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

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

This pair of adventurers first met on a road trip to Invermere, B.C with some mutual friends. Sierra thought Quinton was cute but very shy and quiet, so it took a couple of years before they developed a relationship.

The Proposal

Sierra is extremely snoopy, so of course she discovered Quinton’s plans to surprise her in Spain and propose during her family vacation. Instead, he woke Sierra up early in the morning of her departure. He dressed up and she was wearing a “hideous” purple silk cap. The heartfelt card and amazing breakfast were nice touches, but Sierra loved that he actually surprised her.

The Big Day

The free spirits wanted a bohemian-inspired wedding and instantly fell in love with the exposed brick walls and crystal chandeliers at The Commons. They dressed up the room for their ceremony with a rustic floral arch, then flipped it to a cocktail reception and projected black-and-white movies for a backdrop. Quinton wore a dapper forest-green suit and Sierra swapped her long veil and lace bolero (both made by her aunt) for a flower crown at the reception.

Favourite Moments

Sierra was hesitant when her parents presented a slideshow, but it turned out to be her favourite moment. Quinton loved spending the day with his fun-loving bride. They spend their honeymoon on a Caribbean Cruise and are now planning their next adventure to Ecuador.

Engagement Ring Cut

Oval

First Dance

“Let’s Be Still”—The Head and the Heart

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance(s)

“My Little Girl”—Tim McGraw

Newlywed Advice

“Make sure to enjoy the day of the wedding! That being said, a wedding coordinator was the best idea ever; Leslie took care of every little detail—even buying items last minute to make sure the venue was picture perfect.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

We both love to travel so planning our next adventure to Ecuador at the end of this year is on our agenda.

Honeymoon

Bahamas Cruise

For Brianna and Anthony, life is truly an adventure! They started dating after they met while volunteering at the University of Alberta Orientation.

The Proposal

A few years later after a day of mishaps trying to get to Anthony’s family cabin on Pierce Lake, the couple took a moment to relax on the dock at sunset. As the crystal waters reflected the golden sky, Anthony got down on one knee and asked Brianna to join him on a trip down the aisle.

The Big Day

Brianna and Anthony combined traditional and contemporary elements for their unique fall wedding. They were the third generation to be married at the quaint Josephburg Community Church. As the church doors opened, Brianna took an extra moment to savour the details and people that brought so much joy to the day—particularly her smiling groom. The jewel-toned sculptured floral arrangements and Brianna’s two-piece gown with a golden blush skirt and long-sleeved lace top transitioned beautifully from the country ceremony to the urban reception at the Art Gallery of Alberta. After a whole day of celebrating with family and friends, the newlyweds took some time for themselves and headed to the mountains for a stunning post-wedding photo shoot.

Favourite Moments

Brianna: “When the church sanctuary doors opened, and before walking down the aisle, I took an extra moment to capture the joy of my wedding day. I looked at the flowers, our guests, my parents and most importantly the adoring gaze and smile of my groom.”Anthony: “The Whole Day! Celebrating and sharing our wedding day with all of our family and friends’

Engagement Ring Cut

Round

Newlywed Advice

“Invest in a wedding planner who can see your vision and has the resources and team to create it. Hiring a planner also allows family and friends to enjoy the day with you.”

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

Now they are excited to experience more of life’s adventures together, including a honeymoon to the Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest.

Honeymoon

Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest