The last and only other time I shot family photos was way back 2007. It wasn’t hard for Sarah and Hayden to convince me to do it after they told me about their mom’s pointers. Aren’t they so stylish? Looks like they stepped out of a Ralph Lauren lookbook. Thanks guys!
For as long as the two have been dating, Stephanie and Dennis have talked about having a simple wedding celebration followed by an intimate brunch with their closest family and friends. They fell in love with The Ranche as it’s off the beaten path, nestled in the middle of Calgary’s Fish Creek Park, away from the hustle and bustle of Calgary life but still within city limits.
The Ranche was formerly called the Bow Valley Ranch House. It was built in 1896 by William Roper Hull as a private residence in the Gothic Revival style. In 1999, restoration of the property was completed and it became the home of The Ranche Restaurant. Dennis and Stephanie’s ceremony was held indoors in the Grand Salon. The interior already has an old world rustic charm to it with the wood and rock fireplace but Stephanie softened it up even more with spring inspired flowers by Tracy at Occasional Bloom. After the ceremony, the room was switched over and all the guests dined on Rocky Mountain inspired cuisine. We have done a number of weddings at the Ranche and this is definitely one of the best Calgary wedding venues.
Event Coordinator: Mary@Lavish Weddings
Wedding Dress: Vera Wang
Bridal Hair: Lee-Anne Lecorre
Bridal Makeup: Kate Barutowicz
Groom’s Suit: Canali
Wedding Ceremony Venue: The Ranche, Calgary
Wedding Reception Venue: The Ranche, Calgary
Officiant: Tamara Jones
Wedding Flowers: Occasional Bloom
Cupcakes and Desserts: Crave Cupcakes
Wedding Musicians: Poly-Jesters
Table Numbers: Morgann Hill (etsy)
Wedding Rings: Olivers Fine Jewellery
Wedding guests were greeted with a pair of wreaths in the initials of S and D at The Ranche entrance. Inside, I love how Tracy arranged the flowers around the fireplace and bison head on top. I always have a laugh when I see taxidermy. Not sure why.
Steph’s dress was a Vera Wang and for something blue, she had a pair of Pradas.
Dad gives Steph a hug when he arrived while Steph was getting ready in one of the rooms on the second level of The Ranche. I love the head piece on Steph’s hair and look at how elegant the bridesmaids looked in their dresses. It was a blue themed wedding but everyone brought their own personality into it.
The girls had on matching pearl bracelets and necklaces.
Vera Wang dresses always seem to float gracefully. Even though Steph didn’t want a “poufy” wedding dress, there’s still so many layers of detail to admire. The bridesmaids and Mom helped put on a Vera Wang crystal sash to finish up the look. Doesn’t it make a difference?
Napkin in hand, Dad and Steph share a quiet moment before walking down the aisle for the ceremony. Dad bought his suit from one of our friends Elbert at Harry Rosen. He coordinated it with a blue plaid tie to match the blue wedding colors.
Most of the time, we see wedding ceremonies at The Ranche outdoors on the lawn but I really do like it inside as well. It’s definitely more intimate.
Burlap table runners, mason jars with fresh cut spring flowers and ribbons. The chalk signs from Etsy complete the centerpieces. The dessert bar was prepared by Crave Cupcakes. If you don’t know, Crave is more than just cupcakes. They offer wedding cakes and desserts such as squares and other baked goods as well.
The kids occupied themselves with coloring books while everyone else dined.
Thanks for a wonderful day Steph and Dennis!
This post is going to be split into two as it’s too big. I was the second wedding photographer for Caroline at Kari & Elan’s Jewish wedding. The day started with me covering the events on the men’s side. Kari surprised Elan by sending two vintage Rolls Royces to bring the boys to the ceremony location. Before heading there, I spent a bit of time with them to take some photographs in an old forest nearby.
Instead of getting married in a hotel or synagogue, the two rented a gorgeous house on the side of a mountain for their wedding ceremony and reception. It was a foggy day but all the guests can still see the Pacific Ocean not far away. I loved how they combined the ceremony of the traditional Jewish wedding with a modern venue and rustic wedding details. There were so many details such as driftwood, succulents, air plants and terrariums. In the back courtyard of the house, there was a chill Morrocan inspired lounge with hookahs, a fire pit, rugs, pillows and blankets to keep warm. Throughout the night, there was a twenty piece live band playing at the wedding reception on the other side. More in the next post.
One of the fall engagement sessions from last year which we shot around the Sunnyside area. Aren’t these two so stylish? I love their outfits!
by Wei
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