Tess and Erik love Christmas in Edmonton. The couple—who met while working at the Pint on Whyte—planned an evening of winter festivities for a rare night off together.

The Proposal

Despite the -30C temperature (not including wind-chill!) they strolled down Candy Cane Lane and then went to view the lights at the Legislature Building. It was on the steps of the Ledge where Erik got down on one knee. “You know it’s cold when your happy tears freeze to your face!” says Tess.

The Big Day

They wanted a winter wedding and considered having it in Canmore, but ultimately the beauty and sentimental value of the River Valley won out. Hosting their reception at Blue Meadows also meant they didn’t have to limit their guest list. Their top priorities for the day were the photographer, the food, and throwing a huge party.

Fortunately, Mother Nature was much kinder to Tess and Erik on their big day; the temperature was unseasonably warm, but the snow was still pristine. Tess enjoyed laughing with her bridal party and spending quiet moments with Erik during photos. Erik loved the incredible dinner during their warm and luxurious reception—but it’s a close tie with seeing Tess for the first time.

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

First Dance

“Love Story”—Lanco

Newlywed Advice

“Let the experts do their thing! We had a general idea of what we wanted, knew we hired good people and we let them handle the details. We put our trust in our vendors and just enjoyed ourselves!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds plan to go on a few trips together, renovate their home, and being a big happy family with their dog and two cats.

Honeymoon

Costa Rica

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

Classic. Timeless. Elegant. These three words describe everything about Melanie and Terry’s September wedding, from the proposal to their honeymoon.

The pair met through Melanie’s uncle, who was coincidentally Terry’s neighbour and good friend.

The Proposal

While celebrating Melanie’s birthday at Hardware Grill, Terry got down on one knee and surprised her with a custom ring made in Italy.

The Big Day

Melanie and Terry chose the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald not only for its stunning rooms, but also for the quality of food and service. They dressed the Wedgwood Room in soft shades of white, blush and lavender for the ceremony, and exchanged rings under a lush floral canopy. For the reception they added dramatic pops of berry, pink, purple and green into the floral décor and drenched the tables in gold and champagne tones for a luxe garden vibe. Melanie changed out of her exquisite lace gown into a light and whimsical dress to dance the night away. A live band and DJ alternated sets on separate stages to keep the party going.

Favourite Moments

Melanie’s favourite moment was seeing Terry and all of their family and close friends while walking down the aisle, while Terry’s was landing in Turks and Caicos to have his wife all to himself for two weeks.

Engagement Ring Cut

Cushion

First Dance

‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’—Elvis Presley + Haley Reinhart Compilation

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance(s)

‘ I Loved Her First’ – Heartland

Newlywed Advice

Terry:“We were glad that we hired Jennifer Bergman Weddings. It was huge in making our wedding stress free.”

Melanie:“Hiring a good photographer like Carey Nash made the photos go smoothly and we were very happy with the results!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

They look forward to traveling through life together as both best friends and husband and wife.

Honeymoon

Turks & Caicos

After surviving breast cancer at 23, five-foot-tall firecracker Leah started volunteering for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. At one event, another volunteer offered to help her carry a large box of t-shirts upstairs. Leah made a smart-ass comment about being more than capable, took a few steps and dropped the box. Despite Leah’s sassiness, Chad helped her pick up the shirts and carried them up three flights. “We’ve been together ever since, and he still has to put up with my sass,” says Leah.

The Proposal

One Friday night after a dinner of chicken fingers and fries (Leah refused Chad’s suggestions for fancy restaurants), Chad drove Leah to the Citadel Theatre, where they are season ticket holders. They always toss change into the fountain and make silent wishes, but this time Chad asked Leah if she wanted to know what he wished for. He got down on one knee and didn’t even have time to pop the question before Leah started crying and said “yes.”

The Big Day

The couple chose the Wedgwood Room at the Hotel Macdonald for its soft colours and classic lines for their small winter wedding. As a unique touch, Chad and Leah made a wine-capsule to commemorate their day. They exchanged letters and sealed them in a wooden box with a bottle of wine, only to be opened on a momentous occasion or when they need a reminder of why they married each other.

Favourite Moments

Leah: “My favourite moment of the wedding was right after the ceremony. Chad and I went to a separate room and it was just the two of us for about 5 minutes. It was right then that I realized that we had just done a very big thing and that I get to spend the rest of my life with my perfect person.”

Chad:“Seeing Leah walk down the aisle.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

”If I Had a Gun…” – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance(s)

“Grace, Too” – Tragically Hip cover by Justin Rutledge

Newlywed Advice

“Get a wedding planner! A wedding planner will help you to cut down the amount of bickering you do about the wedding. Planning a wedding is stressful, and even though you know you’re being crazy and unreasonable, sometimes you can’t help but take it out on the one person you shouldn’t: your fiancé. Our wedding planner was a saving grace”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

“We are most looking forward to all the adventures we will have together and expanding our little family.”

Honeymoon

Moorea, French Polynesia; San Diego, California

Alexis met Arden in Vancouver while the two of them were working for the same company, and she smiles at the memory of immediately being drawn to his piercing blue eyes!

The Proposal

The engagement took place while Alexis was on a work placement down in California for two months. The pair had picked up a boxed lunch from Whole Foods to bring down to the beach for a picnic, and Arden had hidden the ring in the camera bag. When they got to the beach, they found a private area to sit down and eat. Right before dessert, things got really sweet as Arden took Alexis’ hand and got down on one knee. California was already special for the pair as it was where they said “I love you” to each other for the first time, but getting engaged really takes the cake.

The Big Day

The wedding itself was small, beautiful, intimate and everything they could have hoped for… perhaps minus the surprise snowfall over the labour day weekend! Other unique details included Alexis’s “Bro of Honor”, a no camera request to keep their guests in the moment, and a special lion dance to commemorate Alexis’ Chinese heritage.

Favourite Moments

Alexis: “Our first look. I loved how it was just us two in that moment.”

Arden: “Our first look. She got me a Rolex!”

Engagement Ring Cut

Cushion with Halo

First Dance

‘You Are The Best Thing’ – Ray Lamontagne

Newlywed Advice

“Forget about the noise. At the end of the day, it’s just about the two of you and nobody else.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

As newlyweds, Alexis and Arden are most looking forward to everything marriage stands for; simply having someone that is forever on your team and forever by your side.

Honeymoon

Cook Islands | Aitutaki Resort & Spa