Set against a breathtaking Banff backdrop and boasting a charming enchanted forest theme, this captivating winter soiree is all about the sweet, sweet romance… and, oh, what a way to kick off the week. From the uber-gorgeous gown to the lovely blooms by Blue Hydrangea Floral Boutique to the DIY details so lovingly crafted by the stunning bride and groom, I’ve fallen HEAD OVER HEELS for every last dream-worthy moment. And, trust me, with a gallery literally overflowing with purple and gray lovely… you.will.too. Join me there for more.
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Bethany and David met as kids and reconnected a few years later in their teens. David was friends with Bethany’s brothers, and his new maturity caught her eye immediately. They became close friends, and David, as the perfect gentlemen, eventually asked Bethany’s father if they could date. Six long years later, the two were both ready for the next step in their relationship. Early one morning, David crawled into Bethany’s bed and woke her up. Confused at why his heart was beating so quickly, she opened her eyes and noticed he was smiling down on her. He spoke beautiful, romantic words to her, ending with a marriage proposal. They spent the day together, eating beside the ocean and enjoying each other’s company.
Bethany got crafty for her big day, creating virtually every element of the wedding herself. Inspired by the natural beauty of Rivendell from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, they created an enchanted forest theme. Working with a natural palette, the bride used pinecones, birds, acorns, branches and stumps in her decorating. The head table was accented with moss and rustic-looking bird cages. Their cake, vanilla pound cake with white chocolate mousse and fresh raspberries, was created by the pastry chef at Sirocco Golf Course. It was covered with buttercream made to look like tree bark, and fitting with her whimsical forest inspiration, the bride placed birds and branches on each layer. Bethany had a hard time finding her perfect dress, but on a family trip to California, she stumbled across a small bridal boutique. She had her mom and sisters in the store with her, and when she turned the corner in a Maggie Sottero gown featuring one strap embellished with handmade flowers, everyone started to tear. The creative bride accessorized her gown with a headpiece she made out of vintage-looking leaves from a craft store and simply attached to hair pins. Deciding against tuxedos, the groom wore a dark gray suit from Zara, and the groomsmen found fitted light gray suits on a Boxing Day sale. For her bridesmaids, Bethany wanted a high fashion look but didn’t want to pay for it. They ordered dresses online from a department store, choosing a dark gray cocktail dress. The girls carried bouquets of purple hydrangea, coordinating with the men’s boutonnieres made from calla lilies in an eggplant shade. Bethany carried a vintage-looking clutch of ivory wild roses and ranunculus.
Bethany and David committed their lives to each other in a small and personal traditional Anglican ceremony, which took place in the oldest church in Banff. They wanted music to have a large role in the wedding, and chose songs by Judy Garland, Joni Mitchell, and from the Chronicles of Narnia movie soundtrack. The reception was held at Sirocco Golf Course. Guests chose their menu, and the newlyweds’ parents brought in special wine selections. They created a fun wedding game where they asked the bridal party which of the happy couple they thought would suit a question best. Bethany cut out life-size pictures of her and David’s faces, glued them on popsicle sticks, and had the bridal party answer with the faces. To finish off a perfect night, Bethany and David danced all evening with their friends.
Wedding Ceremony: St. George’s-in-the-Pines Anglican Church in Banff, Alberta / Wedding Reception + Wedding Cake: Sirocco Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta / Wedding Flowers: Blue Hydrangea Floral Boutique / Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero / Leaf Headpiece: DIY / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstrom / Formal Wear: Zara + Mexx / Shoes: Nordstrom / Jewellery: Charlotte Rose Designs / Makeup: Olga Onulov (olgaonulov@hotmail.com) / Hair: Brittany Burrows of Oasis Hair (403-270-8884) / Honeymoon Destination: Cuba