Honestly, the best thing about my job is meeting kind hearted, genuine, people.  Stephanie is one of those people I will never forget, I also like to call her a friend.

Steph and I met a few years ago and since then we have stayed in touch. I would by lying if I wasn’t crossing my fingers and toes in hopes that she would choose me when her big proposal came.

It did.

And she did.

I will never forget when I opened her email. Not only did I know she would make the most magical bride, but I knew that everything would be put together with such thought and care. Not a detail missed, and full of personal touches. Surrounded by amazing friendships and family that adore her.

Their wedding took place in July at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald.  There’s no denying it’s an elegant venue, and hands down my absolute favorite to shoot. I hope to shoot more weddings there in the future.  Steph knew exactly what she wanted, and Hotel Mac was just that. Elegant and full of light. Being a natural light photographer she even planned their first dance early in the night so it could be captured with the windows open and the stunning natural light just pouring in. To say we were a match made in heaven is an understatement.

Their whole day was fabulous start to finish. The girls got ready for the day in the AMAZING Queen Elizabeth Suite at the hotel. Holy man, if you have not seen this suite…let’s just say Oprah has stayed there. Enough said right!! It was amazing. When I asked Steph why she splurged so much and just had to have that room, she said she didn’t want to walk away from the wedding and regret anything. She wanted the day to flow with such ease and know it was all perfect.

And it was.

Their ceremony and reception was held in the Wedgewood Room, which again is absolutely stunning.

There are a few special things that happened this day, that I will never forget.

One being the love you could feel in the room. Stephanie’s bridesmaids adored her and the feeling was mutual. I remember when we finally walked out and were headed to the ceremony and Steph caught a glimps of herself in the mirror. She literally stopped in her tracks and cried. She had no idea how beautiful she looked.

And then there is the Gordie Project. You can read more on that HERE. Steph and Ryan (and their friends) put their heart and soul into this project. I’m so thankul I got to be a part of it.  They ended up raising $11,000 for the project…their goal was $500. I think this is just a true testament to the kind of people they are.

And finally, first dances just get me. Thank goodness I can have this gigantic camera in front of my face because the tears were flowing! Steph did her first dance with her Grandpa, her father has passed, but she then shared it with her twin brother. There was not a dry eye in the house. When you look at the photos you will know what I mean. The love. The connection. And the genuine feeling of just understanding and being there for one another. *sigh*!

I left this wedding feeling full of love. Full of life and wanting to be better in my own path.

Stephanie, you are a light that everybody needs in their life. Your new husband Ryan is the greatest catch there is. The two of you together are something I look up to and adore. I wish you guys so much love in the future and hope to be a part of your journey.

Xo

N

VENDORS

Venue The Fairmont Macdonald Hotel Edmonton

Brides Gown & Bridesmaids Dresses Novelle Bridal Shop

Grooms & Groomsman Suits Derks

Cake/Cupcakes The Art of Cake

DJ Surreal Revolution Entertainment

Flowers Wild Orchid

Makeup Vicky Vu of N2 Makeup Artistry

Their beautiful wedding was also published in Wedding Bells Magazine this year.