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Tara Whittaker Photography

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Archives for December 2015

December 24, 2015 By Tara

Christmas in Banff

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Happy Christmas Eve.  I’m not sure how you’re celebrating tonight but I thought I would share a series that I photographed with Sharon from Naturally Chic for couples and suggestions for creating new Christmas traditions.  The series has been featured on the wedding and lifestyle blog Canadian Mountain Chic (part one, two and three ), but tonight I’m sharing a few of the highlights for spending Christmas in Banff.

We spent the day in Banff with newlyweds Kari and Derek Owen, as they took in the season, mountain-style.

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Lace up your skates and take a turn around the rink with your love.  The Town of Banff website lists the best outdoor rinks.

Christmas in Banff ice skating captured by Tara Whittaker Photographyice skating in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Christmas-in-Banff-Tara-Whittaker-Photography-02
What activity could be more quintessentially Christmas than a sleigh ride?  Warner Stables in Banff offers romantic sleigh rides for couples and for larger groups.

Warner Stables in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Sleigh ride in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography romantic sleigh ride in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

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A trip to Banff wouldn’t be the same without a stroll down Banff Avenue.  Kari and Derek stopped for tasty treats at a few of their favourite shops.

Window shopping on Banff Avenue captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Banff Avenue captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Sample a “bear claw” from Mountain Chocolates.

Mountain chocolates on Banff Avenue captured by Tara Whittaker Photography candy apples at Mountain Chocolates captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

The Banff Candy Store, is a family favourite.

Banff candy store captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Banff candy store captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Satisfy your sweet tooth at BeaverTails.  Kari and Derek chose banana and nutella.

Beavertails in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Beavertails pastry on Banff Avenue captured by Tara Whittaker Photographycouple window shopping on Banff Avenue captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

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Make an annual stop at The Spirit of Christmas to select a tree ornament together.

The Christmas store in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyOrnament from The Spirit of Christmas in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography The Spirit of Christmas in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography
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Sharon from Naturally Chic set a romantic table for two in front of a roaring fire in the Wapiti Room at Buffalo Mountain Lodge.  See all of the details, including handcrafted wooden menus, on Canadian Mountain Chic.

couple dine at Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography handcrafted wooden menu by Naturally Chic captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Romantic dinner at Buffalo Mountain Lodge captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyChristmas-in-Banff-Tara-Whittaker-Photography-06
Kari and Derek settled in for a long winter’s nap at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, located on Tunnel Mountain.

Fireplace at Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography cozy mountain lodge in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photographycozy mountain lodge in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

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One of the best things about working with Sharon is the heartfelt detail she puts into every project.  Here’s how she describes her wine box tradition…

This is one of the most romantic holiday traditions to start! It’s pretty simple, you write a note to your partner telling them how special they are and what they’ve meant to you throughout the year. You then share the letters and read them on Christmas Eve.

A fun twist, is to seal your love letters in a wood box with a bottle of wine. Then, you take the letters out and read them on the following Christmas over a bottle of bubbly. It’s a great way to reminisce the year that was and to express your heartfelt appreciation for one another!

custom wine box by Naturally Chic captured by Tara Whittaker Photographycouple open wine box by Naturally Chic captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Sweeten the evening with a little mistletoe.

mistletoe for Christmas in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

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Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a classic holiday film.

Christmas movies in Banff captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

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Kari and Derek settled in front of the fire to exchange Christmas stockings filled with goodies from several local boutiques.  See this post for stocking stuffer suggestions for him and for her.

couple exchange Christmas stockings captured by Tara Whittaker Photographycouple exchanges Christmas stockings captured by Tara Whittaker Photography
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Be sure to stop over at Canadian Mountain Chic for the full scoop and loads of Christmas inspiration for couples young and old (part one, two and three).

A big thank you to everyone who helped our couple celebrate Christmas in Banff including:

Shoot concept and design:  Sharon from Naturally Chic

CRMR and  their Banff property Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Women’s attire:  Adorn Boutique

Hair stylist:  Suzanne from Mountain Beauties

Make-up artist:  Nadine from Mountain Beauties

Holiday hugs to Kari and Derek, our real life couple.

