Carlin Anquist Photography: Calgary Wedding Photographers

Calgary Winter Club Wedding Photographer

I arrived as the bride and bridesmaids were finishing up their makeup and hair, grooving to the sounds of the Backstreet Boys and S Club 7. They were getting ready to party on the most amazing day of Megan’s life – their friend and sister.

After a flurry of tulle and hairspray, Megan’s mom helped button her up, and then watched as Megan went to see her daddy in her wedding dress. His reaction was absolutely priceless and I’m sure that was a moment for him that stood completely still.

The guests were seated, and Megan walked arm in arm down the aisle with her dad to the sound of “What a Wonderful World”. Dave received his bride with joy and they made their love official with vows, a set of rings, and a spectacular dip kiss.

We headed out to Nose Hill Park for our formal photos. The skies were angry and were threatening rain. We hid under umbrellas and I watched as a wall of water quickly approached. It poured for several minutes, and then it went away! Lightning was striking in every direction but we stayed (mostly) dry and finished the majority of our photos outside. On the way back to the Winter Club the rain poured so hard that I hydroplaned a few times over big puddles. But nothing could spoil their wedding day and these two wore their smiles through it all.

The reception at the Calgary Winter Club had a few unique features including awesome candy, childhood photos, grandparents ripping up the dance floor, and LOTS of Smirnoff Ice. You can read more about that as you go through the photos.

Dave & Megan – you guys are awesome! I had such a great time with you on your wedding day and Megan I especially loved your awesome dance moves to Sir Mix-a-Lot:) I hope you have an incredible honeymoon and an even better happily ever after.

Megan and her bridesmaids were all for jumping up and down on the bed before getting their dresses on!

Megan you are such a stunning bride!!!

This first look with Megan’s dad left everyone a little misty eyed, including me. 

As Megan’s dad walked her down the aisle, the guests were asked to stand as she passed by to show their love and honour.

First Kiss as Husband and Wife!!

And… we got caught in the rain at the tail end of our photo session and on the drive back to the Calgary Winter Club we could barely see out the windows because it was coming down so hard. So we took a few more photos inside and the bridal party enjoyed a champagne toast.

I love how Dave & Megan decided to display their custom photo guest book! It suited their decor perfectly.

The tables were numbered with photos of the bride and groom at the corresponding ages. Such a cute idea! I love that they both have a Santa picture at age 6. 

This kissing wheel game was so funny. As you’ll see later on in the photos, if someone spun a 4 they had to chug a Smirnoff Ice. It turned into a little competition of who could do it the fastest and I believe that the sister of the groom took top place! 

This candy bar was SO pretty, and had some delicious candy that I’d never even heard of before (which, being a total sweet tooth, is saying something).

While they were planning their wedding, Dave & Megan casually asked all of their friends and family what their wedding songs were (to get ideas for their own wedding song). And during dinner all of those wedding songs were played and the couples were invited to the dance floor as it played. It was really beautiful.

And here’s the promised Chugging Contest…

Their first dance as husband and wife…

Megan surprised her mom by having a special mother daughter dance!

Then all the couples were invited to the dance floor for a “Generations Dance” or “Anniversary Dance”. The DJ begins asking couples to sit down if they’ve been married for less than 24 hours, then 1 year, 5 years, and so on, until the longest married couple is the last one standing.

And it was Megan’s grandparents! Aren’t they sweet?

Instead of finding a garter under Megan’s dress, Dave found a Smirnoff Ice:)

…and then found the garter…

We snuck out at the end of the night for some last photos before the sun went down.

Photography by Carlin Anquist. Calgary Winter Club Wedding Photographer. I am based in Calgary and am available for weddings across Alberta, BC, and other awesome destinations! You can get in touch at hello@carlinanquist.com or call me at 403-383-5804. You can also follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google Plus.

A special thanks to Stefan Makwana for second shooting with me!

Thank you to all the vendors who made Dave & Megan’s day so beautiful!

 

You can view Dave & Megan’s Winter Sunset engagement session here. And make sure to check out their wedding video slideshow below!