Danielle Lucier is both a talented photographer and an avid daydreamer; she uses daydreams to calm her mind amidst tight deadlines and stressful moments, and also to let her creativity run free. During one particular late-night editing session, she found herself distracted by a video of Swan Lake. She envisioned a serene pond in the early morning mist, heard the rustling of tall grass and trilling of birds, and felt dawn’s first rays on her face. She imagined dancing along the water’s edge and running her fingers through the fog, watching it dissipate into nothingness.

The pale blue walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and myriad of textures and colours in the intricate décor of the Wedgewood Room beautifully represented the dream-like pond of our Black Swan cover shoot. Accents in shades of black and white mirrored the concept of duality that Danielle found most inspiring. She captured the internal conflict between light and dark, movement and stillness, and showed “that both can be beautiful and that they can meld together.”

Our Fall Winter 2017 issue will be on stands at Chapters and Indigo from mid August until mid January 2018. You can also order a copy online.

When this free spirit romantic shoot was submitted to us, we were thrilled with the group of local vendors that collaborated. This shoot really brought together bohemian touches with chic bridal fashion. A spread can be found in the current issue of Blush Magazine on stands until August 1, 2017.

While Alexandra and Adam’s story sounds traditional at first—they met and fell in love during law school—their wedding was anything but. For a long time marriage was a hypothetical scenario until they were in a financial position to fund the type of wedding they wanted. When that time came, Alexandra and Adam skipped the formal proposal, set a date and started planning.

The Proposal

For a long time marriage was a hypothetical scenario until they were in a financial position to fund the type of wedding they wanted. When that time came, Alexandra and Adam skipped the formal proposal, set a date and started planning.

The Big Day

The couple wanted a unique venue with plenty of character to host both their ceremony and reception for 80 guests. Housed in Calgary’s historic Simmons building, local restaurant Charbar provided a charming atmosphere, fantastic food and gorgeous views of the Bow River.

The first tradition they cut was having a bridal party; Alexandra hosted a tea party the morning of the wedding to include her girlfriends while she was getting ready. Alexandra also loves boy band music, so a string duet played One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” as she walked down the aisle.

Adam enjoyed the first dance with his wife, which was also the only dance during the reception. They entertained guests with board games during the cocktail hour and topped off the evening with coffee and macarons instead of cake.

Favourite Moments

Alexandra:  “Holding hands with Adam during the ceremony.”

Adam:  “The first dance with my wife”

First Dance

‘The Magnet Fields’ – Peter Gabriel Cover

Newlywed Advice

“Put some thought into the details that are really meaningful and separate those that are less important. Consider eliminating aspects that aren’t a big deal. You don’t have to include every usual tradition at your wedding.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Alexandra and Adam are looking forward to the next 40 years together.

Honeymoon

Tofino, BC | Wickaninnish Inn

Bob and Jacqueline met through mutual friends while working together at a local pub. His best friend Regan was Jacqueline’s manager and after a few weeks of hearing all about his “buddy Bob” she finally put two and two together when they were bartending together one night. She will always remember saying with a huge grin – “Oh my goodness YOU are BOB!”

The Proposal

Jacqueline’s favourite holiday has always been New Years Eve. Bob surprised her one Christmas with a trip to New York City for New Years . They left a few days after Christmas and Jacqueline was so preoccupied with trying to get the best spot right in front of the ball in Times Square that she didn’t even think about the possibility of a proposal. Well, right as they were being interviewed by the local news in the middle of Times Square right before midnight – Bob dropped down to one knee and said the nicest things and asked Jackie to be his wife! “I was shocked, It was a dream, I think we made a million new friends that night,” says Jacqueline.

The Big Day

Jacqueline and Bob picked a venue that would help with the conservation of animals, a cause very important to the couple, so the Calgary Zoo was an easy decision for them to book. Aside from having access to taking pictures with some of their favourite animals, their guests were able to tour the zoo before the party started…free of charge! Jacqueline had the will power to keep her dress a surprise from all of her bridesmaids, and says it was worth the excitement when the girls finally got their own private reveal the morning of. Since Jacqueline works for CISN Country 103.9 her morning show co-hosts Chris & Matt were the MC’s for the night, “It was awesome to have a part of my work family as a part of my wedding day.”

Favourite Moments

Jacqueline: “My favourite moment was at dinner during the speeches. We are lucky enough to have some very funny friends and family – and some hilarious memories were brought up. To have our family and friends there laughing and celebrating together – I will always cherish that.”

Bob: “My favourite moment was when we were with the penguins. We had JUST been married – I was so happy – and then I get to be with my favorite animals. The pictures were the best.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Princess Cut

First Dance

‘Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World’ – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance(s)

Father / Daughter Dance : ‘Unforgettable’ – Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole

Mother/Son Dance: ‘Landslide’ – Fleetwood Mac

Newlywed Advice

Jacqueline: “Do the big things early & give yourself enough time ! No rush – no stress! And always have a glass of wine nearby in case of emergencies! Also,don’t ever worry about having a big bridal party. That was such a blessing. Your best friends are all there for you and you get to experience it all together.”

Bob: “Don’t make the planning a stressful ordeal and let her plan everything. Just kidding. Kind of.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Being an even stronger team now!! We are “The Sweeneys” and it’s so exciting to be able to keep building our life together and taking on life one or even two adventures at a time!

Honeymoon

Riviera Maya, Mexico & Vancouver Island

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya / Various Hotels on Vancouver Island

Running in the same circles, Alix and Josh had met a few times when hanging out with mutual friends, but it wasn’t until the two went on an official date that they realized there was chemistry—the rest is history.

The Proposal

Josh proposed to Alix during their time in California for Alix’s family reunion. The two were taking a walk along the scenic 17-mile drive when Josh got down on one knee and asked Alix to be his wife. After she said yes, the couple carved their initials on the wood bench where Josh proposed and plan to revisit that special spot someday.

The Big Day

Josh and Alix really wanted their wedding to be a reflection of themselves and their relationship so they incorporated personal details into the celebration and kept the atmosphere fun and less formal. The venue’s ideal location offered exquisite mountain scenery and perfectly captured the aura of rustic elegance.

Favourite Moments

Although Alix and Josh agree being surrounded by family and friends was the best part of the day, they each treasure their own special moment. Alix’s favourite moment was their first kiss as husband and wife, while Josh’s favorite moment was seeing his bride walk down the aisle.

Engagement Ring Cut

Princess Cut

First Dance

“Lost Together” — Blue Rodeo

Newlywed Advice

“Enjoy every moment you spend together and laugh often. Don’t let the stresses of wedding planning take a toll on your relationship – do everything together and enjoy it, as it only happens once and it will truly be the best day of your lives.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Moving forward, Alix and Josh are most excited about doing the little things together and sharing life’s special moments as a couple.

Honeymoon

Destination: Cuba

Resort: Los Americas Melias