Welcome to issue twenty of Blush Magazine! We had a great time putting this one together. We went through dozens of styled shoots and couldn’t be happier with the choice for our cover and editorial, shot and coordinated by Wild Theory Weddings.

We love the Fall Winter issue because we get the opportunity to put the spotlight on one venue, this year we picked one that is rustic, romantic and classic! We’ve also rounded up ten inspiring and never before seen real weddings from Edmonton, Calgary, The Rocky Mountains and Mexico.

Keen to get your hands on our 20th issue? You can check the bridal section at your nearest Chapters and Indigo shop around mid August or order online and we will ship within days.

If you’re looking to infuse your wedding day with a touch of Parisian style-this inspiration shoot from Ivory and Gold + Affinity Weddings & Events is for you. Featuring gorgeous calligraphy and light shades of blush pink and cream white, with a bold hint of gold – there are lots of little details that will inspire your special day and beyond.

We gather together to enjoy a good meal, to work towards common goals, and to celebrate life and love. In today’s digital age, spending time together is something we often take for granted. The Hauser family have perfected this seemingly lost art and have made it their mission to share their love of togetherness on their family farm and event space. Welcome to Gathered.

The family of seven had always dreamed of setting up a homestead and living off the bounty of their land, and one day they decided to just go for it. They moved to an acreage in Kathryn, Alberta in 2013 and immediately broke ground—literally. The eldest daughter, Alysa, was planning her wedding and wanted to get married under the open skies. The family planted gardens both for food and to turn the property into a naturally beautiful oasis. The wedding day was a success and sparked a new flame: the Hauser’s wanted to share the fruits of their labour with others.

Located just 30 minutes from downtown Calgary, Gathered is an idyllic spot for a rustic wedding. The transparent tent seats 140 and allows you to dine under the big prairie sky without worrying about unpredictable weather. There’s no pretentious or processed food here; expect a delicious, home-cooked meal with fresh local ingredients—many of which are organically grown on the farm. The gorgeous wood furniture, dishes, glassware and spectacular country views are all included so all you need to add is your personal touch for décor.

If you want to celebrate love, food, family and land—and perhaps roast a few s’mores—on your wedding day, let the Hauser’s share their dream-come-true with you. Your wedding day is all about togetherness, and there’s no better place to get together than Gathered. As they say, there’s no place like home.

Photo: Nathan Walker Photography

The first dance is often the first song decision many couples make, because it’s the centrepiece of the reception, with the newlyweds dancing for the first time with all eyes on them. If you’re searching for the perfect tune for the first dance, we’re here to help. From country to pop to R&B, here are 20  song suggestions that are sweet enough for a first dance.

1. “Say You Won’t Let Go”—James Arthur
2. “Tenerife Sea”—Ed Sheeran
3. “I Choose You“- Ryann Darling Original
4. “Ground Up”—Dan and Shay
5. “Strawberry Swing”—Coldplay
6. “Lost in This Moment”—Big and Rich
7. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”—Jasmine Thompson
8. “Coming Home”—Leon Bridges
9. “In Case You Didn’t Know”—Brett Young
10. “Let’s Be Still”—The Head and the Heart
11. ‘Give in to Me” – Country Strong
12. “Home”—Cover by Luca Fogale
13. “Who You Love” – John Mayer + Katy Perry
14. “Stay With You” – John Legend
15. ‘You and Me’ – Rose Ave.
16. ‘Green Eyes’—Coldplay
17. “I Was Made For Loving You”-Tori Kelly Feat Ed Sheeran
18. “Love” – Lana Del Ray
19. “Crazy Love” – Michael Buble
20. “No One” – Alicia Keys

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.