Calgary Wedding Photographer

The Lake House, Calgary

Wedding Vendors

Venue — @thelakehouseyyc
HMUA — @juliajoybeautyco
Dress — @blissfulbridalyyc
Suit — @hueylamsuits
Rings — @peoplesjewellers
Jewelry — @hillbergandberk
Florals — So stunning, by the mother of the bride 🤍

A Note from the Photographer

Paola and Stephen don’t just dance — they feel the music. Watching them move together was effortless and mesmerizing. I barely had to pose them; they flowed naturally, anticipating each other’s steps, completely in sync. Their connection is the kind a photographer — everyone — dreams of.

Authentic, fluid, and full of joy.

They are as warm as they are talented on the dance floor. The smiles, the laughter, the way their family surrounded them with so much love — it was contagious. All of the photos feel alive, spontaneous, and genuine, simply because they were.

And then there was the moment that nearly gave me a heart attack — when Stephen tried to sweep Paola up in his arms when her heels started catching in the grass. He got a few steps in and down they went! By the time I reached them — panic-mode on — they were lying on the ground laughing, completely unhurt. That moment said everything about them: joyful, easygoing, and able to find laughter in anything.

Just truly amazing people — the kind you feel lucky to be around.

How did you two meet?

“We met dancing. I used to teach salsa classes and one day he came to my class. It was love at fist sight haha. He said it was for him too but it took him 9 months to ask me out.”

How did you feel when Paola walked down the aisle and you finally got to hold hands and stand in front of all your loved ones to say “I do”?

“When I first saw her I thought that she looked beautiful, and when we finally got to hold hands the nervousness was gone and I was excited for the rest of the day.”

How was your overall experience at the Lake House?

“We loved the location. The restaurant is so beautiful. It doesn’t need a lot of decorations because it is stunning. The view is amazing, and the food is excellent. Kristen, who helped with the booking and menu tastings, was wonderful. She made it super easy and fun. I wouldn’t change anything.”

What was special about your first dance?

“People had big expectations for our first dance as that’s how we met! So we choreographed our first dance. It was the Ed Sheeran song ‘Perfect’, but the bachata version to make it Latin. People loved it and we felt really good about it. We also loved your idea of practicing it before and you took some wonderful pictures there too.”

Extra Note from the Photographer 🙂

What they are referring to here is us going to the patio to take pictures after dinner. Knowing how stunning they are when they dance, I asked them to show me their first dance they choreographed instead of posing. They got an extra round of practice before dancing in front of all their guests, and they got great shots of their INCREDIBLE moves outside on the waterfront patio, and inside on the dance floor.

What was your favourite part of your wedding day – if you can even pick one?!

“It’s hard to pick one moment. People might assume our first dance would’ve been the favourite. It was one of our favourite moments, but when Stephen picked me up when I couldn’t walk anymore, and then he fell while holding me – that was my favourite memory. I’m so glad you captured that moment for us. That’s when we laughed the most and we will never forget it. I loved that you even made us look great falling with grace hahaha.”

Valerie Richer | Calgary Wedding Photographer