Christmas in Banff captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Christmas, Recommendations

December 23, 2015 By Tara

Spray Lakes vow renewal

I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty smitten with this shoot.  Janelle from Flowers by Janie and I had planned a styled wedding shoot to feature some of her beautiful winter blooms but this project had a unique twist.  Janelle and her husband Oscar were the bride and groom and renewed their vows at Spray Lakes to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.   They share a love of the mountains so choosing The Rockies as a backdrop was a no-brainer.  As we were planning, Janelle mentioned how watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” is an annual tradition for them.  For the personal touch, we included a hint of the holidays and a nod to the classic Christmas film.

bride and groom at spray lakes captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybride and groom at their mountain wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography  mountain wedding at Spray Lakes captured by Tara Whittaker Photography winter wedding ceremony captured by Tara Whittaker Photography mountain wedding at spray lakes captured by Tara Whittaker Photography spray-lakes-vow-renewal-Tara-Whittaker-Photography-16 winter bride wearing hayley Paige captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybridal bouquet from Flowers by Janie captured by Tara Whittaker Photography  bride and groom at their winter wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography winter bride captured by Tara Whittaker Photography winter bride carrying her bouquet captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybride and groom embrace at their winter wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography winter bride at her snowy wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography bride and groom pose near snow covered trees captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

From Janelle…

Our love story began in the Andes. We met and were married in La Paz, Bolivia, 5 years ago. It was very symbolic to be able to renew our vows at Spray Lakes in the Rockies, near our new home in Calgary.  The day included elements from “It’s a Wonderful Life”, our favorite Christmas movie. We enjoy the romance between the lead characters, George and Mary, including their honeymoon in the run down home they will fix up. They don’t have much money but love is more important to them than material possessions. And George’s proposal is so romantic…”I’ll give you the moon, Mary”.

wedding sign by Stevie & Bean captured by Tara Whittaker Photography winter picnic captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybride and groom celebrate at their winter wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photographywedding stationery by Stevie & Bean captured by Tara Whittaker Photographywinter picnic captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

If you’re a fan of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” you’ll remember George’s housewarming toast:

“Bread, that this house may never know hunger. Salt, that life may always have flavor. And wine, that joy and prosperity may reign forever.”

wedding menu by Stevie & Bean captured by Tara Whittaker Photography winter wedding bouquet by Flowers by Janie captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybride and groom at their rocky mountain wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography silver bells captured by Tara Whittaker Photography  nerine lily boutonniere from Flowers by Janie captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybride and groom hold silver bells captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

A big thank you to all of the vendors who made this day so special for Janelle & Oscar!

Bridal gown:  Blush by Hayley Paige from The Bridal Boutique

Bride’s hair & make-up:  The Pretty Haus

Tuxedo:  Ed Williams Menswear

Custom Paper Details:  Stevie & Bean Paperie

Floral design:  Flowers by Janie

Spray Lakes vow renewal styled and photographed by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Christmas, Recommendations, Weddings

December 21, 2015 By Tara

Winter wedding ideas

It may be Monday morning but it’s the perfect time for something pretty.  Janelle from Flowers by Janie is back with our “bloom of the week” series and plenty of winter wedding ideas.  Today we’re featuring the Nerine Lily so if you’re a winter bride, pay close attention.

The Nerine Lily is native to South America and is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. It is not a true lily but rather looks like a smaller versions of the Amaryllis flower with their small florets at the top of a leafless stem. The flowers come more commonly in white and pink but are also available in deep red. They grow well in rocky and arid habitats and dislike humid climates. They can be found year round as a cut flower but bloom most often in early winter. The flowers are often used in Oriental-style floral design but also look beautiful in wedding bouquets as well as wedding boutonnieres and corsage.

Nerine lily winter wedding ideas captured by Tara Whittaker Photography winter bride in the Rocky Mountains captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Here’s Janelle’s post on Paperwhites, if you’d like to see.

