I’ve known Alysha my entire life as she grew up just down the street from me in Calgary. The family ended up moving & we’ve recently reconnected on Facebook just a few years ago! Alysha & Kris decided that after 7 years together, it was time to make things official, so with their two beautiful children & the rest of their loved ones watching, they vowed to be together forever, & I was there to capture it all!
I arrived to a very calm Bride sitting on the front steps of her Aunt & Uncle’s house, gathering her thoughts. Alysha of all days was battling the stomach flu 🙁 & She was such a trooper! There was chaos in all directions & everyone was running around getting things ready! I got started with the details…. & a place where you can’t find a spot to shoot, is almost as bad as having too many spots to chose from! This house was absolutely incredible & full of natural light – eeeep! I walked around aimlessly for 5 minutes before I finally decided where to put her dress hahaha all these rooms were sooo amazing! Alysha’s got her makeup done by her Maid Of Honor Megan & then her hair done by her sister Shauni, while the other bridesmaids were getting themselves organized & taking care of all the little ones. Talk about a team effort! We had everyone gather in the bedroom where Alysha gave each bridesmaid & her Mum a sweet gift & the tears were shed as they read their cards. Such special moments! It was finally time to get Alysha in her dress, & again it was another big team effort! Alysha’s Mum Michele, handmade all the dresses & even customized the wedding gown! So Michele literally sewed her into the dress as the others helped along the way, putting on shoes & the veil.
The amount of work Alysha’s family put into the yard to make this Wedding happen is unbelievable. Grass was laid, waterfalls & bridges were built – the yard looked awesome & ready for a Wedding! Alysha’s Dad Shawn walked her down the aisle, with Michele meeting them to give her away. I always love the difference in the grooms face when he’s waiting for the bride as oppose to when he see’s her – it’s so beautiful when they light up at the sight of the woman they’re about to marry! & This groom just lit up! Ah all the feels <3
After the fiery first kiss to seal the deal, we stuck around in the beautiful yard & finished up family & bridal portraits. We had a bit of rain which postponed some photo ops but luckily nothing stuck around for too long! & It was great to catch up with my old childhood friends in the mean time. It was such a hot day & I didn’t wanna keep Alysha out any longer, so we wrapped up photo’s & headed inside for a something to eat before the reception.
I arrived at the Wild West Event Centre, excited to see this place up close! Of course we all pass WWEC on the way to Calaway park every Summer, so it was fun to see what this place was all about. Very Wild West indeed! There were horses in every direction & the decor was country to no end. Kris + Alysha set everything up outside under a tent & the weather couldn’t have been better! Toasts were made & fun gag gifts were given, until finally it was time for the first dance. Kris & Alysha are so, so, so in love with each other, it radiated through my lens during that first dance. They brought up their kids to share in the moment too, & it was so precious!
Kris & Alysha, thank you so much for letting me document such a huge event in your love story! The day was so fun & filled with family…. even though it was sure crazy at times 😉 All is well & you survived! Biggest congratulations xo
Ceremony Location: Family Residence, Calgary AB
Reception Location: Wild West Event Centre
Wedding Dress: Blissful Bridal
Designer: Justin Alexander
Bridesmaid Dresses: Handmade
Men’s Tuxes: The Bridal Centre
Designer: Calvin Klein
Makeup: Megan Tichelaar
Hair: Shauni Esau
Linens: Monster In Law
Florals: Handmade
DJ: Dan Ranca
First Dance: “Like I’m gonna lose you” – Megan Trainor ft John Legend
© Chloe photo 2023
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