Holding Onto Their Dream Day

Five days before Brooklyn and Jesse’s wedding, we sat at their kitchen table and had an honest conversation about the dreaded Plan B—or as I call it, Plan R for rain. Plan A was their dream: a stunning outdoor ceremony on a private acreage in Turner Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

The forecast shifted every day, and while we needed backup options, by the end of our conversation we landed in a place of hope—it was going to be okay. My role wasn’t just to take photos; it was to help them think through the “what ifs” so they could stay confident in whatever the weather brought.

Alberta Outdoor Wedding Photography in the Foothills

By the time I arrived for the rehearsal, the soft drizzle was steady and everyone was trying to stay positive. Thankfully the forecast for the wedding day itself looked exactly like what everyone had been praying for all week—sunshine.

One of the most beautiful parts of this wedding was the way friends and family pitched in to make it happen. Brooklyn and Jesse had a small army of family and friends helping with setup, florals, and details. One bridesmaid even handwrote detailed instructions so her mother could was able to setup everything as it had been envisioned. Wildflowers gathered from around the property were arranged into bouquets of every size—it truly was a DIY dream, built on creativity and a lot of support.

Getting Ready in a Quirky 70s Home

The bride got ready in a funky retro home full of bold colors and textures: orange shag carpet, vintage kitchen accents, and a dark, wood-paneled living room with the coolest carpet I have ever seen.

Instead of being overwhelmed by the space, I hunted for small corners that would highlight Brooklyn’s beauty and capitalize on the uniqueness of the space. Window light against dark wood, reflections in a dining room mirror, and backgrounds that let her pop all came together to create a set of bridal portraits that felt timeless with just the right touch of vintage character.

Private Moments and a First Prayer

Brooklyn planned a few first looks—with her bridesmaids, her parents, and finally, a “no-peeking” first prayer with Jesse. By midday the sun was overhead, so we had to be strategic. We tucked them into the shade of tall trees and kept Brooklyn hidden behind a yellow workshop until Jesse was in place.

It was such a heartfelt and tender moment, made even better when the barn cat decided to join in halfway through their prayer.

Wedding Ceremony in Turner Valley, Alberta

With guests seated in the warm sun and mountains framing the backdrop to the west, the processional began. Their lineup included five attendants each, two flower girls, and one very brave ring bearer who had been stung by a bee minutes before. With a little comfort from his parents, he pulled it together and made his walk down the aisle like a champ.

The ceremony was full of laughter and tears, and Brooklyn and Jesse’s vows reflected not only their love, but their determination to hold fast to the wedding they had dreamed of. One of my favorite images? Their moms high-fiving as they walked down the aisle afterward—pure joy and relief captured in a single frame.

Wedding Portraits in the Woods

When I scouted the property, I knew we’d face one of two scenarios: endless options if it was cloudy, or limited spots if it was full sun. And on this day it was full sun.

Brooklyn had her heart set on portraits in the forest, but the dense trees left almost no natural light reaching the ground. Thankfully, we brought LED panels for a little fill, which turned the woods into something soft and cinematic. That small adjustment gave her the dreamy portraits she had imagined all along, and are some of our favorite from the day.

Diamond Valley Wedding Reception | Flare n’ Derrick Community Hall

The reception took place at the Flare n’ Derrick Community Hall in Diamond Valley, Alberta. Brooklyn and Jesse had worried it might feel “too simple,” but when I walked in, I saw it differently—a blank white canvas, clean and minimal, ready to elevate whatever decor they brought.

Because Alberta summer sunsets come late, their first dance unfolded in full daylight. Instead of fighting the light, we leaned into it—creating airy, glowing images that felt joyful and timeless.

Closing Reflection

This wedding reminded me why I love being a photographer in Alberta. Between the foothill backdrops, the unique spaces, and couples like Brooklyn and Jesse—wise enough to prepare, gracious enough to take advice, and tenacious enough to stick to their vision—it’s always worth the effort.

My greatest joy is guiding couples through the unexpected, staying calm through every “what if,” and surprising them with little wins along the way. And this day? It was a perfect reflection of all three.

Ready to start dreaming about your own wedding day?

If you’re planning a 2026 wedding in Turner Valley, Diamond Valley, or anywhere in the Alberta foothills, I’d love to be your guide behind the camera. My favorite part of this work is helping couples stay calm, confident, and fully present while creating timeless images that tell their story.

📩 Let’s start the conversation—reach out here and let’s talk about how we can bring your vision to life.