All portraits taken at MSW Farms in Ponoka.

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Hair: Studio 23, Lacombe

Make-Up:  Beauty by Skye, Red Deer

Bride’s Dress:  Elite Bridal & Fashion Boutique, Lacombe

Bridesmaid’s Dresses:  David’s Bridal

Menswear:  Moores Clothing for Men, Red Deer

Florals:  Petal & Blum, Sylvan Lake

Ceremony/Reception Venue: MSW Farms, Ponoka

Bar Trailer:  MSW Farms, Ponoka

Bride/Groom’s Rings:  Spence Diamonds

Officiant:  Pastor Scott Dixon

Catering:  Bob Ronnie Catering, Ponoka

Cake:  Reborn Baking, Lacombe

Rentals, Décor, & Planning:  Copper Cloud Events, Special Event Rentals, Red Deer

DJ:  Juiced Events, Red Deer

When I first met Rachel and Bryan, I immediately noticed their love of all things geeky.  Rachel showed me her sapphire engagement ring – like Zora’s Sapphire from “Zelda: Ocarina of Time” – and I needed to befriend these people.

I know them so much better now and I can safely say that they are genuine, funny, and geekier than ever.  They are wonderful.

Their wedding day was filled with sapphire blue and the ceremony was held outdoors on the wedding island at Wolf’s Botanical.  It’s such a peaceful place and guests enjoyed the view as they strolled across the bridge onto the island.  Before long, Rachel and her father were crossing that bridge to where Bryan waited, beaming.  Ryder, their dog, was also in attendance and looked mildly concerned about all of the activity and people.  He did look sharp in his bowtie, though.

Of course, their bridal party was just as playful and they kept everyone laughing throughout portraits and straight on into the evening.  Rachel and Bryan’s first dance was a visual masterpiece, between the colourful lights, disco ball, and clouds drifting across the floor.  Seriously.  Scroll down if you don’t believe me.  By the time I left at the end of the night, everyone was still dancing up a storm and Rachel and Bryan were looking a little worn out, in a happy, best-day-of-their-lives kind of way.  It was a beautiful day..

All portraits taken at Wolf’s Botanical in Lacombe.

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Hair: Jessica Junke, The Mane Attraction, Red Deer
Make-Up:  Mischief Managed Beauty, Red Deer
Bride’s Dress: Your Wedding Place, Red Deer
Menswear: Moore’s Clothing for Men, Red Deer
Ceremony Venue: Wolf’s Botanical, Clive
Bride/Groom’s Rings: Mitchell and Jewel, Red Deer
Officiant: Irene Ryckman, Red Deer
Reception Venue & Catering: Red Deer Resort & Casino, Red Deer
DJ: TJ the DJ, Red Deer

Robin and Joshua are pretty chill.  That’s one of the first things I noticed about them when we first met.  Their dream wedding was a super relaxed day with their friends, playing yard games and chatting over beers, so that’s exactly what they did.  They found themselves at the Folk Tree Lodge near Bragg Creek, surrounded by log cabins and pine trees. Before long, Josh was standing in the trees, waiting to see Robin for the first time, just the two of them.  Robin quietly tapped Josh on the shoulder and when he turned around, both suddenly wore teary smiles.  They exchanged handwritten vows in the woods in dappled sunlight, holding hands and continuing to softly laugh and cry.

The ceremony was held overlooking a grassy field under the warm sun, kicked off by a T-Rex for their flower-girl.  (I’m serious.  She was amazing.)  As guests had gathered, they’d each been given wildflowers to keep until the end of the ceremony, at which point they were to pull off and toss the petals at the newlyweds.  At least, I think they were meant to toss just the petals but plenty of the bunches of full flowers were also tossed in.  No newlyweds were injured in the process – just surprised.

Yard games, beers, and relaxed conversation were the order of the afternoon.  Their dog, Arvid, napped in the shade nearby but stayed close enough to keep an eye on Josh and Robin.  The heat of the day began to fade by the evening, and a hot meal was welcomed by all in the reception tent.  One of my favourite details throughout the day were the subtle nods to their favourite geekdoms, including Star Wars, Studio Ghibli, and the Lord of the Rings.  Keep a sharp eye as you look through the highlight reel and you’ll see what I mean.

This was a day that I would do again anytime.  Robin and Joshua, I’m so honoured that I was invited to be there and wish you all the best.