Mr & Mrs Skora – Calgary Wedding Photographers

Mr & Mrs Skora – Calgary Wedding Photographers

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.” – A.A. Milne.

Peter and Katy met back in 2004. They were in high school and both went to a friends New Year’s Eve party. They hit it off right away, and shared their first kiss at midnight. They have been together, and they have been apart, with Katy moving to New York City for her Master’s degree, and their love has only grown stronger. Almost 10 years after that first kiss, on September 27th, 2014, Peter and Katy shared their first kiss as husband and wife and celebrated with family and friends in a beautiful ceremony at St Mary’s and fabulous reception at the Sheraton Eau Claire.

Here are a few of my favourite things about this beautiful September wedding:

1 – Katy was one of the most relaxed and easy-going brides I have ever seen on the morning of her wedding. She enjoyed herself, helped her bridesmaids get dressed, and even had time to chomp down a few burritos and Mexi-Fries from Taco Bell:)

2 – That VEIL! Seriously. I was silently jumping up and down on the inside when I saw Katy’s floor length veil for the first time. I knew we could have some fun with it and I LOVED the soft, romantic effect that it added to their photos.

3 – A dress that has pockets! A few brides have had this feature this year and I think it’s just the best thing. Katy even used it to stash a camera for her mid-recessional selfie with Peter just moments after being announced as husband and wife. So FUN!!

4 – Fabulous Blue Wedding Shoes! These ones are from Badgley Mischka.

5 – Lots of light at the Ceremony. When planning an indoor ceremony it makes such a difference to choose a venue that has lots of light streaming in. St Mary’s Cathedral had lots of windows, which made for more natural looking photos without needing to use flash, which can be distracting in the moments when you are saying your vows.

6 – Beautiful flowers from Philip Chong Flower Bar. Every time I see bouquets from there, they are always spectacular. These green and white bouquets are no exception.

7 – Lots of details. Little details go a long way in setting the scene for your wedding photos. I love that Katy and Peter had an unconventional “hitched” sign as their cake topper, and Katy had a personalized hanger for her bridal gown.

8 – A wedding planner! Erika from Calgary Wedding Planning Company did a fantastic job making sure every detail was taken care of. With a wedding planner, there’s no need for your family and friends to have to stress about set-up or takedown on the day of the wedding. Everyone can just relax and enjoy themselves and dance the night away!

9 – The many words of love and encouragement that were spoken over Katy and Peter as they begin their lives together. I listened to Katy’s dad talk about how he has never been able to call Katy a princess. He spoke about her strength, tenacity, beauty, and intelligence, and about how proud he is of the woman that she has become. I listened to Peter’s dad speak this Irish blessing over them:

May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortunes
and rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward.

10 – I absolutely love the time that I get to spend with just the Bride and Groom for formal photos. This day was no different – I got to witness the tender love that Peter has for Katy, and how a strong, independent woman radiates in the love of her husband. This is your love story, and I love being able to tell it.

Bride’s Dress: Jessica Belle Rykiss Bridal Designer Morilee. Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal. Tuxedo’s: Vera Wang at Moore’s. Florals: Philip Chong Flower Bar. Rings: Maggie’s Diamond Boutique, Chinook Centre. Wedding Planner: Erika Tobolski from Calgary Wedding Planning Company. Cake: Crave Cupcakes. DJ Services: Little Something Beautiful. Photo Booth: Dance! Shout! Sing! Productions. Makeup Artist: Marisa Anderson, Anderson Artistry. Hairstylists: Kate Swartz and Kristina Antal. Invitations by Lisa (Matron of Honour): Bliss Invitations and Design – blissinvitationdesign@gmail.com. Custom Gown Hanger and “Hitched” Cake Topper by: QualityBridalHangers on Etsy. Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka. Ceremony Hosted by: St Mary’s Cathedral. Officiating Priest: Edmund Vargas. Reception Hosted By: Sheraton Eau Claire. Line Dancing taught by: Debra from Danceworx.

Photography by Carlin Anquist. I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in Calgary, AB. I am available for weddings across Southern Alberta and BC’s Interior. Travel rates may apply for destination weddings outside these areas. Email hello@carlinanquist.com to inquire about availability.

You can view Katy & Peter’s very cold engagement photos in Cochrane here. If you know Katy and Peter, make sure to leave a comment for them below, and check out their wedding video!