Kaitlyn & Nick — Calgary Zoo Wedding



All week the forecast said snow. Then by Friday, it promised we’d be safe until later in the evening. Saturday came around and Kaitlyn had to make the tough call—risk the wind and maybe-rain for an outdoor ceremony, or play it safe and move things inside. In true wise-bride fashion, she went with inside (thankfully), because by ceremony time it was full-blown cold, windy, and rainy. But before all that chaos hit, it actually felt like summer again for a minute.


Before the ceremony, Kaitlyn and Nick did their first look and private vows—and oh my gosh, it was emotional. Nick had tears just streaming down his face, and Kaitlyn was trying her best to hold it together too. After they wiped away a few (okay, more than a few) tears, we wandered the zoo for portraits and met up with the wedding party. Since Kaitlyn loves flamingos, we obviously had to grab a few photos with them—they totally posed for us too, I swear.


The ceremony was quick, heartfelt, and perfect. Her sister almost lost it walking down the aisle, trying to hold it together. Afterward, there was a champagne toast and a big mix-and-mingle moment before we snuck away for some family photos and a stroll through the tropical greenhouse for more portraits. At one point during cocktail hour, Kaitlyn and Nick disappeared for a few minutes just to sit together in the plants, breathe and recaffeinate...it was the sweetest quiet moment in the middle of all the excitement. Meanwhile, guests were laughing, playing card games, sipping drinks, and leaving little video messages on an old camcorder the couple had set up.


And then… the reception. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a louder, happier group of people in my life. Everyone was cheering, singing, and so genuinely over-the-moon for these two. They even did a flip-cup game—one person from each table competing—and the grandmas were so into it. Absolute legends.


This was my last wedding of 2025, and as I packed up to leave, snowflakes started falling—the first snowfall of the season. It felt like the perfect, cinematic ending to an already unforgettable day. ❄️🩷

A couple posing together at a wedding reception, man in burgundy tuxedo with boutonniere, woman in white dress.
Guests raising glasses in a toast at an elegant wedding reception dinner with floral centerpieces and candlelight.
Pink suede bridal heels beside a colorful wedding bouquet, black bow tie, and rings on white tulle fabric.
Groom in burgundy suit holding colorful bouquet stands in lush greenhouse botanical garden pathway on wedding day.
Bride in white strapless gown and veil holds pink bouquet inside lush green botanical garden greenhouse.
A hand gently touching tropical variegated green and pink leaves in a lush garden setting.
A bride in white with three bridesmaids in colorful dresses holding bouquets outdoors.
Couple exchanging vows outdoors in a lush garden, groom in burgundy tuxedo holding paper, bride in white strapless gown.
Wedding couple celebrating in front of a large glass greenhouse surrounded by green trees under a clear blue sky.
Newlyweds showing off wedding rings in a greenhouse, groom in burgundy tuxedo, bride in white gown holding bouquet.
A bride and groom cutting their white wedding cake at an indoor reception venue.
Bride and groom seated at sweetheart table with floral arrangements at wedding reception with custom backdrop.
Guests socializing at an elegant indoor event, gathered around a white tablecloth table with drinks.
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