Gillian and Coleman are planning what is sure to be a beautiful and memorable New Year's Eve wedding in Panorama. Ahead of the wedding, we arranged their engagement session &mdash; which is included in all of my wedding packages. This isn't just a photo shoot; it's an opportunity for us to bond, to understand each other, and for the couple to feel at ease in front of the camera. Hearing love stories and capturing moment for couples truly never gets old.
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For this session, Gillian and Coleman brought along two very special guests &mdash; their adorable young son and their playful fur baby. Amidst the laughter and candid moments, I took some heartwarming family photos.
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Wedding photography isn't just about the wedding day itself. It's a journey that begins much earlier., from our initial meeting to recommending vendors, and creating your timeline. I'm there every step of the way, offering guidance and answering any queries. It's essential to understand yout vision for their big day and determine how I can capture all the important moments. I'll help you feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera, too. One of the greatest compliments I often receive is how at ease couples feel with me and that it feels like we've known each other for a long time.
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On your wedding day, I'll be there not just as your photographer, but as someone who's there for you. Need to fix a tie or fluff a dress? I&rsquo;m there. An emergency kit is always on hand for unexpected mishaps, and I'm there to help make your day memorable.
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Gillian & Coleman's Calgary Family & Engagement Session

Nicole and Peter were referred to me by a past wedding couple, which is always a huge compliment! They're planning their wedding for September 2025 in Calgary, and we met for their engagement session in Kananaskis Country. It was a gorgeous fall evening at golden hour, and the autumn colours were on full display.
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I always want to hear each couple's engagement story &mdash; I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic &mdash; and Nicole and Peter's story is one of the most unique I've heard so far. Penguins are Nicole's favourite animal, and they happen to mate for life. They also present their potential mate with a specially chosen pebble. Peter, self-described as a "nerdy biology teacher" was well aware of all of this and wanted to incorporate it into his proposal to Nicole. He popped the question while they were on a hike in France, presenting Nicole with a beautiful pebble. She knew immediately why he'd done it and of course she said yes! Nicole brought the pebble to their engagement session, and we made sure to incorporate it into a few of their photos.
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Their story goes to show that there really are no rules anymore. It's all about doing things that feel right to you as a couple and are a meaningful part of your story.
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Congratulations, Nicole and Peter!
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Nicole & Peter | Fall Kananaskis Country Engagement Session

When you work in the wedding industry, you start to connect with other vendors and look forward to working with them. I've been lucky to meet some amazing ones so far, and I'm looking forward to working with more in the future. Calgary and the surrounding area is full of talented wedding vendors, so this is by no means an exhaustive list. These are just a few of my favourite vendors that I've worked with and would happily recommend to couples.
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<h4>Venues</h4>
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions in the planning process &mdash; and often the first vendor booked once couples confirm their date. The venues below accommodate a variety of event sizes and budgets.
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The Commons People often refer to the Ramsay Design Centre in Inglewood as <a href="https://thecommonscalgary.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Commons</a>, which houses The Parlour and Hemingway Room (where I had my wedding). But The Commons actually offers a multitude of venues under one name, including Park by Sidewalk Citizen, Theatre Grand and now Contemporary Calgary. The team is fantastic to work with too!
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The Brownstone (plus Venue 308 and Studios at Vic Park)
This space in downtown Calgary is beautiful in its own right, but it can easily be transformed to suit each couple's wedding aesthetic. <a href="https://www.thebrownstoneyyc.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Brownstone</a> also has a groom's room and a bridal suite for getting ready, so that can save finding separate spaces. The team behind the venue also owns <a href="https://www.venue308.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Venue 308</a> and <a href="https://www.studiosatvicparkyyc.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Studios at Vic Park</a>, which is just around the corner. Studios at Vic Park is a smaller space that can be rented out for more intimate gatherings or even an indoor portrait location for your wedding photos.
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The Gathered This family-run <a href="https://thegathered.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">garden venue</a> is located about 40 minutes from downtown Calgary. It's a gorgeous outdoor space that has a scenic ceremony spot, a cute cottage to get ready in, and a clear reception tent (complete with hanging chandeliers) that's one of my favourites to shoot in because the light only gets prettier as the evening goes on. The venue has also teamed up with Ashley from <a href="https://www.fiorefineevents.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fiore Fine Events</a> to offer wedding coordination as an included service in their wedding packages. The farm-to-table food is also some of the best I've had at any wedding.
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River Cafe The <a href="https://www.river-cafe.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">River Cafe</a> is found on Prince's Island Park in downtown Calgary, but it doesn't feel like you're in the middle of a city. The restaurant itself it perfect for more intimate weddings, and the surrounding area makes for gorgeous photo settings (especially around sunset). The food is incredible, too &mdash; there's a reason the River Cafe has been named one of Canada's 100 Best Restaurants.
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Azuridge Once a <a href="https://www.azuridgehotel.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">private estate</a>, this venue is nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. It's gorgeous and feels like a getaway without venturing too far from the city. You can stay on-site in one of the luxe rooms, and every space feels photo-worthy. The team is known for their hospitality and the food is top-notch.
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52 North The venue is closer to Red Deer than Calgary, but it still makes the list. It's ideal if you're searching for an <a href="https://52northvenue.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all-in-one venue</a> that has indoor and outdoor spaces. You'll find two getting-ready spaces that have been impeccably decorated, an outdoor ceremony space and a large, industrial-style indoor venue that can be used for ceremonies and receptions. The indoor space feels contemporary and can be decorated to fit your style.

