Rivers of Love

Do you ever feel like going against societal expectations and norms? Lindsey and Mike did just that when they decided to forgo having a big lavish wedding ceremony, opting instead for an intimate and low key affair. Their sweet union took place at The Prairie Creek Inn inside the Rocky Mountain House. In attendance were solely their parents and their two dogs, Darryl and Cedar.

None of them live in the Rocky Mountain House area, but this was a great middle ground to hold the wedding. Mike and Lindsey are in love with their dogs, and everyone drives a Toyota vehicle so we had that in common!

The weather would not make up its mind that day as it was a bit overcast with the sun popping up here and there. Thankfully, the rain held off. The spring leaves had started to bud and the beautiful backdrop consisted of still bare trees and green from the evergreens.

The two sets of parents met for the first time during only days prior to the wedding. All six of them were staying at the Inn (in separate cabins) for about 4-5 days that week. When I arrived, Lindsey met me and showed me quickly where the ceremony would take place and a few spots she had picked out for photos. 

The ceremony was short and sweet, about 10 minutes long. Afterwards, we took a few family photos with the river as our backdrop, and then did a champagne toast with everyone in attendance. We took photos with the bride and groom down by the river and then along the tree pathway. 

After our photoshoot by the river and toasting to the bride and groom, we went to back to Mike and Lindsey’s cabin to cut their cake. It was a romantic scene with the cozy cabin, vanilla cake with pretty pink flower frosting on top, rosé to drink

Mike loves to fly fish, so we ended our time together with some photos of them down in the river as he showed me how to fly fish. It was a perfect ending to a low key and lovely event.

In this day and age when big, demonstrative and expensive is highly valued, it’s rare and frankly surprising when two people decide to seal their love with only their parents and dogs in the mountains. Love is sacred and yet it doesn’t always seem to be treated that way. Lindsey and Mike however, get it. They were able to decipher what matters to them as a couple and made sure that their day was just as they wanted it to be.

Interview with the bride and groom

How did you meet?

Mike and I met in Grande Cache at the coal mine where we both worked in the Environmental Department. We both enjoyed spending time outdoors and we bonded over that and became fast friends. In a year’s time Mike went from being a coworker, to a friend, to my best friend, to being the love of my life. That was 7 years ago. We’ve tackled career changes, a year of long distance, multiple moves between different cities and provinces, and we are so happy for the journey and where we have ended up today.

What was the proposal like?

When we first started dating there was no first date….just a natural progression of our relationship. The proposal stayed in line with that. We had discussed marriage and knew it was something we both wanted, but there was no actual proposal. Just a mutual agreeance that we should get engaged. I picked out a ring, Mike bought it and that was that. 

Lindsey, which moments stand out as the best from your wedding day?

One of the most memorable moments was right after the ceremony and celebrating the joining of our families with our loved ones. Also, being able to change out of the wedding garb and relax and share some drinks in good company.

Mike, what did you think when you saw your bride for the first time?

Mike: She was so beautiful.  

Lindsey: There are countless reasons why I fell in love and married Mike, him romancing me with words wasn’t one of them 😂

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

Keep it simple and focused on spending the day celebrating with loved ones. Or hire a wedding planner!

It was an honour to be part of their day. I wish Lindsey and Mike a lifetime of happiness, love and adventure together.

~ Amy

Check out these vendors the bride & groom used:

• Officiant name –  Grace Qually
• Hair and makeup artist vendors used – Chase at Impact Hair Design in Rocky Mountain House
• Prairie Creek Inn staged everything, provided the flowers, and dinner that evening.

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