Hail and Rustic Charm | Edmonton Wedding Photographer

Sharri contacted me last fall to inquire about my availability for her wedding this past June. We were all set to meet and discuss…when she cancelled on me because they thought they’d found another photographer. :( Wah, wahhhhh. Fortunately, just a few days later, Sharri emailed me again and asked if we could reschedule our consult as she and Blair didn’t quite find what they were looking for with the other photographer. Truth be told, I think it’s extremely important that both the bride and groom feel comfortable with their wedding photographer — the last thing you need on one of the most important days of your life is a photographer who doesn’t jive with you!! Building relationships with my couples is, in most cases, over a year long process…emails and engagement sessions and meetings and phone calls and texting…we are buds by the end of it all. So much so, it’s hard to say goodbye!

Anyway, Sharri and Blair and I finally met and it was magical. Haha! Seriously though, I just clicked with these two. Their senses of humour and easygoing way about them sold me immediately and I knew I wanted to be part of their day. Thankfully they chose me, too! (Their farm engagement photo session in southwest Edmonton was one of my favorites last year. One of their engagement pictures was on display at The Tea Girl off 124th street in Edmonton last winter, too!)

Their wedding day started beautifully — I arrived at Sharri’s parents’ acreage and captured some of Sharri’s final hair and makeup touches being applied. (Courtesy the lovely Sheila of JK Hair Designs and Megan Elizabeth Makeup Artistry, respectively, such gorgeous work!) Their outdoor ceremony in Spruce Grove just outside of Edmonton was beautiful — and so many happy years were shed, it was a photographer’s dream! My favourite part was their beautiful and symbolic tree planting ceremony with their parents helping to water their tree, symbolizing their love and how it will grow….dude, I’m teary again just writing about it!

Following the ceremony we did some family photos next to one of the cool old out buildings at the acreage and then set off to do formal pictures of the wedding party. An ominous cloud appeared out of nowhere, but we ignored it. About twenty minutes into pictures the cloud began to rumble and we decided it was legit…Sharri and Blair were barely able to seek cover under their tent when it started to HAIL! Ahhh, Alberta weather. We utilized the white light and lines in the tent for some pics while we waited out the hail storm. Just ten mins later we were back out in the trees finishing up our portraits. And y’all, check out the gorgeous bouquets from Therese Palaypay Florals!! Beyond-beyond.

Sharri and Blair threw a great wedding reception party at the Links Golf Club, complete with more tears and lots of reminiscing about their childhoods and families and relationship to that point.

I enjoyed your wedding so much, guys, thanks again for choosing me to photograph it for you! Thanks also to Rachel of North and Cedar for being a stellar partner/second shooter!

• Ceremony venue: Private Residence
• Reception Venue: The Links Golf Club Spruce Grove
• Hair: Shelia with JK Hair Designs
• Makeup: Megan Elizabeth Makeup Artistry & Esthetics
• Dress designer: Allure
• Dress boutique: The Bridal House
• Men’s rentals: The Tuxedo House
• Cake: Cake Affair
• Caterer: The Links Golf Club
• Transportation: Sharri’s awesome Grandpa’s RV!
• Wedding Coordinator: Events by Trisha
• DJ: Stephen Borst with Skye Boat Productions
• Stationary: The Paper Tree
• Florist: Therese Palaypay Florals