The photo above was captured at The Gathered, and the day was planned by Fiore Fine Events.
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Videographers I highly recommend hiring a videographer to capture your wedding. Photos are a must-have keepsake of the day, but video captures it in another way &mdash; especially if you get to listen to your vows, ceremony and speeches again. Those moments go by so quickly, and it's nice to revisit them with your partner (especially on anniversaries).
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Kord &amp; Co Films I had the pleasure of working with<a href="https://kordandco.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Emory</a> for the first time this year, and I hope we get to do more weddings together. Her personality is exactly what's needed on a wedding day, and she does beautiful work.
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RD3 Films I've worked with <a href="https://www.rd3productions.com/weddings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ryan</a> numerous times and his easygoing personality makes him a great team member during a wedding day. He puts clients at ease and creates beautiful videos to capture their wedding day.
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Wedding Planners
These vendors are often the unsung heroes of the day. They have even longer days than photographers do, and they are key in executing your vision and making sure you can enjoy your wedding without stress. Opt for a full planning service if budget allows, or enlist the help of a day-of coordinator.
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Lottie Weddings <a href="https://lottieweddings.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charlotte</a> is a gem. She's a pro who creates weddings that are memorable for all the right reasons. She's incredibly organized, has impeccable attention to detail and goes above and beyond. 
Locke Wedding Co. I worked with <a href="https://www.lockeweddings.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Locke Wedding Co</a>. for day-of coordination at our wedding, and I'm so glad I did. I was determined to DIY the whole thing but quickly realized I was in over my head and didn't want to have my mom and bridesmaids working during the wedding. I was paired with Stacey for day-of coordination, who did an incredible job. She connected with us about a month out to do a vendor hand-over, review timelines and make sure we had everything organized.
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Glenna Mann <a href="https://www.instagram.com/glenna_riversedgedevon_/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenna's</a> attention to detail is amazing. She's always on top of things and executes incredible days for her couples &mdash; who you can tell she genuinely cares about.
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Lynn Fletcher Weddings <a href="https://lynnfletcherweddings.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This team</a> is incredibly professional and beautifully executes the couple's vision &mdash; all while keeping the day running smoothly.

