This was a special wedding for us. I connected with Anna around twelve years ago, in the beginning of the social media craze, on a site known as MySpace. I was beginning my photography business, and Anna was an artist, poet, photographer, and all around creative. What really drew me to her was her sincerity and kindness. Although we hadn’t met, she seemed to always have the sweetest outlook. Over the years we continued to follow each other on life’s journey, and she was a constant support to me.
One day I received an email from Anna sharing that she was getting married! Going to Florida to photograph her and Mike wasn’t even a question in our minds! So, after many years of “knowing” each other we finally met in real life two days before her wedding! She was just as sweet and delightful as I imagined, and had found a man who is head-over-heels in love with that big heart of hers…
They had a beautiful rustic style wedding at a gorgeous venue in Plant City, Florida. Anna’s dress reminded me of the 1920’s and absolutely topped my list for most favorite gown.
Of course she finished off the look with these lovely boots!
Meanwhile Mike and the boys were getting ready and looking dapper…
Anna helping her oldest boy with his hair :)
There were a couple points in this wedding where my eyes were tear-filled. One was when her two sons so proudly walked their sweet mama down the isle to Mike, who was wiping tears away himself.
The cord signified them joining together as a couple, and then the boys were joined in as well.
Mike, it was so precious witnessing the way you love Anna.
Anna, you’re simply stunning.
And then the moment when Anna’s eldest son danced with her…
He was holding her so tightly and gazing up with such love and adoration. Then her little guy joined. Heart melt!
Anna and Mike, your day was as near perfect as could be! Thank you so much for inviting us to be among your family and friends to witness the beginning of your life together. Much love and happiness to you both!
Jess & Brett
jess
Artist, wife, mama of four.
Lover of life
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Balance
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I have been more than eager to share these wedding images. Not only because we were privileged to photograph a beautiful bride and handsome groom amidst a surreal, jaw-dropping backdrop, but because that beautiful bride happens to be my eldest niece. At 13 I was her first babysitter. I practiced my photography on her when she was 4, 5, 6. I photographed her senior photos, her college grad photos, her “I got my own dog” photos, and now here we are. Wedding.
A few months ago I shared her and Kurt’s engagement session in charming Savannah, and we had since been counting down the days before heading to Canada. Kaitlyn and her sweetie are both laid-back and keep plans very minimal. Although they considered the traditional big wedding route, they opted for an intimate ceremony with only their close family in a gorgeous, new surrounding they had dreamed of visiting. They chose to fly into Calgary, stay in the quaint town of Canmore, and it wasn’t until we were already there that we selected a place for the wedding. I have met quite a few easy going brides, and my niece certainly was one of them.
The day before the wedding we hiked around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to get ideas. We found our spot, told our small group of family that was attending, and that was that. It was so simple and relaxed, and everything went smoothly.
Did I mention we had to do a bit of hiking to get to the wedding site? She came prepared.
Kurt got ready with his family at the gorgeous cabin they rented.
We had no phone service out there, so I was nervous about coordinating the hike up and keeping Kurt from seeing Kaitlyn too early. It all worked out and he didn’t see her until she came up the hill with her father.
Did I mention my brother officiated? After he played guitar for her, he quickly switched over to marrying. :)
They chose a place that was off the main path. As such, family was scattered around on the nearby rocks. In the top of the photo (shown below) you will see all of the uninvited guests. We had around 20 tourists taking photos and even sitting down to hear the ceremony. One gentleman came down to take photos right beside us!
Seriously, they chose this spot the day before. Could it have been more perfect?
We had been praying the weather would hold up for us, and it did. As soon as the ceremony and family photos concluded, the wind picked up, and you could see the snow sweeping across the mountains. It was blowing down over the lake and looming closer and closer to us. It started to drizzle as we began our descent. All I could think about was PORTRAIT TIME and hope that the rain would pass quickly.
And it did pass quickly. Family loaded up in the cars and headed back towards Canmore where we would be gathering for dinner, while Brett and I took the couple off for photos.
Not much could top the aqua blue of the lake, that is until we passed this amazing aspen grove. We’ll call it a tie.
And my favorite image…
Peaceful. Muted tones. Relaxed couple. Nature. (It will be hanging in our house soon, Kait.) :)
The purple-hued mountains among the mustard leaves…heaven.
Kaitlyn and Kurt, thank you for the adventure. I’m proud of you for doing what you wanted and making it happen. It was an honor being there to document and witness your love.
We love you guys!
Aunt Jess & Uncle Brett
jess
Artist, wife, mama of four.
Lover of life
find out more »
Balance
We’re opening up about our lives and sharing the quest for balance we all struggle with.
find our more »
Every single one of these is more gorgeous than the last! What a perfect setting!
Absolutely gorgeous! Of course I’m biased…….but these pictures are stunning! The bride, the setting, and the photography….all perfect!! Love you guys and thank you so much!!! Jess, you and Brett are simply amazing!