Tommy had a crush on Sara the moment they were paired up in a CPR class in university, but they didn’t become more than acquaintances until Sara moved to his hometown for medical school. He offered to show her around and they started dating shortly after.

The Proposal

On one of their many trips to Canmore, they planned a hike up Tent Ridge in Kananaskis. Sara attributed his nervousness to the recent bear activity in the area and had no idea he was carrying his grandmother’s ring, which he had remade for her. Tommy planned to propose at the summit but when they found a clearing full of wildflowers and spectacular views of the valley, he found his perfect moment.

The Big Day

Since Sara grew up in Canmore and they had shared so many special moments in the Rockies, the couple wanted to have a mountain wedding that would also feel like a mini-vacation for their guests. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise combined incredible food and service with a picturesque winter landscape.

Favourite Moments

While playing hockey with his friends before the ceremony was certainly a highlight for Tommy, it didn’t compare to the anticipation of waiting for his bride to walk down the aisle. Sara’s favorite moment was walking into the reception hall for the first time as husband and wife, with all of their family and friends toasting to their favorite song! “It was an overwhelming moment that was so full of love.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Cushion

First Dance

“The Book of Love”—Gavin James

Newlywed Advice

“We would advise people to hire a day-of planner! It helps alleviate the stress of the day so that you can just go with the flow and enjoy it.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

While the whole day was incredible, Sara and Tommy are excited to never have to answer the question “how is wedding planning going?” ever again.

Honeymoon

Portugal

Sacha and Colin—who met through a mutual friend—drove to the mountains for a day of hiking but had to change plans when they couldn’t access their intended trail. They stopped at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise and decided to take a walk along the river. They were sitting on the bank talking about the future over a beer when Colin asked Sacha to marry him. He completed the surprise with a champagne dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

The Big Day

They wanted a wedding venue that could accommodate their large guest list for both the ceremony and reception yet still feel intimate. They were immediately sold on the gorgeous lake views, beautiful interior, and incredible food at The Lake House. “It was the perfect blend of rustic elegance.”

They describe their wedding as a day of pure joy that set them up beautifully for their life together as husband and wife, and they hope to grow their family.

Favourite Moments

Sacha’s favourite moment was seeing Colin at their first look in Fish Creek Park; she felt all her nerves just melt away. Colin remembers looking across the room during dinner and seeing all their family and friends laughing together. “The outpouring of love that we felt from everyone that day made it truly unforgettable.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

“More of You”—Chris Stapleton

Newlywed Advice

“Enjoy the process and don’t lose sight of what is important on your big day: marrying the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Trust your gut with your vendors and pick the ones who fit you and your partner’s personalities.”

Honeymoon

Lake Louise & Canmore

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

Katie and Brett met in a hotel hot tub while vacationing with friends in California. They discovered they were both from the same province—Katie from Edmonton and Brett from Red Deer. The next morning they were seated together a breakfast and planned an impromptu group trip to Disneyland for the day. They dated long-distance for two years before Brett moved to Edmonton.

The Proposal

Brett planned the proposal for a hike to a waterfall during a camping trip in Yoho National Park. He was so excited he almost popped the question around the campfire the night before but managed to keep his plans—and the ring—concealed until they reached the cascading waters.

The Big Day

The couple took a DIY approach to planning their wedding; their family and friends helped them create all the décor, stationery and playlist. A ladder displayed wedding photos of their parents and grandparents, and framed love poems by Beau Taplin dotted the tables. For bridesmaid gifts, local artist Giselle Denis painted pictures of the girls’ bouquets.

Favourite Moments

Brett says seeing Katie at the end of the aisle was the happiest moment of his life, while Katie says there was nothing like binding themselves together in front of their loved ones.

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval Halo

First Dance

“Gambling Man”—Doug Haynes

Newlywed Advice

“On the day of, take a moment or two with your spouse alone–just the two of you. It goes by so quickly.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The newlyweds are excited for Sunday morning coffee, having kids, and whatever else life brings them.

Honeymoon

Honeymoon Destination: Hawaii & Las Vegas | Honeymoon Resort: Aqua Kauai Beach Resort; The LinQ

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