Officiant Cole Hofstra performing a ceremony at Silvertip resort in Canmore.
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Officiants Your officiant is an incredibly important part of your wedding day, but couples don't always put the same thought into who they book as they do for other vendors. It's important to find someone who has plenty of experience, but also someone you connect with personally.
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Married by Cole <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marriedbycole/">Cole Hofstra</a> is one of my favourite officiants, hands down. He used to be a wedding photographer, so he knows how to make things look good on top of delivering an incredible ceremony &mdash; like moving aside for the first kiss and making sure you're centered in your decor. He always gets to know each couple he works with an tailor a ceremony to them, adding plenty of personal touches (and laughs) throughout.
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Makeup Artists
Professional makeup is key on your wedding day. Experienced artists know how to make products last in all kinds of conditions and create a look that enhances your natural beauty &mdash; plus look amazing in photos.
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Smudge &amp; Smoulder <a href="https://smudgeandsmoulder.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Avery</a> is my go-to artist in Calgary, and we love working together. We've collaborated on all kinds of shoots, and she's a pro at executing a wide range of looks &mdash; whether it's ethereal, edgy, glam and everything in-between. She's a truly inclusive artist and also one of the few I know of who offers men's grooming services, so the guys can get a bit of pampering on the big day too. I can't recommend her enough.
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Nicole Saxton <a href="https://www.nicolesaxton.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nicole</a> has a wealth of experience working with brides and photographers. You'll often find her on sets for large-scale commercial productions (in addition to weddings), so she knows her stuff. I always love when I see her name on the vendor list because I know clients are in good hands.
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Amber Prepchuk
<a href="https://ambervictoriaprepchuk.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amber</a> is based in Edmonton, but she's always up to travel (and I recommend her to brides in both cities). I love working with Amber, and she's another one of my go-to artists. She has nearly 20 years of experience and is incredibly knowledgeable about techniques, products, and working with every client's unique features. She also has a ton of experience working with photographers, so she knows how to create makeup looks that not only look incredible in-person but also on camera. Amber's energy is also incredible and she makes every bride feel confident.
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Florists
Florals can be a large expense at a wedding, but they&rsquo;re worth it! Sometimes I wish we&rsquo;d done more florals at ours, but we decided to focus on other aspects of the day and keep them fairly minimal. Look for a designer with plenty of experience and knowledge of the best flowers for the season &mdash; they also know how to make flowers last.
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Flower Aura by Natasha <a href="https://www.floweraurabynatasha.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natasha's</a> creations are stunning. Her designs are classic yet contemporary, and she uses top-quality products. She works to capture each client's unique vision, and she's worked at many of the top venues in town. I feel like I can always spot her work even before I know she's done it!
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Creative Edge Flowers <a href="https://www.creativeedgeflowers.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rhonda</a> has been creating gorgeous wedding florals for 25 years, so she knows her stuff &mdash; whether it's creating the perfect bouquet, arch arrangement, flowers to add flair to your wedding cake or centrepieces. Her work is exceptional.

A tablescape created by the team at Chair Flair.
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Decor Rentals
Decor catalogues can be overwhelming! There are so many options, and the cost can add up quickly. The companies below offer plenty of options at a variety of price points, so you&rsquo;ll be able to find what you need to execute your vision.
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Chair Flair <a href="https://www.chairflair.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shannon</a>, the company owner, also works with The Commons, which is a great combination. Chair Flair offers an extensive array of decor, from chairs to linens to dishware and plenty in-between.
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Modern Rentals
You&rsquo;ll find <a href="https://modernrentals.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">everything you need</a> here, whether your wedding aesthetic is classic, trendy or anything in-between.
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Wedding Cake 
I've seen some gorgeous cakes at weddings, but I don't often get to try them. The recommendations below are vendors whose creations I've been lucky enough to sample, so I know they taste just as good as they look.
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Black Dog Bakery The cakes from <a href="https://www.blackdogbakery.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Dog</a> are absolutely delicious. The cake I tried was Early Grey flavour, and I've been tempted to order it for myself.
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Whippt Kitchen
Anything I've had from <a href="https://whipptkitchen.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whippt</a> has been so, so good &mdash; even their gluten-free products, which can be difficult to execute well.
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DJs I strongly recommend hiring a DJ over a DIY approach to music. They're pros who know how to read a crowd and keep the party going. 
Pez Productions <a href="https://www.pezproductions.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This crew</a> knows how to create an unforgettable party. I've never seen a dance floor empty at a Pez wedding. Sounds Unlimited This was the <a href="https://soundsunlimited.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DJ company</a> we hired for our wedding, and they did a fantastic job keeping the energy up and playing a mix of music went down well with our guests.

Calgary & Area Wedding Vendors You Need to Work With

I met up with Rachel and Scott on a beautiful fall evening for a golden hour engagement session at Fish Creek Provincial Park. This is one of my favourite outdoor locations in Calgary. It's a huge park, so there are plenty of ways secluded spots to shoot in, especially when it's busy in the summer and fall. Rachel and Scott are getting married in the summer of 2025, and I'm looking forward to working with them for their wedding day.
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They had never done a photo session together, which is common for most couples. More often than not, I hear a version of, "We're so awkward in front of the camera" when couples arrive. Most people aren't actually awkward at all &mdash; they just don't have much experience and haven't had any guidance in front of the camera. During Rachel and Scott's session, we took a walk along the trails at Fish Creek and did some casual prompts and poses that felt natural to them. They were also very honest with me when something didn't feel quite right or would be something they would do naturally, which I greatly appreciated! I want your photos to be a collaboration and for you to feel confident. The final images also need to feel like you. Rachel and Scott love the results of their session, and they did a great job following the tips and guidance I offered as we shot.
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Congratulations, Rachel and Scott!

