MAGICAL MOMENTS AT THE ZOO
In just 72 hours after their beautiful engagement session, Marion and Steve were embarking on the journey of a lifetime -- their wedding day had arrived! The excitement from their recent engagement shoot was still buzzing in the air, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to join them, along with their loved ones, for the celebration of their union. With a full day of memories to capture -- from the intimate moments of getting ready to the magic of their first dance as newlyweds -- every detail had been thoughtfully planned, weaving together the joy, love, and anticipation that marked this day as nothing short of extraordinary.
We began with Steve and his groomsmen, capturing those first tender moments of nervous energy, balanced by the genuine camaraderie and laughter among the men. It was clear to see how close-knit they were, their bond shining through as they offered words of encouragement to Steve, helping to calm his jitters and bring a sense of peace before the big moments to come. The groomsmen set a perfect tone for the day -- full of love, laughter, and support for Steve as he prepared to marry the love of his life.
Next, it was time to work with Marion, our beautiful bride, and her bridesmaids. Unfortunately, Marion was feeling quite under the weather, a situation that tugged at my heartstrings. I've never felt so much empathy for a bride as I did in that moment. Despite being extremely ill, Marion kept a radiant smile on her face, refusing to let anything steal her joy. Surrounded by her supportive friends and the talented hair and makeup team, Marion faced the day with grace, her spirit undimmed by the physical discomfort she was enduring. Together, we created stunning images that reflected the beauty of the moment -- Marion in her dress, the intricate details of her bridal ensemble, and the warmth of her first look with her father. It was a true testament to Marion's strength and poise that, even while unwell, she continued to radiate joy and love.
Once the getting ready images were complete, we made our way to the stunning venue -- the Calgary Zoo. Marion and Steve’s ceremony took place in the enchanting gardens behind the Enmax Conservatory, and to our delight, the peacocks decided to grace us with their presence. As they strutted proudly and spread their feathers, the guests were absolutely mesmerized. It felt like a touch of magic was in the air, perfectly complementing the couple’s love story. The ceremony itself was intimate and heartfelt, marked by a touching moment when Marion and Steve exchanged rings, surrounded by well-wishes from family and friends who showered them with love and blessings for their journey ahead. Throughout their vows, Marion and Steve rarely broke eye contact, their hands tightly clasped -- a beautiful reflection of the bond they shared. It was a privilege to witness such a deep connection as they committed to forever with one another. Their first kiss as husband and wife was met with cheers, and as they walked down the aisle, hand-in-hand, it was clear that their love would only grow stronger with each passing day.
After the ceremony, we gathered friends and family for the traditional group portraits before moving into the wedding portraits with the wedding party. Keeping in mind Marion’s condition, we worked efficiently yet thoughtfully, crafting elegant, authentic images that reflected the essence of their love. Throughout the day, Steve's unwavering attentiveness to Marion was heartwarming to see. He continuously checked on her well-being, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible -- a true testament to the care and devotion they share.
As we entered the butterfly gardens, it became clear that Marion had reached the end of her energy for the session. But in a beautiful moment of serendipity, a butterfly landed delicately on her bouquet, as if offering a kiss of good luck. It was a small, but magical, reminder of how perfectly the day had unfolded. We quickly wrapped up the session, giving Marion and Steve some well-deserved rest before heading into the reception.
The evening reception was nothing short of spectacular -- an elegant affair filled with heartfelt speeches, laughter, and delicious food. The Calgary Zoo’s catered seated dinner allowed guests to indulge in a beautifully plated meal, creating an atmosphere of refined comfort. As the evening drew to a close, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived -- Marion and Steve’s first dance. The two moved gracefully across the floor, completely immersed in one another, their eyes locked in a gaze that spoke volumes. The joy they shared was palpable, their laughter echoing through the music. Watching them, it was clear that their lives together would be filled with many more dances like this -- moments of pure joy, laughter, and love that would carry them through the years ahead.
VENUE: Enmax Conservatory, The Calgary Zoo, Calgary Alberta (@thecalgaryzoo)
DRESS: The Bridal Centre (@thebridalcentre)
SUIT: Moss Brothers (@mossbros)
RINGS: Newey's Jewellers, Jewellery Quarter Birmingham, UK (@neweysjewellers)
FLOWERS: Occasional Bloom (@occasionalbloom)
MAKEUP: Jessica Morgan
HAIR: Amanda Routly
CAKE: Oxford Bakers
DJ: Clinton Joseph with Big Fun Canada (@bigfuncanada)
