There’s something about summer weddings at The Coutts Centre in Nanton that just hits different. The grass was the brightest green, the flowers were in full bloom, and everything felt alive that July afternoon. It’s honestly one of my all-time favourite venues...a mix of rustic charm and pure Alberta magic.
Sasha got ready in the old chicken coop (which has been totally transformed, don’t worry hehe), and Bri got ready in the two-storey barn with her bridesmaids and family fluttering around. The air felt calm but full of emotion... especially during her first look with her dad. There wasn’t a dry eye around.
For the ceremony, Bri walked down the tree aisle, and instead of the usual setup, Sasha faced the guests. When she came towards him and started walking toward him ...framed by the trees and sunlight ...he turned to see her for the first time. That look on his face said everything. Pure awe.
Their vows were personal and heartfelt... the kind that make you want to squeeze the person next to you. After the ceremony, instead of diving straight into family portraits, they took a few quiet minutes just for themselves (which I always love to see couples do). Then, instead of formal family photos, they spent cocktail hour mingling, hugging, and laughing with everyone while I captured candids of it all. (BIG FAN)
Guests played lawn games while we snuck away for some portraits. By the time dinner rolled around, the whole day already felt like one big celebration. Each table had a “number”...but instead of numbers, they used places they’d visited together, complete with a little story about that trip. Their guest book was a calendar for guests to sign on their birthdays and anniversaries so they’d never forget a special date again (how cute is that?).
Bri changed into blue shoes for her “something blue,” and dinner was the most relaxed, cozy BBQ feast. And for dessert? Homemade chocolate chip cookies they baked for every guest...and let me tell you, they were bomb.com!!!!!
As the sun started to set, they slipped away from the reception to dance and frolic in the tree aisle, the same spot where they’d said “I do.” It was the dreamiest way to end the night before heading back to party under the lights with everyone they love.