Rachel & Scott | Fall Fish Creek Provincial Park Engagement Session

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You&rsquo;ve booked an engagement session, but what should you wear? Wardrobe is important, whether you'd like a more casual feel to your images or you want to opt for a more formal look. Before you make any decisions on your wardrobe, here are six tips to keep in mind. You can also ask your photographer for their opinion. I&rsquo;m always happy to help clients select outfits for their engagement session that will look great on camera and make them feel their best.
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Keep in mind that when I recommend certain colours or types of clothing, these are not hard and fast rules. You&rsquo;ll even see examples in my portfolio that deviate from this advice (like wearing orange or adding sparkle to outfits), but these outfits have often either been put together by a stylist to fit a theme or there was plenty of collaboration with the client to ensure the clothes made sense for the style of their shoot.
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Choose colours carefully
The colour of your outfits is incredibly important. Bright colours &mdash; like certain shades of red, green, orange, or yellow &mdash; can create a colour cast on your skin, for example. I always suggest choosing solid colours or neutrals. Think jewel tones (everyone looks good in these), navy or dark gray (this can be a great alternative to black), dusty tones, cream, tan, or even pastels. Remember that your eye always goes to the lightest thing in the frame first, which is important when choosing tops and pants. If you wear a black top and white trousers, your eye will go to the trousers first.
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Avoid large patterns and logos
There are times when logos can&rsquo;t be avoided, but in general, I advise clients to stay away from them (if they can). A small logo here and there won&rsquo;t make or break your session, but they can be distracting if they&rsquo;re covering the entire front of a T-shirt. Logos can also date a photo very quickly, depending on what&rsquo;s in style at the time. The same thing goes for patterns. Certain patterns were popular 10 years ago that you don&rsquo;t see anymore (like chevron). If you do opt for a pattern, stick to something more classic (pinstripe, plaid, or even small florals are a safe bet). Avoid overpowering patterns like big floral prints, bold stripes (especially horizontal ones), or large polka dots. 
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Consider the cut of your garments
Trends come and go, and this can also date your images. If you want to do a trendy shoot and it makes sense for you as a couple, by all means. If you&rsquo;d like something with more longevity, consider choosing more timeless, well-tailored pieces. I also suggest avoiding really oversized pieces, unless it fits the style of the session (like a shirt jacket during fall engagement photos). These items can make you appear larger on camera than something that&rsquo;s cut closer to your body.
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Choose pieces you'll be comfortable in and that don't require a lot of adjusting as you move throughout the session.
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Keep accessories simple Simple, understated jewelry won't draw focus away from your engagement ring and will be more timeless than large, trendy pieces. If you choose a necklace (or a couple of stacked chains), try small stud earrings. If you'd like your earrings to be your main piece, either skip the necklace or choose a single delicate one. Again, choose items that fit your style. If you'd like your outfit to be edgier and it makes sense to stack some chunkier jewelry, go for it!
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Choose appropriate footwear
You don&rsquo;t have to sacrifice style for comfort when it comes to an engagement session. Think about the location you&rsquo;re shooting in. If you&rsquo;ve chosen to shoot in a studio, you can wear anything you&rsquo;d like that complements your outfit choice. If you&rsquo;re heading outdoors or you&rsquo;ll be walking to a couple of locations, I would suggest avoiding heels &mdash; or bringing a pair of flat shoes to walk in and changing when you arrive at the spot. A block heel is also a better option than a stiletto if you&rsquo;re going to be standing on uneven ground.
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If you&rsquo;ve decided to buy new shoes for the session, I&rsquo;d suggest wearing them a few times beforehand so you can break them in a little. 
Review the condition of your clothes
Take a look at each piece before you leave for your session. Does it need to be steamed? Is there lint or pet hair all over it? Are there loose threads? Do your shoes need to be polished? These little details matter and they will most definitely show up on camera. I&rsquo;ll usually remove really obvious things from clothing (like a dangling thread), but it&rsquo;s a lot of time and work to remove a ton of lint from every single image &mdash; some photographers won&rsquo;t do this at all. Wrinkles are a big one, too. These are often incredibly difficult to remove (especially if there are lots of them), so you&rsquo;ll want to give everything a good steam and hang your garments to transport them. Be careful of fabrics like linen or satin, as they wrinkle very easily.
 Create variety with layering
There&rsquo;s often time for an outfit change during an engagement (or more, depending on the length booked), but this doesn&rsquo;t always mean you need to bring a ton of clothing with you. If you&rsquo;re shooting outside and there&rsquo;s nowhere to comfortably do a full change, you could create a new look by swapping jackets, outer layers, and accessories. Your hair and makeup will also last longer if you&rsquo;re not pulling a bunch of items over your head.
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Bonus tip: Get your hair and makeup done
This isn&rsquo;t necessarily a wardrobe tip, but professional hair and makeup go a long way in creating a polished appearance overall &mdash; you can even book your hair and makeup trials for the same day to see how everything looks on camera. It doesn&rsquo;t mean you have to create a look you aren&rsquo;t comfortable with, but they&rsquo;ll make sure flyaways are tamed, your hair has lasting volume, and your makeup stays put throughout the session and highlights your best features. My go-to makeup artist in Calgary is <a href="https://smudgeandsmoulder.com/">Smudge &amp; Smoulder</a>. If I&rsquo;m shooting in Edmonton, <a href="https://ambervictoriaprepchuk.com/">Amber Prepchuk</a> is my number-one choice for hair and makeup.
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I&rsquo;m currently taking new portrait, branding, and engagement bookings. <a href="https://meaghanbaxterphotography.com/#contact-section" aria-invalid="true">Get in touch</a> to chat about packages.

