Abilene TX Wedding Photographer - Modern Calgary Wedding

Good afternoon, y’all!

I’m sure the photographers you personally know have shared a meme or two describing how their fall season is going. You know - the pictures of people with undereye circles and unending cups of coffee – just trying to get through the never-ending editing that needs to be finished.

Fall is by far the best season for me! I personally feel that everyone’s mood is lifted with the temperature drop and the excitement for warm clothes and cute boots, literally pumpkin everything and most of all – PICTURES.

Please, when you get a chance, give your photographer some love. We are not ok (partly joking, partly not). We want you to be very happy with your product and we are working very hard to make it so.

I have so many upcoming blog posts featuring some beautiful sessions recently. I am a little behind posting about my fantastic trip to Canada where I visited a dear friend and was able to be her second photographer for a gorgeous wedding. I blogged about my overall trip here, but I wanted to devote an entire piece to the wedding.

Chantelle asked me about a year ago if I would come to Canada, right after she came to Texas to help me with my very first wedding (wow, the things I’ve learned since then!). Of course, I said yes and about did a cartwheel when I found very affordable plane tickets in March. I never thought the day would finally come to visit but alas, it did, and it was everything I expected and more.

September 7th started off very chilly and early as we had to travel from Red Deer Alberta to Calgary (about an hour drive). The highway connecting the two cities, I kid you not, was literally as straight as an arrow. No bends, no turns, nothing – just a straight road of plains to the east and west. We went to not one but two Starbucks as the first was out of cold brew – the second one was too. Side note – I also noticed on that morning that whenever you order something from a drive through their automatic response is, “Yeah, for sure!”. Every time. Canadians, have you noticed this?!

As we arrived at Desirae’s hotel room you could feel the anticipation in the air. All the beautiful ladies were starting to get their hair done and her niece and nephew were just trying to not be bored occupying themselves with phones and whatnot – it was going to be a long day prior to the ceremony.

I was so incredibly thankful for the graceful timeline – Chantelle and I had plenty of time to get snaps of what we love. In addition, we had the time to get creative with light and details. Who doesn’t love a good ring and shoe shot?

Meeting the boys was a blast. Canadians are hands down the most kind and respectful people I’ve ever met. I’ve said it a few times already, but I desperately want to move there. Kindness goes a long way, folks. Not to mention the outdoor activities are so plentiful and beautiful.

The ceremony went off without a hitch and I was able to get a sweet teary-eyed shot of Luke as he saw his bride to be for the first time that day. Their venue was modern and warm, perfectly suited for the couple.

After the ceremony we drove to a Calgary park for formal bridal party and family pictures and then it was off to downtown Calgary for moody and dramatic bridal party pictures. This is when I got the nickname Texas from the boys. I tried so hard not to say “y’all” when I was up there but it just tends to slip out. The bridal party was able to sit down for a couple of adult drinks while Chantelle and I got pictures and then we took some final images under some very pretty architecture around the corner.

This, folks, is when I decided Calgary is “Austin on crack”. I was across the street from the bridal party capturing a wide angle shot when a woman (who most likely was under the influence of illegal drugs and did not have a home) accosted me. She said something, I turned around, and she two-hand shoved me! Chantelle told her “politely” to stop and all hell broke loose. The lady started screaming at Chantelle and it took a while before she finally gave up and kept walking. The lady rounded the corner, down the very alley WE needed to go down to get to Chantelle’s car. Thinking it would be easier, we took the long way around to hopefully bypass her. When we get to the parking lot finally, what do we see? Yes, you got it – the lady, directly behind Chantelle’s car. Trying to avoid any further drama, Chantelle and I literally hid behind another vehicle until she crossed the next street.

The night ended with a delicious dinner, followed by first dances, toasts, cake cutting, a whole lot of dancing, and a sparkler exit. Not too shabby of a day, I must say! My favorite highlight at the end of the night was the “Newfie Stomp” song that came on – the groom’s family is from New Foundland and had a great time showing us how it was done.

Thank you so much for listening to my story! Now what you’ve all been waiting for, the images!

Until next time!