The Döner

The first time we met with Nada & John they were set on hosting their wedding day in the Rocky Mountains. Their idea of a perfect wedding was being surrounded by the beauty and majestic landscape along with their closest family and friends.  The Paintbox Lodge is a cozy boutique hotel in the heart of Canmore, Alberta which the entire family could enjoy together.  Having the newly joined families relaxing and dinning together at the lodge was the perfect way to seal this bond.

Nada & John’s story is filled with adventure and includes a group of hilarious friends that set up their first meeting.  Jessie & Henry saw the potential the two had together and didn’t stop laying down hints that the two of them should meet.  With the Calgary Stampede coming up it was a perfect time to arrange a meet up.  And, as they say, the rest is history.  With their mutual love of the mountains and outdoor lifestyle they quickly became a couple that sent a lot of time in Canmore.  The ceremony was held at the Alpine Club of Canada over looking the treed valley and mountain tops.  The Tavern 1883‘s log cabin style restaurant was a great way to incorporate the love of the outdoors for the reception.

We had an incredible time working with Jenn from Open Images and her images of the wedding are gorgeous!

Mementos and Sombreros

Nigel’s career brings him all over the world and so, naturally, Cassandra & Nigel’s lives go hand in hand with traveling, trying new restaurants, wine tastings and socializing. One of Nigel’s groomsmen’s favourite moments was when Nigel lead Team Canada and the tournament and scoring in Helsinki with a big 6 goals and 11 points in Hockey.

Over the years, they had collected small mementos to one day look back upon. As their wedding day approached – a day planned with a lot of care and thought, they both decided to look through their memory box. They also decided to each carefully choose one item to share with each other the morning of their wedding. Nigel thoughtfully picked out what he said was an easy choice. Because it was what he considered their start; a U2 ticket. It was a happy moment together, after first dating in Chicago they were finally able to go out as a couple in Winnipeg. Cassandra was hoping to find that ticket Nigel bought for Cassandra in 2010 to come visit him in Atlanta. It was what she considered the beginning of their relationship. While looking for it, she found an item he had left for her that same fall when he had come to visit her.  This made her realize just how long ago she had fallen in love and so, here they are three and a half years later.

We had the incredible privilege of weaving together their story into this Sam Day Edit to share with all their friends and family gathered that evening at The Gates on Roblin along with the very talented Simply Rosie Photography.

Strength and Convictions

A former CFL Quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers meeting the woman of his dreams in The Winnipeg International Airport. What a great story to tell. Buck & Lori both value and place an importance on their family and friends. Buck’s wedding party was comprised of a former coach, friends from high school and his two brothers. All of which shared that genuine close bond. Just the same with Lori along with the stories her brothers shared of her revealing that closeness of their family. To all be in the same room celebrating with Buck & Lori, was all they ever wanted.

I’ve (Chris) personally been a lifelong Canadian Football Fan (CFL) with a special place for my home team, The Winnipeg Blue Bombers. So, to have the privilege of being able to tell the story of Buck and Lori was indeed a highlight. They’re both genuine, down to earth good people. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of this celebration. Music by our friend, Tony Anderson.

Cultures and Canadian Adventures

Mike’s the kind of guy that you could easily and quickly become friends with. He’s a hard worker, accommodating and considerate of everyone around him; even on his wedding day. As one of Anna’s bridesmaids put it, her smile is so full of joy. For Anna, being Polish, her family’s language, culture and tradition all play a huge roll in her life. As for her family; they each hold big personalities as well as big hearts. Chris, Mark and I were right at home with Anna’s friends as family as much as we were with Mike’s.

For a couple that likes hiking, traveling and photography, with this big celebration, what better place to bring everyone together in Canada than one of our most scenic places? This beautiful Banff adventure was the formal, second ceremony Mike & Anna shared with their close family and friends; the first taking place at a warm get-away. Even in colder temperatures, it’s a Canadian paradise.

As a couple, they both push each-other to pursue their dreams individually and they certainly recognize the gifts and talent they’ve been given. For an example: Mike is an accomplished, extremely talented photographer. After spending some time with them (even over a cup of coffee upon arriving at the hotel), it’s hard to imagine what they were like before they met. Their friends were better able to paint that picture, reminiscing on childhood moments and work stories. But everyone agreed; they’re better together. It was an absolute pleasure meeting and getting to work with Eternal Reflections Photography and Mona Abo Said.

I’m So Lucky

It’s easy, “All You Need Is Love”!  This line from the famous Beatle’s song sets the tone for Melanie + Dean’s Feature.  They ultimately met online as so many of our couples do, and they have built an inspiring relationship on trust and commitment.  That being said, these two have so much fun together!  They make each other laugh constantly and you will see from their film that joy and laughter is a significant part of their lives.  Melanie + Dean consider themselves “lucky”, that they get to be together and experience the rich blessings of companionship and love.  Hearing from their friends and family it is clear they have been shown what it means to love unconditionally, and triumph over adversity, so their “luck” will serve them well into the future.

It was a pleasure working with this all-star line up: BLF photography, Soiree Event Planning, Hotel Fort Garry, Planned Perfectly, and the Danny Kramer Band.

With All My Heart

Emma + Colin both light up when they are together. They’re a quiet, romantic couple that really take in and appreciate all the little moments that happen throughout a day and the day of their wedding was no different. Both enjoying a range of activities including travel, sports, watching movies, telling jokes and laughing. The ceremony was especially significant with Emma’s father leading the ceremony, bringing everyone together through well chosen, heartfelt words. It’s always a pleasure working with Joel Ross & Jennifer Webber.

Colin really gets Emma and is able to recognize, help and encourage her to follow those dreams as he manages to follow his own. Later at the reception, Colin had shared a quote from his mother about the important things on relationships which they both value and hold dear. “It isn’t so much how often you gaze into each-other’s eyes as long as you put in the effort to gaze in the same direction.” How true and what a beautiful quote to draw on together.

Big Bear Little Bear

We couldn’t have asked for a better day; lush summer greenery, blue sky, and the warm sun with a slight breeze in the air. Near perfect for Kayla and Devon’s wedding.

These two have such a great story. Surrounded by family and friends, the day was full of excitement and emotion.  The nervous tension Devon was experiencing while getting ready was only settled once he saw Kayla in her stunning white dress, just moments before the Ceremony started. That first look almost didn’t happen, but at the last minute they decided to go for it and we’re so happy they had. This moment ended up being the major story thread of their entire film, and crystallized the importance of the day for them. The emotion and joy of the day built up as they opened each others gifts and letters in the morning.  Later in the day you could see the happiness cover over them as they said their vows, and said their speech, only to dance the night away as a newly wed couple.

It was a pleasure working with Brittany Mahood and Melissa Morrow.