What to Wear For Your Engagement Session

Wedding attire is special, whether you chose to wear a traditional gown, a bespoke pantsuit or something entirely unique on the big day. It marks a huge milestone in your life and the start of a new chapter with your partner while also showing off your style. So why only wear it one time?
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Courtney won my Love the Dress Instagram giveaway awhile ago, and after a few rescheduled dates due to weather we were able to do her session in downtown Calgary. Her wedding took place in the mountains, and her photos were stunning. But she wanted to capture photos in a more urban setting, so we started on the rooftop of the Platform parkade downtown. Platform is an amazing rooftop location, and they offer a designated photo area so you never have to worry about vehicle traffic. Afterwards, we went back down to ground level to get a few more photos on St. Patrick's Island as the sun set.
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Courtney chose to keep her hair and makeup quite natural, embracing the natural texture in her hair and accenting her features with minimal makeup. Love the Dress sessions are an opportunity to try out a different look than you wore on your wedding day. You can choose to do your own hair and makeup or treat yourself to professional services. I highly recommend Smudge &amp; Smoulder, Amber Prepchuk or Nicole Saxton. I've worked with all three of them numerous times, and they're experts at creating looks that translate well on camera while highlighting each client's distinct beauty.
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The Love the Dress Experience: A Chance to Revisit Your Wedding Attire

Meaghan shot our engagement and wedding photos this year and we couldn’t be happier with our pictures! As a couple, we don’t love being in front of the camera but Meaghan made us feel comfortable and captured the essence of ‘Us’ in our photos.Meaghan has a fun, easygoing, professional energy. Her communication skills are exceptional, she has a great artistic eye, and we had our sneak-a-peek photos from the big day the following week

Andrea & Sandy

We spent HOURS looking for a photographer before someone recommended Meaghan to us and we could not be happier with how our wedding photos turned out! Meaghan went above and beyond to make sure that everything was perfect and that no photo opportunity was missed. She was wonderful and easy to work with and we never felt uncomfortable (even though it was both of our first times in front of a camera!). The photos are everything we hoped they would be - simple, elegant, and authentic. Meaghan didn’t miss a single moment and was an expert at catching casual and candid moments. We have the most amazing album of photos thanks to all of her hard work.

Thank you SO much for everything, Meaghan. You really helped make our wedding the best day ever,

Tanis & Emerson

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All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

