by Sarah | Elopements
What does a wedding look like during the world’s largest ever Pandemic? Well… to be honest, it’s kind of the same. Some might argue that it’s more inclusive and special. Perhaps more memorable. I would have to agree with all of it. First of all, to be asked to photograph a Zoom wedding after 3 months of nothingness, was probably the most excited I’ve been in a long time. It’s a historic time to be living through all of this, let alone to get married amidst it. Having the opportunity to document their history while living in history is pretty darn special. J and N were considering just eloping as even before Covid, there were concerns about getting all their family and friends here. J said “If we can’t have everybody, then maybe we should just have nobody”… But then along came the Pandemic, and Zoom meetings and social distancing, and the more they thought about it, the more a Zoom wedding was quite literally the perfect solution to all the issues they had been facing prior to the Pandemic. They brought in Calgary AV and it was a slick set up. Bride and Groom and Officiant Mic’d up, wireless microphone for speeches, a great video camera and TV to live stream and a remote MC on Zoom orchestrating other speeches and toasts. It was a magnificent technological display. But when it came down to it, it was still 2 people who love each other, surrounded by everyone they love. I am thrilled to have witnessed it all. The ceremony took place on the Cottage Club’s gorgeous property in Cochrane on Ghost Lake.
Cottage Club: https://www.cottageclub.ca/
by Sarah | Elopements
K, so let’s just start with the fact that this incredible wedding had a drum circle. The rhythmic beating of the drums by almost everyone in attendance was unreal. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. Then lets zero in on the cuteness overload that is J + J. Ohmyword, these two. They wanted a no fuss type day surrounded by their friends and family, and that just makes my entire soul happy. I want to capture authenticity, realness and these two, and their smiling and loving guests were exactly that.
by Sarah | Elopements
When asked where the best place for an elopement near Banff is, Vermillion Lakes comes to mind immediately. Mountains, a lake, a dock over water. It’s everything you could want in one gorgeous and decently private location away from the masses of tourists. I love working in Banff, Canmore and area, it’s such a spectacular setting no matter the season… even in the smokey days of August! I met Jill and Troy for a first glance at the Banff Springs hotel and from there we set off for Vermillion Lakes for a beautifully intimate and gorgeous elopement. I worked from afar so it really was as though they were by themselves. Jill wanted dramatic creatives so we hit up the staircase and Lake Minnewanka as well as Surprise Corner for views of the Banff Springs Hotel. It was a fantastic day, and it was almost painful for me to have to stop shooting! I could have spent the entire day with them. I love my job!!!
by Sarah | Elopements, Weddings
Oh what a glorious fall we had, it was endless! I was so happy to have quite a few elopements here in Calgary and in the rocky mountains (Banff, Canmore, Emerald Lake). It was amazing to be able to photograph such lovely short and sweet ceremonies and really take advantage of the beautiful fall colours. I loved that Connie and Mike kept their elopement simple with a small backyard ceremony overlooking the stunning ravine and green space. It was such an intimate and touching ceremony and I loved the smiles and the happy tears. But let’s be honest, the furry friends stole the show!
by Sarah | Elopements, Weddings
The Calgary Pioneer Memorial Hall is a rustic log cabin overlooking downtown Calgary and it’s a bit of a well-kept secret. If you’re looking for a cozy, rustic venue in the heart of Calgary, this is definitely worth a look. I loved shooting at this venue, the intimate and warm vibe was perfect for Victoria and Doug’s Thanksgiving wedding. And can we talk about the fall leaves and colours? It’s winter and I’m surrounded by the cool blue light and longing for those golden sun rays of late summer and fall. If you’re eloping or looking for shorter coverage of your intimate wedding in Calgary, Canmore, Banff, Emerald Lake or anywhere in the Rockies, get in touch with me! I’d love to work with you.
by Sarah | Elopements, Weddings
The Calgary LDS Mormon Temple is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful works of architecture in the city. I have photographed Mormon weddings before but this was my first at the Calgary Temple. Needless to say, I was excited. It was a brisk morning but the sky was as crisp a blue as it could ever get and Keishja and Brandon were just lovely; so excited and so in love. Looking back through their first glance pictures makes me smile. Keishja told me that she had driven by his house on her quad (as you do in Northern BC), woken him up and it was that day they met at their church. The rest is history, as they say, and of course led me to photograph this spectacular day. The aspen trees glowed in the warm winter light and the mountains were lit up. It was a perfect day.
