Michelangela + Nick
Waterton Wedding Photographer
When you look at these I hope you feel like you pulled out a shoebox of old memories and dumped them on a table. That there are some you go directly to, those visceral memories that draw you in. Then as you take up each image you find something different, you learn something, you feel something, that each time you go back through you are drawn to a new favourite. That’s how I feel looking back over Nick and Michelangela’s Waterton wedding.
I knew there were moments captured beautifully (if I do say so myself), but what makes me keep coming back is those understated moments and interactions, that tie the storyline together. For this was a day that the universe seemingly played with, they contended with postponements and downsizing, with weather and natural disaster. But they got married. And it was divine.
Their spring wedding was initially planned to be at the Deane House in Calgary – a garden party of family and friends. Then a certain global happening cancelled that. So they decided to hold an intimate wedding in Waterton Lakes National Park with just their family in attendance instead. Then restrictions came into effect and postponed those plans. Weeks to go, the date changed and marked on the first weekend of June.
We all arrived the day before in Waterton – the definition of a beautiful spring day. Warm temperatures, a light breeze, the sun in and out of billowing clouds passing. The forecast for the next day was the same.
In an understated hotel in the town of Pincher Creek, on the outskirts of Waterton National Park, they got ready. Nick, an hour early, Michelangela, with her parents. I so adore photographing getting ready, it allows me time to fall into the flow of the day. To read the mood, to feel the build-up.
Then we set out down the winding country roads to Waterton – on the horizon a building storm. In a field strewn with purple lupines, beneath the imposing Vimy peak they first saw each other. The air that was relatively calm moments, picked up momentum and began to blow north. With it, massive droplets. These two, after everything they had already endured to stand there that day, embraced it all with laughter.
We continued to their unique ceremony location, overlooking the entrance to Waterton Lakes National Park. An intimate ceremony, embracing the natural amphitheatre of the rolling Waterton hills. With personalized vows they were married. The wind congratulating them – because, well, Waterton.
Plans for a reception picnic became a car celebration. One final ‘here you go’ from the universe. Nick and Michelangela? Unphased.
Weeks later we met in Banff National Park since our portrait time was positively thwarted by the onslaught of rain that hung over Waterton National Park that day. Instead, we were greeted early that morning with one of the smokiest days of summer 2021. We all shrugged, what more could you do.
You two, it has been an absolute pleasure to roll with all the punches this past year have served you. I so love your connection, your willingness to embrace what is handed to you, your grace, and your humour. Thank you. I fell in love with Waterton all over again because of this day.
You may also be interested in Faaria and Omar’s Banff Springs wedding, or Cassie and Warren’s Prince George backyard wedding. If you hope to see more these two (becuase they are pretty damn rad) you can check out their Banff hiking engagement session.
If you are looking for a Waterton wedding or elopement photographer, I’d love to hear more about your plans. Please, get in touch.
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