neutral C,B

Wedding planning is exciting, and it can also become very stressful&mdash;but it doesn&rsquo;t have to be. My husband, Chris, and I got married in July 2022 after several date changes thanks to COVID-19. His family and some of his close friends live in the UK, and we were waiting for restrictions to lift so they could be here for it.
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Going to a wedding or being in a bridal party is one thing, but I quickly learned it&rsquo;s a different ballgame when it&rsquo;s your own wedding (and your own budget). Planning a wedding from start to finish is something the average person has never done, and there are so many details to keep straight, vendors to contact, and expenses to track&mdash;it&rsquo;s easy for it to get away on you. Here are 10 of my top tips for planning your wedding, which come from my experience as a wedding photographer and as a 2022 bride. I&rsquo;ve also shared all of our vendors at the end of the post.
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Start with the big stuff
It&rsquo;s easy to get swept up in the fun stuff, like dress shopping (seriously, one of the best days of wedding planning), colour schemes, floral arrangements, and food, but you need to start with the biggest pieces before you dive head first into these details.
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First up, get your venue secured ASAP. Once you have your date and venue down, everything else starts to fall into place. Tour venues in-person, if you can; you&rsquo;ll have an opportunity to chat with a member of the team and get a feel for the space. Come prepared with a list of questions for the venue, such last-call time, when you can access the space, tear-down procedures, whether they allow outside alcohol and catering, their preferred vendors (this can be a huge help since these pros know the space well), insurance required, and if you need to secure a liquor license.
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Once you have a venue, book your photographer, videographer, and even caterer if the venue doesn&rsquo;t provide its own food since these vendors book quite far in advance.
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Decide which costs are worth investing in
Wedding costs add up quickly, and you can&rsquo;t do it all (unless your budget is unlimited). I also learned that most of the Pinterest-perfect floral arches and table settings you see on social media are expensive. What looks like a small cost can add up fast, too. Five dollars per chair rental sounds cheap&mdash;until you need to order 150 of them, plus linens, flatware, charger plates, glassware, the list goes on (and then add delivery fees). Pretty soon, your rental and decor bill can be higher than you planned.
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Have a conversation with your partner early on (ideally before you even book vendors) about what&rsquo;s most important to you and which costs you&rsquo;re not willing to go without. For example, I was obviously ready to splurge on photography and videography but wasn&rsquo;t interested in a wedding cake or favours. Honestly, no one takes favours home anyway, and our caterer did a dessert station instead. We wanted to provide our guests with a really fun night (especially after we postponed multiple times), so we focused most of our budget on food, the bar, a solid DJ, and fantastic venue (<a href="https://thecommonscalgary.com/the-venues">The Hemingway Room</a> at The Commons). We still had pretty decor, but we kept it relatively simple.
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Read your contracts
Whatever you do, do not skim your contracts and sign. Read these documents thoroughly and carefully. Every vendor&rsquo;s contract is different, and you need to have a strong understanding of what&rsquo;s included, like payment schedules, what happens if you need to cancel, if they can&rsquo;t be at your wedding due to illness, and so on. If you have questions, ask. You won&rsquo;t offend a vendor if you need them to clarify a point in their contract. I always welcome questions from clients because it means they actually read their contract.
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Record your ceremony and speeches
Confirm you&rsquo;ll receive your full ceremony and speeches as part of your videography package. We did, and I&rsquo;m so glad we have these videos. The ceremony and speeches go by so quickly, and you&rsquo;ll want to relive those moments. If you decide against hiring a videographer, ask a trusted friend or family member to record them on their phone for you&mdash;just make sure there&rsquo;s a mic during the ceremony so they can get all the audio.
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Don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask your vendors for help
This is (likely) the first wedding you&rsquo;re planning, but your vendors have done this countless times and have seen it all. They&rsquo;re experts in their field and know what works and what doesn&rsquo;t. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask them questions and communicate with them. This ensures you&rsquo;re on the same page leading up to the wedding, but you&rsquo;ll also feel better having some help. For example, most photographers (myself included) are happy to look at your timeline and help you block off realistic amounts of time for different sections of the day.
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Hire a day-of coordinator