Winter wedding ideas captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Recommendations, Weddings

December 18, 2015 By Tara

Christmas stockings – shopping in Calgary

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there”.
A Visit from St. Nicholas,
Clement Clarke Moore

Christmas stockings are proof that good things really do come in small packages.  Leading up to Christmas, I photographed a series with Naturally Chic on couples and ideas for starting new Christmas traditions. Exchanging a stocking is the perfect tradition that allows you to recreate some of that childhood magic. The sight of a stocking full to the brim with their favorite things is a sure way to make your sweetie smile on Christmas morning. If you like the idea but don’t know where to start shopping in Calgary, Sharon from Naturally Chic has compiled a list of stocking stuffers “for her” and “for him” that are sure to get you a kiss or two under the mistletoe.

Stocking for him

Christmas shopping in Calgary stocking stuffer for men captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Sources:
(Clockwise from top left)

Maple syrup:  Roots
Bow tie:  LVJ Haberdasher, available at Kent of Inglewood
Passport holder:  Yor Leather, available at The Uncommons
Peppermint Patties:  Roots
Maple Mint Tin:  Roots
Razor & Shaving mug:  Kent of Inglewood
Happy Camper sweatshirt:  Camp Brand Goods, available at The Livery
Faux fur stocking:  Indigo
Stanley flask:  Restoration Hardware
Happy Camper mug:  Camp Brand Goods, available at The Livery
Wool Socks:  Roots
Luggage tag:  Fairgoods, available at The Uncommons

Stocking for her

stocking stuffer ideas for her captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Sources:
(Clockwise from top left)

Carry-on Cocktail Kit:  W&P Design, available at The Uncommons
Kate Spade Notebook:  Indigo
Mini champagne:  Kensington Wine Market
Drinking Chocolate:  Fiasco Gelato Shop, available at The Livery
Faux fur stocking:  Indigo
Coconut Marshmallows:  Fiasco Gelato Shop, available at The Livery
iPhone cover:  Ban.do, available at Adorn Boutique
Ear buds:  Ban.do, available at Adorn Boutique
Vanilla macarons:  Yann Haute Patisserie
Socks:  Free People, available at Adorn Boutique
Travel mug:  Kate Spade, available at Adorn Boutique
Mrs tee:  Custom design by Adorn Boutique

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Necklace from Coutukitsch

Christmas shopping in Calgary at The Uncommons captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Items pictured above are all available at The Uncommons

The best part is that many of the items are local brands including:

Passport holder:  Yor Leather, available at The Uncommons
Luggage tag:  Fairgoods, available at The Uncommons
Shaving mug:  Kent of Inglewood
Happy Camper sweatshirt & mug:  Camp Brand Goods, available at The Livery
Drinking Chocolate:  Fiasco Gelato Shop, available at The Livery
Coconut Marshmallows:  Fiasco Gelato Shop, available at The Livery
Vanilla macarons:  Yann Haute Patisserie
Mrs tee:  Custom design by Adorn Boutique
Gemstone necklace:  Coutukitsch

The Christmas Tradition series has been featured on the wedding and lifestyle blog, Canadian Mountain Chic.  See part one, two, three.

Christmas shopping in Calgary images by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Christmas, Recommendations

December 12, 2015 By Tara

Bouquet for a winter bride

Winter is definitely upon us and if you’re a bride, there’s no end to the winter wedding possibilities.  Between the snowy landscapes, the hot chocolate wedding favours and the unique flower offerings, winter weddings can have a magical feel all their own.  Janelle from Flowers by Janie and I are collaborating on another “bloom of the week” series and we’re kicking things off with one of my personal holiday favourites, the Paperwhite (I have one blooming in my back porch at the moment).  Janelle tells us why Paperwhites are a lovely addition to a bouquet for a winter bride.

