I was riding in Cody’s pick-up truck down an extremely bumpy mountain road in the middle of the woods west of Sundre. Packed on either side of me was a groomsman and my camera gear was bouncing in my lap. The getting ready portion of the day had wrapped up and everyone looked fantastic. Back at the Lodge, the ladies were preparing to strap into the helicopter that would take them to the ceremony. These good old country boys had loaded into the truck and Cody was behind the wheel. At every gravelly intersection and turn-out, the boys teased Cody, “Turn left! It’s your last chance to turn around!” Cheddar finally drawled, “He ain’t going to turn around. He’s in love.” Cody quietly smiled into the rearview mirror.
Cody and Roze had picked out a mountain ledge with an incredible view for their ceremony. Cody had been working in this area for years and seemed to know every nook and cranny. Once the guests had taken their seats, the helicopter appeared carrying the bride and her bridesmaids and landed in a clearing nearby. After many years together, two beautiful children, and a lot of planning, it was time to make their vows.
I overheard guests saying that it was the most beautiful ceremony they had ever seen. Between the view and the sunshine, I have to agree.
We helicoptered up to Ice Lake nearby for some private portraits of Cody and Roze. As we circled the lake for a landing, the water was so rippled with fish that it almost looked like rain falling on the surface. We were really out in the wild. This was followed up with straddling the steep ledge at the Ya-Ha Tinda waterfall with the entire bridal party for some incredible portraits.
The reception was held in a converted hay shed complete with a dance floor and string lights. That fresh mountain air made the steaks taste even better and the speeches more emotional. Every few minutes, one of the guests (usually a kid fueled by the candy bar) would strike the “Kissing Bell” hanging overhead in the center of the dance floor and the bride and groom would have to kiss. Following speeches, their daughter, Bailey, shyly sang “You Are My Sunshine” into the microphone and brought down the house. She is adorable. By the end of the night, the sun had disappeared and the entire hay shed was lit only by the Edison bulbs and DJ lights. The dance floor was smudged with gravel dust and the place was rocking.
Cody and Roze, thank you for the amazing time and of course, for my first ever helicopter ride! Your wedding day was an adventure and it turned out absolutely beautifully.
*All portraits taken at Ice Lake, The Lodge at Panther River, and Ya-Ha Tinda Falls
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Dresses: Your Wedding Place, Red Deer
Menswear: Jones Boys Saddlery & Western Wear, Red Deer
Hair: Heather Rodenburg
Florist: Flowers For You, Ponoka
Rings: Michael Hill
Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Red Deer
Catering, Helicopter Service, and Reception Venue: The Lodge at Panther River, Sundre
DJ: On the Mark Productions, Red Deer
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This day looked like so much fun!! Congratulations to the bride, groom and their families!!
What a magical day! I can’t believw they came in a helicopter, that’s a day to remember! Amazing photos of them by the waterfall and lake – canvas worthy!!!!