When it comes to relationships I’m a big believer in timing, and after reading this duo’s love story you’re sure to believe the same. For what began as a platonic encounter eventually grew into a lifelong love, and their story literally led them up a mountain for this stunning e-sesh. Sharing kisses amongst the rolling hills, Genevieve Renee Photographie captured their foothill romance in the gallery!
From the beautiful Bride-to-be… Chad and I first met many years ago… we were on a date – but each of us were with other people! Needless to say, both of those respective relationships didn’t work out, and we re-met soon after when our best friends began dating each other. Our meeting was friendly, but very much platonic; as I recall, Chad was so not my “type”.
Fast-forward a few years later, and our once-dating best friends were now engaged. As members of the wedding party, Chad and I reconnected in the months leading up to their wedding day. We chatted as friends, as we had many times in the past … but something was different. What, exactly, is hard to pinpoint. Neither of us had gone under any major transformation, but perhaps it was the subtle changes – increased maturity, open-mindedness, or simple timing (or Chad’s newly grown beard!) – that made all the difference. Whatever the reason, we looked at each other a little differently this time around, and it’s safe to say that they were both a little bit interested in the other.
Our friends’ wedding day came and went. After chatting nervously throughout the day, Chad and I shared our first (and second) dance that night at the reception. In the coming weeks we went out together a few times. And although I wasn’t 100% sure if our early hang-outs were as “more than friends” (except for the fact that Chad always paid), Chad’s intentions eventually became more clear and after a month, we were officially “together”.
Chad and I continued to get to know each other over the next 1+ year of dating. It was at times a stressful courtship, as we had both started graduate school that year, but we managed to support each other and make it through as we got to know each other better and fall in love. After a summer of dating long-distance, Chad proposed to me amidst a freak snow storm in September of 2014. He had formulated an elaborate plan, but “Snowtember” through a wrench into it, so he improvised by popping the question in a (snowy) park I had spent much time in as a child.
Chad and I have set our wedding date for July 18, 2015 in our home city of Calgary, Canada. We will wed in a 100 year-old church and celebrate our reception at an antique museum in the heart of the city.
A huge highlight of the wedding planning process has been working with our photographer, Genevieve Renee to create our engagements photo sessions. Engagement photos have always been important to me – as beautiful and special as wedding photos are, I’ve always valued the more normal, everyday tone of good engagement shots. Genevieve did an amazing job of capturing just that during our shoot. Chad and I gave some good thought to the location we wanted. We ended up going with the foothills of Southern Alberta, which was near and dear to me since I’ve grown up in the region and Chad has spent many days fly-fishing in the rivers. We love the area for its natural, understated beauty. The late spring evening light during our shoot was just perfect. Genevieve did a great job of working with two very inexperienced people in front of the camera and making us feel comfortable. She played well to our natural chemistry which we really feel shows in the photos. The result is a soft palette of light-hearted, relaxed moments.
Chad and I were conscious about what we wore on the day, and although I don’t wear flower crowns on a regular basis, the outfits we chose are reflective of our everyday style. My only regret is not bringing a pair of hiking boots to climb our way up the reasonably steep terrain! The climb was challenging at times (especially in a dress) but once we were up there, taking in the view, we all agreed that it was worth every step. And now we have the beautiful shots to remember the sight forever.
We’re so grateful for the way our engagement photos turned out. I love that we have this sweet and fleeting time in our lives captured on film forever. I hope we look back and revel at how young and carefree we are. I hope we can be reminded of this season in our lives where we look forward to our marriage and all that will with it in excitement, uncertainty and anticipation.
Chad and I can’t express our appreciation to Genevieve enough. We are so blessed by these photographs and our time with her. We can’t wait to spend July 18th with her and see what other “magic” she can extract from us!
Photography: Genevieve Renee Photographie | Dress: Aritzia | Flower Crown: Rhosyn Floral | Men's Shirt: J.Crew | Men's Watch: Farm Fresh | Woman's Watch : Fossil