Katie caught Jordan’s eye at the University of Alberta where both were studying design. She was dating someone else, but Jordan persevered until his charm and commitment won her over.

The Proposal

One year when Jordan suggested they leave for their annual Jasper ski trip a few days early, she knew he was up to something. What she didn’t know was that he had her ring custom-made with design elements inspired by her grandmother’s wedding ring. Jordan nervously proposed on a hike in Maligne Canyon. “It was a really special moment because we both knew what was happening.”

The Big Day

The couple wanted their wedding to focus on togetherness, so it was important to keep everyone together between the ceremony and reception. After the emotional vows and a group photo—including their dog, Phoebe—a school bus whisked everyone away for a cozy dinner and craft beer at Otto. They knew the staff would make everyone feel welcome, but they were completely blown away when they walked into their reception. “I wanted our wedding to feel like a warm family dinner, and it was the perfect atmosphere for the night.”

Katie—Blush’s own graphic designer—designed all the stationery and created a time capsule guest book. The husband and wife will open one envelope on each of their next 50 anniversaries, revealing a polaroid photo and words of love and advice.

Favourite Moments

Jordan: “Seeing Katie for the first look, and seeing her walk down the aisle. And being able to incorporate our dog, Phoebe, into the day in some way. We arranged to have her dropped off for some of our portraits.”

Katie: After a highly emotional day, walking into our reception at Otto and seeing how welcoming the space was, and how they had gone above and beyond setting up for us made me instantly relax and enjoy the intimate evening together!

Engagement Ring Cut

Emerald

First Dance

“Coming Home”—Leon Bridges

Newlywed Advice

“Focus on what is meaningful for you and build your day around that!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

“To have a partner and friend that I can share everything with. Creating a home to call our own, and eventually starting a family. We are always pushing each other’s comfort zones, and I look forward to future adventures and accomplishments together.”

Honeymoon

Netherlands and Belgium

There is nothing more romantic than holding a rustic wedding in a secluded spot surrounded only by nature and your loved ones. Unfortunately, the logistics of planning and executing such a vision can burst your bubble well before you pop the champagne. Barriers to accessibility, lack of different options for accommodation, and high travel costs can all negatively impact your guest list—not to mention our notoriously unpredictable weather.

The Lake House in Calgary offers the quaint charm of a lakeside cottage with the conveniences that come with a big city. The full-service restaurant is perched directly over Lake Bonavista and has breathtaking scenery both inside and out. Ornate elk antler chandeliers cast a warm glow over the grand stone fireplace and the 21-foot antique bar. The bar dates back to the 1800’s and was previously housed in a mercantile shop in Montana. Large glass windows provide views of the lake from the comfort of your table, or you can savour the warm summer nights from the spacious patio.

The Lake House is managed by Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts, so if you’ve ever dined at Cilantro in Calgary or Emerald Lake Lodge in B.C, you know the food and service will be exceptional. Chef Thomas Neukom and his award-winning team create inspired Western Canadian dishes sourced from local ingredients—most of the bison and elk meat come from CRMR’s own ranch just outside the city. You can view the extensive and diverse selection of wine from the stunning glass-encased cellar as you enter the restaurant. But it’s not all fine dining; there are fun options for midnight lunch such as mac and cheese, poutine, and pierogi stations.

The Lake House can accommodate weddings year-round for nearly any size and budget. The Private Dining Room holds 60 for a banquet-style dinner and the Bonavista Dining room can seat 130 (or 160 for a cocktail reception). For even the grandest of parties you can book the entire venue to accommodate 190 guests for dinner or 250 guests for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. If you really want to save some cash without skimping on quality, there are discounted rates for Sundays and weekdays.

Take a moment, breathe deeply, and let your dreams fly. Invite the nostalgia of a summer night at the family cabin watching the sun set over the serene waters to your wedding. Welcome the romance of a crisp autumn day as the backdrop of trees shimmer in shades of crimson and gold. Let love and a crackling fire keep you warm as snow envelops everything in a wonderland of white. Or delight in new beginnings with a sunny spring brunch affair. The possibilities are endless. Whatever your dream, hosting your wedding at The Lake House ensures you can share it with everyone—from your little old granny to your frugal aunt and uncle.

While studying medicine, Kailey feigned an interest in orthopaedic surgery just to meet Dave for a coffee. She asked him out for a drink later that day and they spent their first official date skating at Hawrelak Park.

The Proposal

While living in Ottawa, the pair rode bikes along the Rideau Canal, over the Love Lock Bridge and into Gatineau. As they were sitting down to a sunset picnic, Dave popped the question.

