This beautiful modern rustic wedding was one of my fav weddings to photograph to date! Why? Well that is easy, it was for my sister, Stacey and her wonderful hubby, John! They were married May long weekend at the beautiful Willow Lane Barn by Olds, Alberta.

Stacey and John’s wedding day was a typical spring day in Calgary. It was rainy, cool and windy, but these two had so many sparks between them it warmed everyone’s souls! These two wanted to have an intimate first look outside but because of the cooler weather, we had to improvise and they did their first look in the Deerfoot Food Court. Yes, you read that right, a foot court, but at that time of day it was quite and perfect for their first look. (When you get to the first look photos, let me know if you can tell it’s a food court!) We were on our way to a parkade for wedding party photos and on the way out of the food court we stopped them in the entry way and captured some of my fav photos from their day! Fun fact: The first photo under all these words is my fav one from the day and it was taken in the entry way of the foot court.

We left Calgary and drove out to their ceremony and reception location at the beautiful Willow Lane Barn, just outside of Olds, AB. Their ceremony was a true testament to both of them with a time of worship, couples communion and a touching Pastor’s devotion.

I loved photographing John and Stacey’s wedding! But even more than that, I was so honored to be asked to stand up and support these two cuties as Stacey’s maid of honor! Did it make for a crazy day? Yes and for sure, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I was more nervous for the maid of honor speech than taking all their photos!

And before you wonder how I photographed their day while be in the wedding party, let me tell you, I had an amazing second shooter! Kyle Hagen, who is my cousin and basically my brother from another mother, helped throughout the whole day and was such a blessing! He normally doesn’t photograph weddings, so it was super fun to share what I know about weddings with him and to see him be stretched in his own photography journey. You can check out his Instagram feed here where he shows off his amazing interior and architectural photography skills. (If you are going to sell your house and need photos for the realtor, get Kyle!) Kyle was so helpful and photographed John and the groomsmen getting ready, the ceremony, the reception program, wedding party photos random photos throughout the day! He was a lifesaver and the best second shooter! 🙂

Check out Stacey and John’s amazing vendors at the bottom of this post!

Advise from the bride: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, if you are married that is the most important thing!”

Congrats Stacey and John!!! We are so excited for the both of you and this next chapter of your life! And welcome to the family John! Everyone else, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy Stacey and John’s wedding day!! (I couldn’t narrow the photos down, so it’s a long one post!!)

Stacey and John’s cake was a special cake called a Kransekake. (It’s so yummy!) It’s a Norwegian celebration ring cake where the bride and groom put their hands on the top of the cake and lift some rings. And they said however many rings you pick up is how many kids you will have! Stacey and John picked up 5!

(And if you were wondering, we had that cake too at our wedding, we picked up the whole cake – which has 18 rings! Yikes!! Haha, we stopped at two.)

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception Location: Willow Lane Barn, Olds, AB

Brides Dress: Lillian Wild Bridal

Brides Shoes: Ardenes

Grooms Tux: J Crew

Make Up Artist: Kirsten @rouge_and_rubrics

Hair: Cara @hairbycbn ⠀

Florist: Handmade by Bride’s friends. Flowers from Costco and Creative Edge Flowers

Bridesmaid Dresses: Neesee Dresses

Invitations & Paper Goods: Jenny

Wedding Cake (Kransekake – Norwegian celebration cake): Brides mom