We’re delighted to be back home to capture Erika’s and Christopher’s rustic Canmore Wedding. Absolute fun hanging out with your crew and staying warm with team huddles (plus blankets).
Much love,
~A+R
Words by Maureen Young
“I’m here without you baby
but you’re still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby
and I dream about you all the time
I’m here without you baby
but you’re still with me in my dreams
And tonight it’s only you and me”
~Here Without You, 3 Doors Down
Suja + Tony’s e-session, Urban Bollywood, told a tale of two hearts divided by an ocean as Tony traveled around Australia. As they danced to Here Without You, it seemed a beautiful and fitting song choice.
With family in from out of town, Suja + Tony were considering taking them to the Rockies so we helped get the tourists acclimatised to Canadian weather by taking bridal party + family around Edmonton’s outdoor spaces; from the wheat field to apple orchard and flower garden, being outdoors reminded the newlyweds of their childhood as they grew up with a love of green space.
The guys went GQ and Tony looked uber cool, although not quite cool enough to dissuade his groom’s men from teasing him during the reception! Suja, in her traditional white dress, surrounded by her bridesmaids in traditional saris, had a radiant smile that simply lit up every frame.
The newlyweds delighted in frolicking in the wheat fields even when a seemingly out of place spark of lightening signaled a storm was en route. Nothing was going to take the spark out of their first moments as husband + wife.
For the reception, Suja + Tony changed into traditional outfits, again blending their culture and faith into their wedding. Everyone in the bridal party and both mums had a speech prepared to commemorate the individuals they knew and celebrate the couple they’ve become. Family members also put together videos for the happy occasion.
Strong, bold, courageous, brave… words that described how the newlyweds felt about their respective mums. The biggest thank you of the night touched everyone’s hearts. Suja tearfully thanked her mum and spoke about how her mother has shaped her into the woman she is today. Tony, still trying to avoid being teased by his mates, held back the tears even when he thanked both his mum and grandma for being there for him. Even tears from Tony’s little brother.
Suja + Tony – we had a wonderful day with you & your family. The warmth, love and closeness of your families speaks volumes about you and will be a perfect foundation on which to build your married life. We really appreciated being taken in as part of the family. Tony – love how true an Oilers fan you are! Starting your wedding day in an Oilers shirt and then sneaking it into the reception under your traditional top, genius! Also, a big thank you to your wedding coordinator, Nicole, who along with Suma and Sheeba put together a beautiful day to remember.
Hugs!
A+R
We would like to take this opportunity to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of our wonderful clients for being such troopers! As most of our couples found out from their sessions, they have to WORK for their photos…(contorting every limb and straining muscles they didn’t know existed to get the shot!!)Â Thank you so much again for trusting our vision for us to create their unique imagery. Feel free to explore our latest images on our portfolio website, and be sure to leave a few comments! =)
Words by Maureen Young
“A Sri Lankan boy, An Indian girl… marriage is the beautiful blending of two cultures, two families, two hearts. Today we join our hearts on one love as two families become one.” ~ Quote put together by Suja + Tony’s families
From Oilers fan to dashing man. Tony changed out of his Oilers shirt and his mum and grandma couldn’t resist taking a peek at the little boy they’d raised all grown up and getting ready for his wedding. Downstairs, his brothers were ironing their shirts awaiting the last groom’s man, Jebron to show. Unfortunately he was late & missed out on the guys’ morning (& possibly having his shirt ironed for him!)
Suja’s dress was gorgeous but the crinoline proved to be tricky! Fortunately her family had gathered at the house prior to the ceremony and everyone, uncles included, helped her out. Problem solving how to get the bride into her dress was a fun experience for everyone to bond over as even Suja’s uncles weren’t quite sure how it was going to get done!
Suja’s older sisters, Sheeba and Suma, were on hand to help the other girls into their saris. The house was a vibrant palette of colours as the women closest and dearest to her were on hand to see the girl they’d grown up with (& raised!) before her walk down the aisle. The beautiful saris gave the already celebratory atmosphere a vibrant tone.
Amidst the smiles were the fond memories of a father who passed away too young to see his little girls grow into beautiful women.  His presence was with Suja on her wedding day as a portrait of him looked down on her in her wedding gown. Suma wipes the tears off her baby sister’s cheek.
400 family and friends from around world witnessed the joining of Suja + Tony. As Suja walked down the aisle with her mum, the girls couldn’t stop the tears of happiness from flowing. Tony, wary of his friends teasing him, tried to hold back his tears as his beautiful bride approached the altar.  A choir surrounded Suja + Tony with beautiful music while their guests’ heartfelt prayers wished them well in their married life.
The ceremony was a blend of Suja + Tony’s culture and their faith, with elements from both traditional wedding ceremonies included.
Having been swept away by his bride’s beauty, Tony decided it was his turn to sweep her off her feet and carried Suja down the aisle.
Adieu until Part II… where a love of the outdoors and the love of family take precedence.
Much love,
A+R