Today Tony and Theresa were married in an intimate ceremony at Mount Zion Lutheran Church.  Pastor Darryl is a great man and he had wonderful words of advice.

Tony had a surprise for Theresa.  He presented her with wedding rings from his Great Grandmother.  The rings were over 100 years old!

Next we went to Edmonton City Hall for the pictures.

Here’s a picture of Tony and Theresa getting a little too close to the ice on the frozen pool.

Tony and Theresa put on the attitude…

…then had some fun!

Congratulations Tony and Theresa!

We started the 2008 wedding season off with the very romantic wedding of two spirited people.  Melissa and Shaun’s wedding at the Wiesenthal Baptist Church just south of Leduc was a beautiful winter event.  We started off taking pictures of the couples getting ready.  Here are a couple of Melissa at Shear Sensations salon in Leduc.

Melissa’s dress is beautiful.

Shaun and the guys got ready at the Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton.  In this first picture Shaun is careful to not shave off his signature soul patch.  He told me the story of how after was at Mount Everest his beard was very long.  He returned to base camp and when he was in one of the villages he shaved off his beard but he was either exhausted or did not have enough oxygen in his brain and he even shaved off the soul patch.  It was the first time in many years that he had no facial hair and he has been careful to leave a little patch of it ever since.

Here is a picture of Shaun right before we left for the church.

Melissa’s family church, the Wiesenthal Baptist Church, is a really cute chapel just south of Leduc.  Inside it has gorgeous red carpets and a nice high wooden ceiling.

After the couple had this kiss that minister said, “Not bad for a first time.”

We went to the Leduc Civic Centre to take the family pictures.  The Civic Centre in Leduc is a beautiful location with plenty of greenery inside.  It looks like the atrium area of the Citadel Theatre.  When it came time for the father and son picture they came up with this pose themselves.  How debonair!

Shaun just purchased a new Nikon D300 Camera which he plans on using for the couple’s trip to Mexico, Belize, and Guatamala.  He started taking a few shots of Melissa with it and I gave him my Pocket Wizard remote lighting trigger so that he could take pictures of her with some flare!  Here is Shaun trying his hand at being a wedding photographer.

We then went to Telford Lake Park to take a few pictures of the couple with the beautiful blue sky behind them.

The next stop was the Legislature.  On the way there the bridal party picked up McDonald’s cheeseburgers.  Here is our cheesy cheeseburger shot.

Melissa and Shaun you were a lot of fun to work with.  Who knew that Shaun was such a fashion photographer?  We wish you all the best on your voyage and in your life and we look forward to seeing you again in the spring.

We ended the year with a blast; the marriage of Sukaina and Ali.  This was our first Muslim wedding ceremony.  It was performed in the Persian style at Sukaina’s parents’ house.  It was one of the most intimate wedding ceremonies that we have attended.  We were present for four days of the multi-day event.  We were able to witness many beautiful moments.

Thursday - Mendhi and Trashing

The first day started with us going to Sukaina’s house where she was getting her mendhi (henna) applied.  It is a very delicate procedure and the artist from Toronto was amazing.  She wants to study to be a surgeon and with those fingers and attention to detail she will surely succeed.

Sukaina’s bridesmaids got to relax with her while she had her mendhi applied.  We listened to Indian music videos during the evening.  This is the first time that two of the girls had tried on Indian clothes.

 The Mendhi looks the best when it is freshly applied.

The ceremony cannot start until the groom finds his name on the bride.  Can you find Ali’s name in the mendhi?

At Ali’s Auntie’s house they were performing ceremonies.

Then we witnessed a ritual like none that we had ever seen before.  The ‘trashing’ is when the bridesmaids and the groom’s family get a chance to mess up the groom before he gets married.  They covered him in syrup, silly-string, cotton balls, and a mess of other things.  Of course the groom gets to fight back and we got to see some pretty fun and sticky wrestling.

Friday - Ladies’ Mendhi Party

Friday night was Sukaina’s Mendhi Party at the Meridian Banquet & Conference Centre where the ladies attending the wedding had mendhi applied.  There were ceremonies and dancing.

