Even before Leah + MacKenzie were officially engaged, they talked about what they wanted their wedding day to be like. We know so many couples do the same thing! It’s great to get yourselves on the same page right from the start. Leah + Mackenzie agreed that their day had to be fun, casual and 100% “them”. No sit-down dinners or stuffy venues. So a party in the mountains was a must, because that is where they spend much of their time and that’s where they fell in love! Sounds like a perfect plan to us! I’ll let Leah share more about how the day unfolded:
The day started off getting ready outside, and my bridesmaids put together a champagne breakfast for all the ladies. After we had our first look, we took off to do portraits at the top of an old ski hill. Everyone went straight from the ceremony to the party, and we had a live band pumping out the country music for everyone to do some two-stepping. MacKenzie had even custom-built a round wood dance floor for the tent! Food was served out of a food truck all night long and everyone had Mackay’s Ice Cream for dessert. And when we fell into bed around 4:30am, after being up for about 24 hours we couldn’t get over how perfectly everything had turned out. We had so much fun, lucked out with beautiful weather (particularly for the mountains, it snowed two days later!), and many people told us it was one of the most memorable and favorite weddings they had ever been to. We even had a mama grizzly and two bear cubs show up during the ceremony to check things out! We loved it and it was just so us…
The gorgeous photos from Nordica Photography totally capture the intimate, laid back vibe of the day, don’t you think?
Leah wore a pearl necklace and diamond + sapphire bracelet that belonged to her late grandmother. And her mom and cousin both wore the necklace on their own wedding day, too. Such a sweet way of incorporating meaningful family heirlooms into your day!
This setting is pretty unreal! For all of you Canadian couples who are interested in checking out this location for your day, it’s the lower lake group camp at Kananaskis Country Campgrounds in Alberta!
Processional: Bridal Party: That’s How Strong My Love Is – Ryan Bingham; Bride: Sea of Love – Cat Power
Recessional: Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
First Dance: Dancing Shoes – Green River Ordinance
Leah + Mackenzie, what a beautiful day! Congratulations + best wishes from all of us at GWS!
photography: Nordica Photography // venue name: Lower Lake Group Camp, Kananaskis Country Campgrounds, Kananaskis in Alberta, Canada // hair stylist: Danni Hanson // music: Roger West & the Bounty Hunters // officiant: Maxean Brigley // make-up: Danni Hanson // catering: The Dogfather, Mackay's Ice Cream // invitations: Paperless Post and Wedding JoJo // website: Paperless Post and Wedding JoJo // gown: Pronovias // bridesmaids: Sundresses were from Billabong; Cardigans were from Zara // jewelry: Rings custom-made by The Jeweller's Bench in Cochrane // bridesmaids jewelry: Alexandrea's Jewels
Wow…the word “breathtaking” is appropriate here. Love that they didn’t try to compete with the scenery. Just enhanced it with their love!
Oh wow this wedding looks so nice! I am getting married this year and each time I am totally in love with all the cute ideas from your website. There are so many creative and beautiful weddings out there. Everyone keeps on inspiring me.
We will get married outside, in a garden and here in The Netherlands. Having a bit a ‘different’ wedding is very new to many! Thankfully I can have inspiration from overseas :)
Wow! Beautiful wedding and such a stunning location
Wow. I’m seriously …speechless. Great photography. This location is just ridiculously beautiful. Also, the sign that said “gotta go” made me giggle :)
Just breath taking. The location is astounding as is the photography.
Absolutely breathtaking! The scenery is almost as beautiful as the couple! Absolutely love the location as well as the rustic feel.
Absolutely stunning location and photography! Beautiful!
The location is stunning – what a backdrop for a beautiful wedding.
WOW. these are INCREDIBLE. the photographer did SUCH an amazing job.
Simply breathtaking! Such amazing photography and the location is very unique indeed. Will definitely share and pin.
Beautiful! !! we are planning our camping wedding for July 2015. how far in advance were you able to book this camp ground? a few I have tried I can’t book till February. …This makes me very nervous leaving it that long :(
I’m an Alberta bride and we’re looking to do something pretty much exactly like what Leah and Mackenzie did! Is there anyway I can get her email address to shoot her a couple quick questions about some logistics?
Maggie I have the same question a few years out! Were you able to connect with the couple and create a similar experience for your wedding? If so I would love to connect!
Hi Katr!
Did you end up doing this? Would love to here about, I’m hoping to plan something similar for next year!