Hello guys…today I am gonna take you to the Beautiful Winter Wedding at Emerald Lake by James Melia Photography.

I was able to extend winter inspiration by one day and share with you an absolutely beautiful wedding shot by James Melia Photography. James is actually based in the UK, as this was a destination wedding at Emerald Lake, Alberta. Destination in Alberta…in the winter? I’m sure you’re all wondering why! Becky (the bride) has a sister who lives in Calgary, so the couple decided to marry in Canada because they love the country. But when it was -30 on the day of the wedding, Becky was given the choice of marrying in one of the rooms on Emerald Lake or outside. And like the troopers that they are, Becky and Danny said they didn’t come all this way to marry inside, so they braved the cold and it made for some absolutely stunning photos. I don’t think we as Canadians could even do that! Love.

The area around Field, BC, and Yoho National Park provides some of the most stunning Canadian Rockies scenery for Emerald Lake wedding photographers. Turquoise waters, jagged peaks, and a natural bridge over a raging river? Count me in!

Getting Ready at Two Different Venues

Sometimes as an Emerald Lake wedding photographer I have to be in two places as once! Becky was getting ready at the Chateau Lake Louise while Danny was at Emerald Lake Lodge, so I started with Becky in the early morning by photographing her and her bridesmaid getting ready. Danny created an illustrated book that recounted how they met and first fell in love with each other… what a thoughtful gift!

Bride opening gift during her Emerald Lake wedding photography
After getting some outdoor photos of Becky and her bridesmaid, I drove to Emerald Lake Lodge to catch up with Danny and the guys and see how they were coming along. As their Emerald Lake wedding photographer, I photographed every moment of their morning from getting ready, opening gifts and of course more traditional portraits.
 

A Perfect Winter Day for Emerald Lake Wedding Photography

It was on a calm and mild winter day that Becky and Danny officially tied the knot in the presence of their family, friends, and their Emerald Lake wedding photographer. The ceremony was full of laughter and tears of joy and it was so wonderful to be a part of it, even if I had to see everything through the viewfinder on my camera! For the couple’s photos, we went to the Natural Bridge and around Emerald Lake, capturing unique angles of the rugged mountains and some creative couples portraits.

 
Emerald Lake is a wonderful location for engagement photos too!

An Intimate Wedding Reception at Cilantro Cafe

As an Emerald Lake wedding photographer, I get to see a lot of wedding receptions, but this one at Cilantro Cafe was one of my favorites! The room was really nicely decorated with lots of rustic, forest-inspired items and lit by dozens of candles. The food was amazing and the band kept everyone on their feet dancing the night away. What a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of something beautiful!

Images: James Melia Photography {UK based, destination}

Planner: Tessa @ Emerald Lake Lodge

Officiant: Hans Lenstra

Hair and Makeup: The Hair Company

Florist: Banff Mountaintop Flowers

Band: Two Bit Bandits

Setup: RockIt Events

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