Canmore Wedding Photographer
A Bear and Bison Inn, Canmore
Wedding Vendors
Venue – A Bear and Bison Inn Canmore
HMUA – Nadine (makeup) and Makara (hair) at Julia Joy Beauty Co
Florals – Adventure Florals
Dress – Blissful Bridal
Suit – EPH Apparel
Veil – Blush & Raven
Bridesmaids Dresses – Azazie, Lulus, 27 Boutique, Dynamite, Oh Polly
Rings – Brilliant Earth
And the friends who helped make this dream wedding become a reality
Officiant – Friend and bridesmaid Alexandra did the honours of officiating
Invitations – Friend and bridesmaid Ashley at akpdesigns designed the invitations, including the mountain backdrop from the engagement photoshoot
Music – Friend and bridesmaid Dani curated the perfect playlist for everyone to dance until closing time
Decor – Friend Jacquilynne helped bring the couple’s romantic and intimate vision together by lending her collection of mercury glass votive candles!
Plus, a shout out to all of the family and friends who drove or flew in to celebrate in this special day!
A Note from the Photographer
J+R’s Intimate Fall Wedding at A Bear and Bison Inn
The setting for J & R’s wedding was the rustic and charming A Bear and Bison Inn, a warm, quaint and intimate venue in the heart of Canmore. Nestled against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, with the iconic Three Sisters standing tall, it was the perfect place for them to exchange their vows that reflected their love, and their sense of humour!
J was absolutely radiant and resembled a modern-day princess in her breathtaking gown. The delicate lace, the subtle sparkle, every detail was so elegant.
Capturing J & R’s love was about freezing in time the laughter, the glances, and the genuine moments and connection.
And that connection became even more tangible as she walked down the aisle.
They could not take their eyes off of each other.
The happy tears, the smiles that could not be held back and the genuine happiness took over as they realized they were about to become husband and wife.
J & R’s stunning wedding day was undeniably the start to a journey that will be as remarkable and enduring as the mountain peaks that witnessed the beginning of their forever.
What made A Bear and Bison Inn the perfect venue for your intimate wedding?
“It became clear early in our venue search that we were looking for an intimate wedding filled with our closest family and friends in attendance. It was important to us to be able to spend time and celebrate with each of our guests, and picking A Bear & Bison Inn as our venue was the perfect choice. We were immediately sold by the charming mountain Inn aesthetic and the “everything will be taken care of” mentality of A Bear and Bison Inn.
We had our accommodation, ceremony, and reception, all in one place with no travelling in between locations. Additionally, A Bear & Bison Inn provided a full bar service, sit down dinner, wedding cake, and late-night pizza without us having to coordinate between multiple vendors. We can confirm that all the food, wedding cake included, was exceptional. Not to mention, we did not need to coordinate decor for the ceremony, or tables, chairs and linens for the reception, as this was also provided.
Throughout the months leading up to our wedding, both Brooke and Lonny were incredibly helpful by answering any questions we had. On our wedding day, Brooke became a wedding coordinator extraordinaire by ensuring everything ran smoothly. We cannot recommend A Bear and Bison Inn enough. The entire day ran like clockwork, all the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, and we have heard from our family and friends that they had such a wonderful time.”
“We chose to do a first look and take our photos before the ceremony and this was the best option for us; it helped us get over some of the “This is really happening!!” jitters. Just before our ceremony, we also took some time together to stop and be in the moment and emotion of it all.”
What was the best thing about getting married in Canmore?
“The scenery! Being married in the outdoors and in the mountains was a dream come true. Living in Calgary, we are so lucky to have the Rocky Mountains so close by, so when we were looking at venues it was the clear choice to get married in Canmore, close but far enough away from the city.”
How did you feel during your ceremony and while sharing your vows?
“It was a very surreal moment to step out of the Bear & Bison Inn into the light and see all my closest friends and family, and of course, Russell, looking at me and smiling. One of my best friends, Alexandra, was our officiant and this made the formality of the ceremony more intimate and personal. Russell and I kept going back and forth on if we should do the standard traditional vows or personal vows, finally settling on personal. This was undoubtedly the way to go.
Russell’s vows were the perfect mix of funny, serious, and just overall lovely. I have made him promise to read them to me every year on our anniversary! Ultimately, the best word to describe how I felt during the ceremony and vows is elated. Especially the moment when Russell and I were walking back down the aisle as a married couple – this was the best moment. Looking back through our photos to relive the day, it was all perfect and I truly wouldn’t have changed a thing.” –J
“I was over-the-moon happy. I remember feeling so appreciative of all our family and friends who were there to be with us for such a momentous occasion in our lives. I am so lucky to have married my best friend. Jacqueline’s vows were heartfelt and hilarious. It was truly amazing.” –R
What was your favourite part of your wedding day?
“It is so hard not to say that our favourite part was everything! Being married to each other was truly the best feeling in the world. All the stress and nervousness seemed to instantly melt away, and we were able to enjoy attending cocktail hour and the dinner following, celebrating with our guests.”
“After everything is done, all that we have left are our memories and pictures. Valerie did an incredible job capturing the flow of the day; from getting ready, to formal shots of us with our closest people, to the ceremony, and cocktail hour. It was important to us to have a mix of formal and candid shots and it is no surprise that the candid ones are our favourites! They really are a snapshot in time of our perfect day that we can re-live forever.”
Valerie Richer Photography 