A GARDEN WEDDING
Jolene and Jared’s wedding took place on a picture-perfect August day at the Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage in Nanton, Alberta, a stunning venue that truly set the tone for their elegant celebration. Having had the pleasure of working with them earlier in the year for their engagement session, I was beyond excited to see how their wedding day would unfold and all the beautiful details they had carefully chosen come together.
Our day began with Jared and his group of groomsmen getting ready -- an opportunity to capture those early moments of excitement, nerves, and camaraderie. The getting-ready shots, along with the detailed images of their personal touches, are always such a joy for me to photograph. One of my favorite parts of any wedding day is watching how every couple pours so much of their personality and love into the details. From the smallest keepsakes to the attire, each decision tells a story of who they are and the journey they’ve taken to get to this moment. Jolene and Jared’s attention to detail was clear, and I loved capturing these intimate moments as he and his groomsmen prepped for the big day ahead.
Once I wrapped up with Jared and the groomsmen, I moved to another part of the grounds to join Jolene and her bridesmaids. The Coutts Centre offers some of the most beautiful spaces for getting ready, and I always look forward to photographing the bridal party in this light-filled, airy room. The natural light that pours in through the windows creates the most magical setting for detail shots, as well as capturing the bride and her bridesmaids in their final moments before the ceremony. As Jolene slipped into her breathtakingly unique wedding gown, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation, and I was able to capture those delicate final touches -- the perfect setting for a moment so personal.
With everything in place, we moved on to one of my favorite moments of the day: the First Look. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I absolutely love offering the option of a First Look for my couples. It’s such a meaningful way to ease the nerves and take a quiet moment before the whirlwind of the ceremony begins. For Jolene and Jared, we had chosen a secluded, gated mini garden on the grounds for their First Look. The soft, intimate setting made it the perfect backdrop. Jared, looking dashing in his suit, stood with his back to Jolene, waiting for her to approach. When Jolene walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder, the pure joy that radiated from both of them was undeniable. The smiles, the laughter -- it was a moment filled with love and tenderness, a beautiful start to their day.
To make the most of their time, we had previously decided to move directly into their wedding portraits after the First Look. This allowed us to create a beautiful, expansive collection of images while leaving more time later in the day for family and friends' candid shots, which was really important to the couple. The location at Coutts was the perfect playground for portraiture, with lush gardens, a tranquil pond, and a charming bridge creating a picturesque setting. As Jolene and Jared walked hand-in-hand, eyes only for each other, the beauty of their surroundings only enhanced the elegance of their portraits. The stunning gardens provided a rich backdrop that perfectly complemented the details of Jolene’s dress and the authenticity of their love. These images captured not just the beauty of the venue, but the genuine connection between this amazing couple.
Their wedding ceremony was nothing short of beautiful. Surrounded by family and friends, they exchanged handwritten vows that were both heartfelt and personal, leaving not a dry eye in the crowd. There were sweet moments filled with humor and love, reminding everyone of the deep meaning behind their commitment to one another. It was a ceremony that felt both deeply personal and universally moving -- proof of the strength of their love and the significance of this day.
After the ceremony, we moved quickly into family and group portraits, ensuring that everyone had a chance to share in the joy of the day. Then, the time had come for something that was incredibly important to Jolene and Jared: their First Dance. Set in a stunning outdoor gazebo, the couple had been practicing for months to perfect this special moment. The result was nothing short of magical. With every lift, spin, and graceful move, they captivated their guests and created a memory that will last a lifetime. As they completed their dance, the crowd erupted into applause -- a testament to the beauty and effort they put into this moment as husband and wife.
Dinner followed, and the evening continued with a final dance shared with their parents and guests. It was a perfect close to a day filled with love, laughter, and joy -- a reflection of the deep connection between Jolene and Jared, and the incredible journey they’re embarking on together. Every detail of their wedding day, from the personal vows to the beautiful First Dance, spoke to the care and attention they put into making their celebration truly unforgettable. And it was an honor to be there, capturing it all.
VENUE: Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage, Nanton Alberta
DRESS: Durand Bridal (@durandbridal)
SUIT: Tiptop Tailors (@tiptop)
RINGS: Her's, Brilliant Earth (@brilliantearth) - His, RingBear (@ring._.bear)
FLOWERS: Boy Oh Boy Flowers (@boyoboyflowersbynikolle)
MUA & HAIR: Beauty District (@districtstudiosyyc)
CAKE: Live Edge Catering (@liveedgecatering)
DJ/LIVE MUSIC: Vegas Entertainment (@vegasthedj)
DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY: CD Dance Collective (@cddancecollective)
