Banff Springs Winter Wedding

Blind dates don’t always end well. Fortunately that wasn’t the case for Nicole and Blake, who were set up by a mutual friend. “We hit it off right from the beginning and from that point we became best friends,” said Nicole.

The Proposal

The couple often have a hectic holiday schedule but always spend Christmas day together. One year Blake gave Nicole snowboarding gear for Christmas, but mentioned that the snow pants were defective. When Nicole went to look at them he pulled a ring box out of the pants’ pocket and got down on one knee. Nicole was so shocked that Blake had to ask a few times before she said yes. “It was really nice being in the comfort of our home,” said Nicole, who was thrilled to get a fiancé for Christmas.

The Big Day

The breathtaking Rocky Mountains served as the backdrop for their winter wedding; Nicole and Blake held both their ceremony and reception in the Mt. Stephen Hall at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. They also incorporated Nicole’s love of fishing and Blake’s love of hunting into their decor: the wedding cake featured fondant fish topped with flowers and antlers. Guests danced all night to duelling pianists then took home saplings to plant in memory of Nicole’s late father.

Favourite Moments

Nicole: “I think my favourite moment was getting up for our speech and being able to acknowledge everyone who helped put our wedding together and getting to say something special to Blake in the presence of all the special people in our lives.”

Blake: “Seeing my beautiful bride for the first time in her wedding dress walking down the aisle towards me.’

Engagement Ring Cut

Pear

First Dance

‘I Won’t Give Up’ – Jason Mraz

Advice from the Newlyweds

“Do not procrastinate on making decisions – if you can decide in the moment, do it! There are so many things that need to be decided for your wedding so commit to the moment that you are looking at the item/detail and usually your first impression is the right one! And if possible hire a wedding planner – best decision ever!”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

“Getting to create new memories as a married couple and realizing that we have succeeded in choosing the best partner to do that with!”

Honeymoon

Africa