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Tara Whittaker Photography

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Archives for 2016

December 31, 2016 By Tara

2016 bridal bouquets

I had great hopes for a comprehensive round-up of 2016 but I’ve just returned from Christmas holidays and I’m still vacuuming the sand out of my shoes.  The clock is ticking and so wedding bouquets it is…aren’t they the prettiest anyway?  Here’s my favourite 2016 bridal bouquets thanks to several amazing florists in Calgary and the Rockies.  We’re so fortunate to have such talent in the bloom department, right in our own backyard.  So without further ado, here’s a big Happy New Year to all and a little inspiration for those newly engaged couples planning for 2017!

“I must have flowers, always, and always.” 
― Claude Monet

 If these bouquets are like children it would be wrong for me to pick a favourite right?  This one from Flowers by Janie might be it for me.  Here’s more on this bohemian bridal shoot in Kananaskis.

Bohemain bride 2016 bridal bouquets captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Or maybe it’s this dramatic beauty from Sarah Mayerson Design?  More on this autumn bridal shoot in Fish Creek Park, if you’d like to see.

 fall 2016 bridal bouquets in red tones captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

2016 bridal bouquets…what’s your favourite?

Okay, I can’t choose a favourite so I’ll let you decide.  When Steph married Sean in Canmore, her succulent bouquet was created by Black Earth Florals.  Together with the bridesmaid bouquets, it was pure mountain magic.

2016 bridal bouquets with succulents for a Canmore bride captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybride and bridesmaids with bouquets at a Canmore wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

When Krista married Dave at Quarry Lake in Canmore, Willow Flower Co. designed this bouquet for her.

 mountain bride carries bouquet by Willow Flower Co at her Quarry Lake wedding

 At her fall Charbar wedding, Cliona carried these colourful blooms from Flowers by Janie.

Charbar bride with colourful blooms from Flowers by Janie captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Okay, so technically these aren’t bridal bouquets but they were sweet as pie.  Here’s a DIY these adorable ice cream cone bouquets for flower girls.

flower girls carry ice cream cone bouquets captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Sarah Mayerson Design created this winter bouquet for #10daysofpretty on Instagram.

2016 bridal bouquet for a winter bride captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Protea in a bridal bouquet, yes please.   This mountain bride carried blooms from Flowers by Janie.

Mountain bride carries protea 2016 bridal bouquet captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

See you in 2017! 

2016 bridal bouquets captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Recommendations, Weddings

December 19, 2016 By Tara

Mid century modern Christmas

The idea for this mid century modern Christmas shoot began with a visit to the home of Becca Black.  For mid century enthusiasts like me, you may know her as @bexvintage.ca on Instagram.  Maybe you’ve seen her restored Volkswagen van around Calgary? Becca is a vintage and antique collector/seller in Calgary whose treasures include a tulip dining table, Eames chairs and an extensive collection of original vinyl. Need I say more?

Hosting a Mid Century Modern Christmas

Enter Ashley, a newlywed with a penchant for Herman Miller, who’s celebrating her first Christmas with her hubby Mark. I thought it would be fun to give this newly-minted couple 5 ideas for hosting a holiday celebration with a mid century modern twist. Our ideas are simple yet festive and ideal for busy couples who might be short on time and entertaining space. In keeping with the minimalism of mid-mod style, we kept the palette neutral.  We used white, wood- grain, lots of fresh greenery and the tiniest pop of red.

As a pre-Christmas treat, we’re thrilled to have this shoot published over on Swooned this morning.  Thank you to Lauren for the festive feature.

Ashley hosting a mid century modern Christmas captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyHot chocolate and donuts for a mid century modern Christmas captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

A tweak for the tree

Because many newlyweds don’t have the space for a full-sized evergreen in their first home, Janelle from Flowers by Janie created a stylized version of a tree using pegboard and fresh garland. The greens attach easily to the pegboard from behind using floral wire.  Janelle suggests Italian ruscus, seeded eucalyptus, bay leaves, olive branch, cedar, Leyland Cypress, hemlock & Carolina sapphire for this type of application.  If you’re concerned about keeping the greenery fresh, use a spray bottle of water and give it a spritz.

hosting a mid century modern Christmas with Crate & Barrelmid century modern Christmas brunch hosted by Bex Vintage hosting a mid century modern Christmas with Crate & Barrelhosting a mid century modern Christmas with Bex Vintage

Gather your collectables.

