Kyle + Amanda
Summer Johnson Lake Wedding in Banff

I know the couple’s names are Kyle and Amanda, but this post is really more about Ben. Ben is the white miniature schnauzer you see in every other frame. While my job as a wedding photographer is very much to document how the couple experiences the day, I also pride myself on trying to capture the day from a guest’s perspective. To capture the moments happening amongst their friends and family that the couple may miss in the chaos that is a wedding day. But for Kyle and Amanda’s Johnson Lake wedding, I found myself visually checking in on my new friend Ben, to see how he was minding his time, what angles he found enthralling, what sights, sounds, and smells drew him. For a few brief hours, he became my muse and so this story is really a lot about Ben.

Kyle and Amanda began planning their day earlier in the year. Johnson Lake has been a special place for them. It is where Kyle proposed, and a natural stopping point on their travels to take Ben on a walk. Johnson Lake is a lesser-known destination in Banff National Park, but an ideal place to spend a hot summer June day, with its warm (relatively) emerald waters, meandering lakeside trail through forests, and overlook of iconic Mount Rundle. So on that afternoon, their families gathered at the parking lot for their arrival before setting off on a small hike to a knoll far from the crowds.

Amanda’s father arranged a custom birch backdrop, and hung on it were florals from Fleurish Flower Shop in Calgary. Then the ceremony began, led by the incomparable Barbara. There she told their story that spanned nearly a decade. Nearby, the most respectful beer pong game was put on hold by the young men. She spoke of how they met, their struggles and joys. In a wooden box made by her father, each guest placed a letter that they had just read to the couple alloud. A testament to their relationship and the support offered them. They turned to each other and spoke handwritten vows. Knowing the importance Ben played in their story, Barbara proposed perhaps he signed the (non-official) marriage certificate. So with an ink pad and a towel, they knelt down and had him mark his approval of the day. He seemed quite pleased with himself for bringing plenty of the lakeside mud to sign with as well. Then they were married. With a shower of petals and a welcoming of hugs. They retraced their steps along Johnson Lake to picnic tables for a post-ceremony luncheon.

Shortly after we explored the Minnewanka loop for portraits. Thank you for having me along you three. Ben, you are the best.

Ceremony Location | Johnson Lake in Banff National Park . Lunch Sandwiches | Wild Flour Bakery in Banff . Evening Reception Location | Chuck’s Steakhouse in Banff townsite . Celebrant | Barbara Parker from Threshold Ceremonies in Canmore . Florals | Fleurish Flower Shop in Calgary . Dress | Reformation . Suit | Hugo Boss

If you enjoyed Kyle and Amanda’s Johnson Lake Wedding you may also enjoy this Sundance Canyon wedding or Erin and Matthew’s day overlooking Peyto Lake