Wedding planning is often seen as a checklist of traditions and expectations: the guest list, the tiered cake, the bouquet toss, and the list goes on. But what if we told you that your wedding day doesn’t have to be a cookie-cutter replica of every other wedding? What if, instead, you could design an an intimate wedding day in Calgary that reflects who you are as a couple, celebrates the things you value most and surrounds you with the people dearest to you?
Too often, couples get caught up in the whirlwind of trying to meet everyone else’s expectations rather than focusing on what truly matters to them. But we’re here to tell you, after more than a dozen years of photographing weddings, you don’t have to dance to everyone else’s beat. Having photographed countless weddings, we’re here to share the secret recipe for planning a wedding that truly represents you, not the expectations and checklists of others. This is it: Design your day to be a reflection of your personalities, your values and your unique love story. As you navigate making decisions, hold everything up to those standards – if they fit, you should do them! If it doesn’t resonate, skip it.
Imagine walking down the aisle in a dress that makes you feel like the most authentic version of yourself. Picture saying your vows in a venue that holds special meaning to you as a couple, whether it’s in a historic venue, sun-drenched meadow, mountain vista or cozy backyard. Envision your guests savouring a meal that showcases your favourite foods and flavours, surrounded by decor that reflects your style and aesthetic. You are allowed to (and should!!) make your wedding planning decisions around who you are as a couple and what you value most. We’ve found that the most memorable weddings are those where the couple does just that – and it will make your family and friends say “of course!”, because it makes so much sense. Not to mention creating the most special, true-to-you moments.
When you plan your wedding around what is most important to you, rather than just going through the motions of tradition, something magical happens. Your wedding becomes more than just a day, it becomes a celebration of your love, your journey together and the future you’re building together as a couple.
Here’s an exciting factor: by focusing on the things you value most, you are free to invest in those vendors and details you value most, instead of trying to keep up and spread your budget across every obligation. For instance, if you don’t want a huge party, you get to plan something much more intimate, and have more of your budget (that would typically go to feeding a large head count) towards other things like florals or a gorgeous, intimate venue.
And here’s the best part: when you plan your wedding around what matters most to you, your portraits become more than just pictures — they become snapshots of your love and your story. Every smile, every tear, every moment captured in a frame is a testament to the beauty and authenticity of your wedding day.
Alex and Kerry’s intimate Calgary wedding is the perfect example of what we’ve been talking about. They designed their wedding day entirely around what was most important to them —> enjoying being with their families over amazing food in a natural, history infused setting. Their intimate wedding in Calgary began with a simple, special ceremony downtown just with their families, followed by a few portraits of the two of them under the iconic Hudson Bay arches. There were memories made and captured in the breathtaking garden followed by a private family meal in the upstairs venue at The Deane House. (BTW, for anyone wanting a gorgeous intimate wedding venue in Calgary, this venue is one of the best!)
We hope these portraits of Alex & Kerry’s intimate Calgary wedding inspire as you embark on the journey of wedding planning. Remember this: your wedding day is yours and yours alone. Don’t let anyone else’s expectations dictate how you celebrate your love. Instead, focus on what makes you unique as a couple, and then let that guide every decision you make. Because in the end, the most beautiful weddings are the ones that are truest to who the couple is.
xo,
David & Breanne
See more amazing photos from wedding we’ve photographed at the Deane House here & here.
Groom atire: Atelier by Ensemble
Dress Designer: Katherine Tash Bridal / Blush and Raven
Bridal Gloves: Kerry Parker
Beauty: Top Knot Brides
Florals: Fall For Florals
Cake: Pretty Sweet
Venue: The Deane House
Wedding blog feature: Rocky Mountain Bride
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