Some wedding days are all about elegant details, some are filled with happy tears, and some are simply about gathering your favourite people together for an unforgettable celebration. Carly and Brody's wedding had a little bit of everything… plus temperatures hot enough that everyone was searching for a bit of shade whenever they could!
The day began with Brody, his groomsmen, and his groomslady enjoying a laid-back morning together. Before anyone was buttoning shirts or straightening ties, they were outside relaxing with a few drinks and seeing who had the best aim with a BB gun and a collection of cans. It was the perfect way to start such a relaxed country wedding.
Once everyone was dressed, we spent some time capturing portraits of the groom and his crew, including one of my favourite images of the day, a perfectly timed mid-air jump that somehow everyone nailed!
From there I made the short drive over to the neighbouring farm where Carly and her bridesmaids were getting ready. They were all smiles as they finished hair and makeup, laughed together in their matching pajamas, and helped one another prepare for the day ahead. I spent some time photographing all of the beautiful details before Carly stepped into her dress, ready to marry the love of her life.
Their ceremony took place outdoors beside a charming little garden, surrounded by family, friends, and plenty of Saskatchewan sunshine. It was absolutely beautiful... and incredibly hot! Thankfully, everyone was in great spirits despite the heat, and before long Carly and Brody were officially husband and wife.
After family portraits, we slipped away with the wedding party to a picturesque little coulee nearby. It made for such a beautiful backdrop, and despite the soaring temperatures everyone was more than willing to laugh, have fun, and make the most of our time together. We captured some gorgeous wedding party photographs along with a few quiet moments for just the newlyweds before heading back to the reception.
The celebration continued with a grand entrance, followed by a delicious meal catered by Schmitty's BBQ & Catering. Full bellies quickly gave way to heartfelt speeches that had everyone smiling, laughing, and reflecting on the journey that brought Carly and Brody to this day.
As evening settled in, the couple shared their first dance together before inviting their adorable toddler son to join them for the final few moments. It was one of those sweet little memories that perfectly reflected their family. He also made a brief appearance during the mother-son dance before deciding these wedding traditions were far less interesting than bedtime, bringing a few laughs from everyone around!
Once the little guy was tucked into bed, the three of us quietly slipped away to catch the last light of the evening. Saskatchewan sunsets rarely disappoint, and this one gave us the perfect ending to an already beautiful day.
After sunset portraits, it was time for me to say my goodbyes and begin the two-hour drive back to Weyburn... which quickly became its own little adventure when Google Maps decided I'd apparently be taking the scenic route home. Let's just say I saw far more grid roads than I had planned that night!
One of my favourite little full-circle moments from this wedding actually happened long before the day itself. One of Carly's bridesmaids was Dana, whose wedding I had the privilege of photographing a few years ago. Carly had stood beside Dana on her wedding day, and since then I've run into Dana at two different weddings. There truly is no greater compliment than having someone watch you work, see the finished gallery, and think, "That's exactly who I want to photograph my own wedding." I'm incredibly grateful to Dana for speaking so highly of me over the years, and even more grateful that it led me to meeting Carly and Brody.
Carly and Brody, thank you for trusting me to tell your story. I hope every time you look back through these photographs you're reminded not only of how beautiful your wedding day was, but of the laughter, the sunshine, the people who surrounded you, and all of the little moments that made it uniquely yours. Congratulations again, and I wish your family a lifetime of happiness together.
