Alex and Evan got married at Merridale Cider in mid-July. The girls arrived a bit late from hair and makeup, but their mood was relaxed and celebratory. They still had plenty of time to figure out their convertible wrap dresses, have some champagne, and share some hugs. Evan and Alex were both emotional during the ceremony, but there were plenty of laughs too, which continued into the reception.

They had some help from some very talented family members in making their wedding day beautiful. Alex’s grandma Ruth put together the centerpieces and made a gorgeous cake, which Alex’s brother Fisher carved an awesome wood stand for. After the cake cutting, the guests all immediately lined up for a slice – seriously, this never happens. Then everyone took their cake-happy bellies to the dance floor for a lively good time, from little kids to aunts and uncles. The bridesmaids and Alex even planned a dance to a Spice Girls throwback hit and the couple played the shoe game to a lot of laughter.

Venue/catering: Merridale Ciderworks
DJ: Spencer from Soundworks Entertainment
Bridal party flowers: Willow & Orchid
Hair: Lacy Smallenberg
Makeup: Sandy’s H&M
Cake and table flowers: grandma Ruth
Carved cake stand: Bride’s brother Fisher
Officiant: Lura McCallum
Bride’s dress: Blush Bridal Boutique
Suits: Black & Lee

Karly and Tristan got married at Merridale Cidery in mid-July. This was a super chill wedding, but also a lot of fun. The kids kept things lively late into the night. By ten, the adults were relaxing and eating fancy poutine while the kids continued to play on the dance floor.

Tristan and Karly clearly share a similar sense of humour, as there were lots of laughs, especially during their portraits. Some differences were highlighted in their wedding favours – each chose their favourite candy to share. Tristan’s was wine gums and Karly’s were Warheads sour candies, which had the guests puckering their mouths. Karly’s dad planned some games for the couple to play and they totally tried to help each other cheat (that’s true love).

Venue/catering/cake/decor: Merridale Ciderworks
Florist: Willow & Orchid
Hair/Nails: The Alley Cat Hair Design
Officiant: Lura McCallum
Bride’s dress/hairband: Luz Bridal
Groom’s suit: Le Chateau

Catriona and Marco had probably the most eventful ceremony I’ve ever seen. They had friends/family do readings and sing. Catriona read vows to Marco’s daughter (now their daughter), which was so sweet. They had the best programs (see an excerpt below) and her brother even had a matching “Don’t Panic” hat, which he claimed was a coincidence. The best, most unique part, though was the umbrella unity ceremony. They held a heart shaped umbrella over their and their daughters’ heads and the officiant poured water over it. It was funny and adorable – all of their expressions are so priceless.

The rest of the day was also beautiful and fun. They really thought through the little details. When guests would clink their glasses to try to make the couple kiss, the MC would draw a random couple’s names and that couple would have to kiss too. They made hangover kits as favours for their hard partying guests to take home, and they had a late night poutine bar (fancy poutine, like only Merridale could do). The dance floor was pretty lively and we had a lot of fun capturing the action.

I love the part in the programs about this being an “unplugged wedding”, which means that guest photography is not allowed. The main purpose of this is to encourage the guests to be present and enjoy the ceremony, rather than focusing on their cameras and phones. It also helps keep ipads and DSLRs, and their users, out of the pro photos. I love how she refers to me as costing a “mindbogglingly obscene” amount of money and “incredibly talented”. It’s not that obscene, I swear.

These two littler girls were circling the cake, anticipating the cake cutting. Just like vultures.

Poutine bar and hangover kits.

Venue and catering: Merridale Cider
Ceremony music: friend Ryan Roy (Calgary band Georgia Sound)
Officiant: Linda Nelson Life Cycle Celebrant
Florist: Night Song Farm
Hair: EK Hair
Makeup: Jessica Churcher
Video: Wedding Mix to edit self-taken footage
Dress: Allure Bridals from Shades of White
Hair pieces: Forever Hooked
Groom’s suit: Moores

Megan and Luke had a late August wedding at Merridale Cider. Megan is one of those girls who you don’t expect to be nice, because she’s so darn gorgeous. But she’s super sweet too. I think one measure of how great a person is is how emotional their friends get during the wedding toasts, and this bridal party was crying up a storm. Luke is also an amazing guy, and they clearly make each other so happy.

Other great things about this day: the cutest flower girl ever (leading two adorable ring bearers), Megan dancing with her mom and father-in-law during the reception in addition to the traditional father-daughter dance, the bouquet dance with the longest-married couple getting the bouquet, a crazy packed dance floor including some YMCA and Macarena, and so many smiles throughout the day.

Venue/Catering/Cake: Merridale Cider
DJ: Ron Larson at HiWay Productions
Florist: Leaf and Petal
Make-up: Erin Bradley
Hair: Cory Johnson
Officiant: Bruce Miles
Bride’s dress: Mikaella Bridal
Suits: Derks
Honey wedding favors: Lulu Island Honey in Richmond BC