Happy Valentine’s Day lovies! We’ve been hanging onto this editorial shoot for quite some time, waiting for the perfect occasion to share it with our online readers. Valentine’s couldn’t be a more perfect day to share Amina and Alex’s ten year anniversary shoot. Last Spring, Amina and Alex celebrated their ten year anniversary with their three beautiful children. We trekked the family of five out to the beautiful Town of Banff for some spectacular photos. Our team of vendors (full list below photos), created a stunning wedding setup atop Tunnel Mountain. If you tied the knot before the world of designers, blogs, instagram and pinterest – we hope this mountain anniversary shoot inspires you.

This retro tropical wedding is cool with a capital “c” and it has everything to do with the creatives behind it. They took a vision and created a retro tropical industrial fusion shoot with color and style like you wouldn’t believe. Michelle Larmand captured all these great shots which you can find in a spread in our Spring Summer 2017 issue. Check out the acknowledgments below for more local talent!

For most of us, our experience with film photography backdrops is limited to disposable cameras from childhood vacations—if even that. Film seems archaic compared to the ease and convenience of shooting digital, but much like vinyl enthusiasts, some photographers find film more aesthetically pleasing. Justine Milton talks with Blush about bringing the fine art of film to wedding photography.

What made you decide to get into photography in general, and film photography specifically?

“I started out by taking a photography course in university as part of my design degree. We had to use black and white film and I took a photo of my great-grandmother’s living room, with sun pouring in through a stained glass window above her piano. My professor told me I had a talent for photography and should consider doing something with it. So it was kind of a fluke that I got my way into photography, but once I did I loved it!”

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using film over digital?

“Personally, I love film because it looks alive in a way that digital just doesn’t – it has more depth and dimension to it and looks like you could reach out and touch it. I’m not stubborn about using only film – it captures light differently than digital so there are some situations where digital is more versatile than film and vice versa. Shooting film was a bit nerve-racking at first because you have to be confident…there’s no checking the back of the camera to see if it looks good, you just have to know it looks good.”

Can you shoot film in dark spaces such as reception rooms?

“Absolutely! In fact, lighting dark spaces is one of the skills I’m most proud of. I figured if I truly wanted to say I’m a film photographer I ought to be able to shoot receptions on film. In Alberta most receptions are not in bright, naturally-lit spaces, so I had to learn to shoot film with flash! I practiced for a year with flashes to nail exactly the look I wanted and now I shoot film at receptions all the time.”

Can you describe your film process from shooting through production?

“Shooting is pretty straightforward: my assistant loads film cartridges while I shoot so that when I finish a roll we just swap cartridges and I keep shooting. It’s pretty seamless for me. We overnight FedEx the rolls to the film lab; they develop the film, scan in the photos and send me digital files. I don’t edit much; I might crop or straighten some things, tweak the coloring a wee bit but nothing major. Printing is the same as digital, I just send the files to a print lab and they handle that part!”

How receptive have couples been about using film for their weddings?

“Most of my couples don’t know I shoot film until well into the day, if they realize it at all. That said, some couples love that I shoot film and hire me specifically for that.”

What advice would you give couples who are considering hiring a film photographer?

“Chat with them and see exactly how film fits in with what they do. Do they shoot exclusively film or are they “hybrid” (both film and digital)? Ask how long they’ve been shooting with film – it’s not something most people can learn overnight. If you’re really concerned, ask to see some examples of shots from darker lighting conditions. Film is pretty forgiving in daylight, but in dark churches or receptions it can be tricky.”

What do you like best about wedding photography?

“I love getting to interact with clients and being witness to one of the most important days of their lives. I love the subtle looks, big smiles, tears and anticipation of everyone involved.”

Happy Summer Blush Readers!

