When winter blankets Calgary with snow, magic happens at Bowness Park. Justin and Anna’s engagement session was exactly that – a mix of laughter, love, and a bit of hockey rivalry that made for amazing photos!
A Winter Wonderland Engagement Session
The day of Justin and Anna’s session was perfect. It was snowy, and a bit cold, but full of warmth. They chose to incorporate hockey into their photos since sports have been a major part of their relationship. It’s something they bond over, even though Justin cheers for the Calgary Flames while Anna remains loyal to Montreal Canadiens!
What made this session special was how they turned potential camera awkwardness into fun. Both mentioned feeling a little shy about being photographed, but once they got on the ice, all that nervousness melted away.
Bowness Park offers a stunning backdrop for winter engagement photos in Calgary. The frozen lagoon, snow-covered trees, and historic bridges create a cozy winter setting that looks amazing in photos.
Why Choose Bowness Park for Engagement Photos
Natural Beauty Year-Round
Bowness Park isn’t just gorgeous in winter. This 30-hectare park along the Bow River offers stunning scenery in every season. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy playground perfect for engagement photos.
Activities That Show Your Personality
Like Justin and Anna with their skating session, you can include activities that show who you are as a couple. The park offers:
- Ice skating on the lagoon in winter
- Picnics in warmer months
- Walking trails
- Boat rentals in summer
The Bowness Park skating is particularly popular and makes for action-filled, natural photos.
Variety of Backdrops
Within one location, you get:
- Waterfront views
- Rustic bridges
- Wooded areas
- Open fields
Anna and Justin envisioned something silly and 80s style to show off to friends and pretend it was their engagement session. It was a lot of fun!
5 Tips for Planning Your Bowness Park Engagement Session
1. Pick the Right Season
Each season offers something special at Bowness Park:
- Winter: Skating, snow-covered landscapes
- Spring: Blooming flowers, green renewal
- Summer: Lush greenery, boat rentals
- Fall: Golden leaves, rich colors
Think about what feels most like “you” as a couple.
2. Plan Around Activities
Like Justin and Anna’s hockey theme, choose an activity that:
- Feels natural to you both
- Gives you something to do (helps with camera shyness!)
- Shows your relationship personality
- Creates movement in photos
3. Dress for Success (and Weather)
- Wear layers in winter that you can add or remove
- Bring cute accessories (Justin and Anna brought hockey jerseys)
- Consider bringing a change of outfit
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking
- Plan for Calgary’s quick-changing weather
4. Schedule for the Best Light
The “golden hour” just before sunset creates warm, flattering light. In winter, this happens earlier, so plan accordingly.
5. Consider Busy Times
Bowness Park is a popular place. While it can be fun having photos of the two of you centered amongst the business, some couples prefer it being a bit quieter so they can share those moments together without being watched.
If you’re thinking about planning a winter wedding in Calgary, an engagement session is a great way to test how you’ll handle the cold on your big day!
What to Bring to Your Bowness Park Session
Pack a small bag with:
- Hand warmers for winter sessions
- Props that reflect your relationship (jerseys, skates, cross country skis, something cozy)
- A thermos of something hot (Justin and Anna’s choice!)
FAQ About Bowness Park Engagement Photos
How long does an engagement session at Bowness Park typically last?
Most sessions last 1-2 hours. This gives enough time to capture various spots in the park and try different poses.
What if it’s really cold on our scheduled date?
We can always reschedule if the weather is too extreme. But light snow can create magical photos, and there’s nothing cozier than snuggling close in winter shots!
Can we bring our dog to the session?
Absolutely! Pets are welcome at Bowness Park and can add personality to your photos. Just make sure to bring baggies and follow park rules.
Is there parking available at Bowness Park?
Yes, Bowness Park has parking lots, but they fill up quickly on nice weekends. Consider carpooling or arriving early.
What happens if it rains or snows?
Light snow can create beautiful photos. For heavy snow or rain, we can either use it creatively or reschedule if needed.
Ready for Your Own Bowness Park Engagement Photos?
If Justin and Anna’s snowy, hockey-filled session has inspired you, let’s create your own perfect Bowness Park engagement photographs in Calgary! Whether you want action-packed skating photos or quiet moments among snow-covered trees, we’ll capture your unique love story.
The best engagement photos happen when you’re having fun and being yourselves. As you start planning a wedding in Calgary, let’s create engagement memories you’ll treasure forever.
Ready to book your Bowness Park engagement session? Contact me here to check availability and start planning your perfect winter (or any season) engagement photos!