Rather than purchasing specific Christmas décor, why not display the items you’ve already been collecting over the years? We tapped into Becca’s collection of 1950s milk glass and filled them with all-white blooms. We also added a stack of Becca’s favorite Christmas records (hello Charlie Brown) for a pop of color on the donut cart.  More on that later…

milk glass for a mid century modern Christmas table from Bex Vintage milk glass and white blooms for a mid century modern Christmas with Bex Vintagemilk glass for a mid century modern Christmas with Bex VintageAshley hosting Christmas brunch mid century modern style

A breakfast charcuterie board

Rather than laboring in the kitchen all morning, consider a breakfast charcuterie board and let your guests help themselves. The possibilities are endless but we chose fresh bread, artisanal jam, organic peanut butter, fruit, eggs and roasted vegetables. We were fortunate to partner with Crate & Barrel Canada, who provided the charcuterie board, linens and tableware.

Breakfast board from Crate & Barrel for a mid century modern Christmas breakfast board from Crate & Barrel for a mid century modern Christmas breakfast board for Christmas morning with Crate & Barrel Canada All white blooms from Flowers by Janie for Christmas brunch captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

A donut cart

For guests with more of a sweet tooth, we served donuts and hot chocolate on Becca’s 1960s enamel kitchen cart. The mini-donuts made an adorable garnish for the mugs of steaming chocolate.

donuts for a mid century modern Christmas captured by Tara Whittaker Photographydonuts for a mid century modern Christmas captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyHot chocolate and donuts from Pretty Sweet for a mid century modern ChristmasDonuts from Pretty Sweet for Christmas brunch captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Personalize the tabletop

Clean, oversized place cards from Modern Pulp Design Studio were made merry with a sprig of greenery and gold wire clips.  And just like that, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

place cards from Modern Pulp for a mid century modern Christmasmid century modern tableware by Crate & Barrel Canada

A big thank you to everyone involved including:

Mid-century furniture & accessories: Bex Vintage
Floral Design:  Flowers by Janie
Linens & tableware: Crate & Barrel Canada
Place cards: Modern Pulp Design Studio
Mini-donuts: Pretty Sweet
Hair & Make-up Artist: Katie Kerr
Model’s wardrobe: Adorn Boutique
Model:  Ashley Banks
Mid Century Modern Christmas ideas styled & captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Christmas

December 16, 2016 By Tara

Quarry Lake Wedding in Canmore

I had some fantastic couples this past year but I have to admit that when I think back on the 2016 wedding season, one thing will stand out in my memory…rain.  If you’re from Calgary, you’ll know exactly what I mean.  Yep, it was a wet one.  When I woke up on the morning of Krista and Dave’s Quarry Lake wedding, it was pouring.  It was still coming down as the guests (with umbrellas in hand) made their way to the ceremony site.  But just as the bridal party made their way up the hill, the sun began to peak through.  It was pure mountain magic.

Bouquet by Willow Flower Co. captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyWedding ceremony at Quarry Lake captured by Tara Whittaker Photography bridal party arrives at Quarry Lake wedding in Canmore captured by Tara Whittakerbridal party arrives at Quarry Lake wedding in Canmore captured by Tara Whittaker  Two of the highlights of Krista & Dave’s wedding were their identical-twin ring bearers.  These two handsome fellows definitely stole the show.

cute ringbearers at Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photographycute ringbearer at Quarry Lake wedding in Calgary captured by Tara Whittaker Bride arrives at her Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyVows during a Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

Quarry Lake Wedding

Quarry Lake Park really is a spectacular location for a mountain wedding ceremony.  The views are breathtaking, the opportunities for photo locations are endless and you’re sure to spot some wildlife on your wedding day.

Rocky Mountain wedding in Canmore captured by Tara Whittaker Photographyvows during Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Just married after a Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybridal party at Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography bridal party at Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyGroomsmen at a Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography wedding flowers by Willow Flower Co. captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybride with her bridesmaids after her Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker

Rain?  What rain?   This light streaming through the trees made us forget the rain clouds from only an hour earlier.

Bride poses after her Quarry Lake wedding in Canmore

Willow Flower Co. in Canmore did a beautiful job with Krista’s flowers.  Although technically it was a summer wedding, I’m a fan of the rich fall hues.

bridal bouquet from Willow Flower Co. captured by Tara Whittaker Photographyhappy bride and groom after their Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara WhittakerCouples after their Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyCanmore bride captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybride and groom after their Quarry Lake wedding captured by Tara Whittakergroom on the railway bridge in Canmore captured by Tara Whittaker Photography        couple on the railway bridge in Canmore captured by Tara Whittaker Photography bride on the railway bridge in Canmore captured by Tara Whittaker Photographycouple after their Quarry Lake wedding in Canmore captured by Tara Whittaker

Congratulations to Krista and Dave, it was such a treat working with you and your family!

