Handmade Downtown Calgary Wedding: Kim + Eric

Downtown Calgary Wedding

Our second wedding for #weddingwednesday has a fun mix of some of our most favorite things – gold, glitter, paper flowers, bird details and not to mention, it features the cutest couple around, Kim + Eric! Their photographer, Brittany Esther, told us they’re a laid back couple with impeccable style. And that statement proves pretty obvious once you see all the amazing DIY projects they took on together. All the paper flowers, the flamingos marking the aisle, the “Love Birds” marquee light, the signage and paper goods, the ceremony arbor and the peacock sitting on top of it, balloon tassels, and cake topper…

Brittany tells us more about the inspiration behind the DIY + design, which led them to their beautifully executed day: We wanted to take the parts of weddings that we liked and took out the parts that didn’t hold any connection to us. We kept it small (around 50 people in total) and didn’t have a formal wedding party. We just invited the people who we felt closest too. Our officiant let us rewrite large parts of the ceremony. This was probably one of my favourite things in planning the day. We were able to word it so it was a reflection on how we really feel about love and commitment instead of more general, sweeping statements.

modern invitation

beaded clutch

modern ceremony

ceremony programs

Kim says, I have a background in illustration (check out her work here!) so I spent a lot of time creating the décor ( the arbour, paper birds, paper flowers, signage, etc…). I loved the ability to incorporate little nods to our relationship history (animals because we met at the zoo, ’Treat. Yo. Self.’ because we’re addicted to Parks and Rec, ect…)!

love bird

chalkboard

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Bridal Party: 8mm – Yann Tiersen; Bride: Le Matin – Yann Tiersen

Recessional: I Think I’m In Love – Beck

First Dance: That's Where It's At – Sam Cooke

Downtown Calgary Wedding

Downtown Calgary Wedding

Downtown Calgary Wedding

Downtown Calgary Wedding

gold streamer exit

Watters wedding dress

Can’t decide which we love more: Kim’s “Jacinda” dress by Watters or her garden rose bouquet by Blue Hydrangea Floral Boutique. Let’s call it a tie, shall we?

gold inspired bouquet

Downtown Calgary Wedding

Downtown Calgary Wedding

Downtown Calgary Wedding

Downtown Calgary Wedding

Downtown Calgary Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

I don’t know if I have a most memorable moment. Everything was equally fantastic and memorable. I think my favourite moment though was when we got a chance to sit at our own private table during dinner and just to take some quite time to sit and talk to each other. I can’t remember what we talked about but I remember just feeling like that’s all I wanted to do.

love birds marquee

gold tablescape details

interactive menu

gold painted figurines

gold tablescape details

paper flower centerpieces

gold tablescape details

bride and groom

laser cut cake topper

Eric’s thing is music, so he meticulously picked and organized all the music that played before the ceremony, during the reception and dance. He received tons of compliments on his selections!

first dance

And you won’t want to miss the fun slow motion booth Eric put together himself!

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

We had a short turn around time for planning (six months) and having a short timeline was kind of great! We didn’t have time to second guess the decisions we made and everything worked out excellent. Otherwise I would’ve spent a whole year obsessing about every detail. Don’t be afraid to eliminate/change some wedding traditions and keep it to the things you as a couple really connect with, despite what others may think. Stick to your gut instincts.

photography: Brittany Esther Photography // venue name: CP Rail Pavillion at the Fairmont Palliser // event design: The bride, Kim // planning: The bride, Kim // florals: Blue Hydrangea Floral Boutique // wedding dress: Watters // bride's shoes: Nine West // hair stylist: Hedkandi Salon // makeup artist: Bobbi Brown // paper goods: Kim (the bride) // catering: CP Rail Pavillion at the Fairmont Palliser // cake: Crave Cupcakes // music: iPod // officiant: Sue Saunders // paper flowers: Created by bride (Kim) and mother of the bride // rentals: Special Event Rentals, Chavairi Chair Rentals, Starlite Rentals

Explore: