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

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

Jade and Jeremy grew up in the same town, but didn’t start dating until they moved to the city to study at the University of Alberta. From there it took ten years and a trip across the globe for Jeremy to propose.

The Proposal

The couple were on a private sunset safari in Kenya and stopped at a picturesque spot to stretch and enjoy a glass of wine. Jeremy asked the guides to take a picture of them, grabbed Jade’s hand and got down on one knee. “The entire world stopped,” says Jade. They were greeted back at camp with champagne and a private dinner.

The Big Day

Finding their reception venue was easy; Jade and Jeremy loved the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s elegant Empire Ballroom at first sight. Finding the dress, however, wasn’t; Jade tried on nearly 50 understated gowns that she thought fit her vision, then unexpectedly found “the one” when she tried on an elaborate Allure gown.

Favourite Moments

Jade took Jeremy’s breath away during their first look, then they read letters containing their vows to each other. “It was very emotional and really special because it was the only moment that day that was shared between just the two of us. We will never forget it,” says Jade.

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

First Dance

“Home”—Cover by Luca Fogale

Newlywed Advice

“Try to get everything done by the weekend prior to your wedding. We had everything done by the Sunday before the wedding. It was nice to have the week to relax and just be excited to get married!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds look forward to filling the pages of their passports together, starting with their honeymoon in Maui and Japan.

Honeymoon

Japan + Maui

Sarah and Adam met back in high school, though their relationship didn’t blossom until after graduation. Their engagement story is truly a holiday dream.

The Proposal

Their engagement story is truly a holiday dream. It was Christmas Eve and the pair were sitting in their living room beside their Christmas tree, the crackling fire and their big dog Walter. Adam had insisted they stay in instead of attending a holiday party, so they exchanged gifts per usual. “I had asked for Tiffany earrings that Christmas and Walter came around the corner with a little blue box tied to his collar,” remembers Sarah. After untying the box and opening it, Adam was beside her on one knee.

The Big Day

Adam and Sarah wanted a Vanity Fair meets Old Manhattan feel to their wedding. From deciding on the Fairmont Palliser as their venue to the chairs and the florals, their wedding planner Evelyn Clark captured it perfectly. After a year of planning, these newlyweds saw all of their dreams come true and felt it was their best day yet.

Favourite Moments

Choosing one favourite moment is the toughest job of all, but Sarah and Adam adored their afternoon champagne toast with their bridal party while they signed their marriage license.

Engagement Ring Cut

Princess

First Dance

‘The Way You Look Tonight’- Frank Sinatra

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance(s)

‘Wild Horses’ – Rolling Stones

Newlywed Advice

Get a wedding planner! Evelyn Clark went above and beyond to make us happy and make sure our day was everything we wanted it to be. She did all the leg work on finding vendors and found vendors she knew we would be compatible with.

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

After being together for over seven years, this couple is ecstatic to officially refer to themselves as “The Ferreys” and to continue building their life together.

Honeymoon

New York City, NY

For some women, it’s a guy’s smile or sense of humour that attracts them. For Megan, it was the breakdancing moves J.P busted out at a party that sealed the deal.

The Proposal

After a few years of dating, J.P surprised Megan with a weekend trip to Vancouver for her birthday. By this time Megan had given up all hopes of getting engaged, so she was completely shocked when J.P proposed during a walk along the Seawall.

The Big Day

The fun-loving couple wanted a venue in the mountains that would also deliver the most bang for their buck. They loved the cabin-style charm of Cornerstone Theatre in Canmore, and how it was neutral enough to work with any colour scheme. After sealing their vows with a kiss, they concluded their outdoor ceremony with a fist pump from Megan and a thumbs up from J.P. “I loved that we were able to share our personalities with everyone at that moment,” says J.P. The newlyweds enjoyed some quiet moments together during photos to reflect on the ceremony and share some laughs, then arrived at their reception on top of the limo to kick off the party.

Favourite Moments

Megan: “During photos we were taken to a location where the wedding parties stayed in the limo and it was just us with the photographer. Having that time to reflect on the ceremony, share our excitement, and have some laughs was amazing. Many people told us before the wedding that we should try to take a minute or two just be together and take in the day, this part of the photo shooting allowed us to have 15 or 20.”

John Paul: “My favourite moment was seeing Megan walk down the aisle. She had the biggest smile on her face and I could tell how excited she was to be walking towards me. After our first kiss as husband and wife, and in our true style, we turned to our families, Megan pumped her fist and I gave a thumbs up. I loved that we were able to share our personalities with everyone at that moment.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

First Dance

‘Sweetest Love’ – Robin Thicke

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance(s)

‘God Only Knows’ – Beach Boys

Newlywed Advice

‘Knowing what you want to do, what you can afford to do, and starting early made everything leading up to our wedding day go smoothly.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

“Given that we have been together for nearly eight years and lived together for five, we knew long before the wedding that we would be spending our lives together. At this point, we are looking forward to our honeymoon in spring 2017 then starting a family.”

Honeymoon

Europe