding party crossovers from previous weddings and as usual, they were such a fun group! Cheryl and Josh are amazing in front of the camera and you can tell how madly in love they are every moment they are together.

Congratulations, Josh & Cheryl!

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While I’ve photographed the weddings of many people I’ve gone to school with, Tricia’s was a special one seeing as how we’ve been friends since grade 6! From the moment she started talking about Colin, he seemed so perfect for her and I’m glad she agreed :)

Tricia and Colin held their Castle River summer wedding in the Crowsnest Pass area, starting in Coleman where Tricia grew up and working their way over to the Lundbreck area for the ceremony and reception later in the day. The Castle River Rodeo grounds were a beautiful location to hold their celebration, from their river side ceremony to their starlit open sky reception.

We had such an amazing and fun time with them! It’s so great to be able to spend such a special day with friends. (Cam and Colin have also had lots of time to bond over the last year since the couple were guests at a number of other weddings we photographed!)

Our friend Andrea at Elegant Weddings and Events (who was also in the wedding party!) did an amazing job coordinating the whole event.

Congratulations, Colin & Tricia!

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Jordan and Alyson had such a beautiful Lethbridge rural themed summer wedding with touches of wheat and wild flowers to complement all of the other vintage and lace details they included.

They had their afternoon wedding ceremony at Marantha Church in West Lethbridge. The two of them were so amazing to watch. They could not stop smiling at each other and laughing with joy through the whole ceremony (plus a bit of happy crying, of course).

For photos, they chose such a personal place: their own farm. The farm had such beautiful old buildings and lush green wild grass, making it such a gorgeous location for photos. Just down the road was Jordan’s family’s farm, which allowed us access into the bright yellow canola fields. I just love when canola is in season and so saturated like that!

Their reception was held back in Lethbridge at the College’s DA Electric Barn where they served donuts instead of cake :)

Congratulations, Jordan & Alyson!

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