John and Sarah were never strangers (John is a long-time friend of Sarah’s brother), but they also never had a real conversation until they met at a Canada Day celebration in 2014. After one or two dates they made their relationship status official, and two years later John decided to take things to the next level.

The Proposal

Over the July long weekend, John suggested they go for a bike ride. Sarah didn’t understand why he kept one hand in his pocket even though he kept swerving, and when they stopped to watch the sun set over a small pond she thought he was shaking in nervousness about the his triathlon the next day. John took a few moments to shake it off, and then got down on one knee.

The Big Day

The couple needed a space that could hold 200 guests while allowing extra room for dancing and mingling. The Blatchford Air Hangar at Fort Edmonton Park offered ample space, a neutral palette, and the grandest of entrances courtesy of the spectacular hangar doors. They wanted to emphasize the importance of family and created two large x-shaped tables for their immediate families. They also have the reception chairs they sat on during their first meal as husband and wife in their home as a simple reminder of their amazing day full of love and family.

Favourite Moments

Sarah: “My immediate response is the moment I saw John at the altar.  Other favourite moments were each time I paused to take in the guests surrounding us on our wedding day. I remember looking out during dinner, during the dance and even when we were at the altar. I will forever remember our best friends and family looking up at us with so much love and support. It truly is a once in a lifetime feeling!”

John: “I have a few! 1)When the doors of the church opened and I saw my soon to be wife for the very first time 2) Listening to all of the amazing words that people had to say about my wife and I during the speeches 3) The party!”

Engagement Ring Cut

Princess

First Dance

“I Need You”—Faith Hil & Tim McGraw

Newlywed Advice

“Hiring a day-of coordinator was one of the greatest decisions we made. We knew what we wanted in a wedding so the planning portion was simple, but making sure the day runs smoothly is something the bride and groom have little control over.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

“We are looking forward to simply making a life together! Combining our lives after the big day has been so much fun for the both of us, and we look forward to all of the new adventures as husband and wife!”

Honeymoon

Phoenix, AZ | Talking Stick Resort

Despite sharing many mutual friends while living in Calgary, Maxine and Theron didn’t meet until seven years after moving to the city. When their stars finally aligned, their relationship quickly progressed; they packed up their lives and moved across the planet together the following year.

The Proposal

During their two years living in Australia it became obvious they were meant for each other. Theron proposed during a weekend of hiking, picnicking and riding in a hot air balloon in the Gold Coast Hinterlands. “It was beautiful, simple and private,” says Maxine.

The Big Day

The couple wanted a naturally beautiful outdoor wedding and Bottega Farm Inn & Studio in Kelowna provided the perfect inspiration. The forest served as the backdrop for their ceremony and the spacious great hall was decorated with crisp white linens, lush greenery and subtle hints of gold for the reception. Blush bridesmaid dresses and navy suits complemented their wedding palette.

Favourite Moments

Theron was awestruck when he first saw Maxine; her headpiece and jewelry shimmered in the sunlight as she walked down the aisle. The highlight for Maxine was having friends and family from all over the world join them to celebrate their marriage. “It was very special for us and we felt very loved and supported,” she says.

First Dance

“Crazy Love”—Van Morrison

Newlywed Advice

‘Don’t forget to have fun during the process. Planning your wedding is not a checklist or tedious tasks to complete. Also, make your guests feel comfortable and welcomed — they are there to celebrate with you!’

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Maxine and Theron are looking forward to the next big chapter in their lives together—becoming parents in summer of 2017!

Honeymoon

New York City, NY

Jessica and Brandon first met at the Big Valley Jamboree. After meeting the first night, they spent the entire weekend together with their friends. It wasn’t long after returning home that they went on their first date and the rest was history.

The Proposal

The couple were camping in Sandpoint, Idaho for their summer vacation. One morning when they woke up Brandon suggested they take the dog for a walk along the water. They were enjoying the view and each others company, laughing and joking around as they usually do. Brandon found a moment to get down on one knee, asked the question and Jessica answered with a teary, “Yes!”

The Big Day

Jessica and Brandon were really open on what they wanted when they started looking for a wedding venue. Lions Garden was the first venue they saw in the city and booked it on the spot. “It just felt like us,” Jessica shares, “We loved that our guests could camp nearby, and we loved the look and feel of the whole venue.”It was most important to Jessica and Brandon that their guests had fun and were well fed. They had a traditional Ukrainian meal for dinner and a food truck for their midnight snack. “Our wedding was a beautiful representation of us, with the rustic but yet glamorous venue, the delicious meals, and incredible company of our friends and family.”

Favourite Moments

Jessica: “We had a glitch in the sound system during our ceremony, which took a couple minutes to get the microphones working again. It was my favourite moment because it slowed it all down and gave us a time to just say “Hi” to each other.”

Brandon: “Seeing my bride walk down the aisle. I was so excited to see her in her dress.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Square

First Dance

‘Tenesse Whiskey’- Chris Stapleton

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance(s)

‘God Gave Me You’- Blake Shelton

Newlywed Advice

“Enjoy the process. Try not stress about the little things. It will all be worth it on the day.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Jessica and Brandon are excited for a lifetime of memories together.

Honeymoon

Ireland

Amanda and Daryl both grew up in the small town of Edson and had known each for years before being setup for a Christmas party in 2009. They both often reminisce and believe that their love story was on hold for the perfect timing. After their first date there was no looking back for this couple. Amanda shares “it’s been an amazing journey so far!.”

The Proposal

Amanda still gets goosebumps thinking back to the day of her proposal. In January of 2012, the couple took their first tropical vacation together to the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. Half way through their trip they headed down to a beach front restaurant for dinner. Amanda was captivated by the beach during the evening, the entire strip of hotels lit up the ocean. As Amanda pulled out her camera to take photos of her view, Daryl asked another couple to take a photo of them two. Before she knew it, Daryl was down on his knee asking his lady to be his future wife. They are grateful to have photographs to look back at and share for years to come.

The Big Day

Amanda and Daryl shared their loved story with an intimate group of family and friends at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton. Once choosing their wedding venue everything else fell into place. The couple worked closely with Atmosphere Wedding Planning to make it a day of their own. From using soft and neutral colors to decorate their ceremony and reception to their custom dessert table and cake topper, this wedding was truly romantic and personalized. Amanda and Daryl had their guests in mind during their planning, “we wanted to make it a special day for everyone included. Great food, great drinks, great company and most importantly a great time!” From the looks of it, their mission was achieved.

Favourite Moments

Amanda’s Favourite Moment: “There are so many, it was a very overwhelming day to say the least. So many emotions going on. I have been asked this before, and I keep going back to the same answer. Walking down the aisle for the first time and just seeing all of our family and friends there, knowing that they made the effort to be there for the two of us. It meant the world!”

Daryl’s Favourite Moment: “There’s a lot to choose from. I really enjoyed once the reception was underway. Visiting with all our family and friend and having a great time on the dance floor!”

First Dance

Jack Johnson—“Better Together”

Newlywed Advice

” Live in the moment, love each other unconditionally”

Honeymoon

Hawaii