Archives for 2016

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.

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.

 

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.

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

 

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

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.

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

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

See you in 2017! 

2016 bridal bouquets captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker

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.

 Two of the highlights of Krista & Dave’s wedding were their identical-twin ring bearers.  These two handsome fellows definitely stole the show.

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.

 

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

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.

        

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

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.  

 

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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

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

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.

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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.

   

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