Summer Recap Part 3: Steph & Steve

Jessie Whittleton
Jan 7, 2022
4 min read

I am nothing if not dedicated? I know, I know... how dare I speak of beautiful summer weddings when we are all freezing across Alberta. BUT alas, I must share this beautiful day with you all! So please, sit back, make yourself a delicious beverage, close your eyes, and imagine beautiful summer days!

Speaking of which, it looked like this outdoor wedding was going to have some challenges with rain. But thanks to strong prayers to the universe, it ended up being the perfect day - weather and all!

I met with Steph and Steve through Zoom in early Spring 2021. Shout out to Leah for connecting us! While most of their big day was laid out, Covid forced some plans to change; they needed somebody organized, experienced and up for anything, so I stepped up to the plate! Sometimes we need to stay flexible, hope for the best, and keep a back up plan under our hats. Lucky for us, everything came together beautifully! The amazing vendors were the highlight of the wedding, and I have included their Instagram pages at the end of the post. I highly enjoyed working these professional people, and I'd have recommend all of them to my future clients :)

The venue was a slice of heaven in the middle of Rural Alberta. The owner was one of the most kind, generous and warm hearted people I've ever worked with! I was so glad to get to know and work with her throughout the days setting up and throughout the wedding. And the property itself, absolutely perfect. The trees provided a beautiful and natural backdrop throughout the whole day.

A staging area and washrooms were inside a guest house of sorts, which made for ample space! It also helped keep the bride and groom apart before the walk down the aisle. I love a first look, and this extra space made for some very pretty pictures. The Father of the Bride and Bridesmaids first view were beautiful and heartfelt. The Groomsmen also did a first look and were just SHOOK to say the least! It made for a hilarious and beautiful moment!

Always do a Groomsmen first look - it won't disappoint!

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful: officiated by Steve's Aunt, the wedding party walked down the aisle to the sound of an acoustic guitar, and the Bride blew everyone away with her beauty. They exchanged heartfelt vows in front of a breathtaking backdrop of trees and a floral arch. Steve's aunt pronounced them Husband and Wife, and they made their way to happily ever after!

The Wedding party snuck away for photos, while guests played lawn games and ate popcorn. Everyone stayed well hydrated with Scotch and Soda Mobile Bar! Leah is one of the most talented photographers I have had the pleasure of working with and I am so grateful for our collaboration and friendship.

The dinner and reception were held in a tent (because you never know in Alberta - rain, shine, snow.. all in one day). They set it up the day before the wedding, and created a lovely dining space. Strings lights set the mood, and long tables covered with florals, floating candles and elegant blue napkins. My favourite were the place-card cookies, a tasty way to guide the guests to their spot.

Part of my role was to facilitate transitions between tables and various areas. In the tent, a table set upon wine barrels served multiple roles, first as a popcorn buffet, and later as a dessert bar. Both were a huge hit! The popcorn paired well with lawn games and drinks throughout the afternoon, and the desserts capped off a delicious dinner. The donuts were some of the best I have ever eaten, I don't care if I sound like my father-in-law, I would walk over hot coals for more. Not to mention, did I mention the donut board was built by the Brides father? I loved it so much I also ended up buying it. So if you are wanting the look, lets chat! The cake was decadent and delicious, and you don't want to know what I would have done for a second piece!

As for dinner and drinks, these were both provided by mobile vendors. Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering did an absolutely amazing job. Dinner tasted like perfection, and the line moved faster than a kid eating candy! From the moment they backed in, to the moment they rolled out, they were exceptional; if you want the best beef in Central AB, book Rocky Mountain BBQ.

The mobile bar was also very similar. I have had the privilege of working with Scotch and Soda Mobile Bar before and was so happy and relieved to see them! Their service is impeccable and their customizable menu makes it easy and fun. They are sleek, stylish and beautiful.. and that's just the bartenders! The decorated trailer added a classy touch to the wedding, and the guests went gaga for the blueberry gin cocktails.

Some of my favorite wedding moments are speeches, first dances and games. The speeches were full of big tears and big laughs, just like they should be. The Maid of Honor absolutely crushed a rap and I don't think I have ever laughed so hard at a Best Man's Speech! The first dance was both beautiful and intimate; guests surrounded the Bride and Groom with sparklers, and it felt like the world had stopped spinning. The patio turned into a dynamite dancefloor, and the party went all night long!

I am honoured to have been a part of this wedding, and really it's thanks to all the amazing vendors. Check them out below! I could not be more thankful to Leah for connecting us, for her amazing photography skills, for everyone who turned a thousand amazing little moments into a spectacular day :)

Planning & Design @eventswjess

Photographer @leahtylerszucki.photography

Mobile @scotchsoda_mobilebar

Flowers @prettypetalsfloraldesigns

Dress @cameoandcufflinks

Bridesmaid Dresses @azazieofficial

Tux @harryroseninc

HMUA @studio150makeup

Tables & Benches @jmwilkinsonrentals

Arch @huxnoakwoodworx

Tent & Lights @bargaineventrentals

Catering @rockymountainbbqcatering