A February Wedding


When Nicole and Jon came to me last year about getting married and myself being their photographer, I was instantly onboard. This couple shares the sweetest and most authentic love. From their smiles and laughter, there is pure joy in watching this couple interact.


As you know from my previous blog, the thought of a February wedding was... scary. My preference for warmth and sunshine is plentiful. 'So, why do you live in Canada, Ray', you might ask? Oh, well... in the winter, I hibernate -- much like our beautiful bears. No joke!! That being said, again I was thrilled to find this winter wedding to be abundantly beautiful and even a little inspiring to get my fair weather butt outside a little bit more in the colder months. There is a quiet subtlety in photographing a winter wedding versus the warmer months -- the crunch of snow beneath your feet, while small snowflakes swirl in the wind. The crispness of the air and how it engages all of your senses.


Nicole and Jon's wedding day was twelve hours of feeling as though I was a best friend or family member granted into their special moment. From Jon's wedding portraits taken within his family home, to Nicole's getting ready images within her childhood home, I was enamoured. With an abundant amount of giggles and laughter, both the bride and groom were sufficiently covered in their getting ready moments. To posing with their special fur family members, toasts with beer and an elegant staircase like I've never seen, these will be moments that will always be fondly cherished.


Nicole and Jon's entire wedding (ceremony and reception) took place at The Lakehouse in Calgary, Alberta. With an aisle flanked by flowers and candlelight, each step led towards the most stunning floral arrangement over the fireplace. With emotions happily high, guests were all in tears as witness to this beautiful couples' marriage. The Lakehouse, with its modern black paint and rustic decor created a stunning backdrop for a classically modern couple.


As with all my sessions, we devoted a few hours to creating our wedding portraiture outdoors. Braving the elements, we captured the beauty of winter itself and the wedding party members. Between small huddles to stay warm, jacket swaps and bus visits, we created lasting, beautiful memories for Nicole and Jon.


With our return to the venue, there was the opportunity to capture candids galore during cocktail hour. As a documentary photographer, I will always do my best to capture each and everyone of your guests! With so many smiling and happy faces, the ease at which this occurred was astounding. As the sun continued to lower, the ambiance of the room only became more beautiful. The ice covered lake beyond The Lakehouse was ablaze by the suns' rays and casting gorgeous shards of light within the venue space, every now and then highlighting an unsuspecting guests face.


A seated meal, a beautiful, heart wrenching series of toasts (yes, I cried... amongst every one else), the first dance, the cake cutting and then the final, lit up dance floor. This was truly a day to remember and notably a day to be grateful as Nicole and Jon's chosen photographer.



MUA/HAIR: Beauty By Ash (@beautyby.ash)

DRESS: Cottonwood Bridal (@cottonwoodbridal)

FLOWERS: Sweet Bloom Floral Design (@sweetbloomfloraldesign)

SUITS: Moores Clothing (@mooresclothing)

WEDDING BANDS: Spence Diamonds (@shopspence)

ENGAGEMENT RING: Birks (@birks)

SHOES: Louboutin (@louboutinworld)

VENUE: The Lakehouse (@thelakehouseyyc)

CAKE: Pretty Sweet (@prettysweetyyc)