The Grand Staircase at Spruce Meadows is one of Calgary’s most regal outdoor wedding ceremony sites.  Since the royal nuptials are right around the corner, the goal of our shoot was to add “a touch of Windsor” to any wedding, anywhere.  With it’s stone-washed walls and steps, the Grand Staircase was the perfect spot for our bride Shacarra to show off her glamorous chapel train but it’s also a beautiful locale for any couple to say “I Do”.  

Wedding ceremony sites with a Royal connection

What made it all the more special was the history Spruce Meadows shares with the British Royal Family.  

In 1990, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II herself honoured Spruce Meadows by inaugurating the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.  30,000 people came to celebrate the occasion.  An avid horse enthusiast, Queen Elizabeth II toured the Spruce Meadows Stables, inspected the stock, and took a genuine interest in the Spruce Meadows Hanoverian breeding program that traces its roots back to the same lineage of her Majesty’s own Thoroughbreds.

To commemorate the visit of Her Majesty to Spruce Meadows, the Queen Elizabeth the II Cup is staged each year, with a representative appointed by the Queen to preside over the official ceremonies. The competition is a lasting tribute to Show Jumping athletes, and an honour bestowed most graciously upon its competitors by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Thank you to Spruce Meadows for hosting us.  Click here for more information about their wedding ceremony sites and the reception venues.

This week was all about making a Calgary wedding Windsor-worthy.  First we revealed a stunning bridal gown from Lazaro.  Next it was the blooms and Flowers by Janie filled us in on royal traditions and modern twists we might see Saturday.  On day three Debbie Wong Design sketched a custom wedding program with a distinctly English feel.  Yesterday it was all about the shoes and pair of Christian Louboutins befitting a future Princess.

Thanks for following along and best wishes to Prince Harry and Ms. Markle from afar!

Photographer:  Tara Whittaker Photography 
Bridal gown:  Lazaro from Cameo & Cufflinks 
Accessories:  Joanne Bisley Designs
Florals:  Flowers by Janie 
Venue:  Spruce Meadows 
Shoes:  Christian Louboutin from Holt Renfrew 
Make-up artist:  TOK beauty 
Hair stylist:  Tara Watts
Stationery: Debbie Wong Design
Bride:  Shacarra

Wedding ceremony sites captured by Calgary Wedding Photographer – Tara Whittaker