More savvy couples are booking restaurants for their weddings, and for many great reasons. Food is the top priority for any successful restaurant, so expect that to be the case for your reception. Plus you can easily sample the menus before committing to a deposit. You’ll also save big on décor since restaurants will already have unique accoutrements, as opposed to standard banquet hall furniture—add a few flowers and creative centrepieces to make the space your own. Relive the romance of your wedding day for years to come by revisiting the restaurant for anniversaries and other special celebrations.

Here are three amazing Calgary restaurants to say “I do” to:

• Cilantro

Cilantro offers an intimate setting in the heart of the city. The interior boasts wood paneling and stained-glass windows that let in lots of natural light, while the enclosed patio features lush greenery and heaters to keep the party private and comfortable. Cilantro can accommodate up to 60 guests for a sit-down dinner or 100 guests for a cocktail reception.

Photo: Grey Lily Photography

• The Lake House

Looking for a rustic lodge within city limits? The Lake House sits above Lake Bonavista and offers breathtaking views both inside and out. The interior features elk antler chandeliers, a massive stone fireplace, glass-encased wine cellar, and a refurbished bar from the 1800’s. The patio offers a tranquil space to mingle and watch the sun set over the water. The Lake House has brunch, lunch and dinner options for up to 250 guests.

Photo: Shannon Yau Photography

• The Loft

The Loft Lounge at the new Granary Road Market offers an open, casual space just ten minutes south of Calgary. The lounge itself sits high above the main marketplace with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside—the perfect setting to dine on locally-sourced menu items and sip Alberta craft beer.

The City of Light is the inspiration for this French brasserie styled shoot; we’ve taken the romance of dining in Paris to an intimate celebration of love at a Calgary restaurant. Decadent shades of merlot, cream and French blue in the décor and stationery are a whimsical nod to the tricolour flag. Crisp white linens and pops of gold in the table setting add a luxurious contrast to the crinkled table runner and rustic floral arrangements. Our bride’s loose chignon and simple drop earrings are the perfect accessories to her flowing gown of lace and chiffon, while her debonair groom pairs a lustrous charcoal suit with a classic black bowtie. If a relaxed vibe and pure romance is the theme for your day, consider a cozy fête at your favourite local restaurant. Indulge in fine food, wine and company, and raise a champagne flute to joie de vivre.

Meeting your future spouse through mutual friends is fairly common, but what makes Amber and Steven’s story unique is that they met through a friend in Indonesia. At the time Steven was working for a travel company and Amber was touring through Southeast Asia. They fell hard and fast for each other on a trip with friends to Thailand, then spent two weeks together on some remote islands in Vietnam. Six months later they finished university and moved in together.

The Proposal

Steven surprised Amber with an early birthday gift—a trip to New York City to watch the US Open. He surprised her again on the trip with tickets to see the Blue Jays play the Yankees, but he saved the best surprise for last. As they were crossing a beautiful bridge in Central Park with bagels in hand and the city skyline in the background, Steven popped the question.

The Big Day

Amber and Steven were married at a private ranch, but wanted a unique reception space. “The Commons had the industrial feel that allowed us to create our vision.” They served a featured cocktail inspired by the official cocktail of the US Open, the Honey Deuce, and called it the Honey I Do.

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

“Say You Won’t Let Go”—James Arthur

Newlywed Advice

“Hire a wedding planner! We trusted Kismet & Clover with our entire day and vision. They kept us at ease and our day was executed flawlessly.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

They look forward to traveling the world, starting a family, and calling each other “husband” and “wife” every day.

Honeymoon

Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

A snowstorm nearly kept Natasha home from her friend’s Christmas party, but she braved the weather and met Matthew at the cocktail reception. They talked throughout the evening and went on their first date a few days later.

The Proposal

They spent nearly every weekend together in the mountains, so Natasha didn’t think twice when one morning Matt asked if they could hike alone instead of with their friends. As they neared the peak, Matt found the perfect spot for “lunch”. When Natasha turned to grab a sandwich from her bag, she found Matt on one knee, asking her to make him the happiest man alive.

The Big Day

The Rocky Mountains had been the backdrop for their entire relationship, so there was no question about celebrating their love anywhere else. Natasha and Matt wanted an “elegant, romantic, fairy-tale wedding,” and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel provided the perfect setting. In the weeks leading up to their nuptials they worried they would have to move the ceremony indoors due to smoke from wildfires, but on the big day they woke up to sunny, clear skies that lasted until just after photos. When Matt took her hands at the altar, Natasha’s nervousness dissipated and she realized she was marrying her best friend

Favourite Moments

Natasha: “My favorite moment was when Matt and I were able to join hands during the ceremony. I was very nervous in front of all of our family and friends that I just needed to hold onto him. Once he grabbed by hand, all the nervousness went away. I was able to relax and i realized I was marrying by best friend.”

Matt: “Finally being able to see Natasha”

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval Baguette

First Dance

“In Case You Didn’t Know”—Brett Young

Newlywed Advice

“Enjoy being engaged and enjoy every moment with each other the day of your wedding; it goes by quickly. Laugh, dance and take a moment to realize that you both put so much time and effort to make this happen!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds look forward to their honeymoon, starting a family, and “not answering any more wedding emails!”

Honeymoon

Greece

Mark’s biceps caught Natasha’s eye while they worked together at a local restaurant. She would help clean his tables and eventually asked for his number. They discovered how much they had in common over coffee, including their love of mountain adventures.

The Proposal

During one camping trip, the couple rode the Jasper Sky Tram and hiked to the top of Whistler Mountain. Mark popped the question—along with some bubbly—and they spent the rest of the day hiking, fishing and excitedly calling their families.

The Big Day

Family heritage is very important to the couple; Natasha’s mom gave her the Irish Claddagh ring she inherited on her own wedding day and bound the bride and groom’s hands together during the garden ceremony. Mark carried on his grandfather’s tradition by having the same wedding band created by the same jeweller in Roccagorga, Italy. A string duet brought the ceremony to life, and a singer and pianist performed during cocktail hour and the first dance. They chose the Shaw Conference Centre to host their reception for its capacity and flexibility when it came to decorating and catering

Favourite Moments

Natasha’s favourite moments were the private ones she had throughout the day with her family and her groom, while Mark’s was when Natasha pinched his butt at their first look.

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

“Tenerife Sea”—Ed Sheeran

Newlywed Advice

“Do your research and ask lots of questions! Don’t be afraid to ask people for help and to delegate tasks as needed. Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember to be present on your wedding day because it flies by!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

They look forward to sharing many more laughs and adventures together.

Honeymoon

Italy | Hotel La Perla