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.

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”.

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.”

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