Laura and Michelle’s wedding day was the kind full of heart, laughter, and the kind of love that continues to deepen with time. Their celebration unfolded with stunning mountain views in Kananaskis and continued at the beautiful Flores & Pine Venue in Calgary.
Together for more than a decade, they’ve built a life filled with love, adventure, and plenty of furry cuddles and love from their dog (flowergirl Charlie) and cat – their beloved family.
Marriage wasn’t something they rushed into. But after celebrating at friends’ weddings and feeling that spark of inspiration, they realized they wanted a day that was fully theirs — one that reflected the life and love they’ve built side by side. After years of talking about it, they took time to plan a day that felt perfectly them.
Their story began through mutual friends and has taken them from Kingston to Calgary — through career changes, new cities, and shared adventures like camping or paddle boarding under big Alberta skies.
They chose to say “I do” at the Kananaskis lookout which is a place that holds a special meaning for me, too, as it’s near where I married Steph just six months ago. The day was filled with incredible people, laughter, amazing food, and two of the kindest, most genuine souls you’ll ever meet.
It was such an honor to capture their story — one built on kindness, partnership, and a love that feels steady, joyful, and entirely their own.
The Magic of a Kananaskis Mountain Wedding
The rugged beauty of Kananaskis created a breathtaking backdrop for Laura and Michelle’s wedding photos. The mountains rose majestically behind them as they exchanged vows, with the natural setting adding drama and romance to every shot.
Why Couples Choose Kananaskis for Wedding Photography
- Natural beauty requires minimal decoration
- Changing light throughout the day creates varied photo opportunities
- Year-round accessibility for any season wedding
- Less crowded than Banff or Lake Louise
- Stunning views without long hikes
The mountain setting provided the perfect canvas for capturing authentic moments between Laura and Michelle. As the sun moved across the sky, we shaped the light with off camera flash, giving us opportunities for different looks and moods in their photos.
If you are looking for other beautiful Alberta Rocky Mountain locations, you can check out Sarah and Malcolm’s Banff and Moraine Lake wedding.
Celebrating at Flores and Pine
After their mountain ceremony, the celebration continued at Flores and Pine, a gorgeous reception venue that complemented their day perfectly. This beautiful restaurant and event space offers rustic charm with modern touches, and delicious food, making it ideal for Laura and Michelle’s vision.
What Makes Flores and Pine Special
The warm wooden details and elegant design elements of Flores and Pine created a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere for the reception. The venue’s layout allowed guests to mingle easily while still providing intimate spaces for quiet conversations.
The food was exceptional, with locally-sourced ingredients and thoughtful presentation that impressed everyone. Laura and Michelle’s guests enjoyed a meal that matched the quality of the setting, creating a full sensory experience.
Capturing Night Photos that Wow
As evening fell, we took advantage of the opportunity to create some artistic night wedding photography. These after-dark portraits add another dimension to a wedding collection, showing the romance of the couple against the night sky.
Night photos use lighting techniques that create drama and mood, highlighting the couple in ways daytime photos can’t achieve. For Laura and Michelle, these evening shots became some of their favorites from the day.
5 Tips for Planning Your Own Kananaskis and Flores and Pine Wedding
If you’re inspired by Laura and Michelle’s beautiful celebration, here are some tips to help you plan your own Kananaskis and Flores and Pine wedding:
- Book early – Both the Kananaskis area and Flores and Pine are popular choices that fill up quickly, often a year or more in advance.
- Consider the seasons – Kananaskis is stunning year-round, but each season offers different photo opportunities. Summer brings lush greenery, fall offers golden colors, winter creates snowy wonderlands, and spring showcases wildflowers.
- Plan for weather options – Mountain weather can change quickly. Have a backup plan for your ceremony if you’re planning an outdoor event.
- Schedule plenty of time for photos – The drive between Kananaskis and Flores and Pine takes time. Build this into your schedule so you’re not rushed.
- Work with vendors familiar with both locations – Photographers and other vendors who know these venues can help you make the most of both spaces.
Want more wedding planning guidance? Check out my guide to getting started with planning a Calgary wedding.
The Amazing Calgary Wedding Vendors Who Made It Happen
Laura and Michelle’s beautiful day came together with help from these fantastic vendors:
- Hair: Savannah @honey.comb_hair Third Eye Studio
- Makeup: Sydney Raibow – @raiin.beau
- Reception Venue: Flores and Pine
- Dresses: Park and Fifth
- Violinist: Emilien Doucher
Frequently Asked Questions About Kananaskis and Flores and Pine Weddings
How far in advance should I book my Kananaskis wedding photography session?
For Kananaskis weddings, especially during peak season (May-October), it’s best to book your photographer 12-18 months in advance. The stunning mountain location makes it a popular choice that fills photographers’ calendars quickly.
Can we take photos at both Kananaskis and Flores and Pine on the same day?
Yes! Many couples, like Laura and Michelle, choose to have their ceremony in Kananaskis and reception at Flores and Pine. Just be sure to allow enough travel time between locations in your wedding day timeline.
What happens if it rains on our Kananaskis wedding day?
Rain can actually create beautiful, moody photographs in the mountains. I always come prepared with clear umbrellas and know covered spots that still showcase the mountain views. Some of my favorite wedding images have been captured during light rain!
Is Flores and Pine suitable for both small and large weddings?
Flores and Pine can accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Their space is versatile and can be configured in different ways depending on your guest count and vision.
What’s the best time of day for Kananaskis wedding photos?
The “golden hour” just before sunset creates gorgeous, warm light for mountain photography. However, I can work with any time of day, adjusting techniques to make the most of the available light and mountain scenery.
Ready to Capture Your Kananaskis and Flores and Pine Wedding?
If you’re planning your own wedding in these beautiful locations, I’d love to discuss how we can create photographs that tell your unique love story. My approach focuses on capturing genuine moments against the stunning backdrops of Kananaskis and Flores and Pine.
Every couple brings their own story to these amazing settings, and I’m passionate about creating images that reflect your personality and relationship.
For more information or to check my availability for your Kananaskis and Flores and Pine wedding photography, contact me today!
