Aspen and Luke's mountain wedding in Canmore Alberta was an absolute dream. To say I was excited when they invited me along to capture this epic day for them is an understatement, it took some serious will power not to bust into a full on happy dance! While shooting their engagement pictures last fall they mentioned they were planning to get hitched in the mountains, and I knew I had to talk to them about the advantages of hiring somebody local (like me) to bring along! The story of these two love birds has been years in the making, from high-school sweethearts to husband and wife, a real life fairy tale if you asked me. Time for their happily ever after!
Now one never really knows what to expect of the weather in the mountains, it could have been cold and snowy, and it could have been warm and sunny. Fortunately Aspen and Luke were blessed with warm and sunny, even if maybe a bit windy at times! I started the day with Luke and his crew of family and friends at a beautiful suite at the Falcon Ridge Resort in Canmore. While Luke got into his suit I had a chance to get to know his nearest and dearest and gather up some of the bits and pieces I like to capture during the getting ready phase of the grooms day. After getting some pictures of Luke looking all dapper and ready to marry the love of his life, I quickly headed off to meet up with Aspen and her crew at The Malcolm Hotel where they were getting all dolled up and ready!
I was greeted excitedly by some gorgeous ladies with mimosas in hand who were all absolutely glowing. I really LOVED Aspens bridal style, she had so much DIY and personal flare in her attire and décor, it was simply amazing! After capturing some of the fun during the bridal prep, Aspen and I went on our own little private adventure with her dress and had a really fun time finding some neat and creative spots to snap some incredible dress shots! Before we knew it the time had come to make our way to the Canmore Nordic Centre where the ceremony would be taking place, and so off we went to get these two married!!
Cue the music "here comes the bride!" And what a stunning bride she was. If it's it's possible, this gorgeous woman made the world class scenery around her seemingly melt away and all you saw was her. She joined her awaiting groom at the alter and we got right to it! Surrounded by loved ones and the magical mountain scenery, the two of them vowed their love to one another, signed some papers, and before long the happy couple shared their first kiss as Mr & Mrs Van Staveren!
With some assistance from Aspens amazing maid of honor we rocketed through the family formals and were quickly off on our wedding day adventure! Joined by Aspen and Luke's maid of honor and best man, Chelsey and Winston, we took a fun (depending on who you asked hahaha) little drive up a narrow and windy mountain road on the hunt for a nearby lake spot that was recommended to us. We soon arrived at this gorgeous location only to be met with some really serious wind gusts that made it pretty tough to utilize the location to its full potential. We worked with what nature gave us as best we could, and snapped some amazing pictures between gusts then set off back down the mountain to continue with the little list of spots we had planned out and wanted to get to!
We made our way around Canmore through the list of locations we had planned out, popped some champagne, shared some laughs, and got these newly weds to their dinner reservation just on time! After enjoying an intimate meal together they joined us in the games room at The Malcolm Hotel for their reception celebration. Their guests mingled, sipped drinks, played games, and had what seemed like an amazing time celebrating the marriage of these two high school sweethearts. I know I had an amazing time. Cheers Aspen & Luke! I am beyond honored to have been a part of your big day, here's to whatever the next chapter brings 🥂