We’re elated to share that our Fall Winter 2016 issue will be available across the two western provinces by the end of next week. You can also order a copy now via our purchase page. This issue we got to get creative again and coordinate our cover and editorial shoot. Believe it or not, we were inspired by a piece of fabric this time, the backdrop of our cover from Neat Rentals was the base and everything else came together with an incredible local team; Jenelle Jamani of Special Event Rentals, Flowers by Willows, Brianne Gabrielle Cakes, Blushed Beaute, Novelle Bridal Shop, Tricia Victoria Photography, Little Black Letter Company, Glossie, Simons and Paris Jewellers.

The Fall Winter 2016 issue of Blush Magazine is set to hit stands in Chapters & Indigo across Alberta and B.C. on July 25th. As always, we’d love to hear what you think and happy wedding planning!

An eye for art, the reflexes of a ninja, great people skills–and big love for LOVE. That’s what it takes to be a top wedding photographer in Calgary today. Here’s our up close and personal interview with our top 5 – in no particular order.

P.S. they all love to travel and the magnificent mountains are in their backyard.

HEIDRICH PHOTOGRAPHY: @heidrich_photography

Why do you shoot weddings? 

I am photographing weddings because I believe that every wedding is a work of art.

What type of couples do you enjoy working with? 

I absolutely love working with adventurous couples with a great sense of style.

Where do you dream of shooting? and why? 

Norway would be on the top of my list of places that I would love to photograph a wedding in. It’s probably the country with the most amazing culture, people and landscape.

Photography package price range: $3,500-$6,500

HEART & SPARROW PHOTOGRAPHY: @heartandsparrow

Why do you shoot weddings? 

I love photographing weddings because I have the opportunity to witness beautiful, emotional stories unfold each and every time. Being able to capture and preserve those moments for my couples constantly inspires my creativity.

What type of couples do you enjoy working with? 

The couples I find I connect with the most are the ones who embrace me as a friend and ignore me as a photographer, and genuine moments unfold.

Where do you dream of shooting? and why? 

I absolutely love travelling with every fibre of my being, and am incredibly lucky that my job allows me to do so. New Zealand and Greece are both high on my list of places I would love to shoot –  both have incredible landscapes and light.

Photography package price range: $4,200+

SARAH VAUGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY: @sarahvaughan

Why do you shoot weddings? 

I love weddings. It’s really exciting to me to tell a different story each time I photograph a couple’s wedding.

What type of couples do you enjoy working with? 

I love working with all couples. The fun part of my job is meeting all different kinds of people that show their love for each other in their own way.

Where do you dream of shooting? and why? 

I do travel for weddings! I would love to shoot a wedding in Greece. My husband is Greek, so I would love to see where his (and our kids) ancestors are from. And I’ve heard it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world!

Photography package price range: $4,200+

CORRINA WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY: @corrinawalkerphoto

Why do you shoot weddings? 

I shoot weddings because I get to spend time with people on one of their happiest days.  I love that every couple is different and it’s a whole new love story…..and who doesn’t love, love!

What type of couples do you enjoy working with? 

I love working with clients who value the reason why they are getting married over the details and production of the day. 

Where do you dream of shooting? and why? 

I’ve traveled to many place for weddings; Cuba, Dominican, Maui, Jamaica, Mexico, USA.  My dream location would be in Europe because of it’s beautiful historical/architectural backdrop. 

Photography package price range: $3,800 – $4,800

KRISTYN HARDER PHOTOGRAPHY: @kristynharderphotography

Why do you shoot weddings? 

I capture weddings because to me, a wedding day is this amazing combination of raw, emotional moments + beautiful aesthetics. I love engagement sessions, where I delight in getting to know my couples.

What type of couples do you enjoy working with? 

I believe I am the perfect fit for couples who love a classic, natural and romantic style. Who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in front of my lens. Who love each other deeply, and aren’t afraid to show it.

Where do you dream of shooting? and why? 

I love traveling! My favourite trips are the ones where I can execute creative sessions while exploring beautiful new settings. I would love to capture a wedding on a Greek Island, but there are also many charming mansions/manors and parks in the U.S. on my must-shoot list.

Photography package price range: $3,050 – $4,750