Faith-Filled Calgary Wedding with Foot Washing Ceremony & Italian Reception

Our journey with Bianca and Carlo started almost a year ago when I got an inquiry from my website to my inbox that simply said: “Keep me up-to-date.”

I remember thinking, That’s an interesting email. Did they hit send before typing their message?

Here’s an embarrassing (and slightly hilarious) side note: I had built my website about six months earlier and didn’t realize the “Keep me up-to-date” button was actually live. 😆 DIY for the win… or not.

Thankfully, that quirky moment sparked the beginning of a sweet conversation with Bianca about engagement photos for her and her fiancé. I shared the story of their beautiful fall engagement session here on the blog, and 10 months after that initial message, it was finally time for their wedding day.

Ceremony at Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel

Bianca and Carlo’s story began at church, and they knew from the start that they wanted their mutual faith to be reflected in a meaningful way during their ceremony.

Held at Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel, the service was personal and worshipful. From carefully chosen music to scripture readings, every detail spoke to the foundation of their relationship. One of the most moving moments was a foot washing ceremony—an act of humility and love that symbolized their desire to serve one another in marriage.

If you’re unfamiliar with this Christian ritual, here’s a bit of context: in the New Testament, Jesus washes the feet of his twelve disciples—an act that, both then and now, was considered unglamorous and deeply symbolic. It’s a picture of servant-hearted love, and seeing Bianca and Carlo choose to include this was a powerful reflection of their values and faith.

Portraits at Mount Pleasant Viewpoint

After the ceremony, we headed to Mount Pleasant Viewpoint—a hidden gem in the heart of Calgary with incredible views of the Bow River, downtown skyline, and the distant Rocky Mountains.

We chose this location not just for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its proximity to the reception venue. As an added bonus, the crab apple blossoms were in full bloom, wrapping our couple in a soft, romantic frame that felt straight out of a fairytale.

Their wedding party was made up of family and close friends from different chapters of their lives. Carlo’s brothers especially brought a ton of energy and fun to the portraits—you’ll see in the photos how infectious the joy and laughter were. It was a session full of genuine smiles, warm hugs, and little moments that made the portraits come to life.

Reception at the Calgary Italian Cultural Centre

The celebration continued in the newly renovated banquet hall at the Calgary Italian Cultural Centre in Bridgeland. The room was elegant, welcoming, and full of the warmth you’d expect at an Italian wedding—family-focused, joyful, and full of good food.

Bianca and Carlo put so much thought into every detail, especially the meal they served. The buffet table was a visual and culinary work of art, and the dessert spread? Let’s just say there were a few of us wishing we’d worn our stretchy pants. The food wasn’t just delicious—it was an expression of hospitality and gratitude toward the people they love.

How to Decide What Wedding Photography Coverage Is Right for You

One of the most common questions couples ask during the planning process is:
“How many hours of photography coverage do we really need?”

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your priorities, your timeline, and your budget. That’s why I always walk my clients through a few key questions before settling on the perfect package.

Questions to Consider:

  • What moments are most important for you to have documented? (Getting ready? First look? Dancing? Family formals?)
  • Are your ceremony and reception in different locations with travel time in between?
  • Do you want to include candid moments before the formal events begin—like letter writing, gift exchanges, or prayer?
  • Are there special cultural or faith-based elements that require extra time or flexibility?
  • Do you want time for multiple portrait locations or a slower pace to avoid feeling rushed?

What You Get with Full-Day Coverage

Carlo and Bianca chose full-day coverage for their wedding, which meant we were able to tell the complete story of their day—from the quiet, meaningful preparation to their laughter-filled reception.

Here’s what we were able to include:

  • Getting ready photos for both the bride and groom
  • Ceremony details and wide shots from multiple angles
  • Emotional moments like the foot washing ceremony
  • Multiple portrait locations, including time to relax between stops
  • Candid interactions with guests and family
  • Reception details, speeches, cake cutting and dancing

But You Don’t Have to Go Full Day

Smaller weddings, elopements, or simpler timelines don’t always need 8 hours of coverage—and that’s okay! I offer 3 different packages so you can choose what fits your vision and your budget.

Some couples only want ceremony + portraits, while others want everything from morning coffee to late-night dancing. It’s your story—let’s tell it the way it works for you.


Need Help Choosing? Let’s Talk

If trying to figure out coverage hours feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. I’d love to offer a stress-free conversation where we walk through your wedding day vision together and make sure your photography coverage supports it.

Reach out here and let’s take the pressure off this decision.

Thank you Bianca and Carlo

We would be remiss to end this recap without a heartfelt thank you to this couple for allowing Aiden and I to document and retell all the details of this beautiful wedding day. I am so glad that my awkward email follow led to us being able to work together and create something timeless and beautiful for you to treasure for years and years to come.

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