Sukaina was fed Smarties throughout the ceremonies.  Traditionally the bride and groom are fed nuts and desserts by family members, however, Sukaina has a sensitivity to nuts so the Smarties were a safe (and tasty) alternative.

Saturday - Wedding Ceremony and Dinner

We started our Saturday out at Sukaina’s house where she had her makeup applied and gems attached to her mendhi.  Her amazing wedding outfir was from Dubai and was very heavily laden with jewels and beads.

Ali arrived and the ceremony began.

A gorgeous veiled Sukaina came down the stairs.

Sukaina was veiled throughout the ceremony, and the veil was removed after they became husband and wife.  The first time that Ali saw Sukaina’s face at the ceremony was through a mirror opposite to them when the veil was removed.

This is a picture of Sukaina through the mirror.  She looks stunning.  Like a movie star.

Family members ground sugar over the couple’s head to ’sweeten the relationship’.

Sukaina leaving her family’s house as a newly married woman.  A very emotional time, especially since she is leaving her family in Edmonton to begin a new family of her own in Houston.

We headed to City Hall for formals since it was freezing outside!

Sukaina and Ali stayed at the Hotel MacDonald and we were able to take some beautiful portraits of them there.

Saturday night was an intimate dinner at Ziveli’s restaurant where family and friends relaxed and enjoyed good food and good company.  It was the first time we’d seen a groom feed wedding cake to one of the kids at the wedding - it sure made him happy!

Sunday Morning - Breakfast

The newly married couple arrived at Ali’s aunt’s house for breakfast and gifts.

A ceremony is held when the couple enters the family home where they jump on to small pots.  Whoever breaks their pot first will rule the household.  A similar ceremony was held at Sukaina’s house on Saturday and Sukaina broke hers first, therefore officially wearing the pants in the relationship.  On Sunday, Ali got a head start….before Sukaina even had her shoes on!  Judges rule: it’s a tie!

We couldn’t help but join in the gift giving.  Over the last 4 days we’ve felt like members of the family, and wanted to express our joy at being part of this wedding.  We presented Ali and Sukaina an album of some highlights over the days of the wedding, something they can take with them back to Houston while we work on their wedding album.  I’m happy to say that they loved it!

Sunday Evening - Reception

Now here’s where our couple really showed their true love and passion for one another.  They braved chilly temperatures at the Royal Alberta Museum for some amazing nightime portraits.  Keep in mind that Ali is here for the wedding from Houston!  With love to keep them warm, you can’t even tell how cold it was out there.  We are constantly amazed by what our couples will do to ensure the best photos.

Sukaina and Ali held their reception at the Meridian Banquet and Conference Centre (http://www.meridianbanquets.ca/).  It was a great party!  The couple had a unique second cake made of several mini cakes.  Yum!

The bridesmaids presented Ali with some rules for taking care of Sukaina

Congratulations, Sukaina and Ali!  You are a beautiful couple, and we wish you a blessed future together in Houston.  Come back and visit often!

We’re in the midst of an amazing wedding (one more event to go tonight!).  Want to find out who this stunning bride is?  Come back in a few days and we’ll have all the highlights….

Today was the wedding of Megan and Tyler.  What a wonderful winter day!  The sky was completely clear and a beautiful blanket of snow covered Pigeon Lake.  The ceremony took place at the quaint Rundle’s Mission.  It was a warm ceremony in the log cabin with a fire crackling in the stone fireplace.

 After the ceremony we walked out onto Pigeon Lake for some gorgeous sunset pictures.  How many couples get to have their photos ON the lake?  This is the Alberta version of beach wedding photos.

It was a treacherous hike back up the shore from the lake.

 Megan and Tyler braved the cold and did snow angels on the frozen lake.

The new husband helped his bride up the stairs.

Back at the cabin, the party warmed up in front of the fire.

 The reception was held at Mulhurst Bay Community Centre.  The food was wonderful and the speeches were hilarious and touching.

Michael was pumped for some dance pictures!

After the first dance the crowd really started having fun!

What a beautiful winter wedding in a perfect setting.  Megan and Tyler we wish you all the best!

Today was Megan and Tyler’s wedding and although it’s late and we’re pretty tired from the day here is a preview of the gorgeous pictures to come….

