Kelsey & Allison - Mountain Estate Wedding in Kimberley, BC

Brady McCloskey January 8, 2020

wedding date - June 1st, 2019

Kelsey & Allison are friends of mine who met and live in Calgary, and I was lucky enough to travel to photograph and attend their destination wedding this past June in British Columbia! I was actually there to capture their fun surprise proposal during a family photo session in PEI in 2017 too. I also photographed Kelsey’s brother’s wedding (Rory & Hannah) in 2016 so it was great to work with everyone again!

Kelsey & Allison wanted a fun destination in the mountains where everyone could come together so they chose the small town of Kimberley, BC - about a 4 hour road trip from Calgary. A big group of friends and family travelled from PEI and all across Canada for their wedding and we made a full week of activities around it. They wanted all of their guests to stay close and get to know each other, so they organized events and hangouts before the wedding day too. Our group rented a big house and spent a lot of time with everyone beforehand.

The wedding was held at Cherry Creek Estate, a huge property outside town with a view overlooking the ranch and mountains. The staff were wonderful (shout out to Dave), the photo locations were so good, and it was a really unique spot that we had all to ourselves. They had a quick outdoor ceremony, a long relaxing cocktail hour, a reception with incredible food, and an even better DJ.

I’ll always remember this wedding and was so lucky to have been a part of it. A great destination wedding can really bring people together and make it a whole experience, and theirs definitely did just that. Congratulations Kelsey & Allison!

One piece of wedding advice from the couple:

“We wrote and read our vows to each other the night before so we could half keep it together during our ceremony. It made us feel really connected going into the next day.”

Planning a destination wedding yourself? I’d love to hear more - it can cost a lot less than you think!

number of guests - 85

Hair - Nicole Wilhelm (@nicoledidit)

Makeup - Candace Janisch (@ladylipstickslinger)

Wedding Dress - Designer - Nicole Rita Tomney (@nrtfashions)

Wedding Suit - Stylist Lauren Larsen (@atelierbyensemble)

Florals - MJ's Floral Boutique (@mjsfloralboutique)

Transportation - Free Spirit Travel Bus

DJ - DJ Ray

Amy & Webster - Destination wedding on PEI

Brady McCloskey May 27, 2018

wedding date - august 20th, 2017

Amy & Web grew up in the same town in Massachusetts and went to high school together. They connected early because of how much they laughed together, and remained friends over the years and through college. After graduation they both ended up moving to Boston where they reconnected and decided to try going on a date. During a romantic Italian dinner on a snowy evening in January, everything felt right and they realized they must to be more than friends. They spent more and more time together, moved in, and got engaged two and a half years after that first date.

Ever since he was born Webster spent each Summer at his grandparent's home in Prince Edward Island. It's a special place for his family and meant a lot when he took Amy to visit for the first time in August of 2015. She also fell in love with the Island's rolling hills and beautiful coastline. After a rainstorm, Amy & Web took a walk and sat on the cliff by Cape Tryon Lighthouse. Web used this as the perfect time and place to ask Amy to marry him, and she obviously said yes! One year later, they returned to PEI to get married.

Feeling the pull of Prince Edward Island, they knew it was the perfect place to get married despite the distance from home. Every guest travelled from afar, making PEI a destination for all. Using their families as their wedding inspiration, they also incorporated decor inspired by Amy's many visits to her grandparent's in Cape Cod. A nautical farm theme of navy and white was executed by Kiss The Bride.

Despite the hard work that went into preparing, Amy & Webster's wedding day had a feeling of ease and simplicity that was focused on enjoying the Island and being present in the moment. We photographed at Webster's parent's beautiful Summer property and the nearby French River beach, before heading to Clinton Hills for the ceremony & reception. These two were a joy to work with, and I am so happy they feel in love with Prince Edward Island, and each other!

advice from the couple

Enjoy your day and trust those around you! Chances are you'll have support from your family, friends, and even staff from your venue, so plan ahead as much as you want but make sure you and your future spouse both live in the present on your wedding day to enjoy every moment.

number of guests - 85

officient - valerie downe

ceremony and reception - clinton hills

hair - blake caissie signature blonde salon

makeup - urban daisy boutique

wedding dress - madeleine's daughter bridal

groom's suit - blank label

flowers - prestige floral studio weddings

wedding coordinator - kiss the bride

Music - Zach Squires

Cake - Butter

Caterer - Broadway 45

Stationary - keynote paper studio

photography - brady mccloskey photography

Hannah & Michael - Rocky Mountain Wedding in Jasper, Alberta

Brady McCloskey August 31, 2017

Wedding date - April 14th, 2107

Hannah is a Jasper girl & Michael is a PEI boy who met while Hannah attended UPEI. After dating for years he proposed on the Island in front of 20 family members, followed by a surprise party with all of their closest friends, with lobster, fireworks, and cake to boot!

When I received the initial email from Hannah & Michael asking if I would consider traveling all the way to Jasper to capture their Spring wedding day, I was completely on board right away! It had been 12 years since I'd seen Jasper and the thought of photographing a wedding there was a dream. I knew Hannah and I had mutual friends and although we had never officially met, I knew she was just as great as everyone always said. Once we met we clicked right away and it was like we had always known each other.

From the moment I arrived in Jasper, Michael, Hannah, and their families made me feel apart of their group, inviting me to a family BBQ, rehearsal party, and other activities. Everyone was so incredibly friendly, welcoming, and fun! I took some time to hang out, ski, and hike before the wedding as well. If you're also thinking of a destination wedding, let me know!

Hannah's Dad Warren said that "every good day starts with exercise", so on the morning of the wedding a group of us set off for a 6am hike to Old Fort Point, overlooking Jasper. It was a beautiful morning with a dusting of fresh snow that would later melt that afternoon. We all enjoyed the peace and quiet at the top of the mountain and appreciated being together. After an outdoor ceremony by the river that afternoon (complete with a hail filled canoe arrival!), everyone enjoyed a casual 'outdoor picnic' with a bonfire, marshmallows, homemade beer, snacks, and a rule of only comfy clothes allowed. We travelled around town photographing and followed it up with a party that lasted late into the night. The next morning we had brunch and sadly parted ways, reflecting on an amazing and dreamy experience.

I loved their advice to other couples - do not be afraid to be different because they were so happy with all of their choices! They centered their wedding around everyone having fun, and didn't worry about the tiny details. Thank you Hannah & Michael for being incredible hosts, clients, and now, friends. Cheers to the #Wamsays!

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