Jodie & Jordan...The Engagement Session

When I first met Jodie and Jordan back in the spring I couldn't help but smile, laugh and be filled with joy right along side them.  They have this contagious energy that just makes you feel on top of the world.  When it came time to select photographers for their wedding day we met with a few of my favourites.  As a wedding planner I can sometime call in favours and this was no exception.  I knew that Terence of TLAW Photography and Tammy of Life Seven Photography would be a match made in heaven and have the ability to capture both Jodie and Jordan's personalities perfectly.  They agreed to partner up for this fantastic couple and the results couldn't have been better.  

Check out these images from Jodie and Jordan's recent engagement session.  I can hardly wait for their wedding next August.  It is going to rock!

Above six engagement photos credit: TLAW Photography





Above six engagement photos credit: Life Seven Photography

Michelle and Mark...The Wedding

Mark and Michelle were married in picturesque Banff, Alberta on July 18, 2009 joined by their family and closest friends.  Their ceremony was held at the Tunnel Mountain Reservoir, also known as the Meadow.  It is an absolutely stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony.  If you are planning a wedding in Banff this is definitely a ceremony spot worth checking out!  I was relieved on their wedding day to see such beautiful sunny skies after threats of rain earlier in the week.  Here are some photos I snapped of details on their day.  Enjoy!

Their custom aisle runner was a huge hit and added a nice pop of colour!  We nailed it down with colour coordinated pegs, which was a good thing considering the amount of wind we were dealing with (as you can see from the picture above).

They had classic harp music playing during their ceremony.  It was the perfect elegant accompaniment to their wedding ceremony.

Mark and Michelle chose a sand ceremony and made sure to include their mothers to honour the special roles each had played in their lives thus far.

Mark and Michelle enjoyed an intimate reception at the divine Buffalo Mountain Lodge.  Michelle and her mother worked hard to create personalized touches throughout which definitely didn't go unnoticed by their guests.

Cuba...the country where they first met.  I always love learning about the love story of the couples I work with.  Michelle and Mark's family and friends clearly love them very much and their love story was nothing short of what Hollywood movies are made of.

I love planning weddings in Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, and Lake Louise.  If you are planning to get married in one of these fabulous locals and are in need assistance along the way I would love to hear from you!

Perfect Picnic

Check out this oh so cute picnic box that would be perfect for a casual summer wedding.  Just because you opt for a casual or midday celebration doesn't mean you have to skimp on the details.  This is a fantastic DIY project with an end result that is sure to delight all those in attendance.  To get the step-by-step instructions on how you can create your own, swing on over to project wedding.

I think this would be perfect for a low key summer wedding in Banff, Canmore or Lake Louise with the beautiful mountains as your back drop.

Photo credit: project wedding

Rock the Reception Move Over...

Photo credit: mitchelldyer photography

By now all of you have probably heard of Rock the Reception and many of you have probably been to a wedding where the couple has pulled off an ultra cool, choreographed first dance.  I love when couples do this.  Guests always go wild for this and inevitably the happy couple walks of the dance floor with the biggest look of exhilaration and satisfaction on their faces.

When I saw this clip of JK Wedding Entrance Dance on You Tube featuring Jill and Kevin's Wedding Ceremony Entrance, I just had to share.  It definitely wouldn't be for everyone but this wedding party looks like they had a blast and how fun would this be for your guests?!  Everyone would be talking about how unique and different your wedding was, there's no doubt. 

Tanis & Mark...The Wedding

July has been a very busy month here at Inspired Occasions.  We kicked off the first wedding of the month on July 4th .  It turned out to be a beautiful day for Tanis and Mark's outdoor ceremony at Calgary's popular Baker Park.  I just love outdoor ceremonies!  The weather forecast had been threatening rain but it wasn't until the end of the photo shoot that any dark clouds appeared, which made for some dramatic shots so it was perfect in the end.  The location of the reception offered gorgeous views of one of Calgary's private lakes and was the perfect backdrop for the decor of classic black and white, with a touch of of whimsy and a dash of damask.  All in all it was a perfect day!  Enjoy these pics of Tanis and Mark's magical day courtesy of the talented duo, Shelley and Jeff, of As I See It Photography.  If you don't have your wedding day photographer chosen yet you should definitely check them out.  They have the best energy and are super fun to work with.   

Lighting Adds Drama to Your Big Day

If you are looking for your reception to have that WOW factor, then you absolutely can't overlook the importance of lighting.  Strategically placed specialty lighting can absolutely transform the look of a room and is more affordable than most would think.  Just look at the impact of this blue lighting in the below photo.  Spot lighting is gorgeous as well and can really highlight the beautiful centerpieces you have chosen.

GOBO's are a great way to add a personalized touch to your wedding reception.  Check with your DJ to see if this is a service that they provide.

Blue Lighting and Yellow lighting: QMEP DJ Lighting

Candles are a fantastic way to bring in soft mood lighting at a minimal cost.  

Candle Lit Table: Wedding Decoration Services

Weddings In The Rockies

I spent yesterday checking out some amazing venues in Banff and Canmore that would be perfect for couples seeking a mountain wedding experience.  With Calgary's close proximity to Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis there are many Calgary couples looking to plan their dream wedding in the Canadian Rockies.  Banff and the surrounding mountain communities are also a popular destination wedding location for couples from near and far.  I was thrilled to discover a very new venue yesterday that is definitely one of the mountain's best kept secrets.  It has stunning architecture, gorgeous views, fantastic prices and truly wonderfulf staff.  I can't wait to share my finds with couples looking for the perfect ceremony and wedding locations in Banff, Canmore and surrounding areas.  There is just something about the mountains...the fresh air, water and breathtaking backdrops that make it a truly awe-inspiring location to say your "I Do's."  

 

My trip to the mountains made me even more excited for the wedding I'm coordinating later this month at Buffalo Mountain Lodge. It's such a gorgeous mountain venue in Banff, perfect for couples looking for an intimate and rustic wedding venue.