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.

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

 
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.

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.

Sample a “bear claw” from Mountain Chocolates.

The Banff Candy Store, is a family favourite.

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

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

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.

Kari and Derek settled in for a long winter’s nap at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, located on Tunnel Mountain.

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!

Sweeten the evening with a little mistletoe.

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

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.

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