Ali & Jarrad | Winter Snow Canmore Engagement Photos

I had a great time with these two (and their dog) out in Canmore for their recent engagement session. After the cold snap Calgary had recently been through, it was the first warm day in weeks. It was pretty perfect in Canmore, with freshly fallen snow, but it was still warm enough to walk around comfortably. I gotta say, I love snow photography. Snow lends such a pretty backdrop, and when there’s snow on the ground, it acts like a reflector, filling in shadows and making skin look really good. That makes my job as a photographer easy! We went to two locations while we were doing Canmore photography, the first was up at Quarry Lake, and the other was at the engine bridge. They were both popular spots on a Saturday afternoon; the former because it’s partially an off-leash dog park and it was the first nice day in a while. When we got to the engine bridge, there was a wedding photographer there already with a whole wedding group doing photos! We waited patiently until they had gotten through their portraits and their family photos, before we took our turn on the bridge. I think you can tell from the photos that these two are in love, and up for all kinds of silly fun in front of the camera. We ended the engagement session with a quick trip to Starbucks for some warm up beverages, and then drove back to Calgary on clear roads, on a clear day. All in all a pretty awesome afternoon. Here are a few of the photos!

January 25, 2012 - 3:58 pm

Ali Coles - Thank you so much for taking our pictures Lisa. We had lots of fun too! Cant wait to see the rest of the pics and for our wedding pictures.

January 25, 2012 - 4:30 pm

Kendall - Thesr look SO amazing!! Ah, love, what a beautiful thing :)

January 25, 2012 - 4:32 pm

Brett Petrie - Very nice pics! Great location!

January 25, 2012 - 4:35 pm

Nikki - Great pictures!

January 25, 2012 - 4:38 pm

Andrew Tuck - :) I think you two are awesome. I like how you worked in Ellie.

January 25, 2012 - 4:42 pm

Casey - You’re so pretty!!!… Ali, you too. ;)

J… very impressed with all the smiles :) *high five* Cant wait to see the rest!

January 25, 2012 - 4:46 pm

Chad S - Two Thumbs Up!

January 25, 2012 - 4:54 pm

Melanie Nadeau - Wow!! Amazing photos..I like them all! Congrats to you both, you are a beautiful couple!!

January 25, 2012 - 5:06 pm

Janice Freadrich - OMG…these are spectular photos…I am very impressed with the smiles Jarrad!!! Your photgrapher dis an amazing job!!! good choice…luv MOM

January 25, 2012 - 5:50 pm

kim miller - great pictures,I especially like the bridge ones, the last two pictures are awesome.

January 25, 2012 - 6:00 pm

marthachela - AWESOME!!!! very nice pics nacos!!!!! congratss los quieroo!!!

January 25, 2012 - 6:01 pm

Jarret Miller - Great pics, guys! Congrats! Love it that you got the pooch involved.

January 25, 2012 - 6:06 pm

Melia - I love the photos Ali, you look absolutely gorgeous!
So glad we re-connected this year!

xo

January 25, 2012 - 6:09 pm

Melissa Er - Martha chela told us you´ll win if we post something.. I hope you do. Congrats!

January 25, 2012 - 6:13 pm

Scott - Pictures turned out great.

January 25, 2012 - 6:14 pm

beatriz - Awesome picss!!! Congrats Ali & Jarrad

January 25, 2012 - 6:14 pm

kelly body - WOW… these are gr8 photos, love the cast of characters and the back drop!

January 25, 2012 - 6:17 pm

Martha Chela (mama) - Muchas Felicidades lo mejor saludos desde Mexico

January 25, 2012 - 6:18 pm

Armando (papa) - Felicidades

January 25, 2012 - 6:39 pm

Delee Racz - Congratulations on your long awaited engagement. Your engagement photo’s are beautiful – just like the two of you. Can’t wait to see more…have fun with the planning…embrace every moment and Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…:)

January 25, 2012 - 6:55 pm

Chelsea body - LOVE LOVE and LOVE

January 25, 2012 - 7:36 pm

Anna Kolacz - Super cute! I like the ones with the bridge in the background a lot. I can accept that it was not snowing at the time Ali, lol. Awesome shots!