From Janelle…

Paperwhite Narcissus are a member of the daffodil family.  They are the most fragrant of the daffodil family and have small white star shaped clusters which are smaller and more delicate than the yellow daffodil.  They generally have a short growing season and bloom between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Like the daffodil that excrete a sap like liquid from their stems which is harmful to other flowers.  If mixing these flowers with other blooms it is highly recommended to cut the Paperwhites and set them in another vase for 4-6 hours before mixing them with other blooms.  It is important that once with other blooms they are not recut.  Paperwhites add texture and fragrance to sweet winter wedding bouquets!

paperwhites or narcissus captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

If you’d like a little more detail on these fragrant flowers, pop over to Janelle’s blog for the expert’s point of view.

bouquet for a winter bride captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Janelle and her hubby Oscar are winter wedding experts.  They just celebrated their 5 year anniversary with a winter vow renewal at Spray Lakes.  Her bouquet was romantic and fabulous and it contained…you guessed it, Paperwhites.  I hope you’ll stop back next week for Part 2, as Janelle gives us more flower suggestions for a winter bride.

Bouquet for a winter bride captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Recommendations, Weddings

December 11, 2015 By Tara

Christmas Traditions for couples

Tree ornament Christmas Traditions

Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent several evenings meeting with my recent couples to reveal their wedding photographs (one of my favorite things btw). As we visit, the topic of Christmas pops up and I learn about their holiday plans and Christmas traditions. Some are travelling to somewhere tropical, others are hosting big family dinners and one couple bought Christmas pajamas for a cozy Christmas Eve together. What an exciting time for them as they celebrate and create new family traditions…traditions that they can continue through the years.

I teamed up with Sharon from Naturally Chic on a series to inspire couples to start their own Christmas traditions and soak in the romance of the holidays.  To begin the series, here’s three fun ideas (with a Calgary flare).

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Kick off your evening with a holiday cocktail.  The casual yet chic Bar C on 17th Avenue tops our list as the perfect spot to toast the holidays and sample plates designed for sharing. The Burnt Old Fashioned, complete with a toasted orange slice, is my personal favorite beverage. Cheers!

couple toasting at Bar C captured by Tara Whittaker Photography cocktails from Bar C in Calgary captured by Tara Whittaker Photography  date night at Bar C captured by Tara Whittaker Photography date night at Bar C captured by Tara Whittaker Photography  couple on a date at Bar C captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

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Enjoy an intimate dinner with the one you love.  The Lake House is a spectacular setting at any time of year but they have “decked the halls” for Christmas and upped the romance factor. We recommend a dinner for two near the crackling fire in the grand fireplace, while dining on Pan Seared Black Cod or Grilled Alberta Beef Tenderloin (to name a few of their specialties).  Complete your experience with a holiday favorite, sticky date pudding topped with honey ginger ice cream.

romantic dinner at The Lake House captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker Beef tenderloin dinner at The Lake House captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Table for two at The Lake House captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Christmas centrepiece from Flowers by Janie captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Black cod dinner at The Lake House captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Date night at The Lake House captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker Date night at The Lake House captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker

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If you’re anything like me, you love watching your loved ones open their gifts as much as you love receiving them.  Why wait until Christmas morning?  Give your love one small, yet sentimental gift on Christmas Eve and see their face light up.  Sometimes the best gifts don’t cost a thing but are thoughtful and handmade.  Consider a custom playlist, filled with holiday tunes you both enjoy.  Finish your evening on a high note!

Gift exchange Christmas traditions with Naturally Chic captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Christmas traditions wrapped gifts captured by Tara Whittaker Photography gift exchange a christmas tradition captured by Tara Whittaker Photography couple exchanges gifts at The Lake House captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Christmas gift opening at The Lake House captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

It was a treat to start this series as a guest blogger on Canadian Mountain Chic.  This coming Monday, Canadian Mountain Chic will be featuring Christmas traditions Part 2…mountain style.  Be sure to check it out.

Designer & Stylist:  Sharon from Naturally Chic

It was a pleasure to team up with CRMR and two of their Calgary properties The Lake House and Bar C

Men’s attire:  Ed Williams Menswear

Women’s attire:  Adorn Boutique

Hair & Make-up artist:  Brooke from Diva Salon Spa

Flower Arrangement:  Flowers by Janie

Wood slice:  Naturally Chic

Christmas traditions images by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Christmas, Recommendations

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