Kassandra & Justin Lake Minnewanka, Le Germain Residence Elopement, Banff & Calgary, AB

The bride and groom are city dwellers but fell in love in the Rocky Mountains while hiking Mount Yamnuska, just west of Calgary. The pair weren’t interested in a big wedding and liked the idea of doing something unique. Our team of local vendors managed to merge big city tastes with an intimate escape to the mountains for an elopement in the elements.

Bringing together the best of two worlds, Kassandra and Justin tied the knot at Lake Minnewanka before returning to Calgary for a small reception at their home in downtown Calgary.

Styled by Jacqueline Rae Weddings, Events and Interiors, the ceremony was earthy and understated. All wedding day florals boasted bright white roses that were contrasted beautifully with wild forest greens, provided by Hen and Chicks. Looking ever-so-romantic, Kassandra wore a cream silk skirt for both the ceremony and the reception. A three-quarter sleeve top kept her warm for the ceremony and she slipped into a delicate black lace tank for the reception. Avenue Beauty tied Kassandra’s locks in an updo for the windy mountains and styled them down for the reception. The bride’s hair clip and bracelet from Joanna Bisley were wonderfully subtle and well-suited to Kassandra’s taste.

Jacqueline’s tablescape and cake table design were exquisitely modern, featuring items from William Sonoma and Pottery Barn including all place settings, glassware and a custom marble centerpiece. The candlelit cake area was displayed beside a caramel leather lounger and ottoman from Pottery Barn, adding to the polish and sophistication of the evening. Above the dinner table hung a contemporary, one-of-a-kind piece from Modern Emulsions, an artist who specializes in blending effects between resin and acrylics. Lovingly Sweet created a stunning three-tier cake with white roses and more greens from Hen and Chicks. Lovesky Design provided the paper cake top, reading, I love you to the mountains and back along with a paper invite suite consisting of a mountain range with an urban skyline. Sarah Beau Photography, who concentrates her talent on outdoor weddings with adventurous couples, captured Kassandra and Justin’s delightful day in the mountains followed by their romantic evening in the city.