January 25, 2012 - 7:39 pm

erin - look awesome guys, too cute :)

January 25, 2012 - 8:04 pm

Jenn Charlesworth - You’re engaged? Congrats!! Love the pics!

January 25, 2012 - 9:01 pm

Kendra - Ali you look amazing. Jarrad not so bad either. Miss you guys and can’t wait till the wedding. Xoxox.

January 25, 2012 - 9:17 pm

Judy Wong - Beautiful!!! I love the setting and you both look amazing. You have set a very high standard for what you will have to look like on your wedding day. CONGRATULATIONS!! Love, Judy

January 25, 2012 - 10:00 pm

Katie Goulard - Beautiful photos Ali! Brooklyn thinks you look like a princess! xoxo

January 25, 2012 - 10:22 pm

Trev - Disappointing lack of sequins, but nice pics.

January 25, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Cathy Schneider - The pictures look great! Looking forward to the wedding.

January 25, 2012 - 11:15 pm

Karry - Ali and Jarrad your pictures are fantastic, looks like it was a lot of fun!!! Hope both of you are doing well!!

January 25, 2012 - 11:18 pm

Eddie and Eleanor Mah - What an amazing pictures and the background is great!

January 25, 2012 - 11:32 pm

Michelle - Beautiful pictures!!!!

January 25, 2012 - 11:43 pm

Terry andLenora Whittington - I almost forgot what WINTER WAS like!!!!! Beautiful photos to look at when it’s 30+ here in Austral 22222222ia…

January 26, 2012 - 12:31 am

Karina Gonzalez - Nice pictures, I hope you win. Saludos desde Mexico!

January 26, 2012 - 12:54 am

kendra - Love the one of Ali sticking her tongue out!!! xoxox

January 26, 2012 - 1:05 am

Jen - Beautiful photos!! and such a gorgeous couple! wish you both the very best in love and life!! xo

January 26, 2012 - 1:25 am

Brittney - Super cute!

January 26, 2012 - 1:28 am

Nicole - Beautiful!

January 26, 2012 - 1:50 am

Connie Brochu - Wow! Absolutely fantastic pictures! Love Aunty Connie X0X

January 26, 2012 - 2:21 am

Tracy & Jorge - Beauty you two!

January 26, 2012 - 2:29 am

samcoles@shaw.ca - Sam (aka The Father of the Bride) – She is beautiful and he is OK too I guess….cute couple for sure. I like the snowball fight action pictures – good arm Ali!

January 26, 2012 - 3:05 am

Janet - Great job! We are so happy for you both. Can’t wait to see the rest. Love…the other mom

January 26, 2012 - 3:18 am

Auntie Sharon - Ali

What beautiful pictures and what a beautiful young lady you are Ali. I can’t believe how grown up you are. You do remind me of your mother. Congratulations and best wishes! Love Auntie Sharon

January 26, 2012 - 4:40 am

Brie - Incredible pictures!! So fun! And no better backdrop than those mountains

January 26, 2012 - 5:01 am

Neil - Awesome photo’s Ali and Jarrad! Although, I would have liked to have seen some flames jersey’s in there!

January 26, 2012 - 5:17 am

Lauren - Ali! Congratulations!!! These pictures are beautiful!!!

January 26, 2012 - 5:46 am

Kristie Zimmer - Amazing pictures you guys, I love them!!! I’m jealous of all the nice snow you had in your pictures, haha

January 26, 2012 - 6:55 am

Stacey - You two look great! You both picked a very beautiful location for the photographs. I’m so excited for you both!!

January 26, 2012 - 7:03 am

kirsten - The scenery here is just stunning! The pictures are amazing! Congrats Jarrad and Ali!

January 26, 2012 - 7:18 am

Kirsten - How wonderful! These pictures were stunning!

January 26, 2012 - 12:49 pm

daphne - A perfect match of love and beauty!

January 26, 2012 - 2:20 pm

Tracy & Steve - Awesome pictures guys! Can’t wait for the wedding(s)! :)

January 26, 2012 - 3:16 pm

Janice - Love the big photo with the spruce tree background- my fav
Also love the piggyback pic —-seen that before ……way to Go girl!!!!!

January 26, 2012 - 3:25 pm

Dad - Jarrad you have picked an amazing girl and Jarrad you almost look as good as your dad.