The Big Day

Kailey and Dave exchanged vows in front of the grand fireplace at the Jasper Park Lodge—a place they had shared many memories together and with their families. Kailey’s brother performed a hand-fasting ceremony to honour her Scottish heritage. The newlyweds then drove off in her dad’s Triumph TR-6 convertible to have some fun moments alone before the big party.

Varying shades of blue, grey, gold and pops of deep red complemented the late-summer colours of the Rockies. The reception room featured décor they found while living in France, framed family wedding photos, and Kailey’s dad’s vintage skis as a guest book. The sweet-toothed couple created a French Pâtisserie-inspired dessert bar and used their initials to come up with the ultimate midnight snack—deluxe “KD” Mac n’ Cheese.

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

‘And I Love Her’—Passenger

Newlywed Advice

“We were initially on the fence about doing videography and we were so happy we did it in the end. It captures the feeling of the day so well and we’ll be watching it for years to come. The grandparents that couldn’t travel to the wedding also really appreciated it.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The pair have recently moved to Victoria, BC, and are excited to explore the island, advance their careers, and start a family together.

Honeymoon

Kauai, HI | Resort: The St. Regis in Princeville; The Koa Kea in Poi’pu

Lindsey and Anthony fell in love at first sight at a public philosophy lecture at the University of Calgary. They discovered a mutual love for philosophy, literature and their British heritage.

The Proposal

Anthony proposed to Lindsey inside of a historical building in Calgary, with the help of a little orange elephant.

The Big Day

They were married in a traditional Church of England service in front of six special guests. Anthony’s father walked Lindsey down the aisle to the beautiful music of a Casavant Fréres organ—one of the largest in Western Canada with 5,000 pipes. Lindsey wore something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and David even gave her a silver sixpence to put in her shoe.

After their solemn yet uplifting ceremony, they stepped into a silver Bentley as man and wife to head to Lindsey’s childhood home for their reception. Holding the dinner where Lindsey had so many fond memories created the nostalgic, intimate and romantic atmosphere they wanted.

They served an eight course pescatarian meal on Blue Mikado china that Lindsey’s grandmother had received for a wedding gift, and had their menus written in blue calligraphy to match.

Favourite Moments

Lindsey: “Getting into the back of the Silver Bentley with Anthony and looking into one another’s eyes as man and wife was such a romantic and precious moment for me. Cutting the cake with my son Anton, and our delight in eating it!
”

Anthony: “Watching my gorgeous wife step into the church nave, accompanied by my father, to the soaring sound of Bach’s Largo on the pipe organ at Knox Church – it was so humbling and lovely.’

Engagement Ring Cut

Round Sapphire

First Dance

“How Does a Moment Last Forever”—Celine Dion

Newlywed Advice

“Hire people that you trust and truly get you. Don’t worry about every detail going to plan—the little hiccups provide funny and cute stories for later.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Now that they’ve brought their families together, they look forward spending the rest of their lives together.

Reese knew of Kristine through some mutual friends he played hockey with, but he never set eyes on her until he stared a little too hard at an Oilers game. Kristine teased him through a Facebook message the next day and they finally met over coffee at the library.

The Proposal

After nine years of dating, Kristine didn’t think it was possible for Reese to plan a surprise proposal. They took their dog to Kristine’s family acreage to play and Reese laid out a blanket in front of the old barn. He casually opened the barn door to reveal a picnic setting for two complete with wine, flowers and a little red ring box.

The Big Day

The same barn formed the rustic backdrop for their intimate ceremony in front of a small group of family members. Their videographer edited a short video for all the other guests to watch the key moments. Many of the wedding details revolved around family: Reese wore his granddad’s 50^th anniversary ring as his wedding band; they had their siblings make speeches instead of the bridal party; they included five empty seats at the ceremony in memory of their late grandparents and released balloons in their honour; and Kristine’s dance family, the Viter Ukrainian Dancers, performed during the reception.

Favourite Moments

Bride: “The amazing speeches from my parents and siblings and the song my little brother performed on the video and the fact that our dog Tucker could be part of the whole day.”

Groom: “Our first look – seeing Kristine in her wedding dress for the first time was much more overwhelming than I expected, she looked so elegant and naturally beautiful; I will never forget the feeling of that moment.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

“Die a Happy Man”—Thomas Rhett

Newlywed Advice

“Decision-making is hard! Reach out to newlyweds who have had experience with your prospective vendors to get honest feedback.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds are moving to the acreage and look forward to starting their own family traditions.

Honeymoon

Netherlands, Spain and Italy