A day-of coordinator was one of the best investments we made. I was adamant that I didn&rsquo;t need one when we started planning, but I quickly realized I needed help on the wedding day. I also didn&rsquo;t want to be fielding calls from vendors that day or having my friends and family do everything. We booked Stacy with <a href="https://www.lockeweddings.com/">Locke Wedding Co.</a>, and she was incredible. We had a couple of meetings leading up to the wedding, and she always came with questions I hadn&rsquo;t even thought about. I felt completely reassured that she had everything under control, and the day ran so smoothly thanks to her. You can also opt for a full planner, but a day-of coordinator is a great alternative if your budget doesn&rsquo;t allow or you&rsquo;re already deep into planning and realize you need help (like I did).
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Stay true to you 
At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your partner. Period. People will have plenty of opinions about your wedding, but you don&rsquo;t have to listen to every single one. Stick to what&rsquo;s most important to you and plan a day that reflects the two of you&mdash;not what your parents, friends, or random relatives think it should be. Invite the people who are closest to you and don&rsquo;t feel pressured to include everyone you know, and you can absolutely skip traditions that you don&rsquo;t want to participate it (like garter or bouquet tosses). No one will notice that you didn&rsquo;t do these things. And, if you want to include something quirky into the day, go for it! Your wedding doesn&rsquo;t have look a certain way, and you&rsquo;ll be happier knowing you planned the day you wanted.
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Be open-minded about your dress&mdash;and find a great seamstress
I loved my dress, but it wasn&rsquo;t anything like what I thought I would wear. The shape was similar to what I had envisioned, but I had never considered a simple, full crepe dress and thought I wanted lace and beading everywhere. This is why you bring your most trusted people to your bridal appointment. I let each of my bridesmaids choose a dress during our visit to Pearl &amp; Dot (now the Anais Annette flagship boutique), and one of them pulled the dress I wore. It didn&rsquo;t look like much on the hanger (most wedding gowns don&rsquo;t), but I knew that it was the one as soon as I put it on (and so did everyone else). Even the sample fit well and it felt like me&mdash;more so than the intricate gowns I'd been trying on. This one felt like I was wearing it versus the dress wearing me. I also didn&rsquo;t think I wanted a veil, but before I knew it we were buying a chapel-length veil and then the belt that was added to the dress for a little sparkle. Most of the dresses I thought I wanted were so uncomfortable when I actually put them on, but this dress was hands down one of the most comfortable things I&rsquo;ve ever worn. The cut-outs on the side also highlighted my two rib tattoos perfectly. Buy something you feel good in and will be comfortable in all day. Don't be afraid to try some different silhouettes, too. I knew I didn't want a ballgown but tried a couple of fuller skirts anyway just to be sure. They were fun to try if nothing else!
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Once you have your dream gown, find a knowledgeable seamstress. Do not skimp on this, whatever you do. This can make or break the look of your gown, so budget accordingly. My alterations were double what I had budgeted, just because of the construction of the gown (there were three hidden layers of fabric, even though it looked simple) and the nature of the alterations (she had to reconstruct the back because, well, COVID happened and I wasn&rsquo;t the exact size I was in 2019 when I bought it). Ask the bridal salon you purchase your gown at for recommendations. They know seamstresses who they trust and who are familiar with their gowns.
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Practice your first dance
This doesn&rsquo;t mean a choreographed production, but by all means, go for it if that fits your style. This was a part of the day I was very nervous about (I don&rsquo;t love being the centre of attention and have two left feet sometimes), and I wish we had danced to our song at least a couple of times before the big moment. Chris did a great job leading us through it, but I think I would have felt more relaxed if we had practiced. My nerves also show in the video.
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Midnight snack&mdash;give the people what they want
Catering will likely be one of your largest expenses, and the midnight snack can really add to the bill. At this point in the night, the drinks are flowing and people aren&rsquo;t that concerned about what they eat&mdash;as long as there&rsquo;s food. If your venue allows it, look into having pizza delivered (we had Inglewood Pizza since it was close by). One of my bridesmaids also opted to have McDonald&rsquo;s delivered for her wedding (served on silver platters by the venue staff), and people still talk about how much they loved both.
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If you are in the midst of wedding planning and searching for a photographer, reach out and let&rsquo;s chat about your vision for the day. I love helping couples find photo locations, talented vendors, and providing guidance on timeline creation to make the day run smoothly.
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Our vendors