If you’d like to see another Canmore wedding, Steph and Sean tied the knot at Rundleview Parkette.  Shannon’s bridal shoot also took place in the woods near Canmore. 

Krista and Dave had a great team of vendors including:

Ceremony venue:  Quarry Lake Park

Reception venue:  Cornerstone Theatre

Bride’s gown:  Allure from Bridal & Tuxedo House

Make-up Artist:  Trena Laine

Bridesmaid gowns:  David’s Bridal

Flowers:  Willow Flower Co. in Canmore

Quarry Lake Wedding captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Recommendations, Weddings

December 9, 2016 By Tara

Charbar Calgary wedding

Brrrr, it’s chilly outside this morning but Cliona and Sean’s Charbar Calgary wedding takes me back to a much warmer evening in the East Village.  A few things stand out in my memory.  There were gorgeous flowers, a smidge of tradition (a nod to the bride’s Irish heritage) and of course, lots of love and laughter.  What a treat to work with such a warm and generous couple on their wedding day.  

Wedding details at a Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyBHLDN wedding dress captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker Bride prepares for her Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Tara WhittakerBride wearing a lace BHLDN gown captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara WhittakerBridal bouquet from Flowers by Janie captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara WhittakerThe bride wearing a lace gown from BHLDN captured by Tara Whittaker Photographybride toasts with her family before her Charbar wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography 

I do love a first look and this one was no exception.  The East Village is a bustling area but we found a quiet spot for this moment on the Bow River.

First look between bride and groom before their Charbar Calgary weddingFirst look between bride and groom before their Charbar Calgary weddingFirst look between bride and groom before their Charbar Calgary weddingBride and groom in the East Village before their Charbar Calgary weddingbride carrying bouquet from Flowers by Janie captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyBride and groom before their Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

I can’t decide which I loved more, Cliona’s unique lace gown from BHLDN or her vibrant bouquet from Flowers by Janie?? Either way, she was a stunning bride.

bride carries a bouquet from Flowers by Janie captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyBride and groom kiss before their Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

At their photo viewing, Cliona mentioned that she and Sean visited Phil & Sebastian’s on their very first date.  Only appropriate to see the sign peeking through the trees in the background.  

Bride and groom before their Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyBride and groom at the Simmons building before their Charbar Calgary weddingBride and groom at the Simmons building before their Charbar Calgary weddingWedding ceremony at Charbar in Calgary's East Village captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyCopper wedding arch from Rus Vintage and Flowers by Janie captured by Tara WhittakerBlackboard sign at a Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyFather walks his daughter down the aisle at her Charbar Calgary weddingFloral details at a Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker

Pretty Details at a Charbar Calgary Wedding

The flowers at this Charbar Calgary wedding took my breath away.  Janelle from Flowers by Janie simply outdid herself when she dressed the copper wedding arch from Rus Vintage with fall blooms.  It was also a treat to work with Christy from Beyond the Proposal, who was responsible for the day-of wedding coordination.  Everything was flawless.

Copper arch at a Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara WhittakerCopper wedding arch from Rus Vintage captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara WhittakerWedding ceremony at Charbar in the Simmons Building captured by Tara WhittakerJust married at Charbar captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara WhittakerFloral arch from Flowers by Janie captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara WhittakerPretty fall details at a Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Tara WhittakerPretty fall decor at a Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Tara WhittakerWedding reception space at a Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyBride carries at bouquet from Flowers by Janie at her Charbar Calgary weddingGroom on the rooftop patio at Charbar in the East Village Calgary

We finished the evening with a few shots of the happy couple on the rooftop of the Simmons building.  Congratulations to Cliona and Sean!  

Bride and Groom on the rooftop patio at Charbar in the East Village Calgary

Everything you need to know about throwing a Charbar Calgary wedding, if you’d like to see.

Ceremony & Reception venue:  Charbar

Bride’s wedding gown:  BHLDN

Hair & Make-up:  Breanne Sinclair

Groom’s attire:  Hugo Boss

Floral Design:  Flowers by Janie

Wedding Coordination:  Beyond the Proposal

Copper wedding arch:  Rus Vintage

Marriage Commissioner:  Abby Charchun

DJ:  Hype Entertainment

Charbar Calgary wedding captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Recommendations, Weddings

November 25, 2016 By Tara

Rocky Mountain Bride

This shoot includes several of my favourite things…a Rocky Mountain bride in a pretty blush gown, golden light and snow-capped peaks in the distance.  I’m excited to finally share it with you.

