MAGICAL MOMENTS AT THE ZOO
If you read the last blog post, you’ll know by now that I have a bit of a thing for fairytales. And when I tell you that this wedding was pure magic, I mean it. Everything about Annie and Matt’s special day had all the makings of a picture-perfect fairytale. From the first time I met them during their engagement session the year before, I knew we were creating something extraordinary. That session was nothing short of magical -- truly, it felt like a chapter straight out of a dream. So, naturally, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of anticipation leading up to their wedding day. If their engagement session was any indication, their wedding would be an unforgettable celebration of love. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The day began with the most charming First Look. There’s something so intimate about that moment when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. It’s always filled with raw emotion and excitement, and Annie and Matt’s First Look was no exception. As they shared that moment, embraced together with tears and smiles flowing freely between them, it became obvious to me that the day ahead would be filled with emotion, tenderness, and love (and yes, there may have been a few tears shed behind my camera, too).
As the couple took some private moments before the ceremony began, I ventured onto the grounds to take in the beauty of the venue and prepare for the next moments of the day. That’s when I was greeted by a majestic sight -- Fabio, the peacock. Fabio is one of six male peacocks at the zoo, and he was out for a stroll that day, adding a whimsical and fairytale-like touch to the already magical setting. He was simply stunning, strutting his stuff across the grounds and spreading his feathers in true peacock fashion. But, as beautiful as Fabio was, he didn’t steal the show for long.
Their wedding took place in the beautiful gardens behind the Enmax Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo in Calgary, Alberta. The setting was absolutely breathtaking, with lush greenery surrounding the couple as they shared their vows. But what struck me most was the love that seemed to flow so naturally between Annie and Matt. They radiate kindness, compassion, and warmth -- qualities that make them not only wonderful partners to each other but also incredibly kind-hearted individuals. It’s rare to meet a couple whose love and energy are so contagious. They made everyone around them feel like part of the celebration.
When Matt walked down the aisle with his groomsmen, the limelight shifted. Their well-fitted suits and polished demeanors were enough to catch anyone’s attention, but all eyes quickly turned to Annie. Her entrance was nothing short of breathtaking. Dressed in a stunning white gown, her veil flowing behind her, Annie literally took everyone’s breath away. I’ll never forget the collective hush of awe that swept over the guests as she walked towards Matt. The joy, laughter, and love shared between them as they exchanged vows was truly inspiring. Their love radiated through every word, every smile, and every gesture.
After the ceremony, a receiving line welcomed the newlywed couple, and a champagne toast marked the start of their celebration. We then continued the day with a wedding party session, and that’s when something truly heartwarming happened. As we took photos, a little girl approached Annie, asking if she was a princess. Without missing a beat, Annie, ever the gracious and sweet person she is, welcomed the little girl into the photos and gave her a big hug. It was one of those moments that filled my heart with joy, and I’m sure it was a moment that little girl will remember forever. What followed was even more enchanting. Over the course of our session, we saw several young girls run up to Annie with smiles on their faces, excitedly whispering that she was a princess. Annie, with her kind and loving nature, embraced each of them, and it was so touching to see how she made them feel like they were part of the fairytale, too. If you’ve ever watched the original Little Mermaid, you’ll immediately see the resemblance -- Annie truly had that “princess energy.” As we moved into the Butterfly Conservatory, the magic continued. The butterflies seemed to flock to Annie, almost as if they were drawn to her, and one even landed on her bouquet, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the session. That image of Annie with the butterfly on her bouquet will forever remain one of my favorite moments. It was a subtle but powerful reminder of just how magical this day truly was.
As the evening progressed, the reception was filled with love, laughter, and celebration. The venue provided the perfect backdrop for guests to mingle and enjoy a seated dinner together. The dance floor was where the magic continued, as Annie and Matt shared their first dance as husband and wife. The parent dances followed, and the room was filled with heartfelt moments, smiles, and tears of joy.
In every sense, Annie and Matt’s wedding was a fairytale come true. It wasn’t just the breathtaking venue, the magical peacock, or the butterfly that landed on Annie’s bouquet -- it was the undeniable love between two incredible people, and the way they made everyone around them feel like part of their story. Their wedding was a celebration of love, kindness, and joy, and I’m so honored to have been a part of it.
VENUE: Enmax Conservatory, The Calgary Zoo, Calgary Alberta (@thecalgaryzoo)
DRESS & VEIL: Justin Alexander (@justinalexander)
SUIT: The Bridal Centre (@thebridalcentre)
RINGS: Matthew Stephens Jewellers (@matthewstephensjewellery)
FLOWERS: Confetti Florist (@confettiflorist)
MAKEUP: Julia Danylenko (@Julia_makeup.artist)
HAIR: Yulia Smolyk (@yulia.smolyk.hair)
CAKE: Crave (@cravecupcakes)
DJ: Josh from Sounds Unlimited (@soundsunlimitedyyc)