Venue: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://thecommonscalgary.com/the-venues">The Hemingway Room</a>, The Commons Photographer: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.danacolephotography.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dana Cole</a> Videographer: Matt Hutchinson, <a href="https://heartsinreverie.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hearts in Reverie</a> Coordination: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.lockeweddings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Locke Wedding Co. </a> Makeup (bride and MOB): <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://ambervictoriaprepchuk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amber Prepchuk</a> Makeup (bridesmaids): <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;dlnr=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8&amp;q=nicole%20saxton&amp;rls=en&amp;sei=qw99Y9riFKPA0PEP-I-eyAk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nicole Saxton</a> (I had two artists because Amber is a dear friend of mine and was also a member of the bridal party, so I didn&rsquo;t want her working all morning) Hair: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.instagram.com/itsabobeatbobworld/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kimberly Seibel</a> Dress: Lotus, <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://theiacouture.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Theia Couture</a> (This style is discontinued, but there are still similar ones available) Veil &amp; Belt: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://saragabrielpro.com/">Sara Gabriel Designs</a> (My veil was the Julianne style, but the belt has been discontinued) Alterations: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.couturebymaisoon.com/">Couture by Maisoon</a> Custom MOB jumpsuit and Maid of Honour gown: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.nrtfashions.com/">NRT Fashions</a> (The rest of the bridesmaids' dresses were from The Bay or Laura) Bouquets and arch arrangements: Flowers by Joan (She doesn&rsquo;t have a website yet) Greenery table runners: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.succulentsandstems.com/">Succulents &amp; Stems</a> Decor Rentals: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.orangetrunk.ca/">Orange Trunk Vintage Styling &amp; Rentals</a>, <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.specialeventrentals.com/">Special Event Rentals</a>, <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.specialeventrentals.com/">The Commons</a> (They offer things like vintage couches, bar fronts, etc that are above the base rental cost), <a href="https://www.chairflair.ca/">Chair Flair </a>Catering: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://urbaneculinary.ca/">Urbane Culinary</a> DJ: <a href="https://soundsunlimited.ca/">Sounds Unlimited</a> Midnight Snack: <a href="https://inglewoodpizza.ca/">Inglewood Pizza</a> Officiant: Cynthia Beare, <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?adurl=https%3A%2F%2Fallseasonsweddings.com%2Fen&amp;ae=2&amp;ai=CSE6LeBF9Y-x5kra05Q-XsKygAaTonOdo483hmIsF09bZgQEIABABILlUYP3Q8IDIA6ABuLev0APIAQGpAs_P8F2jCqk-yAPYIKoEW0_Q60Yc_NUUc1U_P9MYoTXaTuD9FcQG3fD6ZYd8isjU4dtMPM-mgoW3YRQrV-A9lkAfWzNWus9mOttZiFRK4gWGyT4P0b9U1aDkjv-BxRJ8_Xww-DKnkhildGbABMDX2fE4gAWQTogF6MyjbKAGUYAHsMjQL4gHAZAHAagHpr4bqAe5mrECqAfz0RuoB-7SG6gH_5yxAqgHytwbqAePqbECqAe7pLECqAfYprECqAfbqrECqAfQqrECoAjcsqUEsAgB0ggaEAIghAEyBIPAgA46CoCAgICAgICoAQJCAQSaCSFodHRwczovL2FsbHNlYXNvbnN3ZWRkaW5ncy5jb20vZW6xCcuaBwf5Tq6JuQnLmgcH-U6uifgJAZgLAaoMAggBuAwB6AwGqg0CQ0GiE1gKQwgDQAFSCAoGEgQIABABaPHW1YlDci0SKyACKAE4BEDozKNsWAFo_v__________AXABmAEB4AECkALf65-WtgGYAgAaDQoLZGlzdC1zYWZhcmkiAkNBghQYCAISFGFsbCBzZWFzb25zIHdlZGRpbmdziBQB0BUB-BYBgBcBkhcJEgcIARADGMkC4BcC&amp;cid=CAASFeRoNGBAhXOiBRw9ccS0NDdOz45DPA&amp;dblrd=1&amp;dct=1&amp;nis=8&amp;sa=L&amp;sig=AOD64_3X4-urv2PbipR2UKyLINhJfSZmsg&amp;sival=AF15MEAxU89D21zzDysFj9N-0wZkbMiFreFP2h2w-kAJ33QmYq_Sf08_DUpYIKsSFeRimT1PFlHsagRJ_GOEXkvdqLe1pTkNfzXQ2_SNq0AvC8KmYbroMF3ok-DLlqXL4lIf-7qX3D83Gp8LHbrr2XnTmHaIZlPQb_gBaNSyIPCX0LCMM13tI1gq2SW0vMy1xdEjRwHqHD7b&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKja-essL7AhUVO30KHQwuDOAQ0Qx6BAgIEAM">All Seasons Weddings</a> Limo: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="https://www.ampmlimo.ca/">AM PM Limousines</a>
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(Below are some of the photos from our wedding, shot by the talented Dana Cole)

Ten Wedding Planning Tips From a Photographer and Recent Bride

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Portraits & Branding

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Couples & Engagements

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Weddings

Timeless photography for all of life's moments

Video Title

Write in first person using this following sample text to match in style: I've become familiar with nearly every photography genre throughout my career, but what I love most is capturing authentic moments and memories. Wedding days are filled with precious memories and I want to capture them all for you.
Wedding photography is one of the biggest investments you'll make during the planning process, and my time with you doesn't start on the big day. I strive to get to know each couple I work with—from our initial meeting, to guiding you through crafting your wedding timeline, and answering any questions during the planning process (like finding awesome vendors and locations). I want to understand your vision for your wedding day and how I can capture it in the best way. We won't do any corny poses, I promise. Instead, I'll guide you and get you feeling comfortable in front of the camera in no time. One of the best compliments I receive from couples is how comfortable they feel with me and that it often feels like we’ve known each other for a long time.
On your wedding day, I'm there for you! I'll fluff your train, fix your tie, you name it. I've also got an emergency stash of supplies in case you need to blot a stain, wipe happy tears, or just freshen up.