Rocky Mountain bride in the woods captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara WhittakerRocky Mountain bride carries a bouquet of Protea from Flowers by Janie3Rocky Mountain bride wearing a blush Romona Keveza gown captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara WhittakerRocky Mountain bride with flowers in her hair captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker

Rocky Mountain Bride – why choose a mountain wedding?

As I was preparing this blog post, I started thinking of all the things I love about alpine weddings.  I’ve narrowed down a few of the benefits to being a Rocky Mountain Bride:

  1. The views.  I’m so lucky to live next door to the magnificent Canadian Rockies and I can’t think of a prettier backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony.   Here’s a Canmore ceremony at Rundleview Parkette, if you’d like to see.
  2. Adventure.  Calgary is within driving distance to some of the best skiing, hiking, climbing and rafting in the world.  If you’re travelling from out town to be married in the mountains, there’s plenty to entertain you and your guests.  You may even encounter some local wildlife.  I think you’re officially a Rocky Mountain Bride if you spot a bear on your wedding day.  
  3. Spectacular photographs.  Peaks, lakes and forests make great locations for wedding photos.  For this shoot, Shannon and I found the perfect spot on the Bow River in Canmore.  It so happens that Shannon and I did encounter a bear during our shoot on the river (refer to #2).
  4. Idyllic wedding venues.  Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake host some of the finest venues, ranging from cozy and rustic to classically elegant.  This past summer, Steph and Sean celebrated with their friends at Cornerstone Theatre in Canmore.

Rocky Mountain bride wearing flowers in her hair captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittakerbridal bouquet with pink protea created by Flowers by JanieRocky Mountain bride wears flowers in her hair captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara WhittakerRocky Mountain bride wearing Romona Keveza captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker Rocky Mountain bride on the Bow River in Canmore captured by Tara Whittaker PhotographyRocky Mountain bride on the banks of the Bow River in Canmore captured by Tara Whittaker Photography Rocky Mountain bride carries a bouquet of pink protea captured by Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittakerrocky-mountain-bride-tara-whittaker-photography-10 rocky-mountain-bride-tara-whittaker-photography-11rocky-mountain-bride-tara-whittaker-photography-02    rocky-mountain-bride-tara-whittaker-photography-15

This shoot was part of a summer portrait project and I want to thank everyone involved.

Blush gown:  Legends by Romona Keveza from Cameo & Cufflinks in Calgary

Bridal Bouquet:  Flowers by Janie

Model:  Shannon Kehler

Hair and make-up artist:  Erica Piebiak

Rocky Mountain Bride captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

Filed Under: Blog, Recommendations, Weddings

November 17, 2016 By Tara

Weddings in Calgary – Celebrating ten years

Today is kind of a big deal so I’m going to toot my horn just a little bit.  2017 marks my 10th year of photographing weddings in Calgary and I’m kicking it off with a fresh new brand and website.  I wanted a brand that reflected my main goal…to create wedding image that are timeless and true, in a way that’s relaxed and fun.  It doesn’t hurt that there’s a hint of sparkle too.  I want to thank a dear group of people that made it all possible.

Graphic Design:  Jen Airhart
Website:  Jon Angevine
Meeting space design:  Tari from Glessing Design

10 years of weddings in Calgary for Tara Whittaker Photography

I also want to thank the talented Doug Cooke for creating my “about me” video.  Only Doug could get me to sing (and dance) on film.  Here’s the evidence if you’d like to see.

Weddings in Calgary – A Celebration

Tonight I’ll be hosting a small gathering to kick up my heels and give recognition to the people who helped bring this fresh, new brand to life.  I look forward to toasting with friends and industry colleagues (and to some tasty donuts from Pretty Sweet).  My abode is modest in size so unfortunately I’m not able to open the invitation to everyone.  So many wedding friends have helped me over the years and I want to give you all a big hug and a thank you.

Canmore bride holding her bouquet from Willow Flower Co.

To my couples…

I also want to express my gratitude to my fabulous couples.  You put your trust in me on a very important day and I’m gratified.  I look forward meeting more of you and capturing many more weddings in Calgary and the Canadian Rockies in the next 10 years.

fall bride and groom at their Charbar wedding in Calgarybride and groom in front of the Three Sisters in Canmore winter weddings in Calgary captured by Tara Whittaker Photography

If you’d like to know a little more about my process, pop over to my weddings page.  It includes FAQs and a peak behind-the scenes.

Filed Under: Blog, Weddings

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