This Hastings Lake Gardens Wedding is sure to be one I will never ever forget. Not only did I have a chance to work with some fabulous vendors in Edmonton but it was also full of love, tears, tradition and family. It was beautiful in so many ways!
This wedding was one I was looking forward to all year. When a couple books me I try and be a little whisper in their ear throughout the process. I want to help in any way that I can. That means being there to help plan timelines, provide information on local venues and sharing some local talented and wonderful vendors. I have a preferred vendors list and I love sharing it with my couples. Well Renee sure took that to heart. She literally booked every single one of the vendors on there right down to a magical hotel room that offered tons of natural light (ladies…NATURAL LIGHT is MUST for getting ready). My brides often ask me how important getting ready photos are. Honestly, to me, they are so incredibly important. They are the beginning of your story. It is the start of your day. Fill it with light and love and the rest will fall into place.
I was so excited when I received the run down from Julianne from A Modern Proposal. I just knew it was going to be stunning.
When I met up with the girls at their hotel room the mood was light, just like Renee. Renee is an all around pulled together girl. She is confident, but soft spoken. She knows what she wants and works hard to get it. She is sweet and sultry and your girl next door. She fit the bill of a magazine bride like no other. She is absolutely stunning. Watching her go from her beautiful robe into her amazing gown was breathtaking. And then witnessing the first look with her father was so special. Her Dad tried walking in the room and had to walk out and pull himself together a bit before seeing her. He bawled like a Dad should on that big day!
Renee and Rick opted to do a first look ceremony. Being in Alberta I have only shot a handful of these so I was a bit thrown off my game. But Renee and Rick made it so so special. We met out at Renee’s Aunts acreage and picked out a perfect spot to have Renee creep up on Rick and have him see her for the first time. It was chilling. Goosebumps everywhere. It was just the two of them, well and me and my second shooter but you would have never ever known it. They were in their moment. They cried, they hugged and they kissed. It was perfect. They also chose to share their personal vows with one another in that moment as well. I felt so special to be able to be a part of it.
We spent some time taking some fabulous photos of them and their wonderful bridal party before heading out to Hastings Lake Gardens for their outdoor ceremony. I had never been to this venue before and holy man I don’t know how everybody doesn’t book this. It is so beautiful. I adore outdoor ceremonies and was in love the minute I saw it. It also provides a great location for formal photos as well. The one thing I will remember from their ceremony was when Rick kissed Renee for their first kiss and he pulled away…she grabbed him and said< ” Do it again!” Oh and the fact that the guys walked in with rain drops landing on their suits but it stopped just as Renee entered.
And then there was the reception held at La Cite Francophone. I had absolutely no idea where this was. I hadn’t even heard of it actually. But again, Renee did not miss a beat. This venue is fabulous. It has an entire wall of windows! Yup, windows at a reception venue. I will be the first to say receptions aren’t my favorite. Being a natural light photographer I shoot 99% of everything with the natural light provided. Well dark reception venues throw a wrench in the mix. So when I pulled up and saw how light and airy this venue was, I was stoked. I am pretty sure I had to pick up my jaw from the floor when I walked in. It was straight out of a magazine. The flowers, the cake, the decor, the light…the EVERYTHING! It was exactly what Renee had planned and pictured. All her hard work had finally paid off.
I big thank you so all of the amazing vendors (listed below) for making this day possible. This couple deserves it more than ever. Their love is truly a genuine love that people boast about.
Thank you Rick and Renee for having me be a part of your special day. I wish you guys so much luck and love in the future.
Xo
N
Thank you to my second shooter Ginette with GB Photography
Amazing Vendors Who Made This All Possible
Dresses Bride: Stella York (Pure Bridal), Bridesmaids: Donna Morgan (Delica Bridal)
Suits Vera Wang Tux (Moores)
Flowers Fabloomosity
Venues Ceremony: Hastings Lake Gardens Reception: La Cite Francophone
Jewlery (if applicable) Bride: Pearls from Bride’s mother and grandmothers, Bridesmaids: Necklaces from JCrew
Planner A Modern Proposal
Hair/Makeup Hair: Sasha Gagne – KoKo The Salon, Makeup: Nickol Walkemeyer – Blushed Beaute
Cake The Art of Cake
nice pic