Much like their engagement session, Crystal and Kalem’s wedding was a total blast of color with an amazing amount of colorful details. Each bridesmaid’s dress was not only a different color, but also a different style! The amazing leather boutonnieres were wonderfully crafted and oh so colorful. I absolutely loved Crystal’s fantastic and unique dress, which was tailored specifically for her.
This wonderful day started off with a first look, where Crystal and Kalem closed their eyes and joined hands to see each other for the first time. We proceeded to venture downtown to some colorful spots for some creative shots, and from there to the ceremony. Crystal originally wanted to get married inside of an art gallery but that didn’t pan out; what Crystal didn’t know was that her amazing husband-to-be was determined to have her dream come true. Kalem arranged to have the art gallery come to the wedding in the form of local artists who contributed their works for display during the ceremony and reception. What a total sweetheart!! The result was a one of a kind ceremony surrounded by colorful art and I just know it blew Crystal away.
It was clear that Crystal and Kalem wanted the reception to be an event that everyone would remember, and to have everyone completely entertained. The table center pieces included board games, which everyone took to with gusto. Later in the evening there was an amazing rap performance, a burlesque dance show, a drag king show, a popcorn bar… so much goodness! Also, their “first dance” was transformed into a “first Rock Band song”. So freaking cool!
Keep scrolling to see a video of their amazing wedding rapper!!
I really can’t say enough about this fantastic wedding, but I will leave it to Crystal and Kalem’s words – as well as the photos below. Thank you to Glen of Glen Co Photography for his assistance during the big day!
Describe the planning process of your big day!
Crystal and Kalem: “Two things were top on our list as we started planning our wedding day. First, we wanted our guests to have fun. We did a first look, so that there wouldn’t be any boring down-time between the ceremony and reception. Instead, our guests went straight from the ceremony to the cocktail hour. That’s also why we went with board game centerpieces. It’s hard to avoid the fun when there’s a stack of board games sitting right in front of you! Second, we wanted to showcase the things that we love and share them with our friends and family. That’s how our reception turned into a board game, Rockband, art gallery with special performances from local artists: rap, drag kings and burlesque.”
What was your favorite part?
Crystal and Kalem: “The art gallery was secretly planned by Kalem to surprise Crystal on the day of the wedding. It was amazing how many artists lent their work, and how many people worked hard in secret in order for the gallery to take place! The gallery also became a celebration in diversity as it ranged from painting, to sculpture, to photography, to woodwork, to jewelry. The funniest part was that there was a communication glitch between the people setting up the gallery and the people setting up the ceremony, so we (accidentally) got married under a piece of art depicting the original sin (particularly distressing to friends in charge of the gallery, but not bothersome to us).”
Biggest advice to other brides and grooms planning their big day?
Crystal and Kalem: “Do-it-yourself is great, but time consuming! Sometimes it’s better to spend the money to hire a professional and save your sanity. A wedding planner is a fantastic resource, especially for couples who don’t have a lot of free time. Just make sure you do your research and get a great one!”
Crystal and Kalem add: “It was so much fun! People were waiting for Crystal to get emotional and cry, but all she could do was laugh and smile because everything was so exciting! Seriously, if you focus on showcasing all of the things you love, how could you not have the best day ever? As for everyone else, we think they loved the Kiss for a Cure bell. People would donate money for the Canadian Diabetes Association, then ring a cowbell in order to see a kiss. Someone really liked ringing that bell when Kalem was in the bathroom.”
Ceremony and reception venue: Nickie from Mount Pleasant Community Association / Officiant: Jaqueline Hoare / Bridal attire: Dresses by Felix & Kitty Creative, shoes by Shoes of Prey / Groom’s/groomsmen’s attire: Suit by Moores, shoes by Canvas Warriors, custom tie by Creation de Joyceline / Transportation: AMPM Limousines / Hairstylist: Melanie Aresenault / Makeup artist: Sylvie Desroches / Florist: Nicole McDonald from Down the Well Designs / Cakes: Large Cupcake by Shayna Labbe and Marg Hoffer, mini cupcakes by Dolly Krueger / Event Planner: Monica Watson of Reflections Weddings / Stationary: designed by the groom Kalem, printed by Allan Rabie of Xerox Canada / Catering: Connie Quinton from Distinctive Catering / Audio Visual and Lighting: Kristoffer Benoit of Calgary Sound Rentals / Bartending: Straight Up Sassy Bar Services / Wedding website/app: Appy Couple / Performers: Chedda Cheese, Fake Mustache Drag King Troupe, Eva Angel
