The Wedding That Was Almost Too Hot To Handle

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Change is the name of the game for all weddings occuring after COVID-19 entered our world. When I first spoke with Ashley and Austin (who actually live in Fort McMurray, AB), they were going to do their wedding in Red Deer. However, due to covid restrictions that were constantly changing and their need to make a final decision on the venue so they could make final plans, Red Deer went out the window. Instead, their beautiful family affair wedding, took place at a family acreage located in Stony Plain. On the day of the wedding, even with covid restrictions, they were still allowed to have a large wedding. 

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Nothing could stop these lovebirds from pledging their love to one another, not even it being one of the hottest days of the year. The 38 degrees Celsius (with humidity) created some challenges. Not only was I sweating through my clothes like I’ve never experienced before but my cameras started to fog up at certain points. I had to retreat into the shade to get them to stop doing this. Thankfully, I had a second photographer along with me and between the two of us we were able to focus on the bride, groom, and wedding party. We made sure everyone took breaks, drank plenty of water and had a good time.

The day started off at the Best Western Hotel in Stony Plain where we photographed the guys and the girls getting ready. The rooms were really spacious, giving us plenty of room to work with the big bridal party.

Some of my memorable moments with the girls were:

• Photographing them in their satin robes while on the hotel bed, gathered together all cozy and cuddly.
• Ashley’s dad first look.
• Ashley getting her daughter into her flower girl dress.
  
  Some of my memorable moments with the guys were:
  
• Instead of doing photos in the hotel room, we opted to use one of the hallways of the hotel.
• Austin with his son wearing his little suit.
• The interaction that Austin has with his groomsmen – great friends and incredibly helpful in moving couches around! 
• Austin opening up his gifts from Ashley which included a new watch, a book with memories of their relationship together and note on why he is so special to her, and an old car key that Ashley found. It just so happens that it’s Austin’s favourite car (a sentimental moment that brought him to tears).

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Then off to the acreage we went. Both the ceremony and the reception occured in that lovely open space. The ceremony area was decorated with western decor like wine barrels, lanterns, wood crates, lace, old wood doors that acted as an entrance area for everyone. The arch at the front was made from wood and decorated with flowers and white fabric with accents of wagon wheels and flowers at the bottom. The girls wore navy long dresses, and the guys wore grey suits with blue bowties.

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The ever revolving door of family photos were shot after the ceremony. But first, there was a much-needed water break for everyone. We also ensured the elderly participants were comfortably seated in shady spots until it was their turn. We wrangled up those people that we needed right away and got to work on family photos. It was HOT and I knew I had to get everyone into shade.  We managed to find a shady patch that we “just made work” under the circumstances and the photos turned out great. 

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When it was time to photograph the wedding party, there was not enough shade so we did some group shots of everyone lined up together in the shady spot that we did find. Then, we did some walking shots as a group. With all bridal parties, I aim to photograph each person individually, as well as with either the bride or groom. I finish by doing a couple photos of just the girls, and some fun photos of just the guys. And then that’s it! I’m done with the wedding party and they can head off to start partying…

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The bride and groom photos are ones that the couple look forward to seeing the most. We did a few of these at the acreage, then got into our vehicles and went to Rotary Park where we had a variety of different spots to use – a wood/metal bridge, a fountain, and a lush green pathway.  At one point, the bride and groom took out their vows and read them to each other again. It was a sweet and intimate moment that I’m glad we captured.  

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Back at the acreage, the reception was relaxed, organized and fun!  There was a mobile bar, amazing catered food, speeches and dancing. The funniest part was the garter retrieval when the groom did a strip tease number for the bride! The decor in the white tents was very pretty. There was a LOVE sign that lit up in lights in front of the head table. My favourite part was the bride and groom’s first dance together, and then the one with their parents. It was magical under the white tent.

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Interview with the bride and groom

How did you meet?

We met through our mutual best friend Cassie first in her basement in passing and then actually talking to one another. Our first kiss was at a halloween party that Cassie had invited both of us to! We hit it off from there and have not been apart since!

What was the proposal like?

We went to Newfoundland for Christmas and at my great uncles boxing day party they played live music and Austin in his head thought he would propose if Strawberry Wine played. It did and we danced to that song alone on the dance floor and when the song was over he proposed! 

This question is for the bride. Ashley, which moments stand out from your wedding day?

Seeing Austin for the first time that day, Austin saying his vows to me, doing our photos and our first dance and then dancing the night away!

This question is for the groom. Austin, what went through your mind when you saw your bride for the first time?

I was in shock from how amazingly beautiful she looked, in no way I could have ever imagined being so lucky to be able to marry someone so amazing.

Can you share any tips about planning a wedding for future couples getting married?

Don’t sweat the small stuff, everything will come together no matter how much you think it won’t. I was so worried nothing would show up like limo, hair and makeup, etc., but it all works out and no one knows the actual timeline but you so your guests won’t notice.

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I wish Ashley and Austin a lifetime of happiness and love. Congratulations to this wonderful couple and their family!

~ Amy

Check out these vendors the bride & groom used:

• Officiant name – Laurie Becker from Innisfail
• Hair and makeup artist – Strut Hair and Makeup in Spruce Grove
• Catering company – Sandyview Farms
• Dress shop – Forever Timeless Bridal & Boutique in Fort McMurray
• Guys’ suits – Moores (groomsmen suits) and Le Chateau (Grooms suit)
• Tent Rental Company – Cutiepics Productions
• Chair and table rentals – Vivid Venues
• Limo Rental – AM/PM Limo
• Hotel for getting ready photos – Stony Plain Hotels | Best Western Sunrise Inn & Suites
• Mobile bar – True Spirits Mobile Bar

Learn more about my studio!

Amy Cheng Photography offers Red Deer and Calgary families the very best in portrait photography! I pride myself on delivering a fun, relaxing experience where you feel valued and beautiful! I specialize in family & wedding photography.

I service the Red Deer and Calgary areas, as well as everything in between & surrounding. This includes but isn’t limited to: Crossfield, Airdrie, Olds, Ponoka, Rocky Mountain House, Sylvan Lake, Lacombe, Blackfalds, Okotoks, Chestermere, Cochrane, Canmore, and Banff.

Images by Red Deer Family Photography – Amy Cheng Photography © 2021

Contact me today to book your session! ~ Amy Amy Cheng Photography ~ amychengphotography@gmail.com