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

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

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