Rachel and Daniel’s Wedding Day

Aiden and I had the privilege of photographing our first wedding a few weeks ago at Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel. Our amazing clients, Daniel and Rachel, said their “I do’s” surrounded by a loving and supportive group of family, friends, and their church community, starting the adventure of a lifetime.

Getting Ready: Natural Light & Sweet Moments

We tag-teamed the getting-ready portion of their day—me with the girls in Okotoks, and Aiden with the guys in Calgary.

Rachel got ready in the couple’s beautiful new home, which was full of amazing natural light. I spent about an hour capturing the little details—hair by Gabby Flowers, makeup by Salina Makeup Artistry, and those behind-the-scenes moments that help tell the story of the day.

Meanwhile, Aiden photographed Daniel enjoying a relaxed breakfast with his groomsmen at his grandparents’ home. These unscripted, meaningful moments set the tone for the rest of the day.

Ceremony at Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel

The ceremony took place in the brand-new sanctuary of Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel, which is also our home church. With the help of the lighting team, we created a new lighting preset that was perfect for capturing the key moments—beautiful for the couple, and bright enough for photography without being disruptive.

Portraits at Ralph Klein Park

After the ceremony, we headed to Ralph Klein Park with the bridal party and immediate family for portraits. The weather gave us a little of everything—sunshine, clouds, and a touch of chill—but everyone powered through with smiles and laughter. Because we were ahead of schedule (thank you, team!), Daniel and Rachel even had a few moments to warm up in their car while we waited for the light to shift.

When it did, we were treated to the most stunning cloud and sun glow, mimicking that beautiful golden hour even though we were still hours from sunset. The parks mix of water features, unique architecture, and shifting clouds made for a picture-perfect portrait session.

Reception at Chestermere Regional Community Center

Their reception at the Chestermere Community Association was a joy-filled celebration. Family and friends helped transform the space into something beautiful, and Ernie’s Whole Hog Mobile BBQ provided a delicious meal.

The night was full of unforgettable moments—warm and hilarious speeches, sweet first dances, and an epic dance party. Special shoutout to Daniel’s groomsmen and friends from the south who absolutely brought it to the party!

📸 Wedding Photos Location Tips for Early Spring (Calgary Edition)

If you’re planning an early spring wedding in Calgary or the surrounding area, here are some tips to get the best results for your outdoor portraits:

1. Pick a location with visual interest. Spring doesn’t always offer much natural color in Calgary, so spots with water, stonework, or architectural features (like Ralph Klein Park) add variety and texture to your photos.
2. Choose somewhere with quick and easy access. Minimize walking time for your bridal party. Every extra minute can be used for more portraits!
3. Have a backup plan. Look for locations with a nearby shelter or covered area that still offer good light in case of rain or snow.
4. Stay in the zone. Try to pick a photo location that’s on the way from your ceremony to your reception. It saves travel time and helps keep everyone relaxed.

Ralph Klein Park checked all these boxes—plus, the geese even made a few surprise cameos.

Final Thoughts

Rachel and Daniel’s wedding was such a wonderful beginning to our 2025 wedding season. If you’re planning a wedding in Calgary or the surrounding area and you’re looking for a photographer who will capture all the magical moments of your day—we would love to connect with you.

📩 Reach out here to start the conversation.