When it was time to decide on a location, this Toronto couple choose the spectacular beauty of the Canadian Rockies for their wedding. Robyn and Joe choose a rustic theme to complement the natural beauty of the region, but personalized the look with lots of pops of color. The result is a darling mountain wedding full of sweet details.
Robyn + Joe
Canmore, Alberta
July 5, 2014
Why did you choose the Mountains for your wedding?
I originally grew up in Calgary, spending most weekends up at our second home in Canmore. I moved out to Toronto for work after university and have missed the mountains ever since. When it came to choosing a location for our weekend, we loved the idea that my husband’s family, who are mostly from London ON, would be able to see the Rockies for the first time. There is no better gift that giving someone that first drive on Highway 1 into Canmore :)
Wedding Day Weather
25 degrees (Celcius) with a perfect mix of sun and cloud
Number of guests that attended
172
What was your theme for your wedding?
Lots of colour :) We couldn’t decide on one or two so decided to bring some colour in to compliment the natural colours of the mountains. And because the mountains are so beautiful themselves, we didn’t want to pick a theme that wouldn’t take away from that beauty. So everything we did was rustic to compliment the natural beauty around us!
Where did you find your inspiration?
I started a wedding book back when I was 6. I have been gathering little details ever since I was little and so I would say I’ve found my inspiration from books, blogs, Pinterest (of course), other weddings etc from over the years.
Your budget
$40K – $60K
Biggest Splurge
Silvertip as the venue but SO worth it.
Biggest Savings
Bouquets for our flower girls assembled by hand.
What was your favorite part of the reception?
The speeches! I truly believe that this is one of the reasons to have a wedding. Two people can decide to go and get married, but the reason to have a wedding is to bring all these lovely people together and share in the day. And the speeches are such a wonderful opportunity for wedding guests to hear stories they may not have heard before and create even more of a connection to the bride and groom.
What are three things you’re super glad you did?
- Hired the BEST photographer. Not only does Jarusha truly have such a lovely demeanour and is so incredible to work with, she is also incredibly talented. She captured us as US, not a more dramatic version of ourselves. So well done.
- Hired the BEST videographer team (Hello Tomorrow). A lot of people think that video is ‘an extra’. I would say it is just as important as photos as you can hear people’s voices and brings you back to moments that you may have missed as the bride or groom.
- Gave people enough notice that if they wanted to come out West for the wedding they could. This meant that a lot of our guests were able to plan a vacation around our wedding and really enjoy their time in the mountains.
What was the biggest challenge in planning your mountain wedding and how did you overcome it?
Planning from out in Toronto was tricky. I was lucky to have my mom and dad in Canmore. Still, it was hard to plan from afar.
So we quickly realized we needed some help. We hired Callandra from Postcard Weddings and what a LIFESAVER! She came in and whipped our wedding into shape and made sure that everything ran so smoothly. I can’t even imagine what we would have done without her.
How did you find and choose your vendors?
I had done a bunch of research online and our photographer, videographer team, florist, reception location and planner had all received such incredible feedback. I also chatted to other brides who had gotten married in Canmore to hear from them on what worked and what didn’t.
What is your best piece of advice to other mountain brides who are planning their weddings?
- If you’re in the Canmore/Banff area, hire Postcard Weddings to plan your wedding. You will never regret it.
- Have a back up plan. It may snow or rain or hail on your wedding day. We all know the weather is unpredictable. Choose a back up location so you don’t have to worry!
- Don’t forget that your guests may not have spent as much time in the mountains as you, so ensure they are prepared. Ask them to bring layers, the proper gear, and the proper footwear, etc. so they can get out and enjoy the mountains!
Canmore Wedding Vendors
Photographer: Jarusha Brown Photography | Second Photographer: Blair Marie Photography | Videography: Hello Tomorrow Wedding Films | Bride’s Dress: Lowon Pope (Toronto designer) | Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN | Ceremony Musicians: Ensemble Cascade | Ceremony Venue: Rundleview Parkette ( via the Town of Canmore) | DJ: Clear & Software DJ Services, Bruce Hanishewski | Florals: Flower Artistry ( Calgary) | Hair: HedKandi | Make-up : Teslin Ward | Officiant: Bob Dunn | Reception: Silvertip Resort | Transportation: Discover Banff ( blue bus) & Southland Bus ( School bus) | Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff | Design/Decor: the Bride her Mom & Postcard Weddings & Events | Stationery: DIY | Wedding Month Planning & Coordination: Postcard Weddings & Events
Mountainside Guide
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See Postcard Weddings’ portfolio HERE.