January 26, 2012 - 5:14 pm

Patricia Wilkes - Beautiful pictures!! Congrat’s to the both of you! Happy wedding planning!

January 26, 2012 - 9:29 pm

Cathy Doyle - Beautiful… the pictures and the couple!!

January 26, 2012 - 9:38 pm

L Melnyk - Gorgeous pictures and setting. Congratulations on your engagement Ali and Jarrad. You are a beautiful couple.

January 26, 2012 - 10:28 pm

Karen & Del Jones - Beautiful photos! Congratulations.
Karen&Del

January 26, 2012 - 11:43 pm

Val - Stunning!! (pictures and couple) Congratulations on your engagement Ali and Jarrad!!

January 27, 2012 - 1:35 am

Alex - Great photos! lovely setting and couple. (no wonder you’re a proud mom, Jan!)

January 27, 2012 - 3:10 am

Meaghan - Beautiful pictures! I love the bridge ones, congrats!

January 27, 2012 - 3:20 am

Lori Christensen - Beautiful pictures, what a great location too! (Ali, do you ever look like your Momma! beautiful girls – Jarrad you look pretty good yourself! smile)

January 27, 2012 - 3:24 am

Patsy Hayes - WOW!!! Unreal!!! LOVED IT!! Best Wishes!!

January 27, 2012 - 3:28 pm

Emilie Belanger - Beautiful pics guys! I love the ones with the bridge in the background!

January 27, 2012 - 6:07 pm

Catherine Marchuk - Congratulations on your engagement! Loved seeing your beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing :)

January 28, 2012 - 12:08 am

Doris Freadrich - Terrific photographs of a very photogenic couple. Congrats from Doris & Rick

January 28, 2012 - 5:02 am

Shelley and Dave Anger - GreAt pictures you two…you look kinda cute!

Sleepy Newborn | Calgary Baby Photography

Just one from yesterday’s newborn session with this adorable 10-day old. It was great to see this family again, who I had photographed quite some time ago. Sleepy and adorable…

The Glenmore Inn | Amanda & Jeff Calgary Winter Wedding

Amanda told me that she had always planned on having a winter wedding. And I don’t blame her, they are really beautiful — white snow, festive decorations, what’s not to love? Two days before Christmas we had a lovely, clear, and (fairly) warm winter day in Calgary for this wedding. The ceremony and reception took place at the Glenmore Inn, and we went to the nearby Carburn Park for a few outdoor photos. I felt a little guilty bundled up in my blouse, sweater, scarf, coat and gloves while all of the girls were walking around outside in sleeveless dresses — but they stuck it out! Troopers.

The whole day was laid back, fun and mellow. Both Amanda and Jeff are awesome to be around, and were one of the least stressed couples I have ever photographed on their wedding day. Or at least they seemed to be! Amanda was exceptionally organized and prepared, which I always appreciate, and all of her details (like the bouquets, and her necklace) were just perfect. The reception room, which I snuck into to get a few pictures before the ceremony, was stunning. The mirrored tabletops, the clear chairs, and especially the lighting — wow. Anyway, onto a few of the photos from this gorgeous Calgary winter wedding!

January 3, 2012 - 2:03 am

Evelyn – Sweet Stylings Weddings & Events - Great photos, Lisa! Loving their reception decor — you took some great detail shots :)

Banff Wedding Photography | Lexie & Craig, St. Mary’s Church

I love love love doing wedding photography in Banff. The views and locations are the best — how can you beat water, wilderness, and mountains? I adore both Canmore and Banff and will take pretty much any opportunity to take photos there. Wedding or otherwise! So I was really pleased when Lexie and Craig chose me to be their wedding photographer. We did their engagement photos in Calgary, but it was off to the mountains for the wedding. Both Lexie and Craig and their families were delightful to spend the day with, and had a warm and happy day of celebrating (despite the chill and wind!).

I started the day with a bit of the guys getting ready…

The guys had to look up (online) how to properly pin a boutonniere — and then did it perfectly!

The ladies got ready at another location entirely…

The ceremony was at St. Mary’s Church in Banff.

Lexie brought us to a location overlooking Two Jack Lake (as I recall) for wedding pictures. What a fabulous backdrop, and even though it was super cold and windy, the girls in their little dresses managed to smile through the biting wind.

