This was one of those days that you look back on, and are still amazed at how perfectly everything came together. You think about how intentional this day was, and how every aspect of it was thought out to have a purpose, and how it all came together on one of the most beautiful days of the summer.

G + T chose to get married at Hillside Lodge, located in Golden BC. A private, charming cottage style venue nestled in the Rocky Mountains along the Braeberry River. With accommodations, ceremony space, reception space, and tons of photo spots- it is one of the most perfect venues in the rocky mountains!

G + T are extremely close with their families, and have the most amazing group of friends. However they were able to keep their adventure small in terms of people, to have a more intimate setting, and to be able to spend time with their closest people.

The mid-morning into the afternoon before the ceremony was full of excitement, nerves, but so much love and support. From popping champagne, having cigars on the porch, and exchanging meaningful gifts, you could tell this day was going to be perfect.

G got ready with her girls and her mom, while T and his boys got ready and shared some pre ceremony whiskey at the cabin next door..

Because G was so close to her family, she knew that she wanted a special moment with the two other most important men in her life – her father + brother. So we arranged for a first look with the 3 of them (and her mother + bridesmaids for support) down the gravel road from where she got ready.

Spoiler alert – there was not a dry eye around.

After their first look, and as guests started arriving, it was time for their summer afternoon wedding ceremony nestled in the mountains. And yes, it was as dreamy and beautiful as it sounds. They had a friend officiate the ceremony, with their closest friends and family supporting them the whole way up the aisle.

A lot of people debate on whether or not you should do a first look together before your ceremony. Personally, I’ve seen both look + feel + be absolutely amazing. It all depends on your personal preference! As you can see here, this was such an emotional first look that T had when watching G walk up the aisle. And it was perfect for them. Others sometimes like having a first look, because it helps the nerves before walking up the aisle! But I can tell you whether you have a first look or not, your partner is going to be full of emotion when you actually do walk up the aisle. You can check out this elopement where they had a first look before their ceremony with their family + friends!

Something that’s encouraged with all couples getting married, is to make sure that you make your ceremony as personal as possible. From having friends officiate and stand up there with you, to having personal vows, and funny stories to share about your adventures together- these are all different things that can make your ceremony memorable for you both. G + T had made their entire day filled with personal touches, and their ceremony wasn’t an exception!

The amount of love felt in that little nook of the woods was something that you cannot compare anything to. Every wedding I’ve been a part of feels different, and they all have amazing things and emotions behind them. This day was that- and MORE. Having this small group of close ones with G + T to celebrate their story was the perfect way for them to start this new chapter of their story. You could feel the love, the happiness, and the excitement all around!

After the celebrations and the cheering subsided a bit, we spent time taking photos with their new blended families, along with their ride or die crew in the woods behind the cabins!

This group was one of the most fun bridal parties I’ve ever had the chance to capture. Now that the more ‘serious’ stuff was done, this group was not afraid to be themselves, and have fun with it. Which is a GREAT piece of advice for any newly engaged couples- if you want a bridal party, make sure that your crew are not only important and close to you, but are also down to bring the party, and make the most out of your photos! If you want to know some more great advice, I share a lot on my social media!

And as always, we spent some time just the three of us (and their awesome videographer Brad who works wonders with video for your wedding). Exploring the forests, the flowers, and their ceremony spot where they could relive some emotions, and take in their ceremony + vows just the two of them for a while.

These two truly embraced each other, and the newly married feels. Even despite the heat and the bugs that come with mid – summer adventures, they were stunning inside and out!

But of course, as much time as I could’ve spent just photographing these two, I always try to make sure that you get to spend time with your family and friends. Which is where I get a lot the candid photos that everyone dreams of, and love looking back on from their adventure – whatever it may be!

Some of the best weddings I’ve been able to capture are the ones that don’t take everything too seriously, and are more focused on the quality time together than the bells and whistles. So here’s your sign to keep your cocktail hour casual, so you all can just focus on the good times, rather than the next steps! Plus, it just keeps the good vibes going through your reception into the party times!

After the drinks started flowin’ a bit, and everyone had a chance to relax and cool down a bit in the heat during cocktail hour, G + T’s reception was had in the barn located on the property, just steps away from their ceremony location, cabins, and cocktail hour. Together, we cheers’ed to the amazing couple + all the accomplishments together, and all the ones they’re about to embark on, with signature drinks, and a delicious buffet styled greek food dinner!

I’ve always loved looking at these two photos together, because they were taken a split second a part and are separate from each other, but its the same moment. Just one perspective is what he see’s and one is what she see’s.

After one of the most chill, relaxing receptions, we of course took advantage of the summer sunset, and snuck out for some absolutely GOLDEN, golden hour photos…

Because the light was just so perfect, and the day was just beautiful in itself, G looked at me and asked if it would be weird to do their first dance outside rather than in the reception area. And honestly- she took the words right out of my mouth. So we gathered everyone around the open are outside of the barn, and G + T shared their first dance together …

Something that I always thought was super smart, was couples telling their wedding party / select guests to start dancing towards the end of the parent dances – this is such a nice transition for people to follow and get people on the dance floor! You could not only see, but really feel the love all around when everyone started joining in!

With the sun giving us a beautiful golden sky, and everyone starting to get loose from the drinks, the good vibes, and the good music, we started the party party with cutting the cake! Fun Fact, G has her own baking + recipe blog called Cookie Dough Diaries, and had made the cake / the desserts herself!

Just shows that you can make your cake, and eat it too LOL

As the night started to wind up, everyone fully embraced the beautiful day we just all got to be apart of, and actually TORE UP the dance floor all night! This is your sign that if you choose to have guests at your wedding, especially a smaller amount- make sure they’re people who will bring the vibe, and hype you up all day. Especially if you’re the type that want to party, because who you have there with you will play a big part in how much fun you have! Which ultimately, is what we all want for our wedding days!

If you want to know more about how I can capture your adventure, click here to fill out my contact form and we talk all about how we can capture your adventure truthfully, and beautifully – will all the pretty moments, and all the real moments in between! Vendors are listed at the bottom!

These party photos are your sign to not only pay for your photographer / videographer to be there all night, but become friends with them so they can join the party seemlessly + get these amazing candid shots of your friends and family!

Vendors involved:

Hillside Lodge + Chalets – venue

Sun Peak Photo – photography

Brad Bodgen – videography

From Me To You YYC – florals

Whitetooth Bistro – catering

Golden Libations – bartending

Check more out on the blog below!