by Sarah | modern photography
I’m a big planner. I love working on a timeline with my couples to best suit their day in terms of actual ceremony and reception timing and optimizing the amount of time for creatives. I love location scouting and finding the absolute best place to shoot, finding new and hidden little gems. But I also love being in the moment, driving by something that I’ve seen many times before and yelling STOP! because the light is perfect. I’ve driven by this spot countless times on my way into Canmore and yet I’ve never used it or even gotten out of my car to be in the surroundings. It wasn’t until we were faced with a looming sunset and I knew my previously picked spot wouldn’t be as nice for light that it became a must. And I have to say, I am thrilled with the results of that quick glance over my shoulder and the picture perfect light painting those mountains. Michelle and Dustin and their whole amazing crew were the perfect people to throw up there on that hill too. I am pretty sure that behind those smiles and laughter was a whole lot of “the wind is going right through my clothes and my eyeballs are frozen open”. Moments like these, I’m happy to be a photographer and not a videographer. Not only do I adore Michelle and Dustin, but I was especially excited to finally shoot at Stewart Creek Golf Course just outside Canmore. I’m not sure if there’s a more perfect ceremony room, it’s like being in a treehouse. And the staff have to be the friendliest most accommodating people I’ve met yet. The whole day was just lovely, from a beautiful and very personal ceremony to a tea ceremony with tons of laughter and requests for babies to a bridal party that I felt like we had been friends for years. Special thanks to Joelene Mills for being my trusty sidekick and catching some incredible moments. Enjoy this gorgeous day!
by Sarah | modern photography
I love unique weddings and Julia and Taylor’s was certainly no exception. Of particular interest to me was the fact that we were able to split the creatives between Canmore and Cochrane. Good morning mountains, good afternoon foothills, so amazing! There was so much effort put into all the details, even a signature cocktail drink. I think what stuck with me most was the beautiful display asking guests to highlight their favourite bible verse, and I say this as someone who isn’t even particularly religious! I just found it so lovely and can imagine Julia and Taylor cozying up together enjoying the highlighted words together. It was a spectacular day filled with lots of love and sunshine. Cochrane Ranchehouse served as the perfect backdrop for this perfect wedding.
by Sarah | modern photography
Wedhard indeed. The whole theme of Amanda and Fraser’s big day was wedhard and it lived up to every expectation. From the vintage ski signing to the magnificent mountain seating chart to the shotski, this wedding was um, ski-rific. Let’s go back to that shotski shall we? I have never seen one at a wedding and after what happened at the reception, I am not sure why they’re not more popular. The shotski was intermingled with giant Jenga (another amazing addition) and was an absolute hit with every single guest, including the parents of the bride and groom. Even now, I am sitting here with a big smile on my face reminiscing about all the shenanigans that took place. It was evident to me the light-hearted nature of their relationship right from the beginning, but it was truly evident once I spent time with Amanda and Fraser and their bridal party (who doesn’t love singing groomsmen?) and hearing the hilarious stories during the speeches. I feel really privileged to have been part of this glorious day and am so happy to share it with you. Enjoy!
by Sarah | modern photography
Michelle and Bill wanted rustic mountains and truly there is no better place than Rafter Six Ranch in Kananaskis. This was one of the few times I’ve done an early morning shoot and I have to say it was well worth the spectacular sunrise as I drove out to meet them. Watching the light move over the landscape and light up the mountains and fields was a treat. And having a great couple to ‘play’ with, well, that’s the dream. And I’m living it!
by Sarah | modern photography
When Vanessa emailed me for the first time and mentioned that she was a Canadian marrying her love from England, I knew it was a wedding that I wanted. And I knew that we would get along right away. I think there is just something that binds international couples with other international couples. It could be the blending of cultures, the overcoming of adversity or just the fact the immigration process is really, horribly, frustrating and long. Whatever it is, I was right. I met Vanessa and I felt an immediate connection, as if had she lived here, we would be friends and our husbands would bond over mutual love for football and all things British. (as they commonly do when away from home) Their wedding was to be set in the beautiful Banff township, with the Buffalo Mountain Lodge serving as the host and reception site. For the ceremony it was to be at St George’s in the Pines. I haven’t shot in many churches in Banff, so I was excited to finally photograph one. The priest arrived, took both my hands in his and asked if there was anything I needed, if he could make sure that I was able to move around and get the shots I needed: WOW!
The wedding guests were almost half British and half Canadian, making for an interesting mix, and certainly making me yearn for my days as a camp counselor in the states being surrounded by dozens of my international friends from all over the world, and certainly homesick for my husband’s family and friends. The day was gorgeous, the setting was perfect and filled with love. Congratulations to Vanessa and Tim, I loved spending time with you, your families and your friends. Enjoy! x
