Canmore wedding: Jessica & Mark

Simple, natural, elegant is how I would describe Jess and Mark’s Canmore wedding. When you read their story, you’ll see that Canmore was the logical choice for their big day. I love the personal DIY touches, the purple and white colour scheme and especially all the floral elements. My jaw dropped when Jess told me that she and the bridesmaids made the bouquets that morning! Although some of us were melting in the heat (ok mostly me, but I’m sure the groomsen were pretty hot too), Jess was cool, calm and absolutely gorgeous.

The story

How/when did the two of you meet?

Jessica: We actually met online! Surprisingly it can work!
Mark: We met online and the first time we met we went for a drink at Schanks.

What did you think when you first laid eyes on your partner?

Jessica: At first, I thought Mark looked really laid back. His eyes definitely stood out. I think his accent is what initially won me over.
Mark: I liked how easy it was to be able to talk to Jess. It seemed like we hit it off straight away, we were able to talk very openly with each other and joke around.

When did you know he/she was the one?

Jessica: I don’t think there was a particular moment per say. I knew I loved Mark after a few months, but love doesn’t always mean someone is “the one”. I think I knew Mark was the one when I realized we could be doing absolutely nothing and I would still have fun because he was by my side, and he could make me laugh no matter what.

Tell us about the proposal.

Jessica: Well I kind of knew something was up since Mark never really plans anything and he wanted to go for a hike in Canmore one weekend. We packed a picnic and hiked in Grassi Lakes. We found a cliff to have lunch and after eating, and fighting off a chipmunk, he got down on one knee. Of course, I said yes!
Mark: I wanted to plan something (Jess says I don’t plan much) so I planned a hike and a picnic. We had a lovely hike and I proposed after the picnic.

What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?

Jessica: So many moments to choose from! I would have to say the exchanging of vows and our first dance. Mark makes me smile and those were the times I was smiling from ear to ear.
Mark: I was stunned when I first saw Jess walking up towards me at the ceremony. She was so so pretty and from that moment on for the whole day I was so happy and excited.

What was the inspiration or reasoning for your wedding style/theme?

Canmore is a special place to us. We often head out there to get out of the city and have some alone time. Usually we stay in a condo so we can cook dinner together and just chill. We like the small town feeling of Canmore and enjoying hiking and walking down main street. We also enjoy Grizzly Paw beer! When we were deciding where to get married we contemplated on several locations… Mexcio, Dominican, PEI, but eventually we decided that Canmore is where had so many memories and it’s a special place to us. We wouldn’t change anything as the scenery was beautiful and simplicity is what we wanted!

Venue: Holiday Inn
Marriage commissioner: Nomi Whalen
Flowers: Jessica and Bridesmaids – Flowers from Safeway and Sobeys
Hair: Traci – Finding Forever After
Makeup: Emily Satnik
Cake: Beth Bastien
Dress: Bridalane Collection – Blissful Bridal
DJ: DJ Ben