I was privileged to be a part of a very intimate ceremony yesterday afternoon.  Erica and Joseph were married at the Sacred Heart Church witnessed by a close group of family and friends.

Erica and Joseph are true Albertans, braving the cold on a chilly November day!

The couple opted for indoor family and couple photos in a beautiful atrium setting at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre Edmonton.

Erica and Joseph, congratulations!  Thank you for including Shandro Photo in your beautiful day.

Dena and Kevin declared their committment to each other in front of family and friends yesterday at the Northern Bear Golf Course (http://www.northernbeargolf.com/).  It was a unique wedding, with the pictures with the bridal party first, and an evening ceremony followed by an appetizer reception.  It was freezing cold during the photos, but you can’t tell by the smiles on Dena and Kevin’s faces.  Thank you for inviting us to capture your wedding.

Dena put her skills as a mom to work helping her sister/maid of honour with her bridesmaids dress.

Dena was a stunning bride…

…and Kevin looked pretty good too!

Dena spends a lot of time at the University of Alberta these days, and had scouted a perfect spot for some unique portraits.

Dena also had a beautiful spot in mind in Sherwood Park - thank you so much for introducing us to this spot!  I’m sure it will inspire other brides in that area for a photo location.

Here is a shot of the Northern Bear Golf Course clubhouse, a romantic setting for the wedding ceremony.

Kevin chose his 3 brothers as groomsmen (can you spot the resemblance?).  This was apparently the brothers’ first scrum - something Kevin came up with for the photos.  We’re not really sure why, but it works!

May we just say….yowza!  3 goregous bridesmaids in 3 gorgeous dresses.

Dena was overcome with emotion during the ceremony.  It’s always rewarding as a photographer to capture a moment like this.

 Dena and Kevin shared this day with their beautiful daughter, Mataya.

 Dena’s mom made her tiara and veil for the special day.

These two girls were so cute dancing together!  They were dipping each other, just like the bride and groom.

Congratulations Dena and Kevin!

I was so excited about Michaela and Shawn’s photos from today’s wedding that I had to get them up on the blog right away.  We had a wonderful time with them, and wish them happiness as they start their life together.

The later we get into October, the more surprised we are by how the weather is holding up for our couples.  Other than a bit of a cold breeze, the day couldn’t have been better for Michaela and Shawn.  The ceremony was held at St. John Bosco church.

Michaela and Shawn chose Rutherford House for photos, which is a beautiful setting for old-fashioned and romantic photos (on the inside) and stylish group photos (on the outside).

Michaela has the most beautiful green eyes we have ever seen - can you tell she’s of Irish descent?

Some members of the U of A Pandas were on a scavenger hunt, and needed to get a photo in front of Rutherford House.  They asked Michaela to be in their picture to up their creativity points…we hope you won the hunt!

We hit the Legislature for a few more photos.  Luckily, we were a little later in the day than all the other bridal parties and we didn’t have to fight with anyone for the grand staircase at the Legislature.  Not an easy feat on a Saturday!

The reception was at the Old Timer’s Cabin, and we were happy to return for another fabulous meal.  Here are two of our favorite pics:

Congratulations, Michaela and Shawn!  Thank you for letting us be a part of your day.

The countdown is on…3 more weddings in 2007….on to 2008!

Sunday was the big day for Andrea and Dustin at the Old Timer’s Cabin.  We had heard about Andrea’s dress quite some time ago, and were anticipating the real thing, but we couldn’t have imagined how breathtaking she looked.  She and Dustin are both unique souls and looked fantastic as a pair. 

Here’s Andrea, giving us some attitude.

In place of a traditional bridal party, the couple had a ‘circle of friends’ made up of their closest friends.  So of course, we took a photo of them in a circle! 

Andrea and Dustin’s ceremony was very touching, and emotional, although we all shared a good laugh when Dustin promised to be a good ‘husband, wife, lover, and friend’.  It took him a moment to realize what he had said…

The couple was danced down the aisle by jig dancers, Dustin’s nieces.

Michael and I aren’t sure what the inside joke here was, but it sure made for an interesting photo….

Congratulations Andrea and Dustin.  We certainly felt your love and bond when we were in your presence, and we are lucky to have witnessed the formation of the Moses-Cooper family.