A Meaningful Day with Andrea and Dan

This amazing and brave couple planned an outdoor wedding tucked behind Grazer’s Restaurant at the Calgary Zoo—in April. The crazy part? It worked! With temperatures soaring to a gorgeous 20°C, the zoo was packed with families enjoying the sunshine, while Andrea and Dan exchanged vows with dozens of curious onlookers peeking in from the nearby path—and yes, Steve the peacock made his voice heard too!

Timeline of the Day

Aiden and I started the day at Andrea’s home, capturing the quiet joy of getting ready. She was surrounded by her son, her makeup artist and friend, and her beloved Abuela and Abuelo, who had traveled all the way from Colombia to celebrate with her. One of our favourite moments was watching her grandmother button Andrea into her dress and share heartfelt, tear-filled words—truly unforgettable.

From there, we made our way to the ceremony location to photograph the groomsmen as they waited. The ceremony space was bathed in full sun (a photographer’s nightmare, or so they say!), but the bright light turned out to be a gift—bringing every detail, from bouquets to dresses, to life. The flower boy and ring bearer stole the show during the processional.

After the ceremony, we led the wedding party to the more private Dorothy Harvie Gardens behind the ENMAX Conservatory—an area I’d scouted a few weeks prior. Aiden had a feisty encounter with a goose (Aiden 0, goose 1), but thankfully the rest of the photos went smoothly!

Next came portraits of Andrea and Dan on a hidden trail I’d discovered. The light was dreamy, and the secluded path gave them a peaceful moment to just enjoy each other. I gave minimal prompting and let their joy take the lead. To wrap up our portrait session, we stepped inside the Butterfly Conservatory—the same spot where Dan had proposed. Capturing those images felt like a full-circle moment.

The reception took place back at Grazer’s, and we were genuinely impressed by the food, service, and atmosphere. Everything was plated beautifully and served seamlessly. Natural light streamed in through the wall of windows, adding to the warm, celebratory feel of the evening.

A Few Favourite Moments

Several moments from Andrea and Dan’s wedding stand out as highlights:

• Sam, Andrea’s 12-year-old son, was a total MVP, helping us move furniture in the morning so we could get the best shots.
• Dan’s bond with his siblings was a touching thread throughout the day—from gentle teasing to loving glances as his sister walked down the aisle.
• The dance floor was unforgettable—filled with joyful energy and Colombian flair. I stood right in the centre and rapid-fired my camera while the room erupted in celebration.

Photography Tip: Always Have a Weather Plan (or Three)

With an April wedding date, we knew weather could be unpredictable. About a week before the big day, we created three photography plans: one for full sun, one for cloudy skies, and one for rain. This proactive approach meant we weren’t scrambling for ideas and gave Andrea and Dan peace of mind heading into their day.

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, work with your photographer ahead of time to build a few solid weather backup plans. It takes the pressure off and allows everyone to stay present when it matters most.

Planning a Spring Wedding in Calgary?

Andrea and Dan’s wedding proved that April in Calgary can be magical with the right planning (and a bit of weather luck). Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, a meaningful location like the Zoo, or just want photos that reflect the real joy of your day—I’d love to help you make it happen.

Ready to start planning your own celebration? Reach out here or explore more weddings on the blog.