10 &nbs-06:00; 05 &nbs-06:00; 2018

Raissa + Chris
Lake Louise Sun Room Wedding

There is something so special seeing a childhood friend get married, and such an honour to be asked to document it. Raissa and I attended the same junior high where our friendship flourished largely in the band room and on ski trips. General shenanigans which I really can only describe to you as akin to the cringe comedy Pen15 (if you haven’t heard of it, please look it up and excuse the fact I just wrote Pen15 beside someone’s wedding images) were our daily school life. She’s one of the most humorous people I know, stupidly musical (I, however, did not excel at this despite all that band room time), and has such a kind heart.

She met her match with Chris, a fellow musician, who appreciates all things wonderful about her and adores her so. Truly, Raissa deserves the best and she found that in Chris, and oh my heart.

They wanted to host their closest family and friends at a simple wedding, that showcased the Canadian landscape to Chris’ family from the eastern United States. They chose to have a Victoria Terrace ceremony over looking Mount Fairview, paired with a reception in the Sun Room at Chateau Lake Louise. Two unique locations that were perfect for an intimate wedding with thirty-odd guests.

For their first look, they chose to first see each other in the meadow adjacent to the Chateau Lake Louise. Chris waited patiently for her, with his back turned. She asked him to turn around as the clouds parted on the mountain behind them, and oh his reaction may be amongst the most heartfelt I have documented. He quite literally gasped and leaned forward in absolute rapture. Which, you could hardly blame him as Raissa’s skirt had a soft pink hue, a perfect juxtaposition to the wintery white day. She evoked a 40s bridal style with a birdcage veil and striking red lipstick. As the snow began to fall they walked hand in hand back to the Chateau to stay warm before their outdoor winter ceremony.

Tucked away on the far end of the Victoria Terrace, their guests waited. She walked down the aisle with her father, wrapped in a vintage shawl. Her family friend officiated their wedding. The ceremony was short and sweet, it spoke of their adoration and their story. Following the ceremony and some brief time alone, we slipped outside as the snow began to fall in the most snowglobe wonderland fashion, much to Raissa’s delight.

They burst through the Chateau Lake Louise’s Sun Room doors and so began their evening wedding reception. An evening of delectable food, of unparalleled service from the Fairmont staff, of speeches from family and friends, and a sweet first dance infrton of the rock fireplace.

Raissa, dangnabit, congratulations! Chris, you are one lucky man.

To see another Chateau Lake Louise wedding on the Lakeview Terrace and Victoria Ballroom see Grace and Shane’s wedding.

As seen on Wedding Bells’ Pro Tips for Taking the Best Winter Wedding Photos.