Mike is a little bit country, while Melanie is more the sophisticated city girl. They started out as friends, and it blossomed into a
wonderful love story. Ironically, they chose to get married on Valentine’s Day, but did not want their wedding filled with cutesy hearts and cupids. In fact, they had some very strong ideas to make their wedding uniquely their own in order to create a
wonderful celebration that was a true representation of them!
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| Mike and Melanie wanted to make their wedding uniquely their own. – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography. |
Breaking with tradition, they chose to do their
wedding pictures before the ceremony. By doing their photos ahead of time, both the bride and groom
look fresh for their pictures. It also limited the time that guests will had to wait between the ceremony and reception. They were fortunate to work with Edward Ross of
Edward Ross Photography. After taking some incredible photos at the Calgary’s Fairmont Palliser Hotel, he took them down Stephen Avenue Mall for some urban shots. It was a brisk -25°C, but the bride and groom held up well under the extreme temperatures and the
pictures were absolutely stunning!
Ask your photographer for suggestions on where to get incredible photos.
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| A great photographer will have a wealth of ideas that you have probably never even considered. – Photos courtesy of Edward Ross Photography. |
The ceremony started at 5:30 PM at Wild Rose United Church. This beautiful church is located just outside Calgary’s downtown core, with gorgeous stained glass windows and a majestic pipe organ that fills the front of the sanctuary. While some might see it as problematic, the
couple took full advantage of the double aisle, deciding to have both sets of their parents precede each of them down the aisle. As they walked in together, the bride and groom only had eyes for each other. Reverend Linda Hunter performed a beautiful ceremony with many personal touches and heartfelt moments. Purposefully choosing not to have attendants, Mike and Melanie had their mothers sign the marriage certificate while their fathers performed readings, making their
ceremony a real family affair!
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| The ceremony took place at Wild Rose United Church. – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography. | |
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| Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography. |
Afterward, everyone immediately headed over to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce for the reception. The Enmax Ballroom was
jaw-droppingly gorgeous in black and white with accents of red, thanks to
Firefly Occasions. White ostrich plumes were used in the sconces of the perimeter of the art deco space, while alternating tall and short floral centerpieces decorated the tables. Elegant linens were brought in from California’s
La Tavola Linens and were paired with beautiful black chair covers. Red satin napkins were used as an accent color, along with place-cards and table and menu cards printed by
Glimpz Invitations.
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| Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography. |
Instead of a traditional head table, the couple opted to have a
sweetheart table for two, positioned right in the center of the room. What a great way for a couple to start their life together as husband and wife by sharing their first meal as just the two of them. Romantic, yet sweet at the same time!
One special touch that I really loved, and Mike and Melanie’s only nod to Valentine’s Day, was to
name each table after a “great love in history”. Tables were named after fictional couples, such as
Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, and
Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. Others were named after real loves in history, like
George and Gracie Burns, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III, and
Napoleon and Josephine. Even the kids’ table were named quite appropriately,
Mickey and Minnie, and
Bart and Marge Simpson. We wrote each love story on the back of the table card, giving guests some light reading throughout the evening.
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| Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography. |
Breaking with tradition, Mike and Melanie also decided to forgo having a wedding cake. The Calgary Chamber’s pastry chef instead prepared a decadent chocolate mousse treat, complete with the couples’ monogram to satisfy the wedding guests’ desire for something sweet. After only one bite,
everyone raved about their choice.
It was a beautiful wedding! Mike and Melanie’s wedding was everything they imagined and more. It was a pleasure to work with this couple in making their wedding day a dream come true!
Special thanks to the vendors that contributed and helped make this event possible, including
Edward Ross Photography,
Wild Rose United Church,
Calgary Chamber of Commerce,
Glimpz Invitations,
Firefly Occasions, and Grasmere Garden & Floral.
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| Congratulations to Mike and Melanie! Best wishes and happiness always! – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography. |
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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of
Creative Weddings and Occasions and
Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at
info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.
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