DIY Outdoor Wedding

While trying to find seating at a crowded Calgary bar, Nadine’s friend asked a group of strangers if they could make space for them. Oddly enough they weren’t strangers at all—Nadine knew most of them growing up in Saskatchewan, Jeff included. They struck up a conversation, exchanged numbers, and later exchanged rings back in Jeff’s hometown–after a snowy mountain proposal with the help of their puppy, Dexter!

The Big Day

Nadine always dreamed of getting married in front of her grandparent’s old barn, but only a few months after her engagement her grandmother became ill and had to give up the farm. Her aunt painted a picture of the barn for her wedding gift, and her dad constructed a frame with wood from the barn and a window pane from her brother’s house, who had passed away ten years before. Unwilling to miss the wedding, Nadine’s grandmother had a nurse escort her to the outdoor ceremony at the stone grotto in Bellegarde. After a lighthearted ceremony, the newlyweds celebrated with a reception at the community hall and danced under the stars in Jeff’s brother’s backyard.

Nadine took a DIY approach to planning; she grew the succulents for her décor, cake, bouquet and favours with her dad, and made all the signage, their cake, and even her garter set!

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

First Dance

“Like I’m Gonna Lose You”—Jasmine Thompson

Advice from the Newlyweds

“Hire a day of coordinator. I was stretched very thin without having assigned someone to take charge and ensure everything looked as it should décor-wise.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

The happy couple is now looking forward to starting a family.

Honeymoon

Indonesia | Gili Teak Boutique Resort