Chelsey & Derek’s wedding
Congratulations Chelsey & Derek! Your Lloydminster and Kitscoty wedding was … incredible.
If there was a formula for the perfect wedding, it would be this one. A morning of rain followed by an afternoon of sunshine; blue skies with big puffy clouds. Post-season lilacs still hung on the bushes lining the driveway of Chelsey’s parents home, where she and her sister – the maid of honor – grew up. A pasture-turned-parking-lot for all of the vehicles, a lawn full of white folding chairs and standing-room-only for late comers to the ceremony.
A beautiful, emotional bride who looks like a princess (with just a smidge of help from Oceana Hair Design and Bridal by Chan), carrying a fragrant bouquet of hydrangeas – her favorite – walked down the aisle by mom and dad. Or in this case, up a small hill to the white lattice arbor painted by the bride the weekend before the wedding.
An ideal ceremony continued into some fun photos at the acreage with a little extra time for Derek & Chelsey to relax with their friends and family before heading off to the reception. Chelsey & Derek live in the small town of Kitscoty, Alberta, which is well-known for its antique stores – I’ve done a little shopping there! – and Chinese restaurant – I’ve eaten there! The couple’s house is located within walking distance of the hall, cementing it as the perfect choice!
It was my first time working in Kitscoty’s new hall, and it is a gorgeous facility! Guests coming into the hall went past the beautifully decorated gift and guestbook tables. The guestbook table featured a large framed print from Chelsey and Derek’s engagement session as well as a 10×20 storyboard they chose, and the guests exclaimed over the pictures as they waited to sign.
Friendly bartenders from the Dewberry Fire Department, where the bride and groom were volunteer firefighters when they lived in Dewberry, readied themselves with rows upon rows of pre-measured alcohol; I could spot rye and rum close at hand. The kitchen door would open and close as the caterers (Colleen Hozack from Marwayne) set the food up, and tantalizing aromas of roast beef and caesar salad teased the guests.
The bride and groom and wedding party – composed of all of the bride and groom’s siblings, plus cousins and close friends – made their grand entrance and then it was supper time! I love wedding food, and I know when Colleen is cooking, it’s always good!
Decor at the hall was done by Glamour & Glitz, who did a great job, with DJ services by the Knights of Sound.
I always enjoy the speeches at the wedding; I know everyone gets nervous when they’re asked to give a speech at a wedding, but I’ve never heard one yet that hasn’t made me laugh, tear up a little or smile like a goon. I love getting to know the bride and groom through the tales of their family and friends, and I love watching their faces – joy, embarassment, tears, laughter … and sometimes all at the same time!
The couple cut the cake – a yummy homemade cheesecake by Chelsey’s mother – and then hit the dance floor. I can’t dance at all – no rhythm – so it makes me appreciate people who can dance! I love a crowd who loves to dance … daddies dancing with their little girls, grown up sons dancing with their moms, grandmas rocking babies to the beat of the music, and hordes and hordes of children underfoot. They chicken danced, slapped some leather, macarena’d and YMCA’d. Great people!
My night ended before the dance did, but I imagine that Chelsey & Derek waited until the guests began to drift home before making their escape, walking hand in hand across the gravel parking lot in the dark, headed towards the lights of home – and the rest of their lives together.
Congratulations Chelsey and Derek, and thank you for choosing me as your photographer! It has been my absolute pleasure.
ShareAbout The Author
Comments