Jennie & Dan | Al Azhar Shrine Centre Wedding

Do you believe that people come into your life for a reason? That you are meant to meet people and have a conversation or a connection with them? Have you ever felt your heart seem more full because of who you spent a minute, an hour or a day with?  I have, and I do believe that people come into your life for a reason.  Jennie & Dan were referred to me by another photographer for their wedding who was going to be out of the country at the time.  I happened to be in Calgary because I was leaving for a trip the next day and met Jennie and Dan at the Al Azhar Shrine Centre wedding venue.

Within minutes of meeting these two, I was hoping they would choose me to photograph their wedding day. They were just so darn sweet together and to each other.  He walks around the car to open her door, he has her walk ahead of him and makes sure she is okay.  They held hands or had their arms around each other in the most tender way.  Jennie and Dan, thank you for showing me your love.

We toured the venue in and out, talked about how important their family was on the wedding day, and discussed details, timeline, and photography.  Minutes after we parted ways, she texted me "We're in if you are :) We would love to have you shoot our day!" I don't even think I had left the parking lot yet!

A few short months later, (only three) it was wedding day! I went to take photos of the boys getting ready first... but Dan wasn't there! So I drooled over the scent of butter, bread, and bacon (I have both a dairy and gluten intolerance) and hung out with Jennie's dad, brothers, and nephews.  When Dan showed up a while later, he was a flurry of excitement (and maybe some nerves) he greeted me with a big smile and hug.  Knowing how important it was to the two of them to capture family, family, family... I made sure to take in the moments that Dan shared with Liam and Jack, Jennie's sons, and the boys and men that were in the house.  They were laughing, and giving each other a hard time (naturally), and I think they were happy to have everyone all in one place.

I kind of thought that Dan's best man, Brad, was joking when he asked, "Dan you have my tie right?" Dan replied with, "No, you were supposed to have your tie." Only to find out when we met for the first look, that Brad actually had to go find a Moore's and buy a navy tie last minute.  Boys, I tell you.

Off I went to the girls, where it was a house full of littles playing, getting their hair done, and endless "when can I put my dress on?" Jennie's beautiful ball gown was hanging on the barn closet door.  Her mom was getting the finishing touches done to her hair by her other daughter Laura.  Jennie was busy making sure kids had eaten, didn't wreck their hair, and that everybody had what they needed.

When it was time to put the dress on, doors were closed and Jennie took in and enjoyed the whole process with her daughter Abigail, step-daughter Sarah, sister Laura, and mother Diane.  I have to say though, these getting ready photos may be my most favourite ever.  Jennie battled cancer a couple of years back, and I get the feeling that she is so darn grateful for every moment she has with her family.  One of my favourite frames is her naked back, just in her underwear, helping her daughter get dressed.  It is raw and real.  After this, she apologized and put her robe on, but that moment took my breath away.  It is moments and clients friends like these that confirm to me why I do what I do.

You can see, and almost feel, the pure joy and excitement looking at the photos of Jennie putting on her dress, how excited and emotional her daughters are, and how proud her sister and mom are.

Jennie and Dan chose to do a first look at Baker Park... and boy, am I so happy they did.  There is something so special about the couple seeing each other and spending a few minutes just the two of them, without getting right into the official wedding ceremony, and all the wedding guests witnessing it. I totally understand the traditional side of seeing each other at the ceremony, but when you see these photos, maybe you will understand the other side.  Dan turned around to see his bride take those last couple steps towards him and he was blown away.  He couldn't take his hands off of his bride and kept taking a step back just to take it all in. I took the photos I needed and let the two of them take a few minutes just to themselves.

From Baker Park, we headed down the road to the Shrine Centre for their ceremony, family photos, and reception. Their ceremony was about the two of them, and they included their kids as well as the rest of their family.  Their nieces and nephews were part of the bridal party crew, and their daughters handed white roses to each other's grandmas. Their sons carried the rings and vow books down the aisle.  After they said their I dos and made it official, we conquered the near-impossible task of an ENTIRE bridal party photo including the 11 kids in one photo, and the treasured family photos.

After dinner, I almost always sneak the couple outside for a moment or two to breathe, and a few more pictures. They have loosened up, the timeline is going just as planned, a glass of wine has been consumed, and they are soaking in the fact that they are husband and wife.

Jennie and Dan had an absolutely beautiful first dance, complete with lifts and a dip. I was in awe of what they had performed.

But do you want to know one of my most favourite parts of a wedding? The father-daughter dance.  Jennie and her dad took to the dance floor for a couple of moments, and Dan and his daughter joined in, and then Jennie's brothers and their daughters, grandfathers were holding their granddaughters' hands, and little girls were standing on their toes.  I cried while taking these photos because there was so much pride on that dance floor.

Jennie and Dan, thank you from the bottom of my heart for choosing me to capture and be a part of your wedding day.  I loved getting to know you and capturing your story. I wish you and your family all the best, and I look forward to following along on your journey.  Your hearts are so big, and I feel so lucky to have witnessed your marriage and your wedding day.

xo,
K♥︎ 

We are now booking for 2018 and 2019 weddings, elopements, boudoir sessions and the photo booth.  Send me a note at info@katlynjane.com or click  >>here<<

Venue: Al Azhar Shrine Centre
Officiant: Jacqueline Hoare
DJ: El Caminos Band
Florist: Creative Edge
Hair and Makeup: Bride's Sister and Maid of Honour Laura
Photo Booth: Urban Paparazzi
Rental Company: Monster-in-Law Rentals
Dress: The Bridal Boutique
Suit: Moore's
Rings: Tacori from Maxime's