And then we were photobombed by a female bighorn sheep.

I made a special little ‘Banff wedding photography request’ for us to stop at a meadow I had noticed on the way to Two Jack Lake — thought it was a great spot for some nice landscape slash bride and groom pictures.

Even though it was closed for the winter (sort of… it’s just that the flowers and plants had been dug up), we went to the Cascade Gardens behind the Banff National Park Administration Building for some photos with the wedding party.


And then it was just down to myself with the bride and the groom for some last pictures at Vermillion Lakes. I was so pleased that even in mid-October, there were still some colourful fall leaves on some of the trees.

Craig’s sister did an amazing job designing the details of the wedding — the signage and menus were so cute. Everything had an owl theme. Homemade jams/jellies as favours? Love it. The wedding reception was held at Bumper’s Beef House in Banff.

Owls! So cute! Toppers from etsy.

Thank you both so much for letting me be a part of your wedding day!

November 24, 2011 - 3:52 pm

Sara - Absolutely lovely! You have a fantastic sense of balance in all your pictures, Lisa, it’s one of my favorite things about your photos. :) The bride and groom in the meadow is my favorite picture in this series, they both look very happy and the clouds are gathered around them perfectly to make them the focus of it all!

December 5, 2011 - 7:35 am

Runa - Really beautiful!!!!!!!!

Calgary Winter Wedding Photos | Lori & Tyson

It seems like a short time ago that the grass was still green and the leaves were barely falling, when we did Lori & Tyson’s engagement photos. So for some variety, I was glad that we had a bit of snow on the ground for their wedding day.

These two are truly lovely people, warm and laid-back (yet organized) and were a delight to spend the day with. They were full of smiles all day and their families were obviously so happy for them. I photographed some ‘getting ready’ with Lori, before we went to the church for the ceremony. Onto a few images from the day…

Ceremony: St. David’s United Church
Photo location: Calgary Zoo Conservatory
Reception: Calgary Italian Club

November 21, 2011 - 5:56 pm

Lori - Lisa, thanks for capturing one of the best days of my life so perfectly! I love these pictures!!

November 21, 2011 - 6:36 pm

Lindsay Edey - Beautiful Photos!!

November 21, 2011 - 10:24 pm

Linda Marchuk - Absolutely stunning! Love the artistry and capture of the personalities.

November 21, 2011 - 11:22 pm

Leona Barclay - Beautiful pictures, beautiful couple – sorry we missed it!!! Good looking Mom’s and Dad’s too!! I would appear that it was a very fun time.

November 22, 2011 - 1:21 am

Marg Pickering - Fabulous pics! Your love for each other is really captured!

November 22, 2011 - 2:24 am

Noemi - Thank you for sharing these lovely pictures!

November 22, 2011 - 3:27 am

Eleanor Grabowski - Very beautiful photos. Can see the love in all the photos.

November 22, 2011 - 3:38 am

Gwen Edey - It was fun time had by all. Many congratulations. Great shots of the wedding and of the whole day. All happiness to you both.

November 22, 2011 - 11:07 pm

Lois Edey - Beautiful pictures. A very photogenic couple. Fun seeing the pictures and reliving a great day.

November 22, 2011 - 11:23 pm

Colleen Beaudoin - What an absolute beautiful bride and handsome groom…love, love, love all the pictures. Congratulations Lori and Tyson

November 26, 2011 - 5:31 pm

Norma K. - Beautiful pictures. You both look great.
Look forward to meeting Tyson. Looks like you had a great day.

November 26, 2011 - 8:55 pm

Yvonne - Wonderful pictures of a memorable day.

November 27, 2011 - 9:16 pm

Donna Abbott - Your photos absolutely capture your radiance and the happpiness of the day – lovely!

December 1, 2011 - 10:57 pm

Pat Bell - Love the pictures, they are beautiful.

December 11, 2011 - 1:42 am

Tyson - Thank you so much for the beautiful photos! We are very happy you were able to be our photographer and we love your work!

December 11, 2011 - 1:00 pm

Maureen Fedorus - Wow amazing to see the little boy that was my litte cousin grow into the man who was the groom – you looked very handsome in those photos Tyson and you have choosen the most beautiful bride. The photos were wonderful and allowed me to share a bit in your special day!!