Rebecca & Kosta | Beverly Heights Community Hall Greek Wedding

Becky and Kosta were married in June at the Beverly Heights Community Hall, bordering the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton.  To say that we were experiencing a downpour the week of their wedding would be a severe understatement.  I made arrangements for plan B to go to a greenhouse for Becky and Kosta's first look and bridal party photos in case it was raining on their wedding day.  Somehow we lucked out with a cool but dry day in June and had a typical bipolar weather day in Alberta.  Cool sweater weather until the afternoon where we were baking in the sun... thanks a lot, Edmonton ;)

I first met Becky and her mom over tea at Woodrack Cafe in Edmonton to learn more about them and their wedding. (Side note: if you are in Edmonton... stop what you are doing and go to Woodrack! Everything is so good, and I want to decorate my home like their cafe) Back to my story... Becky and her mom, Sandra, were so sweet.  Sandra kept saying "we are going to have ____ for 'our' wedding" and "for our wedding we are going to be _____."  I think it is awesome when family and friends are emotionally invested in the wedding planning with the couple.

Something I never do when I meet clients is pressure them into booking. Planning a wedding is stressful for couples, and you don't need a photographer or vendor pressuring you to spend thousands of dollars with them because the date might book up.  It is a large purchase and a commitment to choose a photographer, wedding planner, venue, etc. But I always celebrate and do a little happy dance when I hear back from clients after our meeting and they say "we would love to have you as our photographer."

Becky and Kosta opted for a winter engagement session in Millcreek Ravine in Edmonton, one of my favourite locations in the city for sure.  They were great sports in the cold and the snow, and I am sure they were happy they were planning a wedding for a month that was going to be warmer.

Becky and her girls got ready at Rock It Out Salon and then headed to Sandra's house to get dressed. I kind of love when the bride gets hair and makeup done with all her friends, but then takes a step back and takes a quiet moment with her mom and sister to get dressed.  The bridesmaids can then be surprised when they see their best friend as a bride. The wedding day is a bit of a whirlwind as it is, so I will always encourage couples to take some time away from the busyness.

The couple opted for a first look, and I will go into how much I love first looks in another post... Becky and Kosta arrived at the park in vintage cars (swoon).  Becky wanted Kosta to see her get out of the car and walk towards him, and I think he was blown away at how beautiful she looked as she walked towards him. I let them take a couple of moments to themselves and then we moved in to taking the bridal portraits.We headed back to the house so Becky could give her bridesmaids their gifts and spend a couple more moments before things got too hectic. 

Kyle and I drove to the venue and game planned as they had to move the ceremony inside because of the threat of rain to their outdoor ceremony plan. Their ceremony was quite emotional, so it is a very good thing I always wear something with pockets so I have tissues for moms, grandmas, dads and whomever else might need them.  Becky's mom sat down and realized she didn't have tissues, but I had enough to share. It is always really sweet watching loved ones' reactions to the bride walking down the aisle, and to the groom's reaction as well.

After a sweet, and at times funny, vow exchange Rebecca and Kosta sealed the deal with a kiss, and signed the registry.  We headed outside and took a giant group photo and then took family photos and some bridal party photos.

Once we were done with pictures it was time for the reception, dinner was served and then the fun began! Belly dancers arrived as entertainment as dinner was wrapping up.  If you have ever seen belly dancers live you will know how it works, if you haven't... they will wrap their scarf around you and you have to get up and dance.  The bride and groom made their way to the dance floor, where white plates were waiting on the sidelines for them...

Wonderful speeches from their parents, siblings, and best man offered a break from dancing.  More Greek dancers arrived to entertain the guests, the groom and his brother's did a traditional dance and then the bride and her sister in laws surprised the boys and the guests with their own traditional dance.

This wedding was a GREAT way to start off our wedding season. I mean when there is plate smashing how could you not have fun?!

Congratulations Becky and Kosta, thank you for having us around to capture and be a part of your wedding day!
xo,
k & k 

Wedding Officiant: Julie Tkachuk
Flowers: Costco and Flowers by Heidi
Caterer: Naks Catering
Cake and Cupcakes: Triple L Cakes
Salon: Rock it Out Salon
Photo Booth: CutiePics Productions
Décor Rentals: Special Event Rentals
Bride's Dress: Bridal Debut - Kitty Chen
Suites: Derks
Jewelry: Independent Jewelers & Bridal Debut