It’s snowing today in Calgary (on my birthday, no less) so it seems appropriate to post Michelle and Darryl’s winter wonderland wedding on this flurry of a day!
Michelle had always dreamed of a winter wonderland wedding, and spent much time planning and putting together the details for the big day. Darryl, who is a friend of a friend of mine, was one of those grooms who seemed more picky about the photography than the bride, which is unusual for me! I’m glad that I managed to meet his standards. :) Though the day was a little chilly, this brave bridal troupe held it together for some outdoor photos (seen below cuddling like penguins to keep warm)! Quite a change from their warm summer-time Engagement Session!
Thank you so much to Michelle and Darryl for including me in your special day, and a big thank you to Glen of Glen Co Photography for his assistance during the day!
Michelle wrote a beautiful compendium of her relationship with Darryl, which I will share below:
“Darryl and I had been dating for 8 years and 20 days before our wedding on November 23rd, 2013. Those 8 years may seem like an eternity to some, but it was in that time that our love and appreciation for each other grew deep. But like many couples Darryl and I could not be more different.
Darryl is a more introspective, quiet man who works for himself as a web-developer and programmer. He is focused and dedicated, and sees all the small details not only in his work but also in life. Darryl asks questions and listens, and is very selfless in all he does. As for myself, well I think our Pastor said it best at the wedding: “Michelle you are not quiet or introverted at all!” to which an all too affirming collective laugh came from the guests. I enjoy talking, singing and performing. I love people and my work puts me right in the thick of it all. I am easily distracted and I procrastinate. As you can probably deduce from this description of our personalities, planning a wedding together came with its share of challenges.
At first it seemed like we disagreed on everything to do with the wedding: the date, the season, the location, the size, the Wedding Party, but fortunately not the budget. My husband is smart and practical and we set the budget early, both of us knowing that we did not want that aspect of wedding planning to break us—neither emotionally nor financially. We realized that if we could both get on board and support each other with this key aspect then we could agree and compromise on the rest.
I had always—and I mean always, dreamed of a winter wedding. I wanted the fresh snow on the ground, trees bare and glistening with tiny white lights and ice, and a roaring fire. I had looked around on Pintrest and I saw absolutely lovely spring and summer weddings, with fresh floral arrangements and bright green foliage, but deep down I knew it was just not for me. Darryl did not care what season it was he just wanted to start our lives together. And I couldn’t have agreed more.
Planning this wedding together solidified even deeper the confidence that I was going to journey life with a Godly, caring and selfless man. Together throughout this process we have learned even more to compromise and listen, and at the end of the day be thankful for the gift we’ve been given—A love to share for a lifetime.
Blessings and Peace to you all!”
Ceremony: First Baptist Church / Reception: Pinebrook Golf and Country Club / Florist: Magnolia Floral Gallery / DJ: RPM Studios Ltd. / Cake/cupcakes: Buttercream Bake Shoppe / Officiant: Rev. Stuart Williams /Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal / Bride’s dress: Calgary Bridal Expo
