One of the biggest honours I had this summer was to photograph Brandy and Shawn’s intimate wedding right here in Edmonton. With approximately only 20-25 guests, it was the perfect day that was centered around love and family, and I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to capture all of the little moments. When Brandy described one of their first few dates to me, I quickly realized just how much thought and meaning had been put into their day. They had spent the evening having dinner at the Hotel Macdonald, and after dinner, they sneaked out into the gardens to share a drink together by the fountain. It was by the fountain that Shawn told Brandy that she would someday be his wife – and it was by the fountain that Brandy waited for him for their first look together as a bride and groom. During their reception, Brandy and Shawn stood up in front of their guests and toasted to each other. They faced one another and twined their hands together, and in front of everyone, told each other how much they were looking forward to sharing their lives together, how much they loved each other. It had me in a puddle of tears behind the camera. I cry at weddings (always), but this was the first time I had seen a couple stand up and be so open and honest in front of their witnesses. You could feel the raw emotion and happiness just pouring out of them. One of the sweetest moments came during dinner. When the three of us were discussing their timeline earlier in the day, they insisted that there would be no first dance. But between dinner courses, Brandy and Shawn heard one of their favourite songs come on, and simply got up and danced together out of the blue. This was one of the most emotional and intimate weddings I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. There was so much love between every single person in the room, and I am so incredibly honoured to have been there. Wishing you both many years of health and happiness – and that lovely, incredible, blissful kind of love. ♥
Florals & decor: Cory Christopher
First look location: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Reception location: Under the High Wheel
Hair: Kennidy King
Makeup: Kierra Steil
Second shooter: Amber Cleasby
