A LOVE 14 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Some love stories are instantaneous sparks; others are a slow-burning flame tested by time, distance and life’s unexpected challenges. Joey and Michael’s journey is a testament to the latter -- a love that endured 14 years, spanned countries and grew stronger with every test of patience and devotion.
Their story began online, where friendship blossomed into romance despite the miles separating them -- Joey in Canada and Michael in the United States. A long distance relationship during Covid tested their resolve, but it also forged a bond built on trust, loyalty and unwavering devotion. These qualities were evident in every glance, every laugh, and every quiet moment shared during their engagement session at Bebo Grove in Fish Creek Park, Calgary. Towering pines created a cathedral-like canopy above, a gentle river meandered nearby and the soft sunlight filtered through branches, casting a warm, golden glow on their love. From playful interactions to tender, quiet moments, every frame reflected the depth of a connection that had only grown stronger with time.
Their wedding day, set against the stunning backdrop of Readers Rock Garden in Calgary, Alberta, was nothing short of magical. The gardens were in full bloom, offering countless locations for photography and a natural explosion of colour that mirrored the joy and excitement of the day. Throughout the ceremony, we watched the weather anxiously but the skies held, allowing the couple to exchange vows without a drop of rain. Only after their intimate session did the clouds release, creating rain-speckled moments that elevated the images into truly album-cover worthy shots. The wind lifted Michael’s hair as Joey and Michael took centre stage, their connection radiating in every frame -- tender, raw and breathtakingly intimate.
Following the ceremony, the celebration moved to The Deane House, where lush gardens surrounded the elegant restaurant. Guests were seated and enjoying the reception as Joey and Michael had a private moment in the garden -- just the two of them and myself -- where they read letters they had written to one another. The intimacy of that moment, the emotion in their voices and the quiet beauty of the garden made it one of the most moving parts of the day -- an experience that left a lasting impression behind the camera.
Joey and Michael’s story, from a friendship sparked online to a long-distance romance, an engagement at Bebo Grove and a wedding surrounded by gardens and heartfelt private letters, is a celebration of love that endures. It’s a reminder that true love isn’t always instant, but when it’s real, it grows deeper with time, weathering every storm and shining brightest in life’s quiet, intimate moments.
VENUE: Reader Rock Garden, Calgary Alberta @readerrockgarden and The Deane House, Calgary Alberta @deanehouseyyc
SUIT: Moore's @moores
OFFICIANT: Tamara Jones @tamarajuju
FLOWERS: Flowers At the Market @flowersatthemarket
