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.

Dan & Darina have a great story … they’ve been together for 13 years, engaged for seven years, and have three beautiful and wonderful children together – Jesse, Liam and Morgan. They are an awesome family!! So fun to hang out with, such a chill vibe about them all. Morgy is my favorite … if I didn’t have a three year old girl of my own, I would say Morgan is the cutest three year old girl ever!

Here are my favorites from their June 6 wedding Lloydminster.

Darina putting on Morgan's new necklace for her

The girls helping Darina with her shoes

Braydee and Morgy

Darina and Morgy

Darina

Marty being coy

Beautiful ladies!

Wedding party

Wedding party

Wedding party

Christine and Braydee

Bride in the bush

Darina

Darina and Dan

Bride in the bush

Bride in the bush

In front of the fountain at Bud Miller Park

Sofie

Buzzy was pretty happy when I threw her toy for her! I loved this shot, with Buzzy and then the kids on the trampoline in the background. The wedding was a true family affair.

The ceremony and reception were held at the Stockade in Lloydminster. This is the sand for the sand ceremony - they had a unique take on it that I haven

The cake was by the Lloydminster Co-op Marketplace Bakery. They always do a great job with cakes! Give the ladies there a call for your Lloydminster-area cake needs!

Centerpieces. Happily Ever After (Kaylie Franklin) did a FANTASTIC job of decorating the Stockade. It looked amazing!

The bottom of the centerpieces. The candles in the glass holders looked gorgeous!

Morgan and Christine coming down the aisle.

A daddy-daughter moment at the end of the aisle.

Darina & Dan held hands all through the ceremony.

The way she looks at him says it all!

The maid of honor in profile. I think Christine is so beautiful!

You may kiss the bride! Lee from the Church of God in Lloydminster was the officiant for the ceremony. He did one of the best sermons I

The Hughes take on the sand ceremony

The many layers ... the beige on the bottom represents God, the blue is Dan, the green is Darina, brown is Jesse, purple is Liam and pink, of course, is Morgan

A family moment

Doing the paperwork

Back down the aisle as man and wife

A kiss for dad in the receiving line

Dan

Christine

Laughter during the speeches

Flowers on the head table

The candle reads

Morgan and Dan

The maid of honor, Christine Hopaluk, is a fellow photographer. She acted as my unofficial second shooter for the day and got some great shots!

Instead of writing a speech to her new husband, Darina had me create a slideshow of photos from their 13 years together. It was a surprise for Dan, and everyone seemed to love it!

First dance

First dance

Daddy-daughter dance

Dan

What

The cake was by the Lloydminster Co-op Marketplace Bakery.

Darina and Morgan were accosted by this troupe of young male dancers. Hilarity ensued!

Morgan & Darina

The shoulders of Darina

Celena, Darina

Darina getting ready to toss the bouquet

One of the princesses caught the bouquet. She was so happy!

A meeting of little girls?

Digging for the garter

I had a great time at your wedding, thanks for